Tim Fuge, a self-employed leadworker from Liskeard, Cornwall was crowned Young Leadworker of the Year 2016 at a prestigious ceremony in Central London on 13^th May. The competition, now in it fifth year and run by the Lead Sheet Association, is open to leadworkers around the UK under 30 years of age.

 

Tim spent two days at the LSA’s bespoke training centre in East Peckham, Kent, being tested and assessed with other finalists as part of the competition, demonstrating his skills and competence in a range of tasks and techniques that every good leadworker should have.

 

The LSA’s General Manager, Nigel Johnston, one of the competition judges said: ‘At the LSA we are keen to encourage the leadworkers of tomorrow which is why we set this competition up five years ago. Like other traditional skills, which can sometimes be forgotten, we need to make sure that the art of the leadworker is around for generations to come.

 

‘Competitions that highlight and celebrate the skills and achievements of young leadworkers are at the heart of that. The number of entries increased this year and all were of an incredibly high standard making it a difficult decision for the judges. However, Tim stood out with the quality and precision of his work which showed great craftsmanship and attention to detail during the final assessment.’

 

Tim was presented with his prize at the UK Roofing Awards 2016, held in Central London. Along with the trophy Tim also receives a training bursary worth £3,500, a set of tools up to £300 and a copy of the LSA’s Rolled Lead Sheet Manual.

 

There were two highly commended runners up from the very strong field and they were George Ashbrook from Ashbrook Roofing & Supplies Ltd in Derbyshire, and Matt Timby from Timby Traditional Roofing in Lincolnshire.