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Naturepanel extends portfolio with the launch of newly created Wood Slat range

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Naturepanel, the multi award-winning interior wall panel brand from Grant Westfield, has extended its portfolio following the launch of its newly created Wood Slat collection.

Building on the success of its hugely popular Bleached Cuneo Oak, Brown Cuneo Oak and Warmia Walnut slat wall panels, Naturepanel has launched new decors – Grained Alpine White, Grained Angora Grey, Grained Stone Green and Beige Grey Lorenzo Oak into the Wood Slat range.

The new, seven-strong collection of long, narrow wooden planks has been carefully curated to enhance modern and minimal interiors while breathing new life into the ever-popular Japandi trend where natural materials and a neutral colour palette take centre stage.

Infinitely elegant, the four woodgrain Wood Slat décors exude natural warmth and rustic charm. Utilising the latest technology, each woodgrain panel is etched with a 6.4mm graphite grey shadow line, which provides the depth of traditional wood panelling without the maintenance, while the coloured panels feature a colour-matched shadow line.

An alternative to traditional wooden slat walls, Naturepanel is endlessly versatile and can be fitted vertically or horizontally. Panels are quick and easy to install thanks to Naturepanel’s unique Hydrolock tongue and groove system, which creates a smooth and seamless waterproof finish.

Perfect for feature walls, Naturepanel can be used within all rooms of the home, including kitchens, dining and living rooms, as well as bathrooms and shower rooms.

All panels within the Wood Slat collection are available in standard 598mm x 2400mm formats as well as the new, larger 598 x 2700mm size, and come with Naturepanel’s 30-year warranty.

Chadwicks Group Partners with Elephant in the Room to Shine a Light on Mental Health 

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Pictured are Dave Southern of Elephant in the Room, Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, Marguerite Penrose, EAP Specialist at Vhi and Michael Dullard, Corporate Account Manager at Vhi, celebrating Chadwicks Groups’ partnership with global mental health initiative Elephant in the Room to mark World Mental Health Day this Friday, 10th October. Bespoke elephant sculptures will tour branches nationwide to shine a light on the unspoken challenges of mental health.

Unique Elephant Sculptures to Tour Chadwicks Branches Ahead of World Mental Health Day 

Chadwicks Group, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant, has announced a partnership with global mental health initiative Elephant in the Room to mark World Mental Health Day this Friday, 10th October. Bespoke elephant sculptures will tour branches nationwide to shine a light on the unspoken challenges of mental health, confronting the “elephant in the room” and encouraging open dialogue among colleagues and tradespeople. 

Elephant sculptures spark conversation 

As part of the initiative, Chadwicks Group invited colleagues to enter an art competition and help design their very own elephant sculptures. Colleagues across the network got creative, designing unique elephant sculptures, symbolising the personal challenges that are often faced in silence. The winning designs that were created by Chadwicks Group colleagues reflect creativity, resilience, and empathy. 

Over the coming weeks, these two sculptures will tour Chadwicks Group branches including Chadwicks, Heiton Steel, The Panelling Centre, Morgans Timber, Sitetech, Proline, Telfords, Cork Builder Providers, Davies and HSS Hire Ireland, with each location proudly hosting an elephant for one week. The aim is to place mental health “in the open” and encourage conversation between Chadwicks Group colleagues, customers, and communities. 

A long-term commitment to wellbeing  

Chadwicks Group continues to embed mental health awareness into the business through an ongoing Mental Health First Aid programme delivered in partnership with Vhi. At least one colleague in every branch completes the training, while new hires receive wellbeing awareness sessions during induction. 

Through initiatives like “How’s the Head?” and this new partnership with Elephant in the Room, Chadwicks Group is making mental health support a cornerstone of workplace culture. 

Research highlights hidden struggles  

Research conducted by Chadwicks Group this year reveals that mental health remains an area of concern among tradespeople in Ireland. Almost a third (29%) say they prioritise their physical fitness over their mental health, while one in three (32%) who struggle with mental wellbeing admit they don’t talk to anyone about it*. 

