TRADESMEN and women across Worcestershire are being urged to down tools and enter a competition to find the best in the business.

Screwfix, which has a store in Worcester, is launching its annual competition to find the best talent in their field.

An overall winner will walk away with a new Toyota Proace van which is worth up to £27,000 and get an award which could boost their business.

Last year Michael Cairns, a plumber from Edinburgh, walked away with the crown after fighting off very stiff competition from more than 3,000 entrants.

But people of all trades can enter – with organisers saying the main aim of the competition is to highlight those hard workers who excel at what they do, but struggle with publicity.

Britain’s Top Tradesman Award is also based around fighting off perceptions that some tradesmen are shoddy.

Good examples might be completing a major project with little help, evidence of a rapidly growing customer base, offering special deals such as extra-low prices, or stories of helping out customers in a time of desperate need.

Evidence from people who have managed to turn their own personal fortunes around is also welcome.

From plumbers to electricians, to carpenters and everything in between, the competition is now up and running for entrants until the first week of October.

Last year the event attracted few entries in the West Midlands, and bosses are keen for a more even spread this year.

John Mewett, marketing director at Screwfix, said: “Maybe you’ve just started your own company and are proving a hit with customers, or perhaps you have taken a course to upgrade your skills-set.

“You may have completed a fantastic or complex job for someone, or you run your business with customers in mind, by offering transparent pricing, free quotes or on a no-fix no-fee basis.

“No matter the reason, you have until Sunday, October 6, to put your case forward and enter the competition. We are looking forward to entries.

To enter, go into the Screwfix store in Sherriff Street, Worcester, or log on to screwfix.com/btt.