09 Aug Tradespeople from Essex Reach Semi-Final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson
Two tradespeople from Essex including Georgie Baker, a decorator from Witham, and James Cheeseman, an electrician from Chelmsford, have reached the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023.
Georgie, 35, who runs his own business, has been working in the trade for more than 10 years. Since setting up his own business, Georgie’s passion for the trade has really changed his life and seen him win several awards. Georgie has also featured on a variety of TV shows including Changing Rooms and Stacey Solomon’s Sort Your Life Out.
James, 41, who owns JSC Electrical and Smart Home has been working in the trade for 17 years. Working across Essex, James’ business focuses on smart home technology installations. He is passionate about delivering the best possible solution for his customers, but also the highest possible standards of workmanship too.
They will now compete against 25 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.
Georgie 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. I’ve used my business and experience within the trade to turn my life around. My drive shows that if you really want something enough you can achieve it.”
James added: “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 passion for smart home technology. There’s often a belief that this sort of technology is just for fun, but it can be incredibly functional too. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is installing smart home solutions for elderly customers, to help them switch on the light, or close blinds – that side of my work is really important to me.”
Now in the 14th year of the prestigious award, Georgie and James aim 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!”
