DE OF DISCOVERING OUR BEST TRADE WORKERS

★

MEET our top 10 – the finalists in Screwfix’s Britain’s Top Tradesperson competition 2019. The contest, run by Screwfix and supported by the Daily Star, is celebrating a decade discovering the very finest workers in the land.

★

And these finalists were chosen from thousands of entries thanks to their outstanding work, professionalism and dedication to customer care. They will battle it out at Screwfix LIVE in Farnborough, Hants, in front of a panel of judges this week.

★

And not only will the winner walk away with the most coveted title in trade, he or she will bag a £20,000 trade bundle prize – £10,000 of tools, £5,000 of tech and £5,000 to go towards future training.

★

Caroline Welsh, director of brand and marketing at Screwfix, says: “Over the past decade, previous winners of this prestigious award have seen their company go from strength to strength. “Tradespeople are the heart of our business and we are always on the lookout for those who can demonstrate how they go that extra mile for their customers, champion their trade and encourage future generations.”

★

Here NADINE LINGE profiles the hopefuls vying to become

Britain’s Top Tradesperson. ROOF tiler Darren, 38, set up his package own care initiative to protect homeowners change negative and impressions of the industry. After hearing stories from customers work that about had gone wrong in their homes, Darren came up with his MyRoofCare which scheme, allows users to pay a monthly fee receive services and including a twice-yearly maintenance inspection and gutter clean. Darren, from North Lanarkshire, worked says: “I have so hard to make a difference to roof tiling the trade and to win this competition would be the seal of approval to all show it was worth it.” career TALENTED Karen already had a successful to break as a global IT manager before she decided into trade aged 40.

Essex, wants Now the electrician, from Billericay, considering a to inspire other people who may be similar switch.

Karen, 49. “It was quite the career change,” says

“As a female in a traditionally male environment, for other I’m passionate about being a role model the trades. women who are thinking of entering one that “I also believe a career in the trade is

I try to all school-leavers should consider and encourage people whenever I can.” PLUMBER Scott has grown his family-run firm steadily over the last three years and a particular highlight was when his apprentice took home his own title. The 32-year-old from Hook, Hants, says: “I love the industry I work in and starting my business three years ago was the best decision I ever made. I’m proud of the things I’ve achieved, in particular when my apprentice completed his Level 2 in Plumbing and also won Apprentice of the Year at his college.

“It’s a real family business, my mum is employed as part-time admin so if I win this award, it’ll be a real celebration!” AMBITIOUS Adam, from Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, only set up his company 18 months ago after working in the sector for many years.

He has grown his business to have five employees, including two apprentices, and Adam is helping them develop their skills. The 34-year-old says: “Having been in the trade for more than 16 years, I have learned how to keep customer satisfaction as the highest priority. It’s great to be recognised in this way, having set my own business up only a year and a half ago.”