Public perceptions of trade professionals traditionally throw up a mixed bag of opinions. Latest research suggests that the majority of us prefer to leave it to the experts; while one in six homeowners have had to pay to fix ‘botched’ work. Poor craftsmanship, jobs that go unfinished and dishonest tradespeople have been brought to public attention and have encouraged the stigma of ‘rogue traders’. In an attempt to show the talented side of tradesmen and inspire the next generation to be the best, The Ultimate Tradesman’s Challenge is touring the UK in the search for the country’s most-skilled trade professional.

So what is the challenge trying to prove?

Joining us in the studio is Howard Jones, an expert on the trade industry.