A plumbing and heating engineer from Blackburn, has beaten stiff competition to secure a semi-final spot in Screwfix’s search for the UK’s Top Tradesperson.
Shabaz Iqbal, 41, who runs Empire Gas & Plumbing Ltd, has worked as a plumbing and heating engineer for four years.
The semi-final stage will see Shabaz compete against more than 40 other tradespeople, presenting their skills and story to judges from Screwfix.
The semi-finalists will be whittled down to just ten before advancing to the national final at Screwfix Live in September.
After being put through their paces by a panel of industry experts, one winner will be crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2025 and take home a £20,000/€20,000 trade bundle of tools, tech, and training.
'Professionalism and dedication' were just two of the attributes that set Shabaz apart from the hundreds of entries from tradespeople across the UK and Ireland.
Shabaz said he loved working in a trade that makes a "real, visible difference in people’s lives every single day, whether it's restoring heating to a freezing home, installing a safe and efficient boiler, or simply offering honest advice that puts the customer first".
He also launched a pilot scheme to bring newly qualified heating engineers or total beginners on-site to give them real-world experience.
Shabaz said: “When I heard that I had been successful in getting to the semi-final stage of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson competition, I was shocked.
"It’s an honour to compete against such talented individuals, and I’m excited to share my story with the judges.
"I’m passionate about the plumbing and heating industry and look forward to showcasing my skills.”
This year’s successful winner will join the likes of the current Top Tradesperson, plumber Mohammed Rahman, and 2023 winner Astrid Arnold in the growing Screwfix Hall of Fame.
Marketing director at Screwfix, Jack Wallace, added: “Now in its 16th year, our search for the UK and Ireland’s Top Tradesperson continues to highlight the exceptional talent within the trade industry.
"This year’s entries have been truly inspiring, and I wish all semi-finalists the best of luck as they compete for this year’s title.”
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