UK electricians reach semi-final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson award

Two electricians, James Cheeseman, from Chelmsford, and Ryan Donnelly, from Glasgow, have reached the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023.

James, 41, who owns JSC Electrical and Smart Home, has been working in the trade for 17 years. Working across Essex, his business focuses on smart home technology installations. He is passionate about delivering the best possible solution for his customers and the highest possible standards of workmanship.

Ryan, 33, who owns RSD Electrical, has been working in the trade for 11 years. He has established RSD Electrical as an environmentally conscious business by minimising waste and recycling where possible, using sustainable products, and expanding the business into electric vehicle charging and renewable technologies, such as solar.

They will now compete against 25 other top tradespeople from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who were selected from over 1,000 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 22 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.

James 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 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.”

Ryan adds, “Reaching the national final in September and winning this award would be life changing for me. It would allow me to follow my dream and see my business continue to grow. I have been self-employed for just over a year, so I hope to impress the judges with my commitment to providing excellent customer service, growing my client base and establishing an environmentally conscious company.”

Now in the 14th year of the prestigious award, James and Ryan 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, says, “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!”