This could be a nice gig - the cunning PRs ever-vigilant standards people at Marriott hotels are asking for members of the public to become secret hotel inspectors. 

The inspectors must visit Marriott hotels (for free) and try everything - the food, the spas, the bars and so on - and report back to the professional inspectors (who are perhaps bored of such luxuries and want someone else to do it).

It doesn't sound too arduous, so if you fancy it, your only skill should be the ability to enjoy hotels, but you should email their entry to marriotthotelinspectors@nyloncommunications.com. Or they can apply in writing to: Marriott Hotel Inspectors, Nylon Communications, 19a Floral Street, London WC2E 9DS.

Applicants must be over 18, provide their full name and contact details and the deadline is 10th February 2009. The successful Inspectors will be selected by a panel of independent hotel experts and winners will be notified by 19th February.

Good luck, and if you get it, nick a towel for me.

Speaking of keeping fit, HealthyDirect.com’s January sale is packed with all manner of discounted vitamins, minerals and natural medicines. With 50 per cent off everything from hair tonics and cod liver oil, to varicose vein remedies and herbal aphrodisiacs, there’s doubtless something for all ailments in this sale.

Amazon currently has a fantastic offer on Karrimor Summit ladies footwear. The Karrimor Summit is made from suede and light weight mesh and has a reputation as one of the best walking shoes on the market – making Amazon.co.uk’s price of £16 (77 per cent off the £70 RRP) a true bargain. You can find the deal at tinyurl.com/Karrimor.

We may be in the last full week of the month but that hasn't stopped some of the nation's biggest retailers going head-to-head in the January sales.

First up is British Home Stores which has up to 70 per cent off everything in store and online. The sale includes free delivery on all non-furniture items when you use the checkout code 'Bhs free' and prices remain at the pre-reverted VAT rate of 15 per cent.

Other huge discounts can be found at Evans, which has 70 per cent off women's clothing (see tinyurl.com/evanssale), WH Smith; where magazine subscriptions are reduced by up to 90 per cent (see tinyurl.com/whsmithsubs) and Boots, which has 70 per cent off selected products in store and online

Every year, cowboy builders and rogue traders clock up around £1.5 billion worth of problems for homeowners across the country. From shoddy kitchens, to improperly installed white goods, to leaky roofs, there are plenty of horror tales around.

With large numbers of rogue tradesmen roaming the country, the good news is that there are still registered builders who are reliable and do an excellent job. But what can you do to protect yourself from making the wrong choice and potentially ruining your home? Its not as if they wear nametags that read hello, my name is Matt and Im a cowboy builder.

Here, Nick Orchard, Britain's top tradesman, according to TrustMark, gives his tips on how to get the right tradesman.