Pembrokeshire builder in final of prestigious Screwfix award

Chris James, a 37-year-old builder with 15 years of experience, has made it to the final 10 of the 2024 competition.

He will now compete against nine other finalists from the UK and Ireland.

Mr James impressed the judges in the semi-final interviews with his 'sheer passion for the trade, dedication, and commitment to supporting future talent.'

His company, Kingsmere Carpentry and Construction, has raised more than £50,000 for the charity, Farms for City Children.

This charity enables children from disadvantaged communities to experience working on farms in the countryside.

Mr James also recently fitted a defibrillator outside a shop and is keen to complete more installations across the region.

Looking ahead, Mr James wants to invest in further training opportunities for his employees and broaden his own skillset by learning the basics of electrics.

He hopes to see a bigger push from the education system to promote apprenticeships within the trade and encourage more young people to consider a career in the industry.

Mr James is also committed to working sustainably, managing waste responsibly by using excess wood to fuel fires.

In the future, he would like to invest in a new fleet of electric or hybrid vehicles.

Mr James said: "I’m over the moon to have made it to the final of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024.

"This award is not just about winning; it's about celebrating the hard work and dedication that goes into our trade.

"I’m proud to represent Pembrokeshire and all builders out there and look forward to the final stage of the competition and meeting the other finalists."

The final of this year’s Screwfix Top Tradesperson will take place at Screwfix LIVE on Friday, September 27, where a panel of industry experts will select this year’s overall champion.

The panel includes representatives from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), and reigning champion, Astrid Arnold.

The winner will take home the coveted title, along with an ultimate trade bundle of tech, tools, and training worth £20,000.

They will also join the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame.

Jack Wallace, marketing director at Screwfix, said: "The nation’s tradespeople are an invaluable asset not just to the economy, but also the local communities in which they work.

"So much hard work goes on behind the scenes that most people often don’t get to see, which is why we created Screwfix Top Tradesperson, to give them the recognition they deserve.

"Our 10 finalists have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their trade, and we’d like to wish them the very best of luck for the final.

"Although I, and the other judges, have got a tough job ahead of us, we can’t wait to see what each contestant will bring to the table."

To find out more about Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024, visit the Screwfix website.