The search begins in Plymouth for Britain's Top Tradesman 2013

Tradesmen and women across Plymouth, the time has come once again to down tools and enter this year’s search for Britain’s Top Tradesman (BTT).

Screwfix, which has a store in Plymouth, is launching its annual competition to find the best in the field where the winner receives a brand new Toyota Proace van, worth up to £27,000, and also be awarded the title of the nation’s No1 tradesperson, an accolade that can really boost a business.

Last year, Michael Cairns, a plumber from Edinburgh, walked away with the crown after fighting off stiff competition from over 3,000 entrants. He says it has taken his company, Celsius Plumbing, to another level.

Michael adds: “It has been an incredible year. From the moment I first appeared in the newspapers, my business workload increased tenfold. We picked up so many new customers who have remained loyal to us ever since.

“Most people don't know who to call when looking for a reputable tradesman, this endorsement is giving them the confidence to pick up the phone and call me. I would recommend every tradesman and woman enters this year’s Britain’s Top Tradesman – it really can change your life!”

The Britain’s Top Tradesman Award is given to those who can prove they excel in their business, and only rewards the best of the best. Maybe you’ve just started your own company and are proving a hit with customers, or perhaps you have taken a course to upgrade your skills-set. You may have completed a fantastic or complex job for someone, or you run your business with customers in mind, by offering transparent pricing, free quotes or on a no-fix no-fee basis. No matter the reason, you have until 6 October to put your case forward and enter the competition.

John Mewett, marketing director at Screwfix, comments: “Last year we had more than 3,000 entries and the calibre was outstanding. Our finalists impressed us so much that in the end, in addition to selecting Michael as a winner, we also awarded three additional tradesmen and women highly-commended prizes.

"We are hoping for some great entries again this autumn and will once again be rewarding one overall winner with a van and the titles of Britain’s Top Tradesman 2013.

"It’s the fourth year Screwfix has run Britain’s Top Tradesman, with plumbers picking up the top prize for the past three years so it appears this is the trade to beat! I’d like to encourage all tradesmen and women in Plymouth to enter now, it could be the best thing you ever do for your business.”

A Toyota Proace prize van will be on display at Screwfix Live, 13th-15th September, at Farnborough Five. Entries to BTT are open until 6th October 2013, with regional finalists going head to head. The national final will be in November, with the overall winner being named Britain’s Top Tradesman 2013.

To enter you can go into the Screwfix store in Plymouth, or go to www.screwfix.com/btt, where you can also watch a film of Michael giving top tips on how to get through to the final. Visit the Screwfix Facebook page for more information about the competition.