- Ian Chapman from Edinburgh has reached the semi-final of the national award.
- The plumber is amongst 27 semi-finalists shortlisted for this stage of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award 2023.
- Ultimate trade bundle of tools, tech, and training worth £20,000 to be awarded to the champion at Screwfix LIVE in September.
Ian Chapman, a plumber from Edinburgh, has reached the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023.
Ian, 46, is the co-director of Chaps Heating & Plumbing and has been working in the trade for 28 years. His initial application highlighted Ian’s professionalism, dedication, and commitment to supporting the future of the industry, securing him a place in the semi-finals for the coveted award.
Ian is committed to learning and has invested in additional training for himself, as well as the apprentices he employs, to ensure they have wide-ranging knowledge on emerging heating technologies, such as hydrogen and heat pumps.
He will now compete against 26 other top tradespeople from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who were selected from over 1000 applications, for the chance to be shortlisted as a top 10 finalist.
The top 10 will participate in a one-day final event at Screwfix LIVE, on Friday 22nd September, where a panel of esteemed industry experts will interview the finalists before deciding on who is this year’s champion.
The overall winner will be crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023, and take home the ultimate trade bundle of tools, tech, and training worth £20,000.
Ian comments: “I’m thrilled to get through to the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023, particularly knowing how many incredible tradespeople I would have been up against. Reaching the national final in September and winning the award would be great recognition for me and my business.
“I hope to impress the judges with my commitment to expanding my knowledge and supporting the next generation of tradespeople to do the same. As a father to three daughters, I would love to play a part in encouraging more women into the trade too.”
Now in the 14th year of the prestigious award, Ian aims to join the Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame, alongside reigning champion Toby Peacock who won the competition last year.
Toby, an electrician from Cambridge, has shown himself to be a true ambassador for the trade, launching his podcast ‘Tearoom Talks’ which focuses on improving mental health in the trade.
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said: “We know there are many exceptional tradespeople out there who show passion and dedication day in, day out. When choosing our champion of the trade, we look for inspirational tradespeople that go above and beyond for their customers, as well as acting as an ambassador for the industry to encourage the next generation of tradespeople.
“Through this national award, we hope to recognise the fantastic work of tradespeople who are invaluable to our economy and the communities they serve.
“A huge congratulations to all our semi-finalists – I wish them the best of luck and look forward to meeting our finalists in September!”
To find out more about Screwfix Top Tradesperson, please visit screwfix.com/stt