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Gas Man God | Day in the Life

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Skill Builder’s ‘Day in the life’ feature takes a look at a typical day in the life of different tradespeople. In the first in the series we talk to a plumbing and heating engineer who goes by the name of Gas Man God who is one of the co-founders of  the Gas Safety Super Heros campaign.*

Name: GasManGod
Trade: Gas Engineer
Company: The Holy Church of The Lord

What time does your day start?

Verily being a spiritual, omnipresent being, I am on call 24 hours of the day. However, I generally rise and say morning prayers around 06:30 and be on my way to work by 07:00

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The thought of getting home at night richer in pocket and stronger in Faith

What does a typical day entail for you?

Normally I shalt either spend my time installing a new boiler, or repairing one, or making one safe. And sending a few tweets in between jobs!

Verily it doth vary, but variety is the spice of this Holy life.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I dost enjoy always learning and taking on a new challenge. No two jobs art ever the same.

What’s the worst thing about your job?

Non paying customers, or those who haggle once an amount of shekels hath already been agreed. They are heretics, they shalt, one day, be judged.

What qualifications do you have?

Many. And an NVQ in Gas Engineering

Are you a member of any professional alliances/associations?

As my job requires, I am a member of Gas Safe. I also am a member of the Holy Church of Worcester Bosch.

What tool couldn’t you live without?

Most definitely a pair of Channel Lock grips. Very useful indeed and I should be lost without them.

What do you drive?

A Holy Chariot, pulled by six angels and two archangels

What do you do to unwind?

Burn sinners mainly. And SMITE down non believers.

What piece of advice would you give to an up and coming apprentice?

Question everything. And never take the bleed screw right out of a radiator when bleeding it!

www.instagram.com/gasmangod

Band of Builders – Seven Ways You Can Help

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The Band of Builders story has been sweeping social media and the press in recent months.

There has been an outpouring of support for Addam Smith’s efforts to help his cancer-stricken workmate Keith Ellick and Addam’s hopes to ultimately turn the Band of Builders (BOB) initiative into a charity to support tradespeople in need.

Band of Builders Profile

The BOB story even caught the attention of the BBC’s DIY SOS and Addam consequently spent this week helping with the DIY SOS Veteran build in Manchester (pictured) and further spreading awareness of his work and the BOB cause.

Addam has already helped transform Keith’s house and garden and is now in the process of raising £100k to buy Keith’s home.

Once he has reached this target he will begin the process of turning BoB into an official charity.

The good news is Addam is now over halfway there but he still needs our support to reach the total. Here are seven ways to help:

1. Like Band of Builders on Facebook

2. Follow Band of Builders on Twitter @bandofbuilders_

3. Donate on Go Fund Me

band of builders business cards

4. Get some Band of Builders Workwear (my hoody arrived just in time for the cold weather)

sticker_grande

See even more ways to support the Band of Builders cause at: www.bandofbuilders.com

See more Band of Builders with Skill Builder.

How to fit a wall hung WC & basin (Part 1: Mounting the frame)

Roger Bisby talks through how to fit a wall hung WC and basin from British company Abacus Bathrooms.

As a British company Abacus has a good understanding of British plumbing and the WC and Basin in this video have been designed to work with British systems so you’re not running around different merchants looking for a non-existant adapter for a continental system; everything you need to do the job is in this kit. That includes having a straight and an angled waste outlet depending on which you need for the job.

www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk

 

Window fitter in court after worker dies in ladder fall

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A Southampton window installation company has been fined after a worker suffered fatal head injuries following a fall from a ladder.

Brighton Magistrates Court heard how Mark Taylor, 48, a window fitter from Southampton, was helping in the installation of UPVC windows at a 3 storey house in Brighton on the 10 September 2014. He was working from an unsecured ladder when it slipped sideways and he fell to the ground. The father of two was taken to hospital suffering from head injuries but died the following day.

The Health and Safety Executive investigation found Kevin McLean trading as South Coast Installations, failed to ensure that the work at height was adequately planned and carried out in a manner, which was safe.

