Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI, is a recognised industry analyst and consumer-protection writer specialising in the UK home-improvement and trades sector. With over two decades of experience in business management, trade standards, and local-service markets, James brings a trusted, evidence-based voice to homeowners and professionals across Sussex and the wider UK. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, James is committed to promoting best practice, transparency, and fair pricing within the trades industry. His Chartered Manager status reflects his long-standing work advising SMEs, independent tradespeople, and emerging digital platforms on sustainable growth and customer trust. James serves as the Lead Research Editor for Sussex Trades Mag, where he writes in-depth guides, trade comparisons, expert reviews, and consumer advice designed to help both homeowners and trades make confident decisions. He is also a key contributor to MyTradeLinks, offering insight into digital transformation, local trade discovery, and community-driven service platforms. Across all of his work, James focuses on three principles: clarity, accountability, and empowering the local workforce. His articles aim to cut through jargon, expose industry myths, and highlight the standards that genuinely matter when choosing a tradesperson. When he isn’t analysing market trends or writing for Sussex Trades Mag, James mentors small business owners, supports community development projects, and continues his research into how technology can strengthen trust between homeowners and local trades.

Police praised the shop workers and residents who managed the traffic flow after the incident, which occurred earlier today. Nobody was injured in the incident, though the road was closed. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Thanks to the amazing shop workers and residents who did a sterling job managing traffic flow earlier today in Fordingbridge after a bus clipped the roof of a shop at the mini roundabout, blocking all routes.” READ MORE: Ambulance services’ urgent plea after busiest day of the year However, some motorists ignored traffic control measures, exacerbating congestion, police say. One motorist halted traffic by performing…

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A bath, a toilet, cabinets and building rubble had been dumped on the remote moorland road. The shocking incident was reported to Bradford Council’s cleansing team by Cllr Ros Brown (Ilkley Ward, Green Party). Cllr Ros Brown (Green, Ilkley) reported the fly tipping to Bradford Council (Image: submitted) Cllr Brown said: “This hazardous and reckless criminal activity is a blight on our beautiful natural environment. The perpetrators need to be caught and made to pay for the clear up otherwise we all end up paying for this. The mess contained old toilets, a bath and a vast amount of builders’…

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Despite government restrictions, a clear High Court directive, and repeated raids by the district administration and the Department of Environment, furnaces of illegal brick kilns in Bandarban flare back to life soon after enforcement teams leave after conducting drives. Locals alleged new brick kilns are still being run by cutting hills and burning forest wood as fuel, ignoring the ban. For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. The DoE said some illegal kiln owners have even attempted to attack government inspection teams. According to the DoE office, a total of 70 brick kilns operate in Bandarban.…

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Emily Kenward, founder of Time to Talk Befriending, and Mesfin Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis, former corporate director and chief legal adviser at Brighton & Hove City Council, received the Freedom of the City award at a special meeting on December 18. The Freedom of the City Award recognises exceptional service or achievement that has made a significant and lasting impact on Brighton & Hove and its people. It is the most prestigious honour the council can bestow.  Ms Kenward said: “Receiving this award is a profound honour. “This city has shaped my life and my work, and this recognition belongs to the many…

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A Single Construction Regulator, as currently envisaged, is to be based on the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), soon to be an office independent of the Health & Safety Executive that has hosted it since its inception in 2022. The BSR will transition into a new super-regulator with oversight of the building products regime (but crucially will not undertake testing or certification) and regulation of the building professions as well as its existing building control mandate for high-rise buildings. The Single Construction Regulator Prospectus has been published by the minister for building safety Samantha Dixon as a consultation document fleshing its…

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In a surprise result, she beat Christina McAnea, who has been leader of Unison since 2021. She will begin her five-year term of office representing public service workers next month. She won 58,579 votes compared with 39,353 for Ms McAnea. Christina McAnea lost the election (Ben Birchall/PA)The winner is on the left of the Labour movement and has been critical of the Government since it came to office last year. Ms Egan said: “This result means ordinary Unison members are at long last taking charge of our union. “We will put faith in members’ decisions and stand up to any…

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Smart Gas Solutions Plumbing & Heating Edinburgh (0131 629 3132) has announced professional boiler installation services with 24-hour completion alongside a major milestone.Edinburgh, United Kingdom, December 12, 2025 — Smart Gas Solutions Plumbing & Heating Edinburgh now offers professional boiler installation services, fitting modern A-rated systems from leading manufacturers such as Worcester Bosch Hydrogen‑Ready 4000 and Viessmann Vitodens H2 models for residents of Edinburgh and the surrounding EH postcodes, including Musselburgh and Queensferry.For more information, visit https://smartgassolutions.co.uk/boilers/boiler-installation/The boiler installation company also announced a major milestone, having been recently awarded a Worcester Bosch Accredited Partner, the most prestigious accreditation granted to only…

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When budgeting for a kitchen renovation, it’s helpful to know how much a new kitchen costs. Every year, we consult with the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) about renovation prices. For an even deeper dive into kitchen costs, we’ve also reached out to Which? members to ask about how much they spent on their renovations. This guide includes our best kitchen price estimates, plus top money-saving tips.The company you choose can make a big difference to your project’s overall price. Discover the best kitchen brands according to our researchCost of a new kitchenThe cost of your kitchen renovation will vary dramatically based on…

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When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.Credit: allenmorrisphoto / Getty ImagesLandscaping projects range from complex to simple, but anything you want to do costs some money. When you don’t want to spend a fortune, a budget is critical. Can you improve your outdoor living space without breaking the bank? Fortunately, the answer is yes! Here are some great backyard landscaping ideas on a budget.6 Low-Cost Backyard UpgradesHere are our 6 favorite ideas for improving your backyard living space without breaking the bank.1. Add an Affordable FenceCredit: Helmut Feil / Getty…

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This ultra flat matt paint from Lick has become our latest obsession – along with chosing what colour to do every room. (Picture: Metro/Lick) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Lick is the leading luxury retailer to shop premium paint whether you have purchased a new property and are renovating the whole house, redecorating a single room in the home, or simply want to spruce up your pad, which is long overdue.  There are plenty of colours…

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