The search for the 2016 UK plumber of the year is on, but who will become this year’s winner? Let’s take a closer look at the competition and who has been nominated.
What is Plumber of the Year 2016?
Now in its second year, Plumber of the Year is a national competition that sees nominated plumbers recognised for their hard work, personable customer service and advanced skill.
A panel of esteemed judges whittle down the entries to a final 10, who then must campaign for votes. The five with the most votes will make it to an interview stage where they will have to convince the judges why they deserve to be named the best plumber in the country.
The winner will receive the prestigious title, plus £10,000 worth of prizes, including JT, Bristan and Plumb Centre products.
Last year’s winner, Josh Colbert, 24, from Huntington has said:
"Winning last year came as a complete shock, I couldn't believe it when I got the call! I am so grateful for not only the reward itself and amazing prizes that came with it, but the fantastic media exposure I received which generated new opportunities for my business. This is something every plumber should get involved with in 2016."
The 2016 Shortlist
So, who is in the running to be named UK Plumber of the Year 2016? Here’s a brief look at the line-up:
Kim Hewings, 61, HavMain
With more than 40 years in the industry, Kim has been recognised for his perseverance and patience.
Twitter: @HavMain
Mark Wakely, 24, Ford & Sons
One of the youngest on this list, Mark has been shortlisted due to his high-standard of workmanship.
Twitter: @Fords_Devon
Ollie Chuter, 29, OJC Plumbing & Heating
Ollie made the list because of his commitment to going above and beyond for his customers.
Twitter: @OjcHeating
Richard Weir, 51, Macoun Energy Limited, North Shields
Richard impressed the judges with the work he has done which has gained gleaming recommendations on Rated People.
Twitter: @MacounEco
Shaun Scott, 25, Derek Scott Plumbing & Heating, Insch, Aberdeenshire
Shaun impressed the judges with a restoration project that saw him work on a 90-year-old bathroom.
Christopher Lemons, 22, Lemon’s Engineering, Chesterfield
Another young plumber, Christopher has been recognised for his work on the refurbishment of his Local Authority headquarters.
Charlie Stewart, 56, Chas Stewart Plumbing & Heating Engineers Ltd, Perth
With impressive attention to detail, company loyalty and the fact his apprentice was named ‘Apprentice of the Year’, made Charlie an obvious choice.
Twitter: @CStewartPlumber
Richard Lane, 29, Bain Plumbing, Bolton
With ten years in the trade, Richard has been shortlisted for his skill and genuine level of engagement with his clients.
Twitter: @BainPlumbing
Emily Bexon, 33, Dave Clarke & Son Ltd, Hinckley
Emily has been shortlisted due to her care and attention to each and every job she works on.
Darren Owen, 45, Logical Heating & Plumbing Solutions, Croydon
Darren features on this list thanks to his fantastic customer feedback.
Twitter: @LHPS_Ltd
Peter Hodgson Jr, 28, Woodford Heating & Energy, Essex
The judges loved Peter’s empathy and the way he encourages those new to the industry, who may be struggling, not to give up.
Sarah Osborne, 42, Cambridge
Sarah’s determination to learn a trade and start her own business impressed the judges, as well as her ‘unstoppable’ work ethic.
Hattie Hasan, 54, Stopcocks UK, Todmorden
Hattie has been recognised for two main reasons: her charity work and for an impressive bathroom transformation.
Twitter: @HattieHasan
Scott Irwin, 39, The Plumbing People, Wirral
Scott’s personal contact is loved by his customers and he has received numerous excellent reviews as a result.
Twitter: @scotty24irwin
Richard Minto, 34, Plumbminto’s Ltd, Sutton
Richard has been nominated for his 100% positive feedback and the fact he always goes the extra mile. He is even campaigning to raise funds to provide toilets for the less fortunate.
Twitter: @Plumbmintos
You can vote for your winner here until 4pm Sunday 14th August 2016.
Do You Dream of Nationwide Recognition?
If you would love to be named UK Plumber of the Year one day or achieve similar success in another trade, you may want to give your CV a boost and perfect your skills by enrolling on one of our accredited training courses.
Find out all about us and enquire today for your future by clicking here.
(all photos taken from UK Plumber of the Year’s Facebook page)