Builder and heating engineer from South London reach semi-final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson

Ross Roberts, a builder from Sutton and Darren Chambers, a heating engineer from Orpington, are both one step closer to being crowned the champion of the trade, after reaching the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022.

Ross, 31 has been in the trade for 13 years and owns Roberts Roofing. Meanwhile, Darren, 39 has been in the trade for 20 years and is the owner of BGX Ltd. Both have secured a place in the semi-final following an initial application which highlighted their passion for the trade, dedication, and commitment to going above and beyond for their customers and colleagues.

Ross has built up Roberts Roofing over the past five years, maintaining a perfect google and checkatrade review score with over 200 glowing reviews. Over the next decade, Ross intends to become the biggest loft conversion company in Southwest London. The goal is to do this while training up the next generation of builders, something Ross believes is key to futureproofing the trade and legacy of the company.
Darren set up his own business in 2021 and has worked tirelessly to create a customer-focused business. Darren was nominated by his friend and colleague Natalie Foster, who said despite a recent health scare, Darren hasn’t slowed down in driving his business forward, supporting customers in emergencies and being there for his fellow heating engineers in their time of need.

In the 13th year of the prestigious award, Darren aims to join the Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame alongside reigning champion Dan Lloyd, an electrician from Brighton. Together with his professionalism and drive, Dan has shown himself to be a true ambassador for the construction sector and the people who work within it.

Ross, comments: “I’m really pleased to get through to the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, particularly knowing how many incredible tradespeople I would have been up against. I hope to impress the judges with my skills, expertise, and my passion for the trade. Winning this competition would mean so much to not just me, but to the future development of my employees.”

Darren comments: “To reach the national final in September would be a dream come true and I’d love the opportunity to champion the construction industry on behalf of my peers. For me, the best thing about being a heating engineer is the people you get to interact with, from the customers to the other tradespeople you meet along the way. Working in the trade hasn’t always been easy, particularly in the last couple of years, but I’m my own boss now and this recognition will really help to boost my business.”
Together with over 25 other top tradespeople from across the UK and Republic of Ireland, Ross and Darren will now battle it out to be shortlisted as a top 10 finalist. The shortlisted candidates will participate in a one-day final event at Screwfix LIVE, back in Farnborough for the first time since 2019, on 23rd September 2022.

The overall winner will be crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022 and take home the ultimate £20,000 prize bundle comprising tech, tools, and training.

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said: “As a champion of the trade, we know that there are many exceptional tradespeople out there who are going the extra mile for their customers, producing work to an incredibly high standard and ultimately being fantastic role models for the next generation of tradespeople. Tradespeople are vital to our economy and invaluable to the communities they serve, so it’s hugely important that we recognise their achievements through this national award.
“I’d like to congratulate all our semi-finalists on getting this far. I wish them all the best of luck and look forward to meeting our national finalists in September!”