Electrician from Newtownards is awarded highly commended in Screwfix’s search for Britain’s Top Tradesperson 2016

James Martin, an electrician from Newtownards, has been awarded highly commended in a competition to find the best tradesperson in the country.

More than 6,000 people entered Britain’s Top Tradesperson, organised by multi-channel retailer Screwfix. James, aged 29, was one of eleven finalists who attended the national final at Wembley Stadium to face a panel of esteemed judges. Due to the high standard, James was awarded highly commended, along with one other tradesperson – Westley Duggan a plumbing and heating engineer from Bishop’s Stortford.

James, owner of JWM Electrical, prides himself in going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure his customers are happy. He impressed the judges with his willingness to invest in the future of the trade, taking on and training apprentices and foreign students each year.

James comments: “I am humbled to have been awarded highly commended in this competition. We offer a complete product and whether its commercial, entertainment or domestic work our team are continually praised for their professional work and manners.  I met a great bunch of tradesmen and women at the final, who I learnt a lot from. I am delighted to receive this award and would like to thank all of our team for their hard work and attitude that drives me to continue improving myself each day.”

Britain’s Top Tradesperson is a comprehensive search by Screwfix to find and recognise the best in the trade, from bricklayers to carpenters, handymen, electricians and plumbers that keep the UK’s homes and businesses in top condition.

Screwfix Store Operations and Property Director, Graham Bell, comments: “Every year we’re overwhelmed by the high standard of tradespeople who enter Britain’s Top Tradesperson.

‘’James stood out with his professionalism and loyalty to his customers. Applying new technology to grow his business as well as keeping up with the latest legislations. James, along with our other finalists and national winner, represents all that is great about the UK’s tradespeople. We look forward to hearing about his future successes.”

This year, judges looked for the tradesperson who impressed them most with criteria such as devotion to their work, qualifications and outstanding skills. Richie Maxwell, a bricklayer from Tillicoultry, was crowned the overall winner and won the keys to a brand new Toyota vehicle worth £32,000 (OTR). Westley Duggan, a plumbing and heating engineer from Bishop’s Stortford, was awarded highly commended by the judges, along with James. Both received a Screwfix voucher worth £250 to buy tools that they need for their trade.