Author: Blake Foster

Dean, co-founder of ADL Air Conditioning, raised concerns in a recent conversation with Robert Lawton, owner of Coventry-based copper tube manufacturer Lawton Tubes. He said: “Air conditioning is a future-proof career. “You can work anywhere in the world, and there will always be a job for you. “But colleges can’t keep up with demand. “Our apprentices face waiting lists and outdated training that doesn’t reflect the reality of the job.” Dean, from Hornchurch, has grown his business from two people during lockdown to a team of 14, but said the skills pipeline is struggling to keep pace with soaring demand. ADL’s apprentices…

Cairo Reid, 34, of Beckenham Road, pleaded guilty for 12 counts of shoplifting, stealing high end meat and alcohol worth over £1,000 and two assaults between January and April this year. Yesterday (July 29), he was sentenced to 16 weeks behind bars. After being released, a criminal behaviour order will be in force for three years, stopping him from going to High Street Beckenham, High Street Penge, Southend Road and Albemarle Road. He is also not allowed to enter any Sainsbury’s supermarkets in England and Wales. If asked by a police officer, he must have a receipt for any shopping…

Richard Thompson OBE, a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, has written a song about Elstree and Borehamwood station assistant Siggy Cragwell BEM. Siggy is Thameslink’s oldest employee and has been in the job since 1962. He arrived in Britain as part of the Windrush generation and started work the day after his ship docked in Southampton. The song about Siggy was aired on national radio this week as part of BBC Radio 2’s 21st Century Folk. Siggy Cragwell, Thameslink’s oldest employee, and folk legend Richard Thompson at Siggy’s cricket ground (Image: ARTUR TIXILISKI) This is a week-long celebration of folk music and the lives…

The budget-friendly grocery chain claims to be the first UK supermarket to introduce the new minimum rate. The change will see store assistants being paid a minimum of £13 an hour nationwide from September 1, up from a current £12.75. Within the M25, this rises to £14.33 from the current £14.05. Based on the length of service, Aldi store assistants could see their pay jump to £13.93 nationally, and to £14.64 within the M25. Aldi raises minimum wage for store workers Giles Hurley, chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our people are the driving force behind our success…

Yvonne Shields’ husband, Colin Shields, booked his flights to Venice, Italy, last year and was meant to fly out in September to represent Scotland at a powerchair football match. Colin was tetraplegic after he had an accident 14 years ago and needed two essential carers to accompany him on the flight, whose tickets he paid for. But when Colin tragically passed away due to a brain bleed in April 2025, Yvonne contacted Ryanair customer support to notify them and request a refund. Colin was meant to represent Scotland at a powerchair football match. (Image: Kennedy News and Media) The 44-year-old…

Officers were called to a casualty on the tracks at Berkhamsted railway station around 9.40am today (July 30). All lines between London Euston and Milton Keynes were closed by the emergency services  “Major disruption” is expected until 2pm. Paramedics arrived but a person was pronounced dead at the scene.  The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner. A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Berkhamsted railway station at around 9.40am today (30 July) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.  “Paramedics also attended, however sadly a…

Police have been made aware of reports of a man “repeatedly targeting a victim” by performing indecent acts outside their window. Officers were able to capture clear CCTV footage of a man and circulated his image to local police officers. According to the Metropolitan Police, officers on patrol later found a man wearing the same clothes while in the Deptford area. He was detained and arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure. The force says that charges have been secured and that the man will begin the court process for trial. The Met has been approached for further information about the…

Police were called to Charlemont Road at 4pm on July 26. The victim was found with stab wounds and taken to hospital where he is in a critical condition. Five boys, aged between 14 and 17 and all from Newham, were arrested yesterday (July 29). Four of those boys have been charged with attempted murder. They will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court today (July 30). Extra police officers have been deployed to the area to provide reassurance to the local community. Source link

Harlow is one of three areas in Essex to benefit from Sport England’s Place Partnership investment, a nationwide scheme aimed at getting more people active and reducing health inequalities through sport and physical activity. The funding is part of a wider £250 million programme targeting more than 90 locations across England. In Harlow, the Sport England investment will be matched by partner funding, taking the total to more than £2 million. Councillor Danielle Brown, Harlow Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for culture and community, said: “A fantastic win for Harlow this summer. “Securing almost £1 million in funding from Sport England,…

As the issue of unpaid debts worsens, many London businesses are recognising the benefits of partnering with a debt collection agency in London who can help recover outstanding payments efficiently and professionally while preserving vital client relationships. A recent report highlighted that the majority of businesses are owed money yet still many are failing to act. London’s diverse economy is resilient, but it has not escaped the pressures of rising operational costs and economic uncertainty. Many businesses across the capital have reported an increase in clients delaying or avoiding payment, which affects their ability to operate effectively. Typical Industries feeling…