Five carpenters and joiners reach Screwfix Top Tradesperson semi-finals
Five carpenters and joiners have seen off strong competition from across the UK and Ireland to secure a semi-final place in Screwfix’s annual search for its Top Tradesperson
Richard Barnes from Knutsford, Kevin Crawford from Prestonpans, Karl Malone from Tamworth, Josh Richards from Surrey and Gavin Tutton from Kenilworth have all earned places in the semi-finals of this year’s Screwfix Top Tradesperson competition, which attracted more than 900 entrants. They are among 26 tradespeople still in the running for the national title.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the joinery industry, Richard Barnes has built a career that has taken him from the workshop floor in the UK to managing prestigious bespoke joinery and interior fit-out projects across Bahrain and the Bahamas. He later returned home to establish Woodwork Interiors Ltd, a specialist company designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke joinery for high-end residential homes and commercial interiors throughout the UK.
Richard says: “Winning Screwfix Top Tradesperson would mean an enormous amount to me. On a personal level, it would be recognition of more than 20 years dedicated to the trade and everything that has gone into building Woodwork Interiors Ltd. More importantly, it would be fantastic for my team and my family, giving us a platform to continue growing the business while showcasing the quality of British craftsmanship.
“My career has taken me from workshop floors in the UK to managing major bespoke joinery and interior fit-out projects across Bahrain and the Bahamas. Those experiences taught me that attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and taking pride in your work are recognised and valued wherever you are in the world.
“Returning to the UK to build Woodwork Interiors Ltd has allowed me to combine everything I’ve learnt throughout my career into a business that genuinely cares about quality, customer service and producing bespoke joinery that will stand the test of time.
“I started my career as an apprentice, so I know first-hand how important it is to have experienced people willing to share their knowledge. That’s why I’m passionate about giving something back and helping the next generation develop the skills and confidence to build successful careers in our industry.”
Kevin Crawford runs his own business, K Crawford Ltd, and has worked as a carpenter for 22 years.
He says: “Winning Screwfix Top Tradesperson would provide a platform to amplify the work I am already doing to support and develop the next generation of tradespeople. As a joiner, I am passionate about passing on skills through hands-on, site-based training and inspiring more people, both male and female, to consider a career in construction while challenging outdated perceptions of the industry.”
Karl Malone runs his own business, TopBuild Carpentry, and has worked as a carpenter for 22 years.
He says: “Winning Screwfix Top Tradesperson would be an incredible achievement for both me and my team. It would be recognition for the years of hard work we’ve put into building a business that prides itself on quality, innovation and craftsmanship. It would help us continue growing, invest back into the business and prove that passion, quality and hard work really do pay off.
“I also enjoy inspiring others through my social media. It’s a career where hard work, craftsmanship and attention to detail are rewarded, and there’s nothing better than standing back at the end of a job knowing you’ve built something that will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Josh Richards runs Tecta Build Ltd and has worked as a carpenter for 20 years.
He says: “Winning Screwfix Top Tradesperson would be a huge milestone, both personally and professionally. As a carpenter specialising in complex roof structures, I take real pride in producing high-quality work and raising standards within the trade.
“I also want to use the platform to inspire more people to see construction as a career to be proud of. I love the people in this industry. Construction is built on trust, hard work and looking out for one another. I’ve met some incredible people through the trade, and I’m passionate about showing the next generation that construction isn’t just about hard graft; it’s about craftsmanship, skill and taking pride in producing work to the highest standard.”
Gavin Tutton runs his own business and has worked as a carpenter for 23 years. It was a combination of skill, resilience and determination that helped Gavin stand out among the hundreds of entries. In particular, Gavin’s commitment to encouraging young people to consider carpentry as a trade impressed the judges.
He says: “What excites me most about Screwfix Top Tradesperson is the opportunity to champion the trade. I’ve been fortunate enough to speak at industry events and even return to the college where I completed my apprenticeship to talk to current students about my journey. If sharing my experiences encourages even one young person to pursue a career in the trades, then it’s time well spent.
“What I love most about being in the trade is the satisfaction of creating something that genuinely improves people’s lives. A kitchen is the heart of the home, so being trusted to transform that space is a privilege I never take for granted. Seeing a customer’s reaction when they walk into their finished kitchen for the first time makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
The semi-final stage will see the quintet compete against 21 other tradespeople for a place in the final 10, ahead of the national final at Screwfix LIVE in September.
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 and taking home a trade bundle worth £20,000/€20,000, made up of tools, tech and training.
This year’s winner will join the likes of reigning Screwfix Top Tradesperson Martin Daly in the growing Screwfix Hall of Fame.
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, added: “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 reflect 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.”
To find out more about Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026, visit screwfix.com/stt or screwfix.ie/stt.
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