These findings reflect a critical need to break stigma and make mental health a normal part of everyday conversation, both in the trades sector and beyond. 

Supporting Aware through fundraising 

Alongside the sculpture tour, colleagues across the Chadwicks Group branch network are organising bake sales to raise funds for Irish mental health charity, Aware. 

This initiative reinforces Chadwicks Group’s ongoing focus on wellbeing and complements its wider support programmes. 

Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, said: “At Chadwicks Group, our colleagues are ultimately at the heart of everything we do. Through initiatives like How’s the Head?, we’ve seen that the simplest of conversations can make a big difference. Yet we know many people still find it hard to open up about their mental health, and we want to change that. Our partnership with Elephant in the Room is another step in creating a culture where colleagues feel supported, seen, and encouraged to talk about how they’re really doing. No one should ever feel they have to face challenges alone.” 

Dave Southern of Elephant in the Room, added: 
“Elephant in the Room was created to encourage more open and honest conversations about mental health. Partnering with Chadwicks Group allows us to bring that message directly into Ireland’s trade sector. These elephants are more than sculptures, they’re symbols that say: it’s okay to talk, to seek support, and to share what you’re going through.” 

Brent Pope, former professional rugby player, long-standing mental health advocate, and Founder of Elephant in the Room concluded: “Mental health is often the elephant in the room. By placing these sculptures in Chadwicks Group locations across Ireland, we’re making sure that people don’t ignore it, but instead feel supported to speak out. I’m proud to see Chadwicks Group championing this message in such a meaningful way.” 

Dame Prue Leith CBE to headline 2026 IoD NI Women’s Leadership Conference

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Great British Bake Off host confirmed for event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Renowned restaurateur, food writer, entrepreneur and television presenter, Dame Prue Leith CBE, will headline the 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference in Belfast, the IoD announces today.

Best known for her role as a judge on Channel 4 hit, The Great British Bake Off, Prue has enjoyed a stellar career, spanning more than five decades, and will share her experiences with leadership and insights on how to build a successful brand at the annual event held by the IoD in NI to mark International Women’s Day.

The flagship event, which brings together leaders from across business, media and the political world, will take place in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday 6th March 2025.Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer will return as the principal sponsor of the event which will also be supported by NIE Networks, Cathedral Eye Clinic, Henry Brothers, KPMG, Translink, SONI and The Irish News.

Other speakers joining Prue Leith include local podcaster, content creator and women’s health advocate, Olivia McVeigh, Dr. Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour and Emma Morris, Director of Operations at SONI.

Looking ahead to the annual event, Kirsty McManus, National Director at IoD NI, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Prue Leith as our headline speaker for the 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference. The event is about showcasing inspiring journeys and providing a platform for women in leadership to connect. Prue is a dynamic and highly respected figure within the business and entertainment industry whose experience resonates far beyond the world of food. I know our audience will be inspired by her story, and want to better understand how this popular television judge has herself been judged throughout her career.”

Gerarda Campbell, Senior Manager, Disputes (Digital Legal Delivery) at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, principal sponsor of the conference, said:
“Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is proud to be at the helm of this wonderful event one again and to support the IoD in NI to deliver its flagship conference.

The Women’s Leadership Conference continues to play a vital role in championing diversity and the importance of inclusion across Northern Ireland, and we look forward to hearing from Prue Leith and the other outstanding speakers as well as meeting this year’s cohort of delegates and associates.”

Further speakers for the 2026 conference will be confirmed in the lead up to the event with organisers promising another inspiring line-up of leaders from business, politics, media and beyond.

More information about the event, including details of registration and ticketing options is available at www.iod.com/events

HirePro: All-In-One Hire Management Software Launches for the Modular Building Sector 

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A new software system designed specifically for the modular and portable building sector has officially launched. HirePro gives modular hire companies a central platform to manage their building fleets with full visibility across every stage of the process. 

