Top Tradesperson Crown Within Reach Of Sunderland Decorator

A decorator from Sunderland is going for gold, after making it to the final 10 of the 2024 Screwfix Top Tradesperson award.

Now, Gary Marsh, 53, who has been working as a decorator for 38 years will go head-to-head with nine other finalists from across the UK and Ireland.

Beating off fierce competition from more than 1,000 applications, Gary impressed the judges during the semi-final interviews with his sheer passion for the trade, dedication, and commitment to supporting his employee’s growth.

Starting as an apprentice, during which he completed an advanced craft module and won apprentice of the year, Gary is especially passionate about high end painting and decorating and enjoys the rich variety of work.

Gary, who regularly takes on complex work, is an admin for various online trade forums, where he provides tips and advice to young people starting out in the trade. As part of his commitment to supporting the future of the industry, Gary also enrols employees on various training courses to broaden their skill set.

A keen walker and traveller, Gary believes the main challenges facing the painting and decorating trade is the common misconception that it is ‘easy’ and would love to be the first painter and decorator to win the title of Screwfix Top Tradesperson. He also plans to use the prize to invest in his business and employees.

Having earned his place in the final, Gary will be hoping to take home the coveted title, along with an ultimate trade bundle of tech, tools and training worth £20,0000/€20,000. The winner will also join the likes of Astrid Arnold, a Devon-based carpenter who was awarded the accolade in 2023, in the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame.

Marking the 15th year of the award, the final of this year’s Screwfix Top Tradesperson will take place at Screwfix LIVE on Friday 27th September, where a panel of industry experts will put Gary and the other finalists through their paces before selecting this year’s overall champion.

The panel includes representatives from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), and reigning champion, Astrid Arnold.

Reflecting on his success so far, Gary comments: “I’m over the moon to have made it to the final of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024. This award is not just about winning; it's about celebrating the hard work and dedication that goes into our trade. I’m proud to represent Sunderland and all decorators out there and look forward to the final stage of the competition and meeting the other finalists.”

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said: “The nation’s tradespeople are an invaluable asset not just to the economy, but also the local communities in which they work. So much hard work goes on behind the scenes that most people often don’t get to see, which is why we created Screwfix Top Tradesperson, to give them the recognition they deserve.

“Our 10 finalists have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their trade, and we’d like to wish them the very best of luck for the final. Although I, and the other judges, have got a tough job ahead of us, we can’t wait to see what each contestant will bring to the table.”

To find out more about Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024, please visit screwfix.com/stt