An Ayrshire electrician has spoken of his pride after winning a national tradesperson competition. Neil Claxton, from Ayr, has been crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026, taking home the title along with a £20,000 prize bundle.
Neil impressed the judging panel with his commitment to the highest standards of work and his support of his team and local community. He established his business, Test My Electrics, with a focus on delivering the best customer service, developing apprentice electricians and building a strong team treated with compassion.
Competition final and judging
The prestigious competition, now in its 17th year, saw Neil go head-to-head with nine other exceptional finalists at the final at the Screwfix Live event last month. This year's judging panel included representatives from leading industry bodies including the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and 2025 champion Martin Daly.
Team values and community work
Neil leads a team of electricians, apprentices and office staff, placing equal value on technical excellence, staff wellbeing and community involvement. He strongly believes in investing in people, continually developing his own skills while ensuring apprentices receive the support and opportunities needed to build successful careers. His values centre on future talent, local communities and respect.
Neil regularly engages with schools to promote apprenticeships and practical skills as rewarding pathways. Known for going above and beyond, Neil and his team donated time and expertise to convert a bus for a charity supporting disabled children.
Winner's reaction
“Winning Screwfix Top Tradesperson is amazing recognition for my whole team,” said Neil. “After years in the trade, I established my own company with a focus on not only delivering the highest standards for my customers and keeping at the fore of electrical innovations and technology, but also to help develop the new generation of electricians and provide a compassionate and respectful work environment for the team.
“I also believe in the importance of giving back to the local community and we have supported numerous local sports teams, charities and local groups to play a small part in helping Ayr to be the best it can be for the people who live and work there.”
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, commented: “Screwfix Top Tradesperson is all about celebrating the incredible tradespeople who go above and beyond every day for their customers, communities and the wider industry.
“The standard was exceptionally high again this year, and the judges had a very tough decision to make. Neil stood out not only for his commitment to high standards and ongoing development, but also for his dedication to supporting apprentices, his team and his local community. He is a fantastic ambassador for the trade and a truly deserving winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026. We are delighted to crown him this year’s champion and look forward to seeing what he achieves with the title.”
For more information on Screwfix Top Tradesperson, visit the Screwfix website.
