Six plumbers and heating engineers have made it to the semi-finals of Screwfix’s Top Tradesperson competition.
Plumbers Anthony Burke from East Sussex, Paul Clark from Hoylake, Daniel Cross from Widnes and Jordan Jack from Swindon, along with heating engineers Lee Davies from Pembroke Dock and Nicholas McPhee from Leeds have all earned places in the semi-finals of this year’s competition, against more than 900 entrants. They are among 26 tradespeople still in the running for the national title.
Anthony runs his own business, TaylorBurke Plumbing Solutions, and has worked as a plumber for 26 years.
He said: “What I love most about being a plumbing and heating engineer is that no two days are ever the same. Every day brings a different challenge and I genuinely enjoy finding solutions to problems that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Paul runs his own company, Concept PH, and has worked as a plumber for 35 years.
He added: “As a third-generation plumbing and heating engineer, this trade is part of who I am. I grew up understanding the importance of integrity, reliability and taking genuine pride in every job, no matter its size.”
Daniel runs his own business, D&N Heating, and has worked as a heating engineer for 26 years.
He said: “What I love most about working in the trade is knowing that what we do genuinely matters. When someone’s heating has broken down, or they’ve been left without hot water, you can make a real difference to their day.”
Jordan runs his own business, Hydra Plumbing Services, and has worked as a plumber for 10 years.
He added: “Winning the award would give my business more recognition and help us reach more homeowners, families, elderly or vulnerable customers and their carers across Swindon and the surrounding areas. A major part of our work is mobility bathroom adaptations, wet rooms and walk-in showers, helping people make their homes safer, more practical and more comfortable.”
Lee runs his own company, Innovative Heating Services, and has worked as a heating engineer for 24 years.
He said: “I’ve worked in the heating industry since 2002 and still enjoy every day because no two jobs are ever the same. I love solving problems that others haven’t been able to fix and giving customers confidence that the job has been completed safely and to the highest standard. Seeing the relief on a customer’s face when their heating or hot water is back on is so rewarding. “
Nicholas runs his own business, Duo Renewable Heating, and has worked as a plumber for 26 years.
He added: “Working in the heating trade is more than a job to me – it’s a responsibility, and a privilege. For more than 26 years I’ve had the opportunity to work in homes across Yorkshire, solving problems, improving comfort, and helping families feel safe and warm.”
The semi-final stage will see the six compete against 20 other tradespeople for a place in the final 10. The final is set to take place at Screwfix Live in Farnborough on Friday 25 September 2026.
Here the finalists will be put through their paces in front of a panel of industry experts, with one winner crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026. The winner will take home a trade bundle worth £20,000/€20,000, made up of tools, tech and training.
Jack Wallace, marketing director at Screwfix, said: “Now in its 17th year, our search for the UK and Ireland’s Top Tradesperson continues to shine a light on the brilliant talent across the trade. The hundreds of entries we receive each year reflects both the depth of talent across the UK and Ireland and the pride tradespeople take in their work. I wish all this year’s semi-finalists the best of luck.”