Kevin McLean trading as South Coast Installations pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations and was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay x costs.

HSE Inspector Amanda Huff, said: “Mark Taylor’s family have been devastated because simple steps where not taken to secure the ladder he was using. If Kevin McLean had ensured a proper risk assessment was carried out this tragic incident could have been prevented.”

For further information on work at height visit: www.hse.gov.uk

View Skill Builder’s video on ladder safety here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9RcWKBzs24

U-Power Launches Smash GTX Safety Footwear

The brand-new Smash GTX is the latest in U-Power’s collection of Italian-designed work-to-leisure footwear and is part of its new tough, but breathable and waterproof, Gore-Tex-lined range.

The comfortable and sporty Smash GTX boot features a pull-up leather, waterproof upper, lined with a Gore-Tex membrane.

The boot gives improved performance and wellbeing to the wearer, while boasting hi-tech safety features, such as U-Power’s Air Toe breathable composite safety toe cap

It also has a pierce-resistant lightweight Save & Flex Plus midsole and a thick, comfortable, moisture-wicking, anatomic polysoft insole that gives excellent shock absorption and support to the foot.

The desirable Smash boot, with its slip and abrasion-resistant PU outer sole, is classified SRC, providing the highest level of slip resistance and grip.

It is also metal-free, so reducing weight, increasing comfort, and allowing it to be worn safely in magnetic environments.

Smash GTX Links

Find out more about the Smash GTX Ankle boot safety shoes..

More safety shoes on Skill Builder.

Snickers Workwear: RuffWork, LiteWork, FlexiWork & AllRoundWork

In this latest video from Skill Builder, Roger Bisby takes a closer look at the Next Generation Trousers from Snickers.

When you look at the huge range of styles and sizes that Snickers currently offers you might reasonably ask why they need to produce a whole new Next Generation Trouser range. Fashion undoubtedly plays a part, even for a builder who declares himself to be totally uninterested in fashion, but underneath the good looks lies a solid bed of functionality that has helped Snickers stay ahead of the competition throughout its history. This is no mean feat because they are copied relentlessly and they certainly aren’t the cheapest. So how do they manage to stay ahead of the competition? Roger Bisby finds out.

Solid Gear Safety Boots Review

Roger Bisby takes a pair of  Solid Gear 80005 Polar GTX Safety Boots out on site.

If you have ever suffered from cold wet feet out on site in the winter and doubted the wisdom of your career choice then this pair of winter boots will interest you. They say there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing and if there is a pinnacle in  the design of  winter work boots this pair of Solid Gear Polar GTX thermally lined boots must be right up there. It is difficult to see how they can be improved. They remind me very much of snow board boots with their BOA ratchet closure system using steel wire where laces would have been. One push of the button and you can close them up notch by notch to fit snugly around your ankle and lower leg. And one pull of the centre button opens them fully so you can kick them off without touching them. The mechanism is obviously designed to allow you to remove them without having to take your gloves off and the wire won’t stretch or become ice-bound in the way that laces will.

You can also slip them on and wear them like riggers if you just want to walk from the site hut to your van.

solid-gear-boot
The boots have a synthetic wool lining and a thin interlayer of Gortex to keep out the wind and the wet. The outside is nubuck leather and Cordura and there is a Vibram sole, usually found in walking and mountaineering boots. This gives slip resistance in the wet and grease. Is this all a bit over-kill for a workboot? Some might think so but when you consider that your average winter hill walker or mountaineer is only out for a few hours at the weekend  the argument could be turned on its head.  The person who spends 40 hours a week out in all weathers must surely deserve a better pair of boots. The good news is that safety boots with toe protection are zero rated for VAT . There is no tax on toes.

Solid Gear 8000537 Polar GTX Safety Boot – 6403911300

 

 

Tembé DIY and Building Products Raises £11,000.00 for Children with Cancer UK

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Doncaster based Tembé DIY and Building Products has raised £11,000.00 for Children with Cancer UK, with the money going towards research into finding cures and providing care for children with cancer. For every promotional pack of HIPPO Heavy Duty Trade Wipes sold, Tembé donated 50p to Children with Cancer.

