Gwent, Ayrshire and County Durham rank amongst some of the most affordable areas to get on the UK property ladder with the lowest level of internet usage, according to the latest research by GetAgent.co.uk.

For many, good internet connectivity is a vital commodity in this day and age and one that has grown even more important having spent months working from home under lockdown conditions.

But what about those who want to escape from a world overrun with digital devices? GetAgent analysed data on internet users from the ONS, looking at where was home to the highest percentage of population to not have used the internet either in the last three months or at all.

GetAgent then looked at the top 20 most disconnected spots in the UK and which offered the most affordable foot on the ladder from a house price point of view.

Gwent came out on top for the best chance of internet free property affordability. 14% of the population have either never used the internet or failed to log on in the last three months and with an average house price of £108,049, it’s the most affordable of the top 20.

East and North Ayrshire also rank high, with 12.5% of the population living internet free and an average house price of £108,162.

County Durham is the most affordable part of the property market in England for those looking for a digital detox, with as much as 14.2% of the population logging off for three months or more and property averaging just £112,722.

In terms of the most disconnected, Luton ranks top with a huge 22.2% of the population living without internet either indefinitely or for at least three months. However, with the average house price sitting at £242,370 it is one of the least affordable from a property standpoint.

Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented:

“We’re so used to the internet playing such an integral role in our daily lives that we forget for some, constant connectivity isn’t the be-all and end-all.

In fact, some home buyers prefer a life free from smartphones and computers and luckily for them, there’s a number of areas in the UK where the population is less internet obsessed and house prices remain relatively affordable.

Whatever your preference, the great thing about the UK property market is the huge level of diversity on offer and so you shouldn’t struggle to find the right piece of bricks and mortar for you.”

See more on Affordable Housing with Skill Builder.

Leading tools supplier and distributor, Toolstream, has appointed James Whitaker and Laura Cansfield as Marketing Director and Head of Workwear respectively.

Both Whitaker and Cansfield join from Dickies Workwear, where they also supported the company’s sister brand, Timberland PRO.

Toolstream team

During his time at Dickies, Whitaker was responsible for championing its clothing and footwear ranges with engaging, inspirational content – transforming the way the brand communicated with its customers.

In his new role at Toolstream, Whitaker will oversee its portfolio of brands, including workwear range, Scruffs, plus Silverline tools and woodworking tool specialist, Triton.

“The construction industry is a growing and fast-changing sector and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to continue to work in this exciting field with Toolstream,” said Whitaker.

“A major focus of my role will be to build on Toolstream’s success by expanding its reach among tradespeople and the merchants that serve them.”

Having played an integral role within the Dickies merchandising and product development team, Cansfield will bring her years of experience in workwear to oversee brand growth avenues and new product creation for Scruffs.

“Scruffs is a well-established workwear brand, offering clothing and footwear that incorporates its own DNA while focusing on the all-important safety and protection that tradespeople rely on,” said Cansfield. “I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to help expand the product base and target markets through the UK and Europe.”

The new appointments come as Dickies Workwear’s parent company, VF Corporation, has proposed to discontinue the brand’s business in the UK. Under the proposals, Dickies Workwear would instead be managed out of VF’s international headquarters in Stabio, Switzerland, and would shift to an online-only model.

Check out the Toolstream website: www.toolstream.com

See more from suppliers like Toolstream with Skill Builder.