Latest news with #FixRadio
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tradies descend on Sussex in show of support amid industry's mental health crisis - as it's revealed two workers take their own lives every DAY
Tradies are planning to attend one of the first ever music festivals to honour their industry, amid harrowing statistics that two workers take their own lives every day. Fix Radio, a UK radio station aimed at those working in the trade and building industry workers, has launched FixFest, a music festival for builders - thought to be the first of its kind. The all-day event will be held at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, on August 30 and will have several bars, a VIP area and live music. The line up includes Scouting for Girls, Toploader, the Cuban Brothers, trained plasterer Dizzie Rascal and NOASIS. Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, construction workers and other tradespeople will be able to enjoy a builder's tea, along with fry-ups and bacon butties at the festival. The event, which starts at 11am and finishes at 11pm, is aimed at helping young people to consider a career in the industry to help tackle the UK's growing trade skills gap. There will also be a section called The Power House, which will bring together at least ten counsellors, peer supporters and charity experts to discuss mental health and provide practical wellbeing tips, after it was revealed that two tradies tragically take their lives every working day. In 2022, Lighthouse, a construction charity, highlighted ONS figures that two construction workers kill themselves every working day. It was also found that these workers are also nearly four times more likely to take their own lives than in other sectors. Team GB boxer Lewis Williams said he will be attending FixFest as he spoke to the Daily Mail about how 'lonely' the industry can be. He said: 'I know plenty of people in the building trade and it can be a lonely place. Often working on their own, tradespeople spend a lot of their day not able to have a lot of social engagement because they are working on the tools on all sorts of stuff. 'This is just like boxing where I train alone, spend time away from family and friends and that can be a lonely place at times. 'Not many folk to talk to, dealing with your own emotions or thoughts can be a tough place to be. We all need a good team around us to open up when we want to. 'What I do know is that by coming together at events like Fixfest, the trade can come together and enjoy much needed downtime. 'We all need to down tools from time to time, that's why I'll be leaving my gloves at home to come and hang out at Fixfest, meet some lovely people and enjoy myself. I'll be after plenty of tips to sort out my plumbing too.' Tickets for FixFest (sponsored by Wickes), cost £55 per adult, with £110 for VIP entry and children under 14 go free. Fix Radio was launched in 2017 by University of Leeds graduate Louis Timpany, 32, who got the idea while working as a labourer on a building site. The station has grown in popularity and now one in four trade workers listens to the station, which is more than 700,000 listeners a week. Timpany, the CEO of the national station, said: 'I was working on a site and two lads were literally fighting about what station to listen to on the radio. 'I told them if I launched a radio station for tradespeople would they listen to it? They said yes and that was the origin of Fix Radio.' Fix Radio hopes to lay the foundations by making FixFest an annual fixture for trade workers. It is thought that 100 builders from different industries will build the festival site in just one week, with Timpany adding: 'It is going to be a celebration of the very best of British trades, a day where it truly means something to be part of the trade community. 'It is an amazing career. You can earn great money and be in huge demand. AI can't build houses yet, remember. 'We need more tradespeople - fast. The average age of a builder is now 55, so it's vital we get more young people looking at the trades as a proper career. 'It is going to be a brilliant day where we all come together and celebrate being grafters, doers, and the backbone of Britain.' Timpany said that he wanted to take a 'leap of faith' after listeners of the radio station kept asking when they were going to launch their own festival. 'We've had a hugely positive response so far. People from across the country have booked up,' he said. 'We have a big perception problem with the trades in the UK. It's almost as if you have gone into the building trade, you are sort of seen as a failure as schools are so academically driven. But that is just not the case. 'In Europe, people in the trades are held in high regard because of their skills, that should be the case here in the UK, it should be seen as an aspirational career path. You can't build a future without builders.'
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
We moved to the city and can't bear the noise: What's the best way to soundproof our home?