 

Guy Malam, Managing Director of Tembé DIY & Building Products Ltd, Kevin Heath, Sales Director, Neil Herd, Andrew Baker, Marketing Directors and Victoria Nicholson attended a cheque presentation at Children with Cancer UK’s head office in Great Ormond Street, London on the 4th November 2016 with Francesca Borrelli from Children with Cancer UK.

Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. Funding life-saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of childhood cancer and working to protect young lives through essential welfare programmes.

As well as raising money through the sales of HIPPO Heavy Duty Wipes, keen employees at Tembé DIY & Building Products Ltd the parent company of HIPPO, the leading adhesives, sealants and decorating sundries brand raised money by taking part in various runs. Guy Malam and his fiancée Victoria Nicholson took part in this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon, Kevin Heath took part in the Bournemouth Marathon, and 7 of the team took part in the Isle of Axholme Half Marathon running to raise vital funds for Children for Cancer UK.

Guy Malam, Managing Director of Tembé DIY & Building Products Ltd explains why he chose to support Children with Cancer UK: “Cancer is the biggest child-killer disease in the UK. Tembé are proud to continue doing our part to help raise money for a cure.”

Francesca Borrelli from Children with Cancer UK said: “We are delighted that Tembé DIY chose to support Children with Cancer UK this year. Their fundraising efforts have been amazing and we cannot thank the team enough for their enthusiasm and commitment. Around 4,000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK, which is why our work is so vital. This valued gift will massively contribute towards our life saving research, so from all of us at the charity, please accept our renewed and heartfelt thanks.”

Chimney Sheep in line to be first OFGEM approved chimney insulator

A simple low-tech chimney insulator is applying to become approved by OFGEM and the British Board of Agrement (BBA) following two years of rigorous testing.

Chimney Sheep, invented by an ecologist from Cumbria four years ago, has already saved UK homeowners £2.5m off their energy bills and is said to be capable of saving the nation a further £691,500,000 per year.

Over 11m homes in the UK have an open chimney, yet the majority are un-insulated, essentially leaving an ‘open hole’ in the home for expensive warm air to escape out of.

Research by University of Liverpool, commissioned by Chimney Sheep, proves that 4% of a home’s heat is lost through the chimney and insulating it will save an average of £64 per year and pay for itself in six months.

BSRIA has spent two years studying the product’s effectiveness and energy saving credentials, a long, complex procedure that all energy reducing products must go through ahead of being officially recognised.

Once approved, the product could be listed as a home insulation device by the big six energy companies, meaning even more homeowners nationwide would be aware of its advantages.

Chimney Sheep has benefited from official support throughout the process – the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has provided it with a grant to help finance the procedure plus ongoing technical advice to ensure Chimney Sheep successfully makes it through the testing.

Chimney Sheep inventor and ecologist Sally Phillips says: “Getting Chimney Sheep officially recognised by OFGEM and BBA is one of the final stages of introducing the product to the British public. It has received energy saving awards, numerous accolades, government grants as well as support from a plethora of financial, consumer and environmental journalists here in the UK and now the US too. As well as being sold in a number of outlets here in the UK, including B&Q, It’s also now being sold internationally.

8-x-20-sheep

TV personality and home design expert Kevin McCloud is a keen supporter of the product and selected it to appear as a ‘green hero’ at his Grand Designs Live events last year.

He said: “Sheep wool is insulating, durable and naturally hygroscopic – absorbing and releasing moisture slowly. That’s what makes it ideal as a chimney stop. Any home with one chimney will lose 4% of its energy up the hole, so it makes simple, obvious sense to block the flue and insulate the blockage at the same time.”

The breathable Chimney Sheep, which comes in various sizes to fit all chimneys, keeps expensive, warm air within the home while still allowing for chimney ventilation to keep damp at bay.

12-inch-round

Builder handed suspended prison sentence and community service following unsafe gas work

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A builder has been sentenced to 250 hours of community service for putting a home owner at risk following renovations to their house in Cardiff.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Brian James was hired to carry out renovations to a bungalow in Cardiff specifically to install new plumbing and heating, including a boiler.

