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.

Hackers have reportedly scammed over $5billion from music fans this year by posing as Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and others. A report from the social media security company Spikerz has estimated that an eye-watering $5.3billion (£4billion) has been accrued by AI impersonations of high-profile artists on platforms such as X, TikTok and Instagram in 2025 alone (via Billboard). Social media sites have become increasingly “high-risk entry points for fraud and brand damage”, the report suggests, with scams becoming harder to identify due to the rapidly accelerating technology behind AI. They have identified Swift and Carpenter as the two most impersonated artists, with Billie Eilish, BTS, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, BLACKPINK, Ariana Grande and…

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Bubblegum Bathrooms submitted plans to convert an empty industrial unit at the Bowthorpe Employment Area in Robberds Way last month. Robberds Way, home of the empty storage unit Bubblegum Bathrooms wants to convert (Image: Google Maps) Now Norwich City Council has approved the plans the company – currently based at Turnpike Close in Hellesdon – will be able to open its new showroom. READ MORE: WATCH: Homeowner shows extent of damage caused by flooded drains The business sells a range of bathroom appliances and accessories such as showers, baths, taps and lights – with a husband and wife team boasting “more than 30 years of experience in the…

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Chelsea ended their four-game winless streak in the Women’s Super League with a comfortable 3-0 away victory against Brighton.A stunning individual goal from Sandy Baltimore in the 42nd minute rewarded Chelsea’s first-half dominance, before a Caitlin Hayes own-goal and an Alyssa Thompson strike put the game beyond Brighton.Chelsea came into the match following a first WSL defeat in 34 games and three consecutive draws before that, leaving the defending champions six points behind league leaders Manchester City.Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley – standing in for Chiamaka Nnadozie who had a concussion – frustrated Chelsea by tipping a Baltimore volley over the…

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Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) invited female pupils from secondary schools across the town and beyond to its Women in Construction Day on Wednesday, December 10. Pupils from Brighton Hill, The Harrow Way, Bishop Challoner and Cranbourne were invited to the event which saw them get hands-on, making their own burglar alarms and cross-halving joints in the technology rooms. They were also given short lectures from women at the top of their game in the construction industry, including Jennie Ellis, regional social value manager at Wates, Hannah Browne, HR and apprenticeship manager at Trident Electrical, Jo Murphy, bond and adoptions…

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A Gas Safe Engineer says adjusting your boiler’s flow temperature can cut gas bills by up to 9%, and your home will stay just as warm. You just need to make a simple boiler setting change09:12, 14 Dec 2025Updated 09:33, 14 Dec 2025It could make a big difference (stock image)(Image: SergeyKlopotov via Getty Images)If you’re aiming for a cosier home and reduced bills this December, a minor adjustment could make a significant impact. Patrick Garner, a Gas Safe Engineer at Heatable, suggests that many households are unaware of a particular boiler setting that could be a game-changer for their finances.Every…

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Considering a kitchen renovation? Scoping out colours, materials and ideas is the best part. These kitchen trends insights from the experts at popular brands will help you add a modern touch to your space.From key colour trends to the most popular materials, these are the latest innovations in kitchen design to look out for in 2026.Discover the best kitchen brands according to more than 4,000 homeowners and 19 lab tests1. Warm neutralsWhen we asked kitchen experts about trends for 2026, the phrase ‘warm minimalism’ cropped up a number of times. ‘Kitchen design in 2026 will be defined by a shift away from…

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Worcester’s newest footbridge, Kepax, opened to pedestrians and cyclists in December, but the area on the eastern bank of the bridge, where the construction site had been based, required some landscaping to help return it to nature. A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “Following the construction of Kepax Bridge, we’ve been busy seeding and planting. “Half of the area is open, featuring new wildflowers and trees.  “The other half remains closed to allow planting time to grow.” Read more here: Click Here

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CHARLESTON, S.C., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the arrival of spring, homeowners in Charleston, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas are reminded to prepare their homes to transition from winter to the humid summer. Palmetto Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, a trusted name in plumbing services, provides the services you need to prevent leaks and maintain pipes to ensure a hassle-free plumbing experience this season. As the hot weather approaches, taking preventative measures is essential for protecting your home’s plumbing system from the unique challenges posed by the Lowcountry climate. The onset of spring offers a perfect opportunity for Charleston residents…

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