We've recently moved from a rural area to a large city for my new job. The house we've bought is semi-detached and on a fairly busy road. There are also lots of neighbours nearby which we're not used to. What's the best way to soundproof our house from noisy neighbours and road noise? How much could this all cost and is any planning permission needed? Jane Denton, of This is Money, replies: It is no surprise that you are wincing at the increase in noise having moved from a rural idyll to the inner city. Sound can travel in two ways. The first is through the air, such as people talking across a room, while the second is via impact vibrations, like footsteps on floorboards. Many houses in Britain have thin walls, floors and ceilings without adequate soundproofing or insulation. If you are willing to put the money into it, there are a myriad of soundproofing options available. You can soundproof walls, ceilings, doors and even floors. I asked two experts for their advice. Clive Holland, a broadcaster on Fix Radio, says: Moving from a rural area to a busy city street can definitely make noise a bigger issue, especially in a semi-detached house where neighbours are close by. The best way to soundproof your home is to take a comprehensive approach - addressing windows, walls, floors and doors. This will help create a much quieter and more comfortable living environment. I'd start with the windows and doors, as these are often the main entry points for noise. Upgrading to double or triple glazing can make a huge difference in cutting down outside noise. For a typical semi-detached house, replacing all the windows might cost between £4,000 and £7,000 depending on the size and type of glazing you choose. Sealing any gaps around window frames and doors with draught-proofing strips or acoustic seals is also important. Next, I'd look at the walls. Many older properties lack proper sound insulation, so adding acoustic panels or building a new internal stud wall with insulation can help a lot - as well as keep in warmth. It usually costs between £50 and £100 per square metre, depending on the materials and whether you hire a professional. Bear in mind that internal wall insulation will reduce your room size a little, so you'll want to plan carefully. Floors are another big factor. If you have suspended timber floors, adding insulation underneath and using carpets with a thick underlay can absorb noise effectively. For concrete floors, acoustic underlays or floating floors designed to reduce sound work well. Costs vary but expect to spend at least £1,000 depending on the size of the area and method chosen. Ceilings shouldn't be forgotten either, especially for those who get noise from upstairs neighbours. Adding soundproofing layers beneath the ceiling using resilient bars and acoustic plasterboard is effective, though it can be more disruptive and costly. Additionally, internal soundproofing generally doesn't require planning permission since you're not changing the exterior. However, if you're thinking of external changes like secondary glazing or cladding, it's wise to check with the local council first. All told, a full soundproofing job from top to bottom could cost between £8,000 and £20,000 depending on the size of your home and the work involved. It's a big investment but well worth it for peace and quiet. I'd recommend getting a professional survey and quotes to find the best solution for your property. Phil Lyons, managing director of The Soundproofing Store, says: Most domestic noise travels through common routes. In terraced or semi-detached houses, noise often comes through shared party walls, carrying the sounds of voices, TV or music from next door. In flats, ceilings and floors can transmit footsteps and other impact noise between levels. Even within your own home, internal stud walls and timber floors can let noise pass from room to room. And of course, windows and doors are often the weak points when it comes to traffic and street noise outside. You will need to break the link between the walls and the soundproofing layers to stop sound vibrations travelling through. Use specialist soundproofing fixings as they isolate soundproofing layers from the offending wall. Soak up sound vibrations using elastic, damping materials or closed cell foam. You can also increase the density of the wall with heavy materials like mass loaded vinyl, FlexiSound and acoustic plasterboard to block airborne noise. The great thing about soundproofing your wall is that soundproofing works both ways. If you can hear your neighbours, most often than not they can also hear you. Soundproofing one side of the party wall achieves quiet and privacy for both homes. When it comes to road and street noise, windows and doors are often the most vulnerable areas. Upgrade to well-fitted, high-spec double or triple glazing with acoustic glass, or adding secondary glazing if replacing the windows isn't an option. It's also crucial to make sure window and door frames are properly sealed to prevent sound leaking through gaps. Costs for soundproofing vary depending on the size of the area involved. Soundproofing is an investment in your health and well-being. Done properly, you'll only need to do it once, and the improvement in your quality of life is priceless. An expert will be able to provide you with a tailored quote. You don't need planning permission to soundproof internal walls, floors, or ceilings as it's considered internal home improvement. If you plan to change windows on a listed building, check with your local council first, as you may need consent. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. What about buy-to-let landlords Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
The Herald Scotland
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
A radio station for builders? I tuned in - and this is what it is like
