Heating engineer from Kettering reaches final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021

• Chris Starsmore from Kettering will take part in the virtual final of the prestigious award in September
• The heating engineer is hoping to be crowned this year’s winner
• The winner will walk away with the coveted title and a trade bundle worth £20,000

A heating engineer from Kettering is celebrating after seeing off hundreds of other tradespeople to reach the final of the renowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021 competition.

Chris Starsmore, 38, has been shortlisted and will join nine other worthy contestants from across the UK & Ireland to go head-to-head to win the coveted title.

With 22 years of experience as a heating engineer, Chris has been selected after demonstrating a real passion for the trade, showcasing his exceptional skills, drive, and determination to go above and beyond for his customers.

Having previously run a successful large plumbing and heating business, Chris was the unfortunate victim of an accident which left him disabled. As a result, Chris decided to trade one tool in for another by starting up his own building and rental company, Astar Living Ltd, which specialises in building and renovating houses designed to enable inclusiveness and ease of accessibility for people with disabilities and other impairments.

The standard of the 10 finalists is incredibly high and Chris, who runs Astar Living Ltd, will aim to impress a panel of judges with his examples of excellent workmanship and dedication to the trade during a two-day virtual final event in September.

The winner will be crowned during Screwfix LIVE and will take home the ultimate £20,000 prize bundle comprising of tech, tools, and training.

Chris, who is thrilled to have reached the final, says: “To be named as a finalist in this prestigious competition is a real honour and to be recognised in this way after navigating such a difficult path means a great deal. I’m looking forward to showing off my skills and getting to know the other finalists and judges; to go on and win this competition would be a phenomenal achievement.”

Simon Jackson, Customer and Digital Director at Screwfix said: “We recognise the importance of supporting our nations tradespeople, and we want to reward them for their hard work and for continually supporting their customers and local communities. We have seen many, high quality entrants this year and our top ten finalists have done incredibly well to get this far. I look forward to meeting the finalists as we look to crown one high calibre individual as Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021. I’d like to congratulate Chris for reaching the final and I wish all the finalists the best of luck.”

During the final, Chris will face a panel of industry-leading judges including representatives from the NICEIC, CIPHE, FMB and 2019 winner, Darren McGhee