Competition

Carpet Fitter of the Year 2018 Winner

It is with great pleasure that we announce that John Wright from Leighton Buzzard is the winner of this year’s Carpet Fitter of The Year competition.

Carpet Fitter of the Year 2018 Final

Ian James was Head Judge and Compere for the 2-day final which took place at The Flooring Show in Harrogate on 16 and 17 September. In his opinion the task set for the 6 finalists was particularly tricky, “Forgive the pun, but with the addition of stairs the competition hit a new high this year and the finalists stepped up and took it to a whole new level. The only down side is that there can only be one overall winner. All of the finalists should be very proud of what they have achieved, it was a fantastic showcase of their skills and it must be satisfying for the sponsors to see their products being fitted to the high standards demonstrated in the final.”

The final took place over 2 days and the competitors had a set time to complete their work. Each finalist had a platform with a step up onto a small landing and then two steps down onto the ground. On day 1 they had to fit a striped loop pile carpet on the stairs, which meant having to give consideration to what would be the 'main' stairs to ensure that the design was centred, and direction of pile correct. On the landing area the stair spindles were all slightly off line and it was left up to the finalists to select the finish that they thought would work best.

On the main platform on day 2 the finalists had to install a doormat with a logo inset into it, which had to be centred and edged with bars. The choice was again left to the individual but particular attention was paid to the possible height differential and the mitres. The other end of the platform had what was known as the under-stair cupboard, with a post in the middle meaning that the carpet had to be split and then joined back together in a very limited space. In fact, this year’s platforms were the most technically challenging to date.

The 6 finalists were given an additional task to complete before the final at the Flooring Show. This was to construct a pair of slippers out of carpet. The winner for this part of the competition was Dan Jones from Telford.

Both John Wright and Dan Jones were presented their prizes and trophies at the Award Ceremony which took place at the end of day 2. Kane Thomas, the organiser of The Flooring Show, kindly agreed to award the prizes. Each of the finalists also received a CFOTY 2018 trophy. The other finalists were Darren Ash from Alfrick, Dan Evans from Huntingdon, Jamie Nelson from Kirkholm and Tony Newall from Coatbridge.

John was understandably thrilled to be announced the winner and later had this to say about being Carpet Fitter of the Year 2018:

“I got brave in 2017 and put in my application for Carpet Fitter of the Year. I was over the moon when I received my letter to say I was in the semi-finals and gobsmacked to get to the finals. There was the realisation that all the training I received, for example from FITA in Loughborough, had paid off and I was actually good enough to compete.

After an amazing weekend in Harrogate I just had to enter again for this year. It’s a bit like an addiction: the thought of missing out on a fantastic, well-organised weekend by the NICF was not an option. All the emotions from last year came flooding back, I was actually in the finals again … but this time I walked away the Winner!

I can't thank all at NICF and all the sponsors enough for making this happen. I'm still on cloud nine.

Anyone who is thinking about entering just do it! Whether you win or lose the experience is too good to miss. I’m looking forward to meeting the finalists in 2019 and watching them sweat for the title like I did.”

View the 2018 Final photo gallery

I have been in the flooring industry for 36 years and proudly have master fitter status in carpet, vinyl and laminate. I long ago realised the benefits of keeping up to date with current standards and regularly partake in training and assessments to continue to offer my customers the best possible service. I have been a CFOTY finalist for the previous two years and have met many like-minded and talented people, a number of whom have become good friends.  Having first entered CFOTY in 2016 and reached the finals, I felt compelled to enter again in 2017 and was very proud to be a Finalist for the second consecutive year. Now, in 2018, I find myself in the finals once again - quite an achievement against great competition. Many thanks to the NICF, FITA and all the sponsors for their continued support. I am a committed family man with one teenage daughter, Millie.

Darren Ash

I have worked in the flooring trade for over 16 years, working alongside family members including my Uncle who first introduced me to this career. I now run my own successful business fitting all different kinds of floor coverings. I especially enjoy the challenge of bespoke designs and complex installations, ensuring customer specifications are met and fitted to the very highest standard. I attended my first FITA Course in 2008 and developed a taste for further training. It opened my mind to new and different ways of accomplishing my trade in the best way possible. Since then I have achieved Master Fitter status in a range of flooring types. I pride myself on keeping up to date with current standards. I am delighted to be a 'Finalist' for the second year running and this demonstrates the enthusiasm I have for my craft. I am looking forward to competing alongside some highly skilled fitters and I am incredibly thrilled to have this opportunity.

Dan Evans

I have worked in our family business since I left school. I went to Kidderminster College on a YTS scheme. Since then my brother Steve and I have taken over the shop, I fit the carpets and Steve runs the shop. I enjoy the Capet fitter of the Year competition as you get to meet people who bring the trade forward and actually care about the quality of their work, also bringing yourself on and keeping up to date with new methods and products. In my own time I work on old vehicles, ride motorcycles and enjoy being outdoors with our 2 dogs.

Dan Jones

This is my second time entering CFOTY. Having made the semi-finals last year, I'm delighted to go a stage further this time. A massive thank you to my long-suffering wife and ever supportive kids for listening to me harping on about gripper spacing and power stretching. My wife and I own a furniture and flooring business in Stranraer, Gilly runs the shop whilst I control the flooring. Our main fitting business is carpet and LVT, we even have our own fitting bay in the heart of the carpet department to help customers understand the process and possibilities. I'm proud to have made the final and hope to promote the importance of training in the industry by giving a top-quality performance. Good luck everyone for CFOTY 2018!!

Jamie Nelson

I have been involved in the flooring trade since I was a child through our family business. My Grandfather was a floor layer and an upholsterer to trade. He was followed into the trade by my father, other family members and myself. I started to work in the family firm when I left school. I was taught to complete a job to the best of my ability, work hard and prioritise customer service/satisfaction. I joined the NICF to meet and work with other likeminded people who also have a passion for the trade, and I haven't been disappointed. I have made some great friends and learnt loads along the way. This is my first time entering carpet fitter of the year, I've really enjoyed the whole experience and I'm really proud to have made it to the final and be part of this great showcase for the trade.

Tony Newall

I've been a Carpet and Floorlayer for 27 years. I started working with my cousin at Allied Carpets at 16. The moment I walked into the first house, I actually found a job I love, and I feel as passionate now as I did then. Since then I've done my best to keep up to date with all training and product knowledge. Since joining the NICF it has given me even more passion to learn and provide the exceptional service that our trade truly can offer. When I first saw Carpet Fitter of the Year in the early 90's, it was always something I aspired to do, with the push I needed from my partner Tracey and my 2 boys Cameron and Liam, it was a great honour to get to the finals of Carpet Fitter of the Year 2017 along with 5 exceptional carpet fitters. It was the greatest honour of my career to date, this year the final holds a new meaning for me as my son Cameron Wright (NICF Trainee #1676) has now entered the trade as my apprentice. It fills me with even more pride to be involved with 5 of the best fitters in the UK and I'm sure I will gain more knowledge from these exceptional fitters to pass on to my son. I would like to thank the NICF, FITA and all the sponsors for providing this opportunity for our trade. Good luck to everyone in the final.

John Wright

The semi-finalists participating in the 2018 practical trials