A MINEHEAD tradesman is in the running to beat off competition from around the UK and Ireland and become a tool manufacturing company’s top tradesperson.

Jon Sweetland beat hundreds of entries and impressed a judging panel of four experts to be selected to go through to this week’s finals.

The winner of the Irwin Tools Ultimate Tradesperson competition will be announced at the Build Show today and tomorrow (October 18 and 19) at Birmingham NEC this week.

He was shortlisted with four others and if he wins will receive a year’s paid apprentice for 2017 and £5,000 to help build his business.

The competition is for people who have gone above and beyond their obligations, shown commitment to nurturing the next generation of tradespeople, and delivering exceptional client service every time.

“I have spent 30 years building my business in and around Minehead and have always taken pride in the work I do – it feels great to have this recognised by others and be able to tell my clients too,” said Jon.

As a shortlisted winner he received £500 worth of company tools, plus workwear and an all expenses trip for two worth £850 to the Build Show.

“Jon embodies everything we stand for – he holds himself to the highest standards on every job, no matter how big or small,” said Irwin spokesman Amber Popowicz.

“The quality of entries so far has been extremely high but Jon really stood out from the crowd.”