Brian James admitted in court that although he did not carry out the work himself he employed a man he had never met before to carry out the work. He did not check that he was sufficiently competent, qualified or a Gas Safe registered engineer. He took his details from a board at a DIY store and could not provide further details to the Health and Safety Executive, who investigated the incident. The boiler had not been fitted with a thermostat and was not commissioned by a registered engineer.

HSE inspector Simon Breen said: “It is essential for public safety that gas appliances are only fitted competent, qualified and registered engineers. Anyone who is carrying out renovations to properties need to make sure they properly check anyone they bring in to carry out gas work so people’s lives are not put at risk.”

Brian James, Llandudno Road, Rumney, Cardiff pleaded guilty to breaches of Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, He was sentenced to 32 week prison sentence, suspended for two years, 250 hours community service, fined £636 and ordered to pay costs of £5,344.29.

For more information about gas safety visit: www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/

Snickers Next Generation Workwear Review

We all know about breather membranes in buildings but Roger Bisby discovers something even more effective is now being used in Snickers Next Generation workwear.

20161030_snickers-winter_5421

37.5 centigrade is the ideal body temperature and the same part of your brain that (hopefully) keeps your heart ticking also regulates your body temperature.

Too hot and you start perspiring to help you cool down, too cold and your brain tells your skin to produce goose pimples which make the hairs stand up to trap a layer of air.

It is the cleverest system imaginable and somehow, don’t ask me how, scientists came up with high performance 37.5 technology fabrics that do the same thing as your skin, keeping your body as close to the ideal temperature as possible.

The fabric has millions of tiny permanently embedded particles adding 8 times the surface area to the fabric so it dries much faster and because it is dry and has trapped air it also retains the heat.

Next Generation Workwear

Snickers new XTR base layer uses this 37.5 technology for supreme comfort. The insulating layer wicks moisture from your body but somewhat surprisingly you can wear the base layer for several days at a time (use your nose) because the fabric has an anti-bacterial treatment.

Despite being packed with technology the fabric feels like a second skin stretching as you move so you are never restricted.

The Snickers 1100 All Roundwork 37.5 (registered trademark)  insulated jacket uses this same fabric with a 3D mesh lining at the back to trap air for insulation.

The jacket is water-resistant and has a dropped back, which I much prefer to some of their shorter jackets.

It also has pull down inner sleeves to hook over your thumbs and a nice stand up fleece-lined collar. The famous Snickers robust zip has a storm flap.

It is a jacket for the cold but it is also a jacket built to work with Cordura reinforced panels.

Like many Snickers garments, it is cut to assist movement with pre-bent sleeves and stretch fabric and, considering how warm it is fairly light.

snickers-jumpers-jpg snickers-winter_371 snickers-winter_5392

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk/

Worker falls after gutter hits power line

This straightforward job turned into a deadly job when a power line, a long gutter and a ladder proved to be a deadly combination.

What to wear on site this winter

In Snickers’ latest 48 page FREE magazine there’s lots of ideas for what to wear on site this winter.

There’s advice on choosing the right Work Trousers and Jackets to suit your trade – RUFFWork, LITEWork, FLEXIWork and ALLROUND workwear.

Whatever trade you’re in, Snickers says there’s something precisely for you in its range –Trousers, Jackets, Tool Vests, Shirts, Underwear, Accessories and Tool Carriers.

The range is complimented by Snickers Profiling and Embroidery services and one of the most  extensive ranges of garment sizes.

To get the catalogue visit the website at www.snickersworkwear.com alternatively, call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788.

Win a Bosch brushless combi drill

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Skill Builder has teamed up with Bosch to give you the chance to win a Bosch 18V-EC Kit.

To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following two questions (clue: the answers can be found in the video).

___________________________________________________________________

 

Terms and conditions

By entering a competition on the Skill Builder web site you are agreeing to us storing and using your information for marketing purposes. We will not share your information with third parties.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Google. By participating you hereby release and hold harmless Facebook and Google from any and all liability associated with this promotion.

