AN electrician from Banwell is in the running to win Screwfix's Top Tradesperson 2024, as a top-ten finalist in the national competition.

Richard Pullan, 39, will go for gold battling against nine others to take home the coveted title and a £20,000 prize bundle.

The electrician, who has been in the business for 12 years, faced fierce competition from more than 1,000 applications.

He impressed the judges during the semi-final interviews with his "sheer passion for the trade, dedication, and commitment to going above and beyond for their customers".

Richard enjoys mountain biking and woodworking in his free time and before entering the trade, served ten years in the Royal Crops of Signals as a telecommunications operator.

While working there Richard said he learnt a lot about teamwork and having an eye for detail.

Richard said: "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 Banwell and all electricians out there and look forward to the final stage of the competition and meeting the other finalists.”

The electrician is currently training four new service engineers and is "passionate about the future of the industry".

Richard told Screwfix judges he thinks education providers need to do more to support the electrical industry by showing students what a brilliant career it can be.

Having earned his place in the final, Richard will be hoping to take home the coveted title, along with an ultimate trade bundle of tech, tools and training worth £20,0000.

The winner will also join the likes of Astrid Arnold, a Devon-based carpenter 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 Richard 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.

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."