It is a time of great opportunity for tradesmen and women. The property market is in freefall and so people look to improve rather than move. Although 60% of Brits plan home improvements this year, regulations ensure that the layperson can no longer tinker with whatever he fancies. The competent, talented and qualified tradesperson should thrive.

Television, however, has painted a dim picture of cowboy builders and unqualified trades people ready to destroy our homes and leave work unfinished and lives ruined. There is another way. Cheapest isn't necessarily best and word of mouth recommendation from people who’ve had first-hand experience of quality workmanship is the way to go. 67% of consumers polled by MyHammer said reputation was the most important factor when choosing a tradesperson.

www.myhammer.co.uk and HSS Hire are launching the 2011 Tradesperson of the Year competition to champion the great and the good amongst Britain's tradespeople. The April/May bank holiday period is typically a bumper period of work for most tradespeople, delivering up two prime opportunities for work, back to back. This year these bank holidays join together, and with the addition of the Royal Wedding, the fear is that people will take a few days extra holiday and either go away or descend in to a second festive period with no thought to those Spring home improvements so important to the tradesperson's livelihood.


According to John Russell, chief builder for Cowboy Builders: "It's important that we recognise that quality tradesmen and women not only improve the reputation of the industry but also give customers the opportunity to select someone who is highly skilled and trained for the job."

The competition launches on 9th April. Trades people can nominate themselves or customers can put forward their favourites, then it’s all down to votes. To sign up visit www.myhammer.co.uk/competition. The winner will receive a bumper prize including £1000 to spend in HSS Hire, a year's membership to MyHammer, a year’s supply of Gorilla Glue and Gorilla Tape, a fishing weekend at The Beachbrow Hotel, a Veebeam (PC to TV streaming gadget), Kärcher DIY Multi-Purpose Vac, plus the ‘Tradesperson of the Year 2011’ logo to use on all promotional material.

www.myhammer.co.uk allows you to obtain quotes for jobs in your home from qualified tradesmen. Once work is complete you review the project on the site and make it easier for others to identify honest and competent builders, plumbers, electricians and other tradesmen through your recommendations.

HSS Hire is the UK's original tool and equipment company with over 230 branches nationwide and a commitment to making hire easy for businesses of all sizes.

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