Latest news with #Essex
The Independent
11 minutes ago
- Business
- The Independent
Delivering nationwide maintenance solutions with speed, quality and trust
Able Group is a Business Reporter client. Able Group stands at the forefront of planned and reactive maintenance services across the UK, serving both domestic and commercial customers with professionalism, speed and reliability. Established in 1993, the company began as a local emergency glazing service. Today, it has evolved into one of the country's leading multi-trade maintenance providers, thanks to its commitment to fast response times and exceptional service standards. The business was founded by partners Robert Ambler and Andy Horton, operating initially in Essex. Its customer-first approach, built on prompt response and high-quality service, quickly set Able Group apart in the market. By 1998, its regional success had grown into a nationwide operation, expanding to cover a broader range of essential trades. Today, Able Group is led by Managing Directors Joe Horton and Phil Howell. Despite its national scale, the company maintains a close-knit, family-led culture rooted in its founders' values. This continuity of leadership and vision has been instrumental in preserving the business's core principles while driving growth and innovation. Able Group now offers a comprehensive suite of services across seven core trades: glazing, locksmiths, plumbing, drainage, gas and heating, electrics and pest control. With a presence spanning the entire UK, the company serves a wide range of clients – from homeowners and landlords to high-street retailers, restaurants, estate agents, facilities management firms and national tourist attractions. Whether it's a planned installation or an emergency call-out, Able Group delivers fast, reliable service with minimal disruption. Understanding that commercial clients often require ongoing and bespoke support, Able Group developed its Commercial Accounts offering. This service is designed to meet the specific needs of businesses that require regular and dependable maintenance solutions. Phil Howell, who has been with the business for over 17 years, explains: 'We created the Commercial Accounts service to offer tailored support for our business customers. With this offering, clients benefit from priority service, a dedicated account team, flexible payment terms and preferential rates, allowing them to streamline all their maintenance needs with one trusted provider.' Powered by people: a nationwide network of experts A key pillar of Able Group's success is its extensive network of over 1,000 highly skilled and fully vetted engineers. This nationwide team plays a vital role in ensuring the company consistently delivers fast, reliable service without sacrificing quality. Recognising that excellent workmanship is essential to achieving professional results, Able Group has focused on building and maintaining a trusted network of engineers who uphold the company's high standards. This commitment ensures that every customer – no matter where they are in the country – receives prompt, expert service they can rely on. From seeing the business grow from near its inception, Joe Horton is now leading the way. 'Whether it's a domestic emergency or an ongoing commercial contract, Able Group consistently delivers high-quality maintenance services backed by decades of experience, an expert workforce and a customer-focused approach,' he says. With a legacy spanning over 32 years, Able Group continues to lead the way in nationwide maintenance, setting the standard for fast, professional and dependable service – every time.
The Sun
41 minutes ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
M25 closed near Dartford Crossing after van overturns in horror crash as drivers face hour-long delays
THE M25 has closed near the Dartford Crossing after a van overturned in a horror crash. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and to allow extra journey time with hour-long delays expected. 1 The M25 in Essex is closed anti-clockwise between J28 (for the A12, near Brentwood) and J27 (for the M11) due to a serious collision involving an overturned van. There are long delays of 60 minutes with congestion back towards the Dartford Crossing. All traffic was stopped at 9am, and there is no entry from J28. Emergency services including Essex Police are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management. Traffic is being diverted via local routes at this stage.
BBC News
41 minutes ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
M25 partially closed after van overturns near Brentwood
Drivers have been warned of delays after an overturned van led to part of a motorway being anti-clockwise M25 was shut between junctions 28 and 27, near Epping and Brentwood in Essex, at about 09:00 back to the Dartford Crossing has created hour-long waits for motorists, but the road has since been partially Highways called the incident a "serious collision". Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Southend tree victim Leonna Ruka was killed by falling branch
A seven-year-old girl was killed when a falling branch struck her as she played in a park, a court Ruka, from Dagenham in east London, suffered a fatal head injury while on a day trip to Southend-on-Sea, Essex, with family on 28 other children were injured including Leonna's six-year-old cousin, who remains critically ill in an inquest into Leonna's death, senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said it "can only be described as a truly tragic incident". "My deepest condolences go to the family and loved ones of Leonna," he added."I think that's on behalf of all of Essex and, I'm sure, far beyond as well." Leonna was playing in Chalkwell Park when she was struck by a "falling part of a tree", the court was was taken to Southend Hospital where her death was confirmed at 16:06 BST, having sustained a severe head of floral tributes and teddy bears have been laid in the park since the to 50 people tried to lift the 350-year-old tree when it trapped five children underneath it.A senior councillor went on to claim it had been propped up by supports for decades. The inquest was suspended so Essex Police and the Health and Safety Executive could continue investigating."Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones," Mr Brookes family previously released a tribute, describing her as "funny, kind and full of life"."She was perfect – too perfect for a world that can be so cruel and unfair," they added. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Asylum seeker ‘sexually assaulted' girl days after arriving in UK on small boat sparking protest outside migrant hotel
AN asylum seeker has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl just eight days after he arrived in the UK on a small boat. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, is accused of three sexual assaults in two days with all the alleged offences taking place in Epping. 4 4 4 Kebatu, who is originally from Ethiopia, was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. He appeared at Colchester magistrates' court last week and denies all charges which relate to two teenagers and a woman. The 38-year-old defendant, of High Road in Epping, was remanded in custody after the hearing. The charges sparked a protest of about 300 people outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on Sunday. Those in attendance said they were protesting against the continued use of the local hotel as an asylum centre. Police had to break up a fight between two men outside the three-star establishment used to house migrants. Protesters were seen clashing with counter-demonstrators as tensions rose in Epping. At least two people suffered injuries, but Essex police reported no arrests. Kebatu is looking at facing a trial within 56 days, District Judge Christopher Williams said in court on Thursday. Migrant camps brace for impact as UK-France deal fuels crossings Prosecutor Serena Berry told the 45-minute hearing at Colchester magistrates' court that one of the alleged victims had been approached "on a busy High Street". She said Kebatu had "no ties to anyone or any place in the UK", adding: " Immigration have confirmed he has only been in the UK since 29 June 2025." Raphael Piggott, defending, said: "I believe he is here as a refugee or asylum seeker, and that he arrived informally on a boat." Essex Police said it became aware of alleged offences after a girl reported concerns. Supt Tim Tubbs said: "We're aware of a significant amount of public discussion around this case - and I understand that." Targeted police patrols would continue in the town, he added. 4
