Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

While turning a wrench might not seem all that glamorous, a plumbing contractors group says the industry offers plenty of opportunities that can result in a lucrative career.  To create more of those employment opportunities, the Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island (PCALI) is launching a new training institute for the service and maintenance plumbing trade.  Expected to open this September, PCALI’s Plumbing Training Program will offer participants a path to a career in the plumbing industry while addressing its growing demand for qualified professionals.  “We are thrilled to announce the opening of the new Plumbing Institute, a significant step forward to advance…

JR Scaffolding – part of Paisley-based construction contractor JR Group – is getting under way on its largest-ever project, a £1 million order for a development of 195 new homes in Erskine. The two-and-a-half year contract is nearly double the previous record from its operations throughout Scotland and northern England. That order will contribute towards what is expected to be a 33% rise in group turnover in the current financial year, which Mr Horne said should reach £40 million during the 12 months to September. That’s up from £30m previously, when profits checked in at £3.5m. Spanning its scaffolding, construction…

Ex-PC Daniel Kennedy, of Sussex Police, breached standards and disregarded orders while under investigation, a gross misconduct hearing heard. The hearing heard Kennedy was placed under restrictions on August 3, 2025, during a misconduct investigation into allegations of domestic abuse involving three women over a nine-year period. He was instructed not to contact any of the victims but was later seen on CCTV with one of them on August 15. They were then found together again during a police vehicle stop on August 25. Criminal investigations were launched, but after thorough enquiries there was found to be insufficient evidence to support a charge. Kennedy…

Being a long-term, match going supporter of a Premier League club in 2025 – or ‘legacy fan’ to coin a popular phrase – often feels like you are taken for granted.Matches are rescheduled to suit broadcasters without a thought for away fans. Teams chase new supporters from emerging markets and want a greater number of tourists inside stadiums, knowing they will pay more for tickets and in megastores.Which is why it was refreshing that Brighton not only reversed their decision to replace Heritage Tiles at the Amex with a digital screen, but Paul Barber also apologised for the debacle.Albion supporters…

Budgens, on Worthing Road in Southwater, near Horsham, shared the news on social media after one of their customers purchased a winning ticket in the store. It said: “We’re thrilled to share that one of our Budgens Southwater customers has won £1 million on a National Lottery ticket purchased right here in-store! “A huge congratulations to the lucky winner — what an incredible moment for our community! “Thank you to all our customers for your continued support.” Many people took to the comments to congratulate the Sussex resident on their win. The lucky resident joins a number of other Sussex…

As we transition into autumn, the cooler, wetter weather often brings with it the common issue of condensation, which can lead to the growth of mould and dampnessOpening the windows open at certain times can help deter mould(Image: Getty)UK households are being urged to crack open their windows during particular times to combat mould and dampness.As we move deeper into autumn, the chillier, damper conditions frequently bring the familiar problem of condensation, which can result in mould growth and moisture issues.Whilst the natural reaction might be to seal windows shut to preserve heat, a glazing expert cautions that this approach…

She shared pictures with constituents taken throughout the year, who joined her at PMQs in the House of Commons. Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons Chamber is a ticketed event which takes place every Wednesday at noon. Crawley Down and North Chailey residents enjoy day in Parliament (Image: Supplied) Topics covered vary from week to week. Ms Davies extended the privilege of witnessing these proceedings to residents of Uckfield, Forest Row, Crawley Down, North Chailey and many from East Grinstead. Numerous schools including Sackville School and Michael Hall School were also part of these visits. She said:…

Darlington-based Harvey Electrical Services (HES), established by Karl Harvey and grown over 20 years from a one-man operation to a team of 20 employees, has been purchased by Emre Yilmaz for an undisclosed sum. Mr Yilmaz said: “I am looking to form a group of companies within the North East across property services and trades and I aim to grow Harvey Electrical aggressively to be one of the largest in the area, through organic growth and further acquisitions. “When I first spoke with Karl, his biggest concern was for his staff as he wanted to know they would be looked…

There was a sigh of relief from British pig producers this week after the European Commission clarified the kind of flooring pigs will need to be housed on as of 2013 – and saved them millions of pounds in expense.New EU rules on pig welfare, which will come into force on 1 January along with the partial sow stall ban, require farmers to keep sows on a minimum amount of “unobstructed floor” during pregnancy. A part of this has to be “continuous solid floor”, where a maximum of 15% can be taken up by drainage openings.Pig producers had feared the…

KMP Carpentry & Joinery’s workshop, which is based in Doddington, has been part of the local community for more than 45 years. Cerys Pughsley said that, earlier this year, she and her brother Bryn officially joined their dad, Karl, who has worked in carpentry and joinery his whole life. “Together, we’ve taken everything dad taught us about proper craftsmanship and turned it into a small personalised product range we make by hand,” she said. The business’s products include engraved oak chopping boards, pet portrait plaques, floating shelves, and other made-to-order pieces. She added that these are all “crafted using the…