The upside is I've discovered radio stations I've never heard of before. Taking my daughter to work this morning I landed on Fix Radio, 'The Builder's Station'. Yes, that is a thing. It's a radio station for tradespeople, launched back in 2017. I tuned into The Bald Builders Breakfast, presented by Brad and Sam, which offered up the familiar Zoo format morning format which has been part of the radio landscape since the 1970s in the United States and the 1980s in the UK (thanks to the late Steve Wright). The difference here is that Brad and Sam, when they weren't discussing the strangest thing to wrap up a T-shirt in to send through the post (a melon, bizarrely), were talking about getting stuck into the plastering. Brad and Sam are brothers in law and they are actual builders, so they're speaking from a place of knowledge. Which must mark them out amongst their fellow radio broadcasters, you'd imagine. (And any passing radio reviewers for that matter.) The music played is all old school; mostly 1980s and 1990s with the odd noughties banger thrown in. It was a little curious hearing Franz Ferdinand's libidinous, polymorphous single Do You Want To blaring out in the middle of all this, but maybe building sites are more liberal places than when I spent my summers on them in the late 1970s. In truth, a radio station for the building trade - complete with appropriate advertising - seems a bit of a no-brainer. A radio is as essential a bit of kit onsite as a cement mixer and a spirit level. My last summer working with my dad - on a roof in County Londonderry back in 1980 - was soundtracked by Radio 1: Dexys, Grace Jones, Simon Bates's Golden Hour and Paul Burnett. (You never hear much about Paul Burnett these days, do you? I've just looked him up. Now in his eighties, he's still with us, hurrah, and even turns up occasionally on Boom Radio.) Funnily enough, I've been thinking back to my days as a labourer of late. Charlie Orr, my dad's workmate and friend, passed away the other week. He was a good man, kind to the fundamentally useless, dreamy teenage boy I was back then. He tolerated me playing Radio 1 all the time for a start. I'm ashamed to say I never asked him what music he liked. To be honest, I wasn't really expecting Charlie to turn up in this column, but he deserves to be remembered and so here we are. Anyway, it's not all banter and Boo Radley tunes on Fix Radio. Clive Holland - formerly of BBC One, GMTV and Channel 4 - presents a discussion show every weekday lunchtime. On Monday the topic was the impact of migration on the building trade. The impact of legal migration, Holland was at pains to point out. Mostly, the discussion amounted to Holland reading out messages from his listeners. The messages were actually rather more nuanced than you might have expected, with much talk of skill shortages post-Brexit. Further proof that we shouldn't stereotype anyone. That said, the Prime Minister probably shouldn't tune in if he's wanting an ego boost. From immigration to Eurovision. I was out on Saturday night so only joined Radio 2's coverage of the contest after all the performances had been completed. Rylan and Scott Mills were on duty. I tuned it just as they were talking over the Swiss performers who were filling the interval slot like a pair of over-caffeinated schoolboys. Ugh. Admittedly, I've never really warmed to Mills as a broadcaster (my failing, not his), but he was definitely invested in the proceedings. And it was clear (and quite amusing) that both men were 'fuming' when the UK entry Remember Monday received 'nul points' in the public vote. 'That's ridiculous …Ridiculous … I can't …' Rylan gasped, lost for words for once. 'That's made me quite upset,' Mills raged. He was all the more so when 258 points were then awarded to Estonia. How long before Reform calls for a referendum on leaving Eurovision? Listen Out For: Radio 2 in Concert, Thursday, May 29, 7pm If your tastes are more Britpop than Europop, you might enjoy this. A world exclusive session from Sheffield's finest, Pulp, recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre. They've got a new album coming out, you might have heard. So have Suede, come to think of it. And it won't be long before those Oasis gigs. It's 1995 all over again.
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Dizzee Rascal ditches fame and makes huge career change as plasterer
Dizzee Rascal has revealed that he decided to re-train as a plasterer while during lockdown and was not recognised by his fellow students until at the end of the course He has five No.1 singles under his belt but it seems Dizzee Rascal felt the need to explore a new career path, while during the pandemic. Dizzee has now that he signed up to train as a plasterer during lockdown. The 40 year old rapper, who fast became a well respected grime artist among his peers during the height of his fame, explained why he splashed out £1,495 during lockdown to learn a new skill. Having completed the course, Dizzee, who is known to his family as Dylan Mills, received a certificate which states that he is now a qualified plasterer. The music artist trained at the Able Skills Construction Training in Dartford, Kent. During a recent interview he admitted to Fix Radio: "I did a plastering course for however long. I forgot how to do it, I got the certificate and everything." He added: "In the pandemic yeah, for some reason I felt like I needed to learn to do stuff. Big up able skills It was wicked." Considering his high profile status as a rapper, you'd think that he would be easily recognised. But it seems some of the course students didn't know who he was until the end. He continued to explain: "Towards the end there was a couple dudes I've been with them for weeks. They were like 'Hey oh my God it's you, hey man, he's rich man, he's famous man'. Right at the end is when they clocked it." It looks as though his course in plastering was clearly a