North East Electricals are the PROUD WINNERS of the Screwfix Tradesperson of the year 2015!

It is a great accolade, and to be closely associated with one of the country’s leading suppliers of building materials to the trade and the public is a fantastic achievement.

The Story so far…

‘Back in early 2015, we saw an advert for Screwfix’s Britain’s Top Tradesperson competition. The caption read ‘Are you Britain’s Top Tradesperson? Do you think you give the very best customer service and quality workmanship?’ And it struck a chord.

We had been gathering lots of 10/10 checkatrade reviews, and our customer feedback was consistently very positive. We knew by the amount of praise and repeat custom we were getting, that we must be getting something right, so we decided to enter the competition.

We were shocked to be asked to come and attend the regional assessments in Peterborough, and the other tradesmen were real hard workers, all very professional in their trade. There were roofers, plumbers, builders, window fitters, gas engineers, joiners all trades. I could see it was a real tough competition, and shrugged it off as a good experience.

I was blown away to receive the call, to tell me that of the 2,500 applicants – I was the only person selected from the north east to attend the national final. I was invited down to London, and had to face a panel of judges. It felt like The Apprentice! I was quizzed on technical problems, customer service, running my business etc. 

Then I returned back to Newcastle from London, glad of the experience.  Then a few weeks later, the call came. I was lost for words to be told that out of all of the tradesmen in the whole of the UK, I had been voted Britain’s Top Tradesperson with North East Electricals. The title itself was enough for me, but to then be awarded a Toyota Hilux Invincible pick up truck was something I’ll never forget’

Screwfix Marketing Director, John Mewett comments: ‘More than 2500 entered the competition this year, and we were overwhelmed by the high standard of work completed by the nation’s tradespeople.

We felt that his entrepreneurial sprit really stood out, and the fact that he has never had a customer complaint is a reflection on the quality of his workmanship too. We have a hugely deserving winner in Darren who represents all that is great about the UK’s tradespeople. We look forward to hearing about his future successes.’