Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

Painting a room might seem straightforward, but to guarantee a result you’re happy with, it’s essential to use the right equipment and techniques for a clean, even finish.For one, you’ll need to think about how to avoid making a mess – tucking masking tape around socket edges and flooring is one way, while laying down dust sheets and keeping a damp cloth nearby for quick clean-ups can also help. When applying your paint, rushing the job or applying uneven pressure can cause streaks and uneven coverage.We explain the steps to work through as you transform a tired-looking room into a…

Whether you need a room or ceiling plastering, or some exterior walls rendering, we’ve surveyed Which? Trusted Traders to find out how much it will cost.A lot of plasterers quote based on the size of the room – small, medium or large – or by the square metre. This is because of the number of plasterer boards and other materials they will need, as well as the amount of time it will take.  Our figures are only a guide to average costs, and there are several factors that can affect how much you’ll be charged, including:​​​​where you livethe age and…

From an employee’s viewpoint, there has seldom been a better time to become involved in a vibrant and dynamic industry at the forefront of new technologies which are showcasing renewables and meeting the demand for clean energy in an age of climate change. And, at a time when the advance of robotics is generating disturbing headlines for working people across the spectrum, the exponentially-increasing complexity of the skills required by plumbers and heating engineers, the need for dexterity, hand-eye coordination and flexibility, mean that their services will still be in demand long into the future. The challenge for those with…

The wages of scaffolding workers in Hong Kong are likely to increase as plastic meshes that have passed a new mandatory fire safety test are expected to be installed at more than 200 buildings from next month, according to a construction industry representative.But another construction industry leader said on Friday that the cost of scaffolding nets would not rise significantly due to collective bulk procurement.A day earlier, the government announced that testing requirements for scaffolding nets would be tightened in the wake of the deadly fire in Tai Po.Under the rules, contractors must prove that the scaffolding mesh being used…

A Sky News broadcaster blasted Meghan Markle after it was revealed that the Duchess of Sussex finally made contact with her father, Thomas Markle. Over the past week, the mother-of-two has been slammed for her approach to contacting her ailing father after he had his leg amputated in hospital. During his horrific ordeal, Markle reached out to his estranged daughter through the press, revealing that he didn’t want to die before reuniting with her again.  He also expressed an interest in meeting his two grandchildren for the first time alongside his son-in-law, Prince Harry. Meghan has been estranged from her father in the run-up to her 2018 wedding, when he was caught staging…

Image caption, Johnson Tiles has announced plans to close its Tunstall plantArticle InformationAuthor, Richard PriceRole, BBC News, West Midlands1 September 2025A 30-acre tile factory site in Stoke-on-Trent has been bought by a rival company after a management buyout led to its previous owners announcing its closure.The former Johnsons Tiles site in Tunstall – which included production facilities, offices and warehouse space – will now be run by Tile Mountain Group.It is located next to the company’s existing 400,000 sq ft (37,161 sq m) warehouse complex.Mo Iqbal, chair of Tile Mountain Group, said the move marked a key stage in the…

The study highlights the value of activities focused on wellbeing and older residents, estimating that libraries in West Sussex contribute nearly £220,000 each year in social and economic benefits through support for mental health and wellbeing. Libraries Connected, the charity behind the research, measured the impact of weekly arts and crafts sessions for over 65s, volunteering schemes and anti-loneliness initiatives. The findings suggest that these services not only improve wellbeing but also reduce pressure on health and social care systems by providing early, community-based support. Councillor Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for community support, fire and rescue,…

Winning plaudits from respected industry judges, Vantage Windows and Doors – which covers the entirety of North Lanarkshire and beyond – was honoured at a London ceremony alongside other category winners including high profile brands such as Google, Mercedes and Jet2. Vantage Windows and Doors aren’t like other double glazing companies- they don’t have any salesmen and come to your home and take hours of your time only to give you a  high price then try and pressure you into signing a contract. In fact, they never give prices on the spot. The initial visit is simply to carry out…

The Bear Inn, on Burwash High Street, suffered a chimney fire on December 5, with rescue services attending. With the pub’s chimney deemed potentially unsafe, Burwash High Street was temporarily closed. A statement issued on the pub’s Facebook account read: “Unfortunately, due to a large chimney fire here at the pub today, we will be closed until further notice.” A chimney fire broke out in the pub on Friday (Image: Tilman) Following further inspection on December 6, a building inspector deemed the chimney “safer than originally thought,” the pub said. As a result, the High Street was reopened on December…

Firefighters from Dorchester and Bere Regis were called to a suspected house fire in Moigne Combe, near Crossways, just after 1am. Once firefighters arrived at the scene it was found that melted wiring had caused the smell of smoke. A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 1:14am (November28) with reports of a fire at a property on Skippets Lane, Moigne Combe. “Two fire appliances were mobilised from Dorchester and Bere Regis and on arrival completed a search of the domestic property and discovered melted main fuse wiring to a junction box which…