The software provides real-time fleet tracking, contract and order management and integrated customer records that replace manual systems. By bringing information into one place, HirePro helps businesses monitor their stock, identify any off-hire units and stay on top of renewals. 

Some of its key functions include: 

  • A live map to track the location of every unit in a fleet of buildings. 
  • Automated off-hire notifications so you never miss out on revenue. 
  • Revenue forecasting tools based on current and historic data. 
  • Full visibility of finances and orders. 
  • A secure central hub to store contracts, photos, client details and documents. 

“When we speak with modular hire companies, we find that a lot of them encounter the same issues.” Said Paul Scott, Founder of HirePro. “Paperwork, manual spreadsheets, and the mental load that comes with organising them are always mentioned.” 

“We created HirePro to take away those headaches.” 

“Our system gives teams complete control of their hire division. They get a complete picture that they can use to make smarter, more profitable decisions about the future of their business.” 

The platform is already being adopted by multiple modular hire companies. 

Gareth Foster, Managing Director at Paragon Space, said: “HirePro has allowed us to grow our hire division. It helps collate all the information and brings everything together. I am very impressed with the system, and it will certainly help us develop and be more organised.”

Lisa Coyne, Managing Director at Excel Modular, added: “It’s made tracking performance and revenue for each cabin easy and even enjoyable. HirePro has quickly become an essential tool for our hire department.”

HirePro is available for purchase now at £129+VAT per month. Businesses that sign up before the end of 2025 will receive an introductory 30-day free trial. 

For further details or to arrange a demo, visit hire-pro.co.uk

NEW DATA REVEALS UK VAN MODELS WITH THE HIGHEST AVERAGE REPAIR COSTS

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  • New research reveals which vans cost drivers the most to fix, analysing average repair bills for engines, suspension, brakes and other key systems, while also ranking each model’s reliability. 
  • Nissan NV200 and Fiat Doblo Cargo rank as the most cost-efficient, combining low average repair costs with high reliability scores. 
  • At the other end of the scale, the Ford Tourneo Custom and Volkswagen Caravelle face steeper repair bills and poorer reliability ratings.

Van ownership isn’t just about the upfront price tag; it’s also about the long-term costs of keeping your vehicle on the road. Costly engine failures or gearbox repairs running into the thousands can turn owning a van into a financial headache.

Planning ahead pays off, whether by setting aside a repair savings pot or choosing a van with proven reliability. To help drivers make informed choices, the temporary van insurance experts at Tempcover have launched a new Van Repair Index, highlighting the UK’s most and least expensive vans to fix.

The study examined over 27 popular UK van models, from panel to passenger vans, combining independent data on reliability, average repair bills, and claim rates for major components like engines and gearboxes to show how repair costs vary across different makes and models.

Compact Vans Top the Ranking

The Nissan NV200 takes the top spot with an impressive Index Score of 89.9, thanks to its high reliability score of 9.1 and low average repair bill of £303.94. Compact, reliable, and affordable to fix when problems occur, it shows how smaller vans can help keep repair costs down.

Close behind is the Fiat Doblo Cargo, another compact commercial van, scoring 89.2 with the lowest average repair costs of £282.78. The Peugeot Partner follows with an index score of 63.7 and slightly higher average repair costs of £490.08, while the Mercedes Vito and Citroën Dispatch complete the top five.

Top 10 Best Performing Vans 

RankVan Make & ModelAvg Repair Cost (£)Reliability ScoreOverall Index
1Nissan NV200£303.949.189.9
2Fiat Doblo Cargo£282.788.989.2
3Peugeot Partner£490.087.863.7
4Mercedes Vito£436.787.161.8
5Citroën Dispatch£576.14860.5
6Vauxhall Combo£683.568.557.2
7Citroën Berlingo£569.717.354.4
8Peugeot Expert£561.597.254
9Volkswagen Caddy£557.197.153.1
10Volkswagen Caddy Maxi£468.075.346.2

Ford and Volkswagen Models Dominate the Worst-Performing List

The Ford Tourneo Custom and Volkswagen Caravelle rank among the most expensive vans to repair in the UK. The Tourneo tops the list with an average repair cost of £1,746.80, followed by the Caravelle at £1,408.59, with both vehicles also scoring the lowest reliability rating of 1.

