Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

SPONSORED CONTENT is content paid for by a partner. We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. McClatchy’s Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content. LEARN MOREFor most homeowners, their roof is “out of sight, out of mind.” Especially if your home is more than one story, it can be hard to see what condition your roof is in. Typically, homeowners won’t know their roof has a problem until the issue is significant enough to cause damage to the home’s interior. These roof maintenance tips are designed to…

The Thriving Together grant fund, launched by Adur and Worthing Councils, is open to groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises working in either area that want to collaborate for community benefit. It aims to support projects that build connections between communities, support residents during the cost-of-living crisis and help prevent problems from escalating. Cllr Sharon Sluman, Adur’s cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “I’m especially pleased that this model of grant funding will encourage groups to produce things that others can use to learn and grow – ultimately leaving a longer-term impact. “Working together means groups will be able…

IT’s probably the most used room in your house but cluttered floors, dodgy colour schemes and boring fixtures could be downgrading your small bathroom. Design experts from a number of UK homeware brands have shared their top tips to pack even the tiniest of loos with charm and character. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! Small bathrooms can be brightened up with unique tiles along the floor, walls and around the bathCredit: Getty A big mirror ai a good way to bounce natural light around the roomCredit: Getty From lighting tips to flooring and the colour of your…

Published 2nd Dec 2025, 14:34 GMTUpdated 2nd Dec 2025, 15:02 GMTCourt records show York Handmade Brick, based at Alne, near Easingwold, filed the application on Friday, represented by law firm Addleshaw Goddard.The firm, which has been running since 1988, declined to comment when contacted by The Yorkshire Post.The company’s most recent annual accounts for 2024, which were published in September this year, state the firm has 26 employees.Last year the business won a national prize at the Brick Awards for its work on 5 St Frederick’s Place in the heart of City of London.The company recently won a national prize at…

A Jewish campaign group says the council is refusing to investigate its complaint it was “censored” during a council meeting. Jewish and Proud’s deputation to Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) – a five-minute speech to councillors – was edited by officers before the meeting, and its presenter Susan Sheftz was interrupted when she insisted on reading out the group’s original wording. The group submitted a formal complaint but was told by the council this would not be pursued because a “full explanation” had already been given. However, Jewish and Proud say it has never been given any explanation, and…

The government will not meet its goal to meet Britain’s electricity demand with clean energy by 2030 or decarbonise the country’s building stock by 2050 without a “significant intervention” in the workforce, according to a House of Commons committee. In a report published on Friday, the energy security and net zero committee said that targeting consumer demand was necessary but not sufficient and that public funding to address the skills supply would be needed. The committee called for ‘local skilled labour’ conditions in Contracts for Difference, an expanded skills passport scheme, a leading role for local authorities, and greater clarity…

After alcohol was excluded from a deal this week to drop interprovincial trade barriers, some in the booze industry say they’re perplexed and disappointed — and that they’ve waited long enough for provinces to make the change.Signed on Wednesday by the provinces, territories and federal government, the agreement promises to remove restrictions on the free movement of some goods across Canada. However, food and alcohol were conspicuously left off the list — the latter industry having long advocated for the removal of the barriers, well before U.S. tariffs spurred a national campaign to make free trade between the provinces easier.“I am…

A handyman who fitted shelves in the dark inside a £1.25 million home has left the property with £1,500 of damage, according to the householder. In August 2022, proud home owner Dave Kirk completed on the celebrity-inspired mansion. Listed for £1.25 million and boasting ‘incredible’ views, Mr Kirk said his new home was “perfect”. He said damage caused by the handyman hired from IKEA service Taskrabbit, was “disruptive” for him and his family. As reported by ECHO, the handyman was enlisted to fit some shelves in the stunning property in Heswell.. Mr Kirk said: “The whole experience was bit of…

Customers can stay safe during winter months by following helpful gas safety tips OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To help customers prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the cold weather months ahead, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering free in-home gas safety checks. During the gas safety checks, PG&E also will re-light pilot lights for customers who have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during warmer months. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PRNewsfoto/Pacific Gas and Electric Company) Free safety checks help ensure that gas appliances, including water heaters, furnaces and ovens,…

Kitchen renovations are no small feat. Not only do they require a long list of design decisions, but each feature also involves a significant investment. So when a remodel goes wrong, frustration soon follows.That’s been the case for hair stylist Olivia Yeager. In a recent Instagram post, she detailed the six things she regrets from her kitchen renovation. First on the list? What she calls a “basic countertop edge,” explaining she didn’t know she had options when it came to her counters’ edge shape.“I wish I would have done a more decorative edge,” she says in the video. “It would…