Tradesperson of the Year national finalists 2021

Congratulations to the regional and devolved nations' winners of the 2021 Tradesperson of the Year award who will now go on to compete in the National Master Builder Awards on 24 September 2021. Check out the full list of national finalists below and learn more about these amazing tradespeople.

Thank you to our sponsor TradePoint

"We are delighted, once again, to be a sponsor of this fantastic event, which highlights the expertise and work of tradespeople within the industry."

TradePoint is the trade-only arm of B&Q, FMB members get 10% off almost everything in-store or online including promotional lines, giving you access to discounts on over 40,000 discounted products across the full range. For more information, visit www.trade-point.co.uk.

Tradesperson of the Year - Mantas Gedgaudas of Contemporary Construction Ltd (London)

Mantas Gedgaudas impressed the judges with his professional, positive approach to all jobs big and small. Mantas stood out as an excellent manager of his small but effective team, and one who helps colleagues to consistently deliver work they can take pride in. In what has been a challenging year for everybody involved in the construction industry, his understanding of and commitment to helping clients with concerns has been key to the successful conclusion of numerous projects. What’s more, his arrangement of team bonding activities such as fishing trips has helped to establish a great working culture at Contemporary Construction, which will undoubtedly lead to more success in the future.

Find out more about Contemporary Construction Ltd.

Tradesperson of the Year - John Young, A & E Construction (Warwickshire) Ltd (Midlands)

John Young joined A&E Construction Ltd in 2017 as a plasterer and has since then continuously striven to improve and increase his skillset. He constantly sets and maintains high standards in the quality of all his work and in dealing with clients, colleagues, and sub-contractors. His team nominated him for Tradesperson of the Year for his commitment to going beyond the call of duty, and for the dedication and enthusiasm he shows in his mentorship role; training and up-skilling new starters pursuing apprenticeships in the industry. They describe him as a “a thoroughly trustworthy, hardworking, conscientious, diligent, and capable individual, who to top it all off is a genuinely good guy”.

Find out more about A & E Construction (Warwickshire) Ltd.

Tradesperson of the Year - Andrew Radford of Radford Construction Services Ltd (Northern Counties)

Andrew considers himself a craftsman rather than a tradesman, taking great pride in the high standards of work he can always be depended upon to deliver. He is known for always making himself available to others to give advice, and colleagues have expressed appreciation for the way he and his wife Michelle have reached out to those who have struggled through the recent pandemic. He impressed the judges not just by zip-wiring off the Tyne Bridge for charity, but also with a superb testimonial from his clients that read: “The FMB should be very proud to have him as a member as he epitomises everything they stand for".

Find out more about Radford Construction Services Ltd

Tradesperson of the Year - Paul Collins of Marlfield Joinery and Construction Ltd (Northern Ireland)

Paul Collins was nominated by a self-described “high-maintenance” client who was delighted with his customer service, stating that “his management of the build from start to finish left nothing to be desired. The quality of the workmanship is evident.” He impressed the judges too, who consider him “a great advert for the industry as a whole” and noted his accuracy in keeping to project specifications, as well as his ability to make helpful suggestions on how to improve project plans and enhance the result for the client. Paul is summarised best by his client who describes him as “a perfectionist who takes real pride in his work.”

Find out more about Marlfield Joinery and Construction Ltd

Tradesperson of the Year - Jeff Lomax of Dale Contractors Ltd (North West)

With some 20 years’ of experience under his belt as a joiner at Dale Contractors, Jeff has broadened his skillset by taking on a range of CITB courses and on-the-job training initiatives, now setting a fine example as Site Manager on their biggest projects. Taking the initiative as the pandemic took hold in the North West, Jeff constructed handwashing stations on sites to ensure staff safety, and acts as an outstanding ambassador for his firm dealing with everybody from young apprentices right up to the senior directors of key clients.. He maintains a positive attitude whatever the circumstances, and regularly gives back to his community by supporting charity fundraising.

Find out more about Dale Contractors Ltd

Tradesperson of the Year - Ross Taylor of Fine Detail All Trades Ltd (Scotland)

As the effects of the pandemic began to be felt in the industry, Ross developed a plan to maintain and provide jobs for those already at Fine Detail Renovation, as well as for others who found themselves at a loose end. He has consistently maintained a focus on improving mental and physical wellbeing of the team and impressed the judges by displaying mature leadership qualities despite only being 25 years old. Following a recent emergency operation his first thoughts were of his team and the progression of works underway. Those colleagues rate him highly, stating: “We are proud of this young man and so should be our FMB community.”

Find out more about Fine Detail All Trades Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Tradesperson of the Year - Luke Harman of L P Harman Building Services Ltd (Southern Counties)

Luke was nominated by a client who hired him for a home extension and disability adaptation, made more challenging by access issues presented by the site location. Training an apprentice throughout the project, Luke and his team showed great courtesy to the client and the neighbours, always checking in to make sure they were happy and to ask if they had any concerns. Luke’s commitment is clear from the client’s comments;

The level of care and attention to not only for the build but the needs of our family were phenomenal. We... feel incredibly lucky that he came into our lives when he did”.

Find out more about L P Harman Building Services Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Tradesperson of the Year - Rod Macauley of Thorn Homes Ltd (South West)

Rod Macauley joined Thorn Homes more than 12 years ago, even then bringing with him a wealth of valuable experience and knowledge. The judges noted how well he manages client expectations and consistently delivers the projects of their dreams, whilst providing clear guidance and offering complete support to everyone he works with. Rod was nominated by his employer who says he drives standards higher every day with his professionalism, and previous clients have described him as "professional, friendly and trustworthy"; qualities that embody what it means to be a Master Builder and make him a worthy award winner.

Find out more about Thorn Homes Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Tradesperson of the Year - Simon Meadows of Sheffield Garage Conversions Ltd (Yorkshire & Trent)

Displaying an outstanding dedication to customer service throughout the build process and thereafter – even to the point of employing cleaners for clients – Simon Meadows’ nomination really stood out to the judges. His efforts to keep morale high amongst colleagues through supporting all aspects of their work have not gone unnoticed at Sheffield Garage Conversions, not to mention the wealth of experience and knowledge he brings to every job. The judges also thought Simon’s habit of sending customers a “thank you” gift with a poem on completion of projects was a “nice touch”.

Find out more about Sheffield Garage Conversions Ltd.