Well known brands such as Volkswagen and Ford fared poorly overall, with both having 3 models each appearing in the bottom 10.

Top 10 Worst-Performing Vans

RankVan Make & ModelAvg Repair Cost (£)Reliability ScoreOverall Index
1Ford Tourneo Custom£1,746.8010.8
2Volkswagen Caravelle£1,408.5912.3
3Citroën Relay£1,262.0813.4
4Volkswagen Crafter£1,133.431.47.4
5Hyundai I800£970.991.19.2
6Ford Transit Custom£1,361.882.710.7
7Peugeot Boxer£1,092.822.110.9
8Volkswagen Transporter£1,411.033.312
9Renault Trafic£939.201.812.2
10Ford Transit£1,069.873.616.2

*The tables provide a full breakdown of the top 10 best and worst-performing vans based on their overall Index, a combined measure of reliability and repair cost-effectiveness. A higher index score indicates a more reliable and cost-effective vehicle.

Engine and gearbox problems drive the highest repair costs. For example, the Ford Transit Connect has the highest average engine repair bill at £3,614.93, alongside gearbox repairs averaging £1,066.06.

Compact Vans Lead the Way for Low Repair Costs

The study also revealed trends by van size. Compact models, such as the Nissan NV200 and Fiat Doblo Cargo, consistently rank among the best performers, offering low average repair costs alongside strong reliability. While some larger vans, like the Mercedes Vito and Citroën Dispatch, scored reasonably well, the data suggests that, in general, smaller vans are cheaper to keep on the road. 

Claire Wills-Mckissick, an expert in temporary van insurance at Tempcover, adds:

“Van repairs can be both costly and disruptive, often leaving drivers without the vehicle they rely on for work. That’s where short-term insurance becomes a vital safety net.

“With Tempcover’s flexible short-term van cover, you can get back on the road quickly in a borrowed or replacement vehicle while yours is in the garage. Whether it’s keeping a business moving or ensuring you can still take on jobs, temporary insurance provides the flexibility to stay mobile without being tied to a long-term policy, minimising downtime and keeping your work on track.”

59% Increase in First Time Buyers Summer 2025  

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Summer of 2025 saw a 59% increase in first-time buyers getting on the property ladder compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report by Compare My Move who surveyed users purchasing a house with a conveyancing solicitor.  

 Average Percentage of First-Time Buyers 
Year Entire Year Summer Months 
2024 66% 64% 
2025 68% 69% 

Out of more than 12,000 buyers who used a Compare My Move conveyancer during the summer of 2025, 69% were first-time buyers. This marks an increase from 64% in summer 2024, showing a clear rise in those purchasing their first home. In fact, first-time buyers now make up the majority of movers, outnumbering those who’ve bought before. 

This trend isn’t limited to the summer months either, across the whole of 2025, 68% of buyers were first-time purchasers, up from 66% in 2024. However, the shift has been most pronounced during the summer, when first-time buyer activity reached its peak. 

Dave Sayce co-founder and managing director of Compare My Move, comments on why this increase has happened and why 2025 might be a better year to be a first-time buyer.  

“The summer of 2025 has been far more politically stable than the same period in 2024, when the General Election caused many potential buyers to delay moving or taking out mortgages due to uncertainty about the economy and housing market. 

Since then, there’s been a strong push to make homeownership more affordable for first-time buyers, supported by a significant drop in the mortgage base rate from last year’s highs. 