Entrants are providing information to Skill Builder and not to Facebook or Google.

Entries must be submitted by 20th November 2016. The winning entry will be announced on Saturday November 26th 2016.

Please read these competition rules carefully. If you enter one of our competitions, we will assume that you have read these rules and that you agree to them.

  1. To enter a competition, you must be 18 years old or over at the time of entry.
  2. Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of Robert Bosch Limited or Skill Builder.
  3. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are not received for any reason.
  4. Skill Builder reserves the right to amend the competition end date at any time.
  5. If you win the competition, we will notify you by e-mail. If we cannot get a response within 7 days, we reserve the right to offer the prize to another competition entrant.
  6. There is no cash, credit or other alternative to the prize offered.
  7. No refunds or exchanges are offered.
  8. Incorrectly completed entries will be disqualified.
  9. Skill Builder reserves the right to amend these rules at any time. If we do this, we will publish the amended competition rules.

 

Save the date: Wednesday 2nd November 9pm

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You could be a winner of a Bosch Blue Power Tool

Skill Builder is broadcasting a live recording from Bosch Power Tools at 9pm on Wednesday 2nd November 2016.

Roger Bisby is talking power tools with Martin Sibley, Senior Product Manager at Bosch and they will be joined on Skype by Peter Brett, Tool Tester from Tool Business and Hire magazine.

Tune in for the chance to WIN the Bosch brushless combi drill.

Send  in your comments as the show goes out and take part in the competition for that lovely new drill.

Where?  Skill Builder YouTube Channel

When? Wednesday 2nd November, 9pm

and afterwards on www.skill-builder.uk

bosch-professional.com

How to: Take the sweat and drama out of plumbing

In this video Roger Bisby looks at how a water distribution manifold from Abacus Bathrooms can take all the sweat and drama out of plumbing.

The use of water distribution manifolds in mains pressure installations is a useful way of giving ultimate serviceability to all your bathroom products. It also reduces the chances of any leaks because you aren’t teeing off a supply.

 

Roofers see the biggest increase in earnings among sub-contractors

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The nation’s first construction pay trends index has revealed that across all construction trades, the highest increase in earnings year-on-year for sub-contractors was within the Roofing industry which experienced 6.1% growth, followed by 4.8% in Plastering and 4.2% in Scaffolding.

The index has also shown that Wales has seen the biggest (5.3%) year-on-year increase in earnings amongst self-employed tradesman – compared to just a 1.8% uplift nationally across England.

The new ‘Construction Pay Trends’ index which can be accessed at www.hudsoncontract.co.uk/construction-pay-trends has been  developed by workplace audit and contract solutions provider, Hudson Contract, and harnesses payroll data from over 2,000 building firms across England and Wales.

The interactive tool reveals weekly pay differences by region, age and sub sectors such as bricklaying and joinery through to roofing and surfacing contractors. Providing tradesman, building apprentices and other industry analysts with a unique insight into pay levels, it also reveals the impact weather, location and economic factors have on earning potential.

The biggest drop in average weekly pay in the building industry was experienced in the North East which saw a 2.1% decrease in earnings year-to-date in 2016 compared to 2015. It was closely followed by a 0.4% decrease in London, with the regional trends illustrated in the following top 10:

1.      Wales (+5.3%)
2.      Yorkshire & The Humber (+4.2%)
3.      East of England (+1.8%)
4.      North West (+1.7%)
5.      East Midlands (+1.7%)
6.      West Midlands (+1.5%)
7.      South East (+1.3%)
8.      South West (+1.1%)
9.      London (-0.4%)
10.  North East (-2.1%)

Those working in the Equipment and Operator Hire industry witnessed a surprising 4.1% average drop in earnings year-to-date in 2016 compared to 2015. This was followed by a notable yearly pay decrease of 1% in Bricklaying and only a 1.1% average increase in earnings for Civil Engineering tradesmen.

Ian Anfield, Managing Director at Hudson Contract, said: “We’ve developed the Construction Pay Trends index to provide the most comprehensive insight into pay levels across the industry. It has revealed some fascinating trends on both a national and regional level, with tradesman in Wales experiencing the sharpest annual growth in earnings.

The index will update monthly to reveal the latest pay trends.

www.hudsoncontract.co.uk/construction-pay-trends

Wanted – Bosch tool testers

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Would you like an opportunity to test the latest Bosch tools – and then keep them, free of charge?

Bosch is looking for professional tradespeople to take part in its #builtwithBosch campaign. Each successful applicant will be given two new power tools to test over a 5 week period. In return, Bosch will ask them to post short film clips to Facebook and/or YouTube showing their reaction to the tools, introducing their features and recording their experience of the tools in use.

To apply, go to www.bosch-professional.com/builtwithbosch and complete the simple form. Three testers will be selected and will be testing the GOP 18 V-28 Professional Multi Cutter and the GSB 18 V-LI Professional Combi with Wireless Charging System. Everyone who applies will be entered into a draw to win a Bosch Dynamic Series GSB 18 V-LI Professional Combi with Wireless Charging Kit.

The application deadline for the tester recruitment drive is 7th November.

Launching #builtwithBosch in the UK, Steve Hillier, Marketing Director, Bosch Professional Power Tools, said:  “We’re always really keen to get feedback from trade professionals and this campaign is a great way of generating some social media fun as well as useful information. If you enjoy posting on YouTube and Facebook, you may be just the person we’re looking for to join our team of testers.”

Workwear with Italian flair

Performance is a brand-new workwear range from U-Power, said to feature the finest and most comfortable stretch fabrics, designed with U-power’s trademark Italian flair.

u-power workwear

The range includes the Quick soft shell unlined jacket, which boasts extras such as an internal multimedia pocket with Free Sound technology, a detachable hood engineered with a reflective rain visor, reflective panels for optimum winter visibility, and a breathable keep-dry membrane that protects from wind and water in autumnal conditions.

The new Performance Flash stretch canvas trousers feature a tool pocket, many extra pockets, and reinforced inserts in high-wear areas.

For those who like their arms free, the new Fast padded gilet is extremely smart, with its choice of trim colours, concealed hood and internal and external mobile pockets.

U-Power’s Tasty full-zip fleecy hoody is another fashionable option, made with scuba stretch jersey fabric and also featuring a Free Sound multimedia pocket.

Finally, the Performance range boasts a new line of all-natural fine merino wool socks, to keep feet warm and toasty without overheating, owing to their thermo-regulating properties.  The Polar and Frozen socks are available in both long and short and all have reinforced heel and toe and front padding.

Stuart Thorne, U-Power’s managing director, said: “U-Power continually strives to improve clothing for those at work, creating more high-performance and fashionable products specifically designed to give added comfort, style and all-round durability in the workplace. Workwear doesn’t have to be drab. U-power gives you the option to be both safe and stylish. And of course, most of our customers are very happy to wear our stylish workwear after work as well.”

See the new Performance range at www.u-power.it/workwear/performance_en.html

 

Are you the tool trickster of 2016?

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Ironmongery Direct has launched a campaign to find the ‘Tool Trickster of 2016’.

Tradespeople across the UK are invited to show off their best tool tricks, whether that is hammer flips, slick trowel spins, kicks, catches or any other impressive tricks, as long as they are safe. See some examples here: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/tool-trickster-2016/

To be in with a chance of becoming the ‘Tool Trickster of 2016’ the potential candidate needs to prove his or her skills by sending a video clip of their trick. In return, IronmongeryDirect will give the winner 15 minutes of fame and the ‘Tool Trickster’ title.

Glen Eckett, Search Marketing Manager at IronmongeryDirect, said: “We want to make people take five minutes out of their day and have some fun with this. We are looking for skills that will blow us away – the kind of stuff that’s good enough for Britain’s Got Talent would be incredible. It’s a chance to bring the trade community together and show just how talented they are.”

To submit a clip, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/tool-trickster-2016/ fill in your details and upload a video clip.

The video clips should be no longer than one minute in length and no larger than 600 MB.