The finalists have been chosen, and it’s now time to cast your ‘local hero’ vote in our awards, to help secure them the grand prize of £1,000 in cash and an incredible Kielder toolbox.
Earlier this year, we launched our inaugural Local Hero Awards, and we were encouraging you to nominate tradespeople in your area who had gone above and beyond to help their community during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As manufacturers and suppliers of air compressors, gas struts, tool chests, power tools, garage equipment, garden tools and much more to the trade, we’ve bene buoyed by the incredible, thoughtful contribution of those working in our industry – the builders, plumbers, electricians, joiners, gardeners, mechanics etc – who have done so much to help during this difficult time.
Our awards nominations page closed on Sunday 7th March, and the team here at SGS along with experts at Kielder have gone through all the dozens of heart-warming entries before selecting our finalists.
Voting closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 28th March, so don’t delay!
Votes will be counted and checked, and the overall national winner and runners up (our regional finalists) will be announced on Wednesday 31st March 2021. What are you waiting for?
About Our Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Adam Clarke from Adam Clarke Building, Walgrave, Northamptonshire (England)
During the Covid pandemic, Adam launched a project to complete home projects for NHS workers. A Northamptonshire NHS worker was the first to be chosen. Adam will be completing the job for her – worth around £2,500 - completely free of charge. Adam said that he really wanted to give back.
Fastlane Autocare, St Helens, Lancashire (England)
The team at Fastlane Autocare have been offering free NHS car checks with collection and delivery, and free brake checks for taxi drivers too – going above and beyond to help key workers during Covid.
Gordon Graham from GG Property Maintenance, Glasgow, Lanarkshire (Scotland)
Gordon was nominated for going above and beyond to help out customers and friends. He’s been taking his elderly customers for a fish supper, dropping off cakes and pies to office staff in his spare time and generally trying to make sure everyone is okay before himself.
Graham Nash from Pinnacle Builders, Leeds, West Yorkshire (England)
Graham has helped more than 300 people who have been ripped off by cowboy builders. He’s done work for free, and often found other tradespeople to help too, saving people thousands of pounds and making homes habitable and comfortable again. He has also offered invaluable support and guidance on who to talk to if you’ve been ripped off by a cowboy builder.
His videos on Facebook have had more than 250,000 views and Graham has received more than 500 calls from people seeking his help or advice.
Jamie Scullion from JS Electrical & Property Maintenance, Sevenoaks, Kent (England)
Jamie offered free emergency call outs to NHS staff fighting the Coronavirus. He had a phone call from a couple whose fuse board was tripped, so their cooker wasn’t working. Jamie went around, sorted it, and found out they worked for the NHS when he was talking to them. When they asked him how much it cost, he said ‘nothing’ – he didn’t want to take money from people who were already doing so much to help. At that point he then decided to offer the same thing for all NHS workers who might need an emergency electrician.
Jeff Harlow from Jeff Harlow Electrical, Lancaster, Lancashire (England)
Jeff worked long hours helping to get the Nightingale hospital in Manchester set up. He was one of four electricians left to finish up the project and test it. He was leaving home at 5:30am to get to the site, to get the project finished on schedule.
Matthew Farmer from MF Roofing, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire (Scotland)
Matthew offered free emergency roof repairs to NHS staff and key workers for anyone within 20 miles of the Bridge of Earn. He said that he didn’t do it for gratification, but because he wanted to say thank you for all their hard work during these difficult times.
Wayne Bond from Bond Electrical, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland (England) Wayne was nominated by a customer who felt he had gone above and beyond to help them and their mother during a difficult time. He was very responsive, arrived quickly on the job, fixed it, and then did not charge the customer for the work. He also helped several other elderly customers who were worried and panicked; rushing over to get the job done and saving several people a huge bill.
Awards Prizes include:
- Overall national winner: £1,000 cash prize and a Kielder Flight Case Tool Kit worth £539.99
- Five regional runners up (Scotland, Wales, Northern England, Northern Ireland, Midlands & Southern England): Each receiving £250 in cash