Toyota Hilux Prize for Britain’s Top Tradesperson

2015 winner Darren Lawton to receive new pick-up

Electrician Darren Lawton is getting behind the wheel of a brand new Toyota Hilux as part of his reward for winning the 2015 Britain’s Top Tradesperson competition. Darren, from Newcastle will be picking up the keys to a top-of-the-range Hilux Invincible X, provided by Toyota in its on-going support for the nationwide contest, presented by Screwfix.

The new set of wheels will be a welcome addition to Darren’s business, North East Electrics, which he set up three years ago. His qualifications, professional approach and focus on customer service impressed the judges, who named him the winner from among 10 finalists who challenged for the title at Wembley Stadium. They had won through regional selection rounds and a national total of more than 2,500 entries.

Darren said: “I set up the business after starting a family. My wife and I started to advertise by leafleting the local area and we even advertised on beer mats in the local pub. Once the business started coming in, I knew to keep it going successfully I’d need to provide an excellent customer service. I’ve taken on a lad who also had a young family to support, and together we’ve made a great success of things. I’m really proud that I have been named Britain’s Top Tradesperson.”

Paul Fricker, Toyota Fleet Strategy and Programmes Manager, was a member of the judging panel. He said: “Darren is a worthy winner, displaying the skills, ideas and great customer service that distinguish the best tradespeople in the business. I’m sure he will find his new Hilux a great reward, being tough, reliable and superbly equipped.”

Introduced earlier this year, the Hilux Invincible X is a Double Cab model so there is plenty of room inside for Darren and his family or work colleagues. It comes with 3.0-litre D-4D diesel power, 17-inch alloy wheels, a style pack, chrome side bars and leather upholstery.