You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter this competition. Applicants must be aged 18 years or over on the 30th April 2027. NICF council members and past winners of the Fitter of the Year LVT competition are excluded from entering. Deadline for entry is midnight of 30th April 2027.

Stage 1 – Initial entry
Launch date: 1st February 2027 with a closing date of 30th April 2027.
The initial entry will be in the format of a questionnaire (as previous years). The top 12 fitters will progress through to the semi-final practical trials.

Stage 2 – Semi-final - Practical trials
The practical trials will take place on Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th June 2027 at the InstallerSHOW 2027, NEC, Birmingham, West Midlands.
12 fitters to take part (4 each day).
Sponsors will be able to attend the exhibition, take photographs for their own promotional purposes and have access to contestants once they have completed their tests to obtain quotes from them about taking part in the competition.
From the 12 semi-finalists the top 5 will progress to the final.

Stage 3 – Finalist's Briefing day
The briefing will be in the format of a video link and will provide the finalists with a summary of what will be required in the final and the details for the pre-set 'Ian James Challenge' (previously known as the Judges Challenge) task to make an item to be judged at the finals. Materials for Ian James challenge will be sent in advance.

Stage 4 – Finals
The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate on Sunday 19th and Monday 20th September 2027.
The Winner's presentation ceremony scheduled for 4.30pm on the Monday of the show weekend.
The cash prize for the 2026 winner will be £2000. Plus, any extra prizes donated by sponsors.

Our Judges for the 2027 are to be confirmed.