MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!
3rd June 2014

The eight finalists of the FIT Show Master Fitter Challenge, organised in association with FENSA, have been chosen. Following a long and testing process undertaken by the assessors of GQA Qualifications, eight fitting teams have been selected from dozens of hopefuls to take part in the live finals on the first two days of The FIT Show.

Competing on a specially constructed Pavilion four finalists each day will each be expected replace a bay window, install a residential composite door and fault-find a further resi-door under the strict scrutiny of a panel of GQA judges. Finalists will be marked up or down for their installation skills of course, but also a wide range of criteria such as health and safety and customer care considerations.

The finalists include first time entrants David Pullford and Jack Elm from Everest; David Keats and Jonathan Mountford from DK Windows; and Steven Price from Conwy Valley Windows and Conservatories. Those entering for a second time in the hope of taking home some of the £10,000 prize money and the kudos of the title are : Karl Kinsey and Paul Casbolt from Yes Glazing; Dave Eagles and colleague from Xavier Windows; Scott Higgs and colleague from Walkers Windows; and Craig Hanson from Pennine Trade and Retail. Turning up the heat is last year’s winner Arron Clegg who, with a colleague from Eco-Sash, will be seeking to keep his crown.

“The standards set by these people are very high indeed,” said GQA’s Andy Carrington, who led the assessors throughout the process. “It was a very difficult task to separate eight from many of the other contestants as the standard overall has been excellent. These guys set standards that others should follow.”

Paul Godwin, for The FIT Show said: “The purpose of the Master Fitter Challenge is to recognize and reward excellence amongst the people at the sharp end of the window, door and conservatory industry, those upon whom its reputation and well-being greatly depends.

“This competition promises to be incredibly exciting and I urge visitors to make sure they come along and cheer the entrants on.”

A first prize of £5,000 will be presented to the winner at the FIT Show Gala Dinner, which is taking place at the International Centre, Telford on the Wednesday night shortly after the conclusion of the finals. Further prizes of £3,000 and £2,000 will be presented to the second and third placed finalists of the competition, which has been organised in association with FENSA and with the support of sponsors Liniar, Truedor, Rapierstar and The Independent Ratings Company. 

www.fitshow.co.uk.