2026 Fitter of the Year - Carpet Competition
Fitter of the Year - Carpet - 2026 – The Semi-Finalists
The final of the Fitter of the Year Competition - Carpet will take place on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st September at the Flooring Show in Harrogate.
Entry for the 2026 competition is now CLOSED.
All entrants were initially required to complete a questionnaire. Eleven 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 am Darren Ash I live with my family in Malvern Worcestershire and run a flooring company specialising in high end carpets. I feel privileged to compete in this year's competition with it being its 10th year in the current format and less than a year since I had a heart operation. I look forward to getting to showcase my skills and meeting friends old and new. Good luck everyone and enjoy.
I started out in the industry fresh out of school 17 years ago, learning the trade from my dad primarily, who is still good enough to keep me in a job! Alongside attending the Floorskills apprenticeship. I really believe in pushing myself out of my comfort zone in order to get the best from myself. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to do just that and meet some great like-minded fitters along the way.
With nearly 30 years' experience in the flooring industry and a proud member of the NICF for over 20 years. My background encompasses working for both domestic and commercial flooring companies, in addition to managing my own flooring business for 16 years, I've developed expertise across a broad range of floor coverings. Entering NICF Fitter of the Year competition represents a significant milestone for me, and I look forward to embracing the challenge ahead.
I'm Edward from Rye, East Sussex, and this is my first time entering Fitter of the Year. I've been around Flooring for as long as I can remember, going to work with my father on weekends and during school holidays. I loved every minute and still do to this day. I'm entering this competition to challenge myself, make my father proud, and compete against some of the best fitters in the UK. Good Luck everyone.
Hi, I'm Stephen, a carpet and flooring installer with Chadwick Carpets in Merseyside. I'm thrilled to be shortlisted again for the semi-finals of Carpet Fitter of the Year and to have the opportunity to work alongside some incredible installers. I've been fitting carpets for 18 years and enjoy continually learning, developing my skills, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I'm also proud to have the support of my amazing wife, Sophie, our three children, and the outstanding team around me at Chadwick Carpets.
My name is Daniel Jones; I'm 56 and married with 4 children. I have been in the flooring industry for 38 years. My main area of flooring is resilient and textile floorcoverings, and I'm currently employed by Oxford city flooring. My greatest achievements have been reaching the finals of the European LVT competition held in 2019, FOTY 2021, 2023 and 2025 winner in the FOTY LVT competition. Good luck to all the semi-finalists.
Hi I'm Danny latimer, I have been fitting carpets for 19 years since I left school, In the last 6 years I've mainly been installing high end domestic carpets, naturals & i also bind and fit stair runners along with some commercial work and LVT I am very passionate about the trade and have worked with some great like-minded fitters along the way.
My name is Kyle, and I'm from Doncaster. I'm a proud husband and dad of two, and flooring has been my career for the past 14–15 years. Over that time, I've gained a wealth of experience in the trade and now work as a floor laying teacher and assessor. I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others build confidence and skills within the industry.
Hi, I'm Steve Whitburn. I live and run my flooring business in Torquay, Devon. Before moving there eight years ago from Birmingham I realised that relocating to a new part of the country would mean promoting myself and my work much more, so I joined the NICF and after some initial training I gained Master Fitter status in carpet and caught the bug to constantly push my standards higher. I'm really looking forward to this year's semi-finals as the format is now in front of an audience, I'm also looking forward to competing with an exceptionally talented group of fitters. Good luck to all in this year's competition.
I'm thrilled to have been selected the FOTY. I'm a proud Father, Husband and Yorkshireman.
Trained by my Dad in the family business, Pudsey Carpets. Our shared passion for quality installation inspired me to pursue the Master Fitter route. Outside of work, I'm a dedicated Leeds Rhinos supporter who enjoys family adventures in the countryside, Japanese performance cars, and Airsoft whenever I get the chance.
I'm a passionate carpet fitter from Cornwall who takes pride in delivering high-quality workmanship and attention to detail on every job. Flooring is more than just a trade to me — it's a craft I genuinely enjoy. Reaching the semi-finals of Carpet Fitter of the Year is a huge achievement, and I'm proud to represent the skills, standards, and dedication that independent fitters bring to the industry every day.
