Search begins in Devon for Britain's Top Tradesperson 2016

Tradespeople in Devon now have the chance to be rewarded for the outstanding work they do in keeping homes and businesses in tip-top condition, by entering Britain's Top Tradesperson 2016.

The competition, organised by Screwfix, which has stores in Plymouth, launches today (9th May, 2016) to highlight the great job that plumbers, electricians, carpenters, builders and many more tradesmen and women do in the region.

This year's top prize is a £32,000 (OTR) Toyota PROACE or Hilux, and the coveted title of Britain's Top Tradesperson 2016.

The best tradespeople from the region will be selected by Screwfix to go head-to-head at a regional heat in the South West. From there, 11 finalists from across the nation will be on the road to Wembley for the national final in July, where they will face an esteemed judging panel of industry experts.

Last year, Darren Lawton, an electrician from Newcastle, walked away with the crown after fighting off worthy competition from thousands of entrants.  He wowed a judging panel with his passion and dedication to his trade. His entrepreneurial spirit, attention to detail and passion for customer service also stood out amongst the finalists.  He says it has had an amazing impact on his business, bringing him new customers and filling his diary for months ahead.

Darren adds: "It’s been an incredible time since winning the title of Britain's Top Tradesperson from Screwfix. Holding the title has been a great endorsement for me and has helped me to secure more customers. The experience has been brilliant, I would definitely encourage other tradespeople to enter and give it a go, there's nothing to lose and a lot to gain!"

The Britain's Top Tradesperson award is given by Screwfix to those who can prove they excel in their trade. Maybe you've just started your own company, or perhaps you have taken a course to upgrade your skill-set, or you are active on social media and really engage with your customers? You may have completed a complex job for someone, or you run your business with customers in mind. No matter the reason, you have until 5th June 2016, to put your case forward and enter.

John Mewett, Marketing Director at Screwfix, comments: "As a leading supplier to the trade, we run this competition to champion quality tradespeople and to celebrate their success. We speak to tradespeople each and every day and they take great pride in the work that they do in keeping our homes warm, safe and dry, and our businesses in operational order - they truly are the backbone of the nation.

"It's the seventh year we have run this competition, and the calibre of entrants improves year on year.  We're looking forward to meeting and rewarding those in the trades who go that extra mile.  This year's winner will receive a new Toyota Commercial vehicle from the All New Toyota Hilux or All New Toyota PROACE ranges and the title of Britain's Top Tradesperson 2016 from Screwfix, so it's definitely worth taking the time to apply.”

Entries to BTT are open until 5th June 2016, with regional finalists going head-to-head later that month. The national final will be in July, with the overall winner being named Britain's Top Tradesperson 2016.

To enter you can go into your local Screwfix store in Plymouth or go to screwfix.com/btt where you can also find further details of the competition.