A BRIDGWATER gas engineer is through to the semi-finals of the renowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021 competition.

Shane Cummings has been in the trade for more than 15 years and owns West Country Heating.

He has been selected following an initial application outlining how he demonstrates a real passion for the trade, is exceptionally skilled, and has the drive and determination to go above and beyond for customers.

Having started off as an apprentice at the age of 16, 32-year-old Shane enjoyed a fruitful career as a plumber and gas engineer for more than 13 years before starting up West Country Heating in 2018.

Since then, the business has continued to flourish thanks its unwavering commitment to customer service excellence – with Shane and his team being on call 24/7 for those in need during the pandemic.

With an onus on giving back to the local community, Shane took on a 25-year-old apprentice during the peak of the pandemic who had previously been made redundant and has since excelled within the business.

He also encourages homeowners to make more environmentally friendly choices and donates a percentage of his earnings to Ecology – with a mission to build a greener society.

"I’m delighted to be through to the semi-finals of the competition," he said.

"I hope to reach the national final in September so I can show the judges how dedicated I am to my trade and how I stand out from others in the industry.

“I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved with the business so far and hope this continues.

"For me, it all comes down to prioritising customer service - there have been many occasions where I have had to leave a family meal or other event to go and help someone in a sticky situation, but it is always worth it to see a smile on a customer’s face at the end of it.

"I believe that I should be crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson as I want to set an example as to how hard work and determination can help you reach your goals.”

Now, Shane will join more than 30 other semi-finalists in the interview stage, with representatives from Screwfix to try and secure a place at a two-day virtual final event in September.

The winner will be crowned during Screwfix LIVE and will take home the ultimate £20,000 prize bundle comprising tech, tools, and training.

Simon Jackson, Screwfix customer and digital director, said: “All of our semi-finalists are a great example of the nation’s tradespeople who give their all to support their local community and champion a career in the trade.

"From many entries, our semi-finalists have done incredibly well to get this far. I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage of the competition the best of luck and look forward to meeting our national finalists in September.”

To find out more about the competition, visit screwfix.com/stt.