Fitter of the Year - Carpet - 2024 – The Semi-Finalists
The final of the Fitter of the Year Competition - LVT will take place on Sunday 15th and Monday 16th September at the Flooring Show in Harrogate.
Entry for the 2024 competition is now CLOSED.
All entrants were initially required to complete a questionnaire. Ten successful applicants from this stage advance to take part in the practical trials, and from these trials, five contestants will progress to the Final. Please refer to the Competition Format page for an initial overview of the process.
Our Semi-Finalists
Hi I’m Darren Ash from Malvern Worcestershire. I have been in the flooring industry since leaving school. I enjoy pushing myself by attending training and working with other fitters to develop my skills and become the best version of myself and give a better service to my customers. Hence, I’m here to compete with other like-minded fitters. Good luck to one and all.
I entered the flooring industry in 2009 straight out of school joining my fathers' business where he showed me the ropes and I was "hooked". I completed the floorskills apprenticeship scheme and went on to enter carpet fitter of the year on two previous occasions, both times making the semi-finals. After a break from competing, I'm looking forward to testing myself against the best in the business once again and hopefully improving on my previous efforts.
When I first watched this competition a few years ago, I thought I could never be so meticulous with every cut and tuck, I've no patience, yet here I am, one van away from retirement. I started out forty-two years ago and there isn't room here to list all the fitters from whom I have picked up skills, some who aren't around anymore. I would like to thank them and everyone that make this possible.
I have been in the trade since I left school. I was initially trained by my dad from the age of 14 and I have not looked back. I received further training from another fitter that helped hone my skills and changed me as a fitter. I pride myself to achieve the best possible finish for all the customers and treat their homes as if they were mine. I have a master diploma in textile floor coverings.
I'm Stephen, and I install mainly carpet for my family business, Chadwick Carpets in Merseyside. We have an excellent team within the business and I'm lucky to work alongside my mum too. I've been installing carpet for around 15 years now and have enjoyed attending training courses during that time, notably Floorskills level 1,2 and 3 and through Fita. I am also a member of the NICF which I have found many benefits to myself and the business. I have two little girls, and a little boy on the way, and I love spending time with my family.
Hi, I'm Richard from Dundee, I've been in the carpet industry for the last 35 yrs. mainly installing domestic products. I'm excited to be in the CFOTY Semi Final again as it's always good to catch up with and compete with likeminded fitters. Best of luck everyone
Hi, I'm Joni Reeves. I have been fitting floors for the last 24yrs, and I'm now the director of the floor design studio in Skipton, North Yorkshire. I'm very proud to be part of the carpet fitter of the year, and to be in a competition with some of the best in the game. Good luck to all involved.
I'm Danny, There's not much material I haven't worked with over the past 20 years in and around Manchester. I see my trade as a craft, and I've recently been investing in my career so making it to this stage is genuinely a dream. Thank you to all at the NICF for this amazing opportunity.
I'm Steve Whitburn. I live and run my flooring business in Torquay Devon, but I'm originally from Birmingham. I've been in the flooring trade since the mid 80's and have been involved in almost every aspect from domestic and contract installation to estimation and retail. I'm looking forward to this year's competition as it's a great event to push your own standards and meet some great guys within our trade.
I have been in the flooring trade for 20+ years. I started my career in a carpet and furniture shop and was sent out with a fitter one day. I enjoyed it so much, that's where it all started. I have completed numerous flooring courses over the years and feel it is a privilege to be part of Carpet Fitter of the Year, as the competition is a great way to show off these skills.