Wickes have launched a new website in bid to help self-employed tradesmen run a successful business. The DIY chain has joined forces with the Government-backed Business Link to create Wickes Trade Builder, a website offering tradesmen advice and tips on how to run their own business. The website has been created after research from Wickes found that 38% of tradesmen in the UK do not seek any business advice, despite the fact that many may need it. Go to www.wickestradebuilder.co.uk for more information. MORE >>

Nick Sims is training to be an electrician with Train4TradeSkills and is one of our student bloggers. ve done a bit of research in starting up a business. dug out some Business Link stuff that I tried a few years ago, I was hoping to be self-employed sandwich man, I did all the stuff like a business plan, cash flow forecast and profit and loss etc. know that it’s probably a bit soon to think about starting up my business but I think I’d rather put some feelers out now and gain further knowledge, than wait until I’ve completed my 17th Edition exam. MORE >>

The Green Deal will give homes and businesses a new way of paying for energy efficient improvements, such as insulation and new heating systems. The Green Deal is also great for business, creating a new market and new jobs.”. 'Wales Office Minister, Stephen Crabb , has visited the British Gas Training Academy in Tredegar to show his support for the Green Deal initiative that will create thousands of new jobs. Mr Crabb said: “Thousands of homes across Britain are wasting energy and money because of poor energy efficiency, yet demand for measures to counter this remains low. MORE >>

Nick Sims is training to become an electrician with Train4TradeSkills and is one of our Bright Sparks bloggers. Here’s Nick’s latest blog: Well it’s been a busy month again, the time just goes by. Electrical News electrician electrician courses electrician jobs t4ts train4tradeskills Train4TradeSkills Bright Sparks electrical training electrician course Nick Sims Scribd Southampton Train4trades train4tradeskills electrician training Work experiencenow have the dates, which pleased to get as they run together, one week after the other. MORE >>

Stephen Haskins  is training to become an electrician with Train4TradeSkills. Train4TradeSkills Radio interviewed Stephen to find out how his electrical course is going. You can listen to the full interview with Stephen via AudioBoo at:  www.audioboo.fm/train4tradeskills train4tradeskills  . View this document on Scribd. co.uk MORE >>