Local tradesman loses out on national award

Forty-three-year old Chris Ridler, from Inkpen, beat other tradesmen and women from all over London and the South East region to become one of only five to make it to the regional finals.
The national award led by Screwfix and now in its fifth year recognises the best tradesmen and women from across the country, and the competition culminates in a final to be held at a ceremony at Wembley stadium on October 21.
Mr Ridler, who trades as Universal Renovations and Carpentry Ltd based in Inkpen, said before the event: “I feel privileged to be named as a regional finalist in Britain’s Top Tradesmen as I know there were a lot of entries to this year’s competition. I absolutely love my job and everything that goes with it, so to be considered for this award is a real honour.”
Screwfix marketing director John Mewett said: “Chris has a loyal customer base and has really broadened his horizons moving from carpentry into renovations and the acclaim he has received for his work speaks for itself.”
The regional finalist for the region was announced October 9 at the Epsom Screwfix store in Surrey as Kelly Vincent from Stretton. The ultimate prize for the competition is a brand new Toyota truck to the value of £28,000 to be awarded at the national final later this month.