The government has also introduced mortgage guarantee schemes, allowing buyers to secure mortgages with smaller deposits, and committed to building more new homes. These factors, combined with lower borrowing costs, have made it easier for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder. Looking ahead, it’s likely that next summer will see even more first-time buyers entering the market. Especially with new reforms that the government are proposing, we are going to see a first-time buyer boom.” 

World Mental Health Day – “Wellness Is the Number One Employee Priority for Office Life’’ – London’s Leading Flexible Office Provider

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New data from OSiT shows that 58% of tenants across the company’s five Zone 1 London offices prioritise wellness as the most important aspect of office life.

Wellness ranks above other features such as location and sustainability features for OSiT tenants.

OSiT’s London offices, such as the Monopoly inspired OSiT Liverpool Street, provide unique wellness facilities such as speak-easy style games lounges, rooftop bars, on-site gyms and fitness studios, allowing employees to blend health and social wellbeing into office life.

Biophilic design elements, an arcade games room and a “Reflection Room” is central to the ‘Happiness’ themed OSiT Blackfriars workspace to help employees relax and recharge during and after work.

Rachael Ferguson, UK Office Manager for application development platform Mendix, recently reflected on the way OSiT Blackfriars’s environment supports her team:

“We have been at OSiT Blackfriars since 2019, and the beautiful space – especially the outdoor area and gym – has hugely supported our team’s wellbeing and productivity. During COVID, we reopened early to support our younger staff who struggled working from home, and the design of our offices and the uplifting environment made a real difference to their mental health when they returned – especially the arcade!’’

Commenting on the new data that shows OSiT tenants’ value health and wellbeing as the most important elements of office working, Co-Founder of OSiT, Sarah Singlehurst, adds:

‘’It is clear that wellness is the top priority for employees in today’s office environment. Workers are no longer satisfied with uninspiring, purely functional offices – they seek workplaces that actively support their wellbeing while bringing imagination and creativity into the everyday work experience. At OSiT, we believe that happiness and health are fundamental to productivity, which is why we design our spaces and amenities to inspire and energise the people who use them.”

Plans for new homes surge by two-thirds in a year

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Planning Portal, the digital platform through which more than 95% of planning applications in England are submitted, has recorded a surge in the number of new homes applied for in the third quarter of 2025.

The number of new homes for which planning permission was sought from 1 July to 30 September 2025 was 68% higher than during the same three-month period in 2024, according to the latest Planning Application Index for Q3 2025, launched at the National Planning Conference in Manchester today.

This rapid uptick in new homes applied for in Q3 means numbers are up by 50% against those seen at the same point in 2024, and outperforming the entirety of 2023. The figures are the highest for a single quarter in almost four years, with Q4 2021 the last time applications were above the current level.

The surge in applications has been led by market housing, which has seen the biggest increase, reaching its highest level since Q4 2023. Notably, affordable housing has seen a significant boost, with the Planning Portal this quarter recording the highest number of applications for this tenure since 2020. In fact, affordable housing units this quarter were equivalent to 43% of market housing applications.

Development ambitions also appear strong across England, with all but two regions – the South West and the North East – showing substantial year-on-year growth in housing applications. The North West, East of England and the South East all saw the number of homes applied for in Q3 more than double compared with the same period last year.

The surge comes as the government looks to build 1.5 million new homes by the next general election in 2029.

Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, which operates Planning Portal, said: “This is a clear statement of intent from housebuilders, taking to heart the government’s determination to drive housing delivery. The figures will also be welcome news beyond the housing sector, with new homes widely recognised as a cornerstone of the country’s future economic prosperity..

“What is less clear, however, is how these promising housing application figures will translate into delivery. We typically see some attrition along the way from application to delivery, whether through applications being refused, changes of plans on the part of developers, or economic changes rendering plans unviable.

“With the government’s recent commitment to get spades in the ground on the first three new towns before the next election, we can already see the focus turning to delivery, which is a promising sign.

