UK Plumber of the Year has crowned its 2018 winner as Steve Bartin from Taunton, triumphing over hundreds of plumbers who entered from all over the country.
The competition received a record number of applications this year, with Steve taking the crown and his part of a £10,000 prize pot.
The judging panel shortlisted three plumbers in each region across the UK (North England, South England, Midlands and West, London, Wales and Scotland) based on their skills, qualifications and experience.
The lucky 18 then went head-to-head to win public votes with the six individuals achieving the highest number going through to the final stage.
In the final stage, which involved a 30-minute interview with the judging panel at Bristan HQ in Tamworth, Steve managed to impress the judges with his qualifications, his experience and his views on the future of the industry.
Steve has been in the industry since he left school 23 years ago. He started his working life as an apprentice and is now offering a helping hand to the next generation and advocates apprenticeships having already supported three young adults on the scheme.
Plug and Chain, Steve’s Taunton-based business, specialises in the design, supply and installation of bathrooms; from changing a tap washer, to plumbing a full heating system. Along with his title as UK Plumber of the Year for 2018, Steve has also won his share of the prize pot.
Now in its fourth year, the competition called on plumbers nationwide to enter in a bid to be crowned Britain’s finest. The competition takes place over the course of six months and is designed to reward and recognise the remarkable talents within the UK’s plumbing industry and asks entrants to demonstrate their plumbing, service and business skills.
The regional winners and other finalists in the competition were:
- Scott White, Scotland
- Matthew Stoves, North of England
- John Nicholls, Midlands and East
- James Elmy, London
- Robbie Hawkins, Wales
Speaking of his win, Steve said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win the competition, it’s an honour to call myself the UK Plumber of the Year. I’ve been in the industry for 23 years and I feel like all those extra hours and dedication have paid off. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me in the second stage of the competition and if anyone needs an award-winning plumber in Somerset, you know where I am!”
