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“Credit crunch” has surely already topped the poll for most overused phrase of the year, beating off its nearest competitors “impending doom” and “we are all screwed”.

This has now been recognised by the good people at the Concise Oxford English Dictionary who have added a new definition of “crunch” as “a severe shortage of money or credit”.

Other new entries from the property sector include “non-doms” and “sub-prime” as well as the facebook definition of “poke”.

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Then why not sign up to ProblemSolved’s monthly newsletter? Each edition is packed full of competitions and exclusive discounts which could save you thousands on everything from insurance to livery, business cards to days out.

We offer advice on how to improve your ProblemSolved webpage, to help you to get more business and it’s all completely FREE!

If you are interested – and why wouldn’t you be – send an email to jamesm@problemsolved.co.uk with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject field.

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According to Europe’s largest plumber training centre, the number of people applying to become a plumber has increased by over 30% in the last two months.

Building Trade Skills Centres say that they are currently handling more than 1,000 calls a week from people looking to enrol in their training centres in Manchester and Surrey.

It appears that traditional trades are bucking the trend of the economic slowdown, with 82% of plumbers saying that they are actually better off than a year ago.

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Tucked away in Stratford, East London, Paragon Interior Furniture is a little gem, designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke kitchens, studies and bedrooms at distinctly non-bespoke prices.

Using only the best quality solid woods, veneers, stones and granite, Paragon uses its low key East End location to keep overheads right down; and without salesmen or high street overheads, it can offer a large range of kitchen products at a fraction of usual retail prices.
 
The bottom line is that bespoke kitchen cabinets, for which you might pay 20k-25k on the high street will cost 10 - 15k at Paragon. And top quality standard range kitchen cabinets that retail at around 12k –14k on the high street, will cost just 8k – 10k. You can also get top brand appliances and quality work tops at equally competitive prices.

And in case that wasn’t enough, Paragon Furniture is offering readers a further 15 per cent off all orders placed on kitchens, studies, bookcases and bedrooms before end of July 08. Simply mention 'Evening Standard' when visiting Paragon’s showrooms at Unit 2, GTEC House, Canning Road, Stratford E15. Call 020 8503 0199 or email paragonfurniture@aol.comwww.paragonfurniture.co.uk

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When the sun comes out, lawn-based leisure pursuits are pretty much top of everyone’s list. Whether it be sun-bathing, a game of five-a-side, playing with the kids or even a spot of croquet, a luscious lawn spells fun for everyone – though mowing it is quite another story! So if you want some top class grass without the graft – have a look at the amazing LazyLawn™.

This artificial grass is a million miles away from the scratchy astro-turfs of old. It looks great, is soft to the touch, won’t be spoilt by the weather or overenthusiastic children and is guaranteed to last for 12 years.

LazyLawn™ has been the industry leader for 25 years now, and it can be spotted in countless sports stadiums, next to F1 tracks and even in this year’s Big Brother House. LazyLawn™ will also be on show at this years prestigious Hampton Court Flower Show!.

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The insurance firm Norwich Union Risk Services is today warning that tradesmen cannot rely on property owners and managers to ensure that asbestos is properly dealt with in areas where they work.

The news comes after the Asbestos the hidden killer campaign enters into its fifth month. The campaign was set up by the National Health and Safety Executive to warn people of the dangers of the substance. According to the British Lung Foundation, 20 tradesmen per week are said to die from exposure to asbestos.

Phil Grace of Norwich Union said:

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Granted, it is easier to pay for a gardener than to mow the lawn yourself, but when you see Bosch’s new cordless Rotak 43 Li, the world’s first cordless mower to use lithium-ion battery technology, you may just change your mind.

Bosch is offering two peopel the chance to win one of these wireless lawnmowers (worth £399.99 each). To enter visit homesandproperty.co.uk/offers, before 25 July 08 or text BOSCH to 87233 followed by your name and email address (texts cost 50p plus standard network rate; you will be added to the H&P emailing list).

See www.boschgardening.co.uk or call 0844 736 0108 for more details.

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With the cost of DIY soaring, many homeowners would be forgiven for not attempting renovation work. There is hope though, with the European commission declaring its support for the idea of lowering VAT on home renovation work.

The current proposals suggest that the rate should be lowered from the standard 17.5 per cent to 5 per cent. The idea has been welcomed by Brian Berry, director of external affairs of the Federation of Master Builders who claimed, “We have been campaigning for a cut in VAT for building repair and maintenance work for some time so are obviously delighted by the news.”

If you are thinking about doing some home improvement, make sure to check out our advice on the top ten projects to add value to your home.

I know that we’ve been harping on about this for months now, but it really does seem that people are looking to improve rather than move from their homes.

With house prices predicted to fall by up to 35 per cent in the next two years, home improvement is once again high on the list of priorities for the homeowner, as they attempt to sit tight and wait it out.

So what advice is out there for those looking to invest in a spot of renovation on their property? Well, the lender GE Money has come up with the top ten projects that will add value to your home. With DIY prices rising 20 per cent in the last 2 years, it's important to know how to invest wisely, so check out the table below.

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You may have noticed that we have a new guest blogger in our midst. Philip Voice, the brains behind a flourishing network of gardeners called Landscape Juice, is looking to share his experiences with our members.

Philip has worked in the landscaping industry for more than 21 years and has recently moved to France to begin “living the dream”. He set up Landscape Juice to provide a comprehensive place for gardeners to find out about industry news and to keep in touch with colleagues. It now provides detailed advice on gardening as well as tips on how to run your own business.

Phil’s blogging skills have recently been picked up on by TypePad as well as on The Good Web Guide. To read his latest ProblemSolved blog about the horticulture industry click here.

On the eve of the Euro 2008 final between Germany and Spain, it appears that tradesmen want a piece of the glory too.

Last week saw Sheffield host a “World Cup” of tradesmen at Sheffield United’s Shircliffe Academy. Attercliffe-based Rose Signs and Engraving emerged victorious following a closely-fought final with building firm S & A Parsons, of Killamarsh. The final was won on penalties.

The tournament was organised for charity and managed to raise a total of £6,000 for Sheffield’s St Luke’s Hospice.

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According to the industry body Construction Skills, Britain’s construction industry is facing a “workforce timebomb”.

Although the lack of people willing to join the building trade isn’t such a problem in the current economic climate, when things eventually pick up, the lack of skilled workers could turn into a crisis.

Mark Farrar from Construction Skills claims that "We haven't had a workforce this old since the Second World War".

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If you are a bit handy in the kitchen and also like to save a little bit of money when it comes to gardening, this bit of simple advice could be what you are looking for.

The next time you are passing a Willow tree and you just happen to have a pair of secateurs with you, cut your self a bundle of twigs about 100mm long.

The recipe is easy to follow and for detailed instructions, visit the post - How to make your own rooting compound - on Landscape Juice.

With Wimbledon fever once again gripping the nation, it has been revealed that it is not just strawberry stockists who are cashing in.

Landlords and residents who happen to live near the All England Tennis club are hitting the jackpot by renting out rooms to players participating in the tournament. The lucky few who live close to the Wimbledon arena can pocket from £500 to £7,000 a week in rent.

With both the Olympics and Paralympics coming to London in 2012, many more Londoners are set to jump onto the short let bandwagon. And with 2 million people in Britain looking to take advantage of falling house prices, it looks like homes in Stratford will be snapped up quicker than you can say “new balls please”!

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Why the Internet will become the medium of choice for the garden industry.

If you were to ask an editor of popular garden magazine how his subscription numbers are fairing, you will probably be told politely - to mind your own business.

It is not a particularly easy subject to deal with when you are in denial but that is exactly what is happening to garden and landscaping publications They just do not want to accept that the 'tipping point' has passed and the slippery slope will compel, those that are still strong enough and have the will, to alter their strategy.

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