In 2025, Martin Daly, a 31-year-old builder from Motherwell, was named Screwfix Top Tradesperson, covering the UK and Ireland. He overcame stiff competition from hundreds of other entrants to win the prestigious title.
Winning catapults business to new heights
As well as the coveted title, Martin won a £20,000 prize bundle. The award has had a significant impact on his business, MD Builders Ltd, which specialises in homebuilding and renovation. According to Martin, his success in the competition has catapulted the business forward.
“Everyone was over the moon and delighted for me. My family, friends and previous customers knew how hard my team and I worked,” he said. “It’s really taken the business to another level. We’re working on much bigger jobs thanks to the competition. Winning instilled the confidence in me to put more of the work we do on social media.”
High-end projects and full order book
Martin’s business is now working on more high-end, unique buildings and extensions. “People now expect so much more of the business, but in a good way,” he said. “We expect to be booked out until the very end of 2027. In fact, we’re already struggling to fit customers in, even just for an initial consultation appointment.”
The team has been receiving loads of enquiries, and motivation has never been higher since winning. “Having the Screwfix badge on the van and t-shirts provides independent recognition and an added layer of peace of mind and trust for customers. Having the backing of a company like Screwfix has opened a lot of doors for us as we’ve also now taken on partnerships with some high-end tool brands,” Martin added.
TV show appearance and advocacy
Being crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson has also seen Martin contacted to appear on one of the UK’s best-loved TV renovation shows next year. Following success in independent regional awards, Martin entered the competition to seek recognition for his team's work. “To me, it’s the most important award in the industry,” said Martin. “Screwfix is genuinely trying to improve and change the industry for the better while shining a light on the high calibre of talent across the UK and Ireland.”
Martin’s success has even seen him invited to speak at both the Scottish Parliament and Westminster. “It was a surreal experience,” he laughed. “If I told my 21-year-old self this, they would laugh.” He is now an advocate for the entire industry, highlighting the skills shortage crisis in the UK. “There’s a real skills shortage crisis in the UK, so it’s important to talk about these issues and the funding that is needed to bring through more apprentices. Being able to highlight this with the powers that be is critical. My work with the FMB and support from Screwfix has opened a lot of doors for me to have these conversations.”
Inspiring the next generation
Martin wants to inspire more children to consider a future in the trade. “I want to do more with the government and local councils to encourage them to set up trade schools. This would provide real life and trade experience that most traditional schools just can’t offer,” he said. Originally hoping to be a professional footballer, injuries ended that dream. “Apart from that I didn’t even know what I wanted to do, but having found the building trade, my passion has carried me all the way.”
He loves everything about the job, from camaraderie to seeing the end result. “Seeing the smiles on my customers’ and colleagues’ faces is priceless. I’m proud to count many colleagues and customers as lifelong friends too!”
Personal impact and advice
A key impact for Martin personally has been that it stopped him from doubting himself. “As a younger tradesperson sometimes I doubted myself when talking to older tradespeople who had been in the game a long time. Winning Screwfix Top Tradesperson was the recognition I needed to show I know what I’m doing, and I know what I’m talking about.” His advice to others: “Showcase the work you do outside of the trade as well as your day-to-day job as something that may seem small or irrelevant, may just be the spark that carries you through the competition.”
