Terry White and Nick Green received the invitation after being named as finalists in the annual search for ‘Britain’s Top Tradesman’, run by Electricfix’s umbrella organisation, Screwfix. Joined by the other finalists from across the UK, they were given the opportunity to share their thoughts with the Chancellor on how the government can help to keep business booming for the trade’s professionals. In addition, Terry and Nick were also given a tour of 10 Downing Street.
Nick, highly commended in ‘Britain’s Top Tradesman’ 2014 commented, ‘Last year was a busy year for me and I expect this was the case for many other tradesmen as well. It was a great opportunity to be invited to meet with the Chancellor and to talk about our thoughts on what might help small businesses to remain successful in 2015 and beyond. I know that there have already been some initiatives put in place which have helped us over the last couple of years, but I think there is more which could be done which would make it easier for small businesses to remain successful.’
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: ‘It’s been great to welcome some of the finalists of the Britain’s Top Tradesmen competition, run by Screwfix, to Downing Street today. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and hearing tradesmen talk positively about the last year, and look ahead to 2015 with optimism, is further evidence that our long term economic plan is working.
‘This government is backing businesses of all sizes and giving them every opportunity to grow and create jobs. That’s why we are reducing the burden of business rates, improving access to finance, and have introduced a new Employment Allowance – a £2,000 cash back on jobs for companies across the country. But we can always do more, and that’s why I wanted to meet with the Top Tradesmen today – to congratulate them on their success, and to hear what else we can do to back our small businesses.’
Andrew Livingston, CEO of Electricfix and its parent company, Screwfix, accompanied Terry and Nick on their visit. He concluded: ‘We talk to our tradesmen on a daily basis, and it’s great to see that business is good for them at the moment. As a key supplier to the trade we welcomed the opportunity to meet the Chancellor, with a group of Britain’s top tradesmen so they could discuss their businesses and provide suggestions on what else could be done. Many of our customers are busier than ever right now and it’s important that we work closely with the wider industry and Government to consider new ways to help them maintain this momentum.’
Electricfix is part of the Screwfix group and is a trade supplier exclusively for qualified electricians. It offers low trade prices and a number of services so customers can get the goods they want when they want them. These include next day delivery and Click & Collect, where products can be ordered online or over the phone and picked-up just five minutes later from the nearest store. There are more than 360 stores nationwide and Electricfix customers are served by a dedicated contact centre team.
Britain’s Top Tradesman, organised by Electricfix’s parent company, Screwfix, is a nationwide search to find and recognise the brilliant builders, helpful handymen, exceptional electricians and perfect electricians that keep the UK’s homes and businesses in top condition.
For more information on Electricfix’s range of products, visit www.electricfix.com
