Plumber and bricklayer bid to nail title

Local Plumbing & Heating Engineer, Alan Carruthers, and local bricklayer, Peter Elmes, both from Plymouth have made it through to the regional finals of a nationwide search to find Britain’s Top Tradesman.

Alan, 50, and Peter, 61, have seen off competition from across the region to become two of only five local tradesmen and women to make it through to this stage of competition.

Now in its fifth year, this highly sought after award, led by leading multi-channel supplier, Screwfix aims to recognise and champion the best tradesmen in the UK.

Alan and Peter are now in with the chance of making it through to the grand final at Wembley stadium, where one finalist will be crowned Britain’s Top Tradesman and receive a brand new Toyota truck worth £28,000 (OTR) to help them with their business.

Alan, who trades under the name HPE (Heating Plumbing Electrical) Plymouth, based in Plymouth, thinks his commitment to renewable energy and promoting new ideas in the industry will help him to stand out against the crowd and impress the judges. Peter, who trades under the name Elmes Construction, based in Plymouth, thinks his experience and commitment to teaching and training the new generation of bricklayers will help him go further in the competition.

Alan comments: “I shop in Screwfix on almost a daily basis as the products offered have helped me take a lead on new ideas in the industry such as, renewable energy. I’m thrilled to have made it through to the regional finals and hope my passion for new technology and renewable energy will help me go further in the competition.”

Peter comments: “Having been in the industry for 45 years, I know how important training is for the next generation of bricklayers. I’ve been teaching for over 15 years now and really appreciate being able to pass my knowledge down. Getting through to the regional finals of Britain’s Top Tradesmen is fantastic and I look forward to possibly going further.” 

Screwfix Marketing Director, John Mewett said: “Alan has made it through to the regional finals because he has taken a lead on new ideas within the industry and is truly dedicated to the service he offers, and Peter has become a regional finalist due to his wealth of experience he continues to pass down to his trainees. He has a real passion for the industry which comes through in his many years of teaching.

“All of our regional finalists are chosen because they been able to demonstrate dedication to their profession and a commitment to delivering great customer service, always willing to go the ‘extra mile’ to get the job done.

“This year’s grand final will be held at Wembley stadium and with only one person from each regional heat able to secure a place it is bound to be an exciting and close competition.  I would like to wish Alan and Peter the best of luck in his heat.”