hobby rather than a career change as he returned to the stage amid a UK tour last year. This celebrated 15 years since the release of his album Tongue n Cheek. Dizzee launched his career in the UK music industry in 2003 following his debut album Boy in da Corner. Speaking to the Mirror last year, Dizzee opened up about why having a hefty bank balance isn't important to him. He explained: "If I'm honest, you learn to appreciate it as you go along. It's harder in the music industry, it's easier in some ways and harder in some ways. "I appreciate all the hard work that I put in when I was younger. My first album came out when I was 18, I kept ploughing through from then, and at this point I'm grateful. I've got fans that have stuck by me for so long. It sounds like an anti-climax but I just get on with it, keep going." "You can argue 20 years since my first album and two years on the underground before that," he said reflecting on the changes in the music industry. Dizzee went on to add that "every few years, the game changes anyway." He continued: "At this point, I'm not even focused on how much money I make from the music. "That's the big thing for today, I'm just really pleased that I've got the fan engagement, that's why I love the live shows, especially around the UK – I get to see parts of the country, the parts that you would never get to go to other than from a show. I'd accept certain festivals, not for the money, just to see that part of the country." "The one thing with the live shows, you bring the music to life," he said, adding that his live performances allow fans to get to know the real "Dylan" and "inspire them to be rappers or performers". He added: "After the pandemic, I was one of the first live shows some kids saw." But Dizzee, who often steers away from the media commented: "At the beginning, I never wanted to be out there, I remember not wanting to go to my first video shoot, I didn't want to be in it. I understood it didn't make sense to not be in it but I've always wanted to let the music do the talking. "I've not done too much antics outside of it so it didn't take away from that." However, he understands that some musicians "play the game."
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Noughties British rapper with five No.1 singles reveals he has retrained as a plasterer and nobody realised who he was until the end of the course
One of the most successful British rapper's with five No.1 singles has revealed he retrained as a plasterer and nobody knew who he was. Dizzee Rascal, 40, whose real name is Dylan Kwabena Mills, told how he paid £1,495 during the pandemic to enrol in the course and learn the new skill. The performer explained that he completed the course and received a certificate, which confirms he is qualified in City and Guilds Certificate in Plastering. Dizzee enrolled onto the course at the Able Skills Construction Training in Dartford, Kent, during the Covid 19 pandemic after becoming keen to learn a new skill. The course gives trainees the option to do Monday to Friday over four weeks or six weekends with a nine day block. The star admitted that he has already forgotten the skills he learned on the course and explained his reasons for doing it. He said: 'I did a plastering course for however long. I forgot how to do it, I got the certificate and everything. 'In the pandemic yeah, for some reason I felt like I needed to learn to do stuff. Big up able skills It was wicked.' - But Dizzee claims other people on the course were 'miffed' about him enrolling he also told Fix Radio: 'People were miffed, when I get in the queue people were like 'What's he doing here'. However, others that he had spent weeks with didn't recognise him and only clocked towards the end of the course that he was a famous rapper. He said: 'Towards the end there was a couple dudes I've been with them for weeks. They were like "Hey oh my God it's you, hey man, he's rich man, he's famous man". 'Right at the end is when they clocked it.' Despite his foray into blue collar-work, Dizzee returned with a UK tour last year to celebrate 15 years since the release of his groundbreaking album Tongue n' Cheek. The rapper burst onto the UK hip-hop scene with his Mercury Prize-winning debut album Boy in da Corner in 2003. Dizzee, who got his start as a DJ at the tender age of 14, parlayed that early success into a career that has spanned 25 years and prompted many to dub him a pioneer of UK hip-hop and grime music. Dizzee has released eight albums, with his 2009 record Tongue n' Cheek peaking at number three on the UK album charts. He has also scored four number one UK singles – Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers, Holiday and Dirtee Disco, and collaborated with the likes of Robbie Williams, Calvin Harris, and Ty Dolla Sign. His long career has not been without controversy though, with the rapper convicted of assaulting his former partner Cassandra Jones in 2022. An appeal against his conviction was dismissed in January 2023 and he received a community order that included a 24-week curfew and a retraining order preventing him from contacting Cassandra for 12 months. The rapper lost an appeal against the conviction in 2023. In a statement released after Dizzee lost the appeal, Cassandra, who shares two children with the star, said the appeal had been 'hugely upsetting' for her, adding the experience has helped her understand why 'so many women drop out of the criminal justice system'. 'This verdict today once again shows wealth and status cannot be used to silence women,' she said in the statement. 'Domestic abuse is a crime impacting one in four women in their lifetime. 'I would like to thank my family and friends and the specialist organisations who have supported me throughout and also say to other women experiencing abuse that regardless of money or influence, support is out there, and you are not alone.'
