Our Local Hero Award 2023 Winner is Revealed

WIRRAL PLUMBER WITH A HEART OF GOLD CHRIS GRIFFITHS, 39, IS VOTED AS THE THIRD WINNER OF THE AWARD

This year marked the third edition of the Local Hero Awards, with two fantastic winners under our belt already.

Graham Nash of Pinnacle Builders in Leeds was voted the winner in 2021 for his fine work fixing the damage done by cowboy builders, and James Anderson of D.E.P.H.E.R in Burnley of Good Morning Britain fame won in 2022 for offering community plumbing work for vulnerable and elderly people.

In March 2023, we announced that a third year of the competition was open for entries, as we were keen to highlight more of the unsung work done by builders, plumbers, electricians, joiners, gardeners, mechanics and other tradespeople who put their community first.

Five finalists were announced in early April, followed by a public vote to decide the winner.

About Our Winner, Chris Griffiths

Based in Neston on the Wirral, Chris received a nomination for offering half-price work for OAPs, and even working for free on some small jobs to help people in his local area.

Proving his worthiness as a winner once again, Chris has pledged to use the money to fund further good work in his local community, as opposed to spending it on himself.

Speaking upon receiving the award, Chris said:

“I am over the moon to be named as the winner of the SGS Local Hero Awards – getting national recognition is a great feeling!

“I still try to help people wherever I can. My apprentice who works with me is always having a go at me saying I never charge anyone!

“I will continue to help my local community where I can. Being named the winner has me thinking about what more I can do to help my local community.  

“I am made up that I have won the award, and thankful to SGS for the cash prize. I haven’t decided how I will use it yet, but I will be putting the money back into my local community.”

Regional runners-up

Two regional runners up received the highest number of votes in their region and will also each receive a £250 cash prize for the outstanding work they do in their community. They are:

Band of Builders, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire (South-East) 

Band of Builders are a charity that provide support to tradespeople, including renovating the homes of trade workers who have experienced life-changing circumstances.

Rachel Griffiths, Flintshire, (Wales)

Rachel shares her plumbing work on Instagram and champions women working in the trades. She was nominated by a female apprentice who cited her as an inspiration to pursue a trade career.

Thank You From SGS

As renowned manufacturers and suppliers of products such as air compressors, gas struts, garage equipment, garden tools, tool chests, power tools, and other products to tradespeople, we have loved hearing about the heroes dotted around the country, and we are more determined than ever to shine a light on their great work.

We would like to thank everyone who nominated tradespeople or cast a vote. Finally, another congratulations for Chris, and for the two regional finalists who receive a runners-up cash prize.