Bright spark’s bid for award
BRIGHT spark Terry White is vying to be Britain’s Top Tradesman.
The Sunderland electrician, who trades under the name Visual Alert Systems Ltd, beat off competition from more than 5500 entrants to be crowned top of the trade in the North East region in the contest run by tool retailer, Screwfix.
The 32- year- old will now battle it out with 10 other finalists from across the UK at Wembley Stadium, on later this month, for the chance to be crowned Britain’s Top Tradesman 2014.
Apart from being a major boost to a business, the top prize for the winner is a brand new £ 28,000 Toyota truck or van.
Britain’s Top Tradesman, organised by Screwfix, is a nationwide search to find and recognise the brilliant builders, helpful handymen, exceptional electricians and perfect plumbers that keep the UK’s homes and businesses in top condition.
Terry, who has two young sons Jake, three and one- yearold Sam, was put through to the final due to his innovative approach and passion for creating new products.
He said: “Although I run my own business as an electrician, a few years ago I identified a need in the market for helping the hard of hearing to identify sounds such as fire alarms and doorbells, so I created a range of visual aids which I now install for a wide range of customers. I work hard to ensure that my customers are specified a product that truly meets their needs and can add real value to their life, so it’s fantastic to be recognised for this achievement by being shortlisted for the final of Britain’s Top Tradesman. I can’t wait to go to Wembley and hopefully win the title on behalf of the hardworking tradesmen and women in the North East.”
John Mewett, marketing director at Screwfix, said: “Britain’s Top Tradesman is a prestigious accolade that Screwfix has awarded for the past five years. The standard this year is really high and all of our finalists have what it takes to be crowned the champion for 2014 - it’s certainly going to be no easy task to pick the winner.”
Terry will be invited to Wembley Stadium to meet the judging panel at the grand final on October 21. He will be treated to a sneak peek behind the scenes at the stadium as well as meeting last year’s winner, joiner Tom Ball.