Manchester Joiner is Crowned the Winner Britain’s Top Tradesman Competition

A Stockport-based joiner, Tom Ball has beaten competition from thousands to receive the title of ‘Britain’s Top Tradesman’ 2013, in a UK-wide contest. ‘Britain’s Top Tradesman’, organised by trade retailer Screwfix, is a comprehensive search to find and recognise the best in the trade, from bricklayers to carpenters, helpful handymen, exceptional electricians and perfect plumbers that keep the UK’s homes and businesses in top condition.

Owner of T Ball Joinery, Tom, has been in the trade for more than seven years and had to compete in a regional round, before going head to head with nine finalists from across the UK. As the winner, he not only gets to take home the title, but also a brand new Toyota PROACE van up to a value of £27,000 on the road. He faced a judging panel made up of industry experts including the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the British Woodworking Federation and the electrical trade body, NICEIC. Tom comments: “I can’t believe the judges chose me as the winner of Britain’s Top Tradesman 2013! I moved up north from the Midlands four years ago and set-up my own business, building a strong customer base, so winning the title means the world to me. I am passionate about giving my customers the best service possible and so far, it looks like it’s all paid off.”

This year, judges looked for the best tradesman who impressed them most with criteria such as devotion to their work and outstanding skills. What particularly stood out from Tom was his, entrepreneurial spirit, attention to detail and passion for customer service. What’s more, Neil Birnie, a heating engineer from Aberdeen, and Steve Friel, an electrician from Coventry also won the judges over with their entries and are runner’s up in the conmpetition. Screwfix Marketing Director John Mewett comments: "Every year we are overwhelmed by the high standard of work and willingness to go the extra mile demonstrated by tradesmen across the UK. This award recognises the hard work they go to keep our homes warm, safe and in tip-top condition. “We felt that Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit really stood out and the fact that he embraced technology and social media to run his business was incredibly impressive. We have a hugely deserving winner in Tom who represents all that is great about the UK’s tradesmen. We look forward to hearing about his future successes.”