“The industry now needs to come together, alongside government, and take the proactive steps necessary to get the country building.”

Download the Planning Application Index Q3 2025 here: https://www.terraquest.co.uk/news-and-insights/q3-planning-application-index-2025.

Dinny Shaw, Head of Planning at Places for People, said: “It is crucial that affordable housing is central to the delivery of new homes. Housing associations like Places for People are essential to meeting the government’s ambitious housing targets. While the financial capacity of housing associations is improving, planning departments must be resourced to match that momentum, otherwise, progress will continue to stall.

“Alongside immediate delivery, we need to also back a long-term strategy. Investment in new towns is an effective way of achieving scale and building new neighbourhoods around community and infrastructure-first principles. We welcome the government’s recent announcement of 12 strategic sites for new towns – a crucial step in delivering mixed-tenure housing and truly sustainable communities.”

Shane Aherne, at Edit Land, said: “There is no doubt that the Government’s reforms in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have created a notable shift in market confidence, with greybelt playing a central role in unlocking successful consents. While delivery challenges persist, the scale of proposals coming forward reflects a renewed ambition across the sector.

“The report highlights that PLCs are driving much of this momentum, which while essential for housing and large-scale infrastructure delivery, also underlines the need to streamline planning processes and reduce cost risk so SMEs can bring forward high-quality, locally driven schemes. Slow sale rates remain a concern for delivering these consents at the required pace, and may need to be addressed through a combination of SDLT restructuring and the reintroduction of Help to Buy to stimulate the market.

“These trends are shaping our outlook positively from a planning perspective, but more cautiously when it comes to delivery and sales. The growing scale of applications demonstrates long-term commitment, particularly from larger developers, and points to potential delivery at pace — though this may be constrained if slow sales rates persist. Within the industry, there is a strong sense of an 18-to-24-month window of opportunity to bring forward applications, alongside genuine concern that a change of government could add further uncertainty.”

MILWAUKEE ® Transforms Job Site Clean-up with Groundbreaking NEXUS ™ Modular Vacuum System Expansion

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MILWAUKEE ® introduces their NEXUS ™ * Modular Vacuum System, delivering groundbreaking advancements for the job site clean-up. These revolutionary additions provide professionals across carpentry, general contracting, mechanical, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing the ability to customise their clean-up experience with no cord limitations. The system also features VACLINK ™ wireless dust control for enhanced productivity and seamless remote activation, along with PACKOUT ™ ** compatibility capable of carrying 130 kg for maximum versatility and mobility around the job site.

PROVIDING EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE FOR BOTH WET AND DRY CLEAN-UP APPLICATIONS, THIS VACUUM HAS A MAXIMUM AIR DELIVERY RATE OF 196 M³/H WITHOUT THE HASSLE ASSOCIATED WITH CORDS.

The new M18 FUEL ™ *** NEXUS 23L L-Class Vacuum includes all the features outlined above, along with the addition of VACLINK ™ wireless dust control. This technology allows users to connect compatible VACLINK ™ tools and vacuums, eliminating wasted run time. The included VACLINK ™ remote enables users to connect this solution to non-VACLINK ™ tools and wirelessly turn on/off the power control at the hose end of the vacuum, maximising clean-up efficiency and reducing downtime. For users seeking enhanced performance and VACLINK ™ capabilities, the new M18 FUEL ™ NEXUS 23L L-Class Vacuum is an ideal solution. With two M18 ™ FORGE ™ 12.0 Ah battery packs, this solution can clean-up to 545 m² on a single charge with up to 49 minutes of continuous cleaning on max run time mode, allowing professionals to work longer without interruptions.

A person using a vacuum cleanerDescription automatically generated

With the addition of the new M18 FUEL ™ NEXUS 23L L-Class Vacuum, the MILWAUKEE ® PACKOUT ™ Modular Storage System now has over 100 solutions for users to choose from to build out their custom storage solution – making PACKOUT ™ the most versatile and durable modular storage system in the industry. MILWAUKEE ® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire days work on one battery system. The M18 FUEL ™ NEXUS 23L L-Class Vacuum is fully compatible with the entire M18 ™ line, now offering more than 315 solutions.

*The NEXUS ™ Modular Vacuum System allows you to further customise your clean-up experience with add-on components to enhance your cleaning experience.  **The PACKOUT ™ Modular Storage System is the most versatile and durable modular storage system in the industry. An intuitive and quick attachment mechanism gives users the freedom to stack and lock PACKOUT ™ tool boxes, organisers, totes, and bags of different sizes in numerous configurations that best suit their needs. 

**M18 FUEL ™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivalled performance, all M18 FUEL ™ products feature three MILWAUKEE ® exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE ™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM ™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS ™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run time, and durability on the job site. Simply put, M18 FUEL ™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.

Specifications

M18 FUEL ™ NEXUS 23L L-Class Vacuum
M18 F2VC23LG2-0

  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Battery System: M18 FUEL ™
  • Air Delivery DC: 3267 l/min
  • Capacity Liquids: 20 l
  • Capacity Solids: 23 l
  • Dust Class: L
  • Filter Type: HEPA H13
  • Hose Diameter: 48 mm
  • Hose Length: 2.75 m
  • Vacuum DC: 199 mbar
  • Weight with Battery Pack (EPTA): 14.93 kg (2x M18
    FB12)

Kit Includes: (1) M18 FUEL ™ NEXUS 23L L-Class Vacuum, (1) Remote control, (1) Flexible hose, (1) Crevice tool, (1) Floor utility nozzle, (2) Extension wands, (1) Curved handle, (1) Tool adapter, (1) Fleece bag

To find out more about the new M18 FUEL ™ NEXUS 23L L-Class Vacuum see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu

Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information.

House prices in NI continue to rise but at a more modest rate than seen previously

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RICS Residential Market Survey NI – September 2025

House prices in Northern Ireland continued to rise through the third quarter of 2025, but at a slower pace than seen previously according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey. 

A net balance of 68% of NI respondents reported that house prices rose over the past three months, which, whilst strong, is the lowest this balance has been in nearly a year. Looking towards the final quarter of the year, a net balance of 59% of surveyors in NI expect that house prices will continue rising.

Whilst house price growth is slower, there are more potential buyers evident. A net balance of 33% of surveyors in NI report that new buyer enquiries rose through September, up from the 21% that was reported in the survey previous.

Looking at supply, surveyors in NI report that new instructions to sell rose last month, but at a slower rate than seen in August. A net balance of 18% of surveyors reported that there was an increase in supply, down from the 25% that was seen in the survey previous.

On the sales front, a net balance of 21% of NI surveyors reported that sales rose through the month of September, which given that both demand and supply rose, is perhaps unsurprising. Over the next quarter surveyors appear to be optimistic on the sales outlook too as a net balance of 59% of respondents expect sales to rise over the next three months, up from the 41% reported in the August survey.

Samuel Dickey, RICS Northern Ireland Residential Property Spokesman, says: “Northern Ireland’s housing market remained buoyant throughout the third quarter of 2025. We’re still seeing house prices rising and there is clearly continued strong interest from prospective buyers. But with an increased number of properties also coming to the market, it is perhaps unsurprising that price growth is less intense than it was. It is also encouraging to see that surveyors expect an increase in sales through the last quarter of the year as appropriately priced properties continue to sell quickly.”

Commenting on the UK picture, RICS Head of Market Research & Analytics, Tarrant Parsons, said: “The housing market continues to struggle for momentum, with seemingly no clear catalyst on the horizon to spark a turnaround over the near-term. Buyer demand remains subdued, while agreed sales are still on a downward trend, reflecting a broader hesitancy in the market. Ongoing uncertainty around potential measures in the upcoming Budget is also likely adding to the prevailing cautious sentiment. “