Five carpenters and joiners have seen off strong competition from across the UK and Ireland to win 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, against 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 both high-end residential homes and commercial interiors throughout the UK.
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training and inspiring more people, both male and female, to consider a career in construction while challenging outdated perceptions of the industry.”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 successful winner will join the likes of reigning Screwfix Top Tradesperson, Martin Daly, in the growing Screwfix Hall of Fame.
