WE LAUNCHED THE LOCAL HERO AWARDS IN 2021, ORIGINALLY WITH THE AIM OF REWARDING TRADESPEOPLE WHO HAD GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP THEIR COMMUNITY DURING THE PANDEMIC.
Graham Nash won that year for his work tackling cowboy builders, and the response was so overwhelming that we have continued to highlight hero tradespeople each year, with James Anderson of Depher taking the title this year.
Earlier this year, we launched the third edition, and we have received some heart-warming responses, with Brits nominating builders, plumbers, electricians, joiners, plasterers, and other well deserving tradespeople who have been serving their community with good deeds.
We interact with tradespeople day in, day out as manufacturers and suppliers of air compressors, gas struts, and much more, and we have once again been blown away by the stories of generosity and skill shown across our industry over the past 12 months.
Our awards nominations page closed on Tuesday 11th April, and we have been analysing each nomination since, with a final shortlist of five tradespeople now selected.
The public vote for this year’s edition has now opened, enabling friends, family, and everyone else, a chance to rally behind their local finalist to help to secure them a grand prize of £1,000, alongside the title of being named the nation’s ‘Local Hero 2023’. Additional regional finalists will take home a £250 runners-up cash prize.
Voting closes at 11:59pm on Monday 24th April, so don’t delay!
THE FINALISTS ARE (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER) …
Aaron Fleming-Saheed (Cycling Sparks)
Location: London (Midlands and Southern England)
Aaron is an electrician who runs a business with a fleet of e-bikes! He has been nominated by a happy domestic customer who thanked Aaron for his contribution to cutting London’s carbon footprint and offering customers in the capital an eco-friendly option when selecting a tradesperson.
Band of Builders (Charity)
Location: Wisbech (Midlands and Southern England)
The second time that Band of Builders have been entered for the SGS Local Hero Awards, they were awarded charity status in 2019. They have received a second finalists’ nomination for their fantastic work in supporting tradespeople and their families when they are facing life-changing or limiting circumstances – often pooling together several skilled tradespeople for each project, with each worker volunteering and offering their services for free.
Chris Griffiths (Unique Heating & Bathrooms)
Location: Wirral (Northern England)
In a tough winter amid a punishing cost-of-living crisis, Chris helped to try to ensure that no elderly people were left without heating by offering half-price work for any OAPs, even offering free fixes for any small jobs.
Paul Barrow (Paul Barrow Builders Ltd)
Location: Ely (Midlands and Southern England)
Paul is a builder who was nominated after generously sponsoring the kits of a local junior netball team which had struggled financially during covid. The sponsorship ensured that as many as 30 young players could continue to enjoy playing netball.
Rachel Griffiths (Independent)
Location: Flintshire (Wales)
Rachel was nominated by a female apprentice who said that her Instagram posts about her plumbing work and positivity around being a female in a male dominated industry had convinced her to take the plunge and pursue a trade career.
Thank you for your votes. The winner will be announced soon!