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.

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The figure was down on 2024 for East Sussex which had recorded 34.7%. However, West Sussex saw a slight increase compared with 25.1% last year.Overall 98.1% of students in East Sussex got at least one A-level pass, compared with 97.6% in 2024.In West Sussex that figure was 97.8%, compared with 97.6% in 2024.Both were slightly higher than the average figure for England in 2025 at 97.4%. Bob Standley, lead member for education at East Sussex County Council, said: “Our young people were well prepared for their examinations, and this is reflected in the results that they have received today.”Students at…

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WARROAD, Minn. — Marvin, a manufacturer of windows and doors, introduces the Marvin Vivid collection, a new line of windows and doors developed to answer a clear need in the industry for more design flexibility. Marvin ranks #13 on the FDMC 300 list.The collection features a streamlined design to suit a range of architectural styles and includes three window types and three door types, with additional products to be released in 2026.Windows:“The Vivid collection marks yet another milestone in Marvin’s legacy of innovation,” said Darrin Peterson, president of Marvin. “Built from customer insights, this collection rounds out our product portfolio…

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Electric car sales will face a huge hit from the Government’s pay-per-mile tax, according to official forecasts. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said that 440,000 fewer electric vehicles (EVs) would be sold as a result of the policy change, prompting retailers to accuse the Government of “driving with the handbrake on”. The drop will eclipse an expected sales boost from a string of other measures such as tax breaks and subsidies for EV owners. Under changes announced in the Budget, EV owners will face a 3p-per-mile charge from 2028 as the Treasury seeks to replace lost revenues from fuel…

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While a deep pile is a beautiful thing, it’s also a high-maintenance one. Outside dirt can easily get tracked onto it, and it’s a magnet for dust, spills and stains which are far more challenging to remove from the fibres. With a warmer year-round climate in the UK, it’s no wonder that most new-builds and DIY renovation projects favour hard floors and easy-clean vinyl over fitted carpets.Vinyl is a particularly sound installation for high-traffic, damp-prone areas like the hallway, bathroom and kitchen. And there are plenty of designs available from the wacky – lemon print, anyone? – to the hyper-realistic…

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PERSHORE College has launched a new construction academy to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the building trades at regional and national levels. Pershore College Construction Academy has introduced a range of Level 1, Level 2, and adult learning courses which cater to skills in the sector, including bricklaying, plastering, multi-skills, hard landscaping, and more. It also delivered short courses for adults in DIY skills to support local people with the knowledge to complete projects in their own homes. Work started on creating the new construction academy in early 2025, when it initially featured three workshops. Carpentry…

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East Sussex County Council paid £598,112 to drivers between 2022 and 2024, the second highest amount of any local authority in England and Wales. The figures are part of research by Go.Compare car insurance, which submitted Freedom of Information requests to 171 councils across England and Wales. East Sussex County Council was only surpassed by Staffordshire County Council, which dished out £1 million in compensation over the same period. East Sussex County Council paid out almost £600,000 between 2022 and 2024 (Image: David Michael Bellis) The total amount paid out across England and Wales during this time was at least…

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Draughty windows can lead to higher energy bills, but it might be easier to fix than you realise. One man has shared the simple way you can stop cold draughts coming through windows and doorsAlice Sjoberg Social News Reporter13:13, 18 Nov 2025Updated 13:15, 18 Nov 2025Cold draughts by windows and doors can make it feel impossible to warm up your home (stock image)(Image: fizkes via Getty Images)Warming your property during the colder months might seem like a daunting challenge – particularly when there’s a persistent icy draught seeping through your doorways and window frames.Beyond making a property feel freezing, draughty…

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Course summaryThere is a strong industrial demand for skilled engineers capable of spanning mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines with a view to the effective and informed design of systems that interchange and manage electrical and mechanical energy. This degree gives you the fundamental knowledge and tools to satisfy this demand in a unique way.This course provides the opportunity to spend your third year applying the knowledge gained in your first two years of study in an industrial environment. There is no direct entry onto this course but you can transfer from BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering after year two if…

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The vinyl flooring market presents strong growth opportunities driven by urbanization, technological advancements, and cost-effective flooring demand—especially in emerging economies across Asia-Pacific. However, market entrants must address environmental concerns, regulatory compliance, and raw material volatility. Strategic focus on sustainable product innovation, VOC-free certifications, and local partnerships in high-growth regions like APAC can provide competitive advantages. Customizing offerings for commercial and institutional buyers, while aligning with regional construction trends, is key to successful market penetration and long-term scalability. LEWES, Del., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Vinyl Flooring Market Size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.30% from 2024 to 2031, according…

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