Research from Direct Line Business Insurance shows that tool theft was 46% higher in October last year, than in April – the month with the lowest recorded robberies.

Theft from vehicles was even higher, with data showing a 54% leap in incidents October 2023, versus April.

 Direct Line Business Insurance estimates £98 million worth of tools were taken from tradespeople in 2023. 

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Industry leaders are being urged to make a greater commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). 

The Construction Inclusion Coalition is calling on businesses across the industry, no matter the size, to take the Built on Better pledge. 

Angela Rushforth, managing director of Tool Station and chair of CIC said: “now is the time for more vocal support from across the industry”.

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A plumber working around Caerphilly has come home from the WorldSkills competition with a silver medal. 

22-year-old Ruben Duggan, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Super Mario, joined 1,500 other tradespeople from around the world in France competing at the skills Olympics.

Duggan, who did his apprenticeship with the family plumbing firm, wants to use his success to inspire other youngsters to join a trade.

Duggan told the BBC, “I just love plumbing, day in and day out!”

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