A Coventry-based electrician has been named the runner-up in a prestigious nationwide competition to find the very best tradesman in the country.
Steve Friel, 34, entered the competitive Britain’s Top Tradesman contest, which is run each year by trade retailer Screwfix, along with thousands of others from across the country.
He was shortlisted along with nine other applicants and they were all invited to attend the national final at Wembley Stadium, where they faced a panel of judges.
Steve, who runs the business Central Electrics, impressed the panel of judges with his commitment and hard work, successfully managing to establish a business in the competitive world of electricians.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to receive this special recognition from Screwfix,” he told the Coventry Observer.
“I strive for excellence in customer service and always keep an eye out to see what other companies do to see if I can adapt it for my business. I also detail fixed prices on my website so customers know what to expect from a job and will follow up with them when we have completed the work to make sure they are happy,” Steve added.
The judging panel confirmed that Steve's use of technology helped to win him his award. He aims to offer outstanding service by sending customers automated text messages to inform them that he is on his way to their properties. He also uses cloud computing so his team are kept informed about what is happening in real time.
He added: “I hope to inspire others thinking of a career change to give it a go – I have never looked back!”