Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

Image: mihalec/Shutterstock. The latest Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report shows Q3 2025 total value sales were -1.3% lower than the previous quarter. Total value Q3 sales through specialist Plumbing & Heating merchants were +5.2% higher quarter-on-quarter, but with four more trading days than Q2, like-for-like value sales for July to September 2025 were -1.3% lower than the previous quarter (April to June 2025). Total volume sales were up +3.5% and prices increased +1.7%. Compared to Q3 2024, Q3 2025 total value sales were up +2.8% , and volumes sales were down -2.5% while prices increased +5.4%. There was…

Company Logo Scaffolding Market Scaffolding Market Dublin, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Scaffolding – Global Strategic Business Report” has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.The global market for Scaffolding was valued at US$67.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$98.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2030.The growth in the scaffolding market is driven by several factors. The booming construction industry, particularly in developing regions, is a primary driver, as infrastructure projects, residential buildings, and commercial developments require extensive scaffolding. The increasing focus on worker safety and stringent regulatory standards has…

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a new documentary programme on the streaming giant, after Meghan’s Christmas special received scathing reviewsHarry and Meghan have a “”multi-year, first look deal” with the streaming service(Image: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock)Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have quietly released a new documentary on Netflix, after they were inspired by a wholesome activity with their son, Prince Archie. The programme is the latest offering from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as a part of their “multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects” agreement with the streaming giant, which they signed in August.The show…

No matter what room of the house you’re decorating, achieving the perfect interior design look often comes down to the details, and one of the smallest decisions that can have a big impact on how your bathroom, kitchen, and floors look is the tile you choose to furnish them with. If you’re considering giving your tile an upgrade in 2026, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the tile trends expected to become popular in the new year.Some of the upcoming trends may even be surprising. For example, in 2026, the humble yet ubiquitous white subway tile trend is moving over…

This change is part of an upgrade by West Sussex County Council, which is projected to save more than £500,000 in operating costs and result in a reduction of nearly 600 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions. These changes give the county’s transport network a green boost, increasing safety, efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The signals at 94 sites have now been fully upgraded, including new signal heads, push-button units, detectors for vehicles and pedestrians, more advanced controller systems, new poles and cabling. This overhaul was necessary due to the phasing out of halogen light bulb production. The halogen replacement initiative,…

Households in the UK should close their windows from 7pm in the evening as a simple preventative measure, experts have said, as the temperature drops this weekendPeople have been urged to close their windows(Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images)Households across the UK are being urged to keep their windows firmly closed from 7pm onwards over the next four weeks.With temperatures dropping this week following the recent heatwave, Britain is bracing itself for a spell of chillier weather. As autumn approaches, so does spider season, which means house spiders are beginning their migration indoors.As the evenings start getting darker, these eight-legged…

SEW had initially said the notice would be in force for 10 days. “We are very sorry for the impact this situation has had, and continues to have,” Mr Dean saidHe said SEW was “testing the water regularly”, adding water “remained “chemically safe” and contained “no bacterial contaminants”.SEW said the water could be used for flushing toilets or showering, but crucially could not be used for drinking, cooking or washing up without boiling and letting it cool first.Mr Dean added there had been “a lot of misinformation spreading on social media with regards to the boil notice”.He urged residents to…

The Gorge Café on South Street in Dorchester burned down in the early hours of December 9 last year. Around 50 firefighters from stations across the county were called to tackle the serious blaze just after 3.30am, with nearby properties evacuated for safety reasons. Now, it has been revealed that the cause of the fire was most probably an electrical fault. Read more: Street to partially open months after devastating fireFirefighters continue to monitor scene of devastating fireBusinesses delighted as high street reopens after devastating fireBusinesses suffering as ‘Berlin Wall’ divides high street after devastating fireStaff ‘over the moon’ to…

The UK flooring industry has experienced massive upheaval in recent years, which has been further compounded by the significant skills gap crisis currently facing the sector. The number of fitters available is in decline, with an 18% shortage in fitters in 2023/24. Data from the Office for National Statistics supports this downward trend, with labour force surveys showing 36,900 floorers and wall tilers in the UK in 2023-24 (July 2023 – June 2024), compared to 39,000 in the previous year (July 2022 – June 2023). If not managed, this concerning trend will have a detrimental effect on the flooring industry’s future.…

Sabrina Carpenter fell on a cactus and hurt herself while filming the music video for Manchild. The promo is nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Music Video at next year’s ceremony, and given the ordeal she went through, including 37 outfit changes, a win would make it all worthwhile. Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers, she told the host: “I fell on a cactus. “It’s so easy to laugh when people get hurt. And I did. But then I started crying.” She continued: “There was a medic. I just for the rest of the day was picking s***…