A CARPENTER from Dorchester is through to the semi-finals of a nationally-renowned trade competition.

Dan Thomson, aged 30, owner of Thomson Interiors, has reached the semi-finals of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021 - and will compete for £20,000 prize bundle.

Mr Thomson, who has been in the carpentry trade for four years, started out the business on his own in 2017 with little in the way of financial backing, reputation or even tools.

Fast forward to today and the business has grown at an unprecedented rate, now home to a team of seven, five vans, a large kitchen showroom - and its very own workshop where the expert team are able to build bespoke kitchen designs.

Mr Thomson said: "I’m delighted to be through to the semi-finals.

“The last 18 months or so haven’t been easy.

"In the midst of a significant growth period, the disruption caused by the pandemic hit us particularly hard. However, through our continued efforts we have pushed through stronger and managed to progress massively.

As the business has grown, it has also retained a deep community focus too. As well as other initiatives, Dan and his team provided a free 24-hour delivery service to vulnerable people during the first national lockdown, helping to pick up shopping, medicine, and other essentials.

Dan will join over 30 other semi-finalists in the interview stage with representatives from Screwfix to try and secure a place at a two-day virtual final event in September.

"I hope to reach the final so I can show the judges how dedicated I am to my trade and how I stand out from others in the industry," said Mr Thomson.

"Winning this competition would be the icing on the cake for us, and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my fantastic team for all their hard work and dedication in helping us get this far."

The winner will be crowned during Screwfix LIVE and will take home the ultimate £20,000 prize bundle comprising tech, tools, and training.

A spokesman from Screwfix said: "All of our semi-finalists are a great example of the nation’s tradespeople who give their all to support their local community and champion a career in the trade.

"From many entries, our semi-finalists have done incredibly well to get this far.

"I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage of the competition the best of luck and look forward to meeting our national finalists in September."