Fitter of the Year 2026 will be decided at Harrogate
From February to September, the Fitter of the Year challenge is a long one. Entrants (who do not need to be NICF members) were whittled down to a dozen to face the practical trial at InstallerSHOW in June, with the top five reaching the final at The Flooring Show.
The competition alternates between carpet and LVT, and this year attention turns to carpet. Harrogate will see the five finalists undertake the secret fitting task on 20-21 September and present their efforts on the Judges’ Challenge. The winner will be announced at 4.30pm on the Monday of the show. Ian James will mark a decade as head judge, aided by the return of Brain Kingand the debut of Tim Nicolas.
Fitter of The Year is sponsored by: Bostik, Carpet & Flooring, Cormar Carpet Company, F Ball, FITA, Floormat, Forest Impressions, Hanson Plywood, InstallerSHOW, Interfloor, Interiors Monthly, Maestri, Mapei, Penthouse Carpets, ProKnee, Roberts, Spotnails, Spyder, Stairrods UK, The Flooring Show, The Stocklists, Ulster Carpets and Uzin Utz.
The finalists:
DARREN ASH ‘I am originally from Windsor but 15years ago we moved to Malvern in Worcestershire. Almost straight away I joined NICF and took the master fitter assessment. Living so close to Kidderminster, the home of British carpet manufacturing, I wanted to establish myself and stand out from the crowd.
‘My father was a very good fitter and my grandmother a carpet seamstress, so although not my first choice, it was inevitable I would join the trade. I have worked at some amazing places and met some great people, of which I’m truly thankful.
‘A huge thanks to all involved in the competition, from everyone in the offices to the guys front of stage. Good luck!’
HAYDEN BARR ‘I come from the Lake District in Cumbria. I started out in the flooring industry 17 years ago straight out of school, working with my dad. He enrolled me on the floorskills apprenticeship scheme and has encouraged me to keep up with regular training ever since.
‘In our shop we supply and fit all kinds of flooring from LVT to naturals. My main work over the last few years has focused on LVT and carpet. I entered this competition to test myself against the best in the business and I’m humbled to have made it this far. I’d encourage anyone considering entering to do it. It’s a great experience and you will meet some brilliant people. Thank you to the NICF and sponsors for this opportunity.’
STEPHEN JOHNSON ‘I’m a carpet and flooring installer from Formby, Merseyside. I’ve been involved in flooring from a young age, growing up in the family business and learning from installers who have become like family to me. Their guidance, together with specialist training, has helped me develop my skills and passion for the trade. I specialise in installing carpet, natural flooring and LVT, and I also produce my own bespoke binding, creating stair runners and rugs.
‘Being selected as one of the finalists for FOTY 2026 is a dream come true. The Flooring Show is an event our team looks forward to every year, so experiencing it from the other side is something I