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.

Brits with one type of floor in their homes should put down rugs in December. This comes as temperatures drop significantly across the UK and energy costs increase following Ofgem’s energy price cap increase back in October. Heating homes can be costly, although there are a few ways to save money while trying to keep your home warm. One of them is introducing a rug if you have one type of floor in your home. Experts have revealed the best ways to keep your household warm while saving on your heating bill. For those with hardwood or laminate flooring, introducing a…

Read More

Challenges with inflation and constraints on project finance persist and the promise AI holds to improve productivity has still to be realised. Amidst all that, 2025 has been a year of legislative change – the fruits of which industry will hope to see soon. Below, we take a look in more detail at some of the issues we see the industry grappling with – through the lens of some predictions we made at this time last year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, at the end of 2024, we highlighted the continued impact of inflation and the adverse effect that this may have…

Read More

A London based property refurbishment company, and an Essex roofing contractor have been fined after a worker fell from scaffolding and suffered life-changing injuries. The worker was contracted as a general labourer for Premier Property and Construction Limited on a project managed by Axis Europe Limited at Cathcart Hill, London on 15 April 2024. During an unplanned lifting operation, the load became trapped. When the worker attempted to free it, the released load caused him to be pulled over the edge of the scaffold.   Image of scene An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Premier…

Read More

Worthing Town Hall. © Aleksandr Stezhkin / Shutterstock.com. Worthing Borough Council says pressure meeting a ‘continuing housing crisis’ in the area means it is facing a £2.1m budget deficit this year, forcing it to ask the Government for emergency financial support. It says it now expects to spend £5.36m of its £17.8m budget this year on providing temporary or emergency accommodation for families and others facing homelessness in the West Sussex authority. This cost is ‘despite us having saved money by building our own temporary accommodation’ and securing long term deals with landlords to prevent families being housed in ‘more…

Read More

Renovating a home in London can be hugely rewarding, but the city’s older buildings, strict planning rules and high demand for trades mean that choosing the right renovation company is essential. Below are five of the most reputable renovation firms in London today, each known for distinct strengths — plus guidance on what to look for when selecting your own. 1. Beams Renovation Best Overall for Kitchens, Bathrooms & Full-Home Projects Beams Renovation lead the way with a modern, design-led approach to home improvement. Unlike traditional builders, they operate a structured Plan → Design → Build process, using 3D…

Read More

Bricklaying lecturer at the college Kieran Downey said Kylie’s new role could only be a good thing in breaking down barriers.”Female students coming in here and wanting to try out – that’s not unusual,” he said.”What is unusual, and needed to change badly, was the opportunity for them to progress into employment as a bricklayer – something that they love doing and are being held back from because of the attitudes of companies out there.”He said he was not surprised Kylie got the opportunity of an apprenticeship which he says was the “right move” for her.”She’s absolutely brilliant,” he said.”She’s…

Read More

The Premier League season is in full swing, and one of the most anticipated clashes sees reigning champions Liverpool take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the iconic Anfield on December 13. After a thrilling 2024/2025 campaign where Liverpool secured a record-equalling 20th league title under new manager Arne Slot, the Reds are once again setting their sights on glory. This fixture promises to be a captivating encounter as Liverpool continue their title defence against a Brighton side known for their attacking flair and ability to challenge the league’s top teams. GOAL has all the information you need to know about this blockbuster…

Read More

Turner & Townsend Alinea has left its tender price forecasts for London unchanged for this year and next as it warned of ongoing output declines in both commercial and private housing work.  The consultant held its tender price inflation forecast for 2025 at 3% and at 3.5% for both 2026 in its latest London market report. While the research highlighted signs of optimism in some sectors including infrastructure and private industrial, it found the capital’s commercial market remained subdued amid persistent consumer price inflation and government tax rises. The commercial sector, which includes offices, leisure, retail and health, is now…

Read More

​​​Bond markets remain fragile after global selloff ​Gilt yields held steady but remained elevated following yesterday’s sharp selloff across global debt markets. Traders are reassessing expectations for 2026 rate cuts, with the repricing creating an uncomfortable backdrop for risk assets. ​The move reflects growing doubts about how aggressive central banks can be in easing policy. Sticky inflation and resilient growth have forced investors to reconsider the dovish narrative that dominated much of last year’s thinking. ​For UK bonds and rates specifically, the challenge is compounded by fiscal pressures. The government’s spending plans leave little room for error, and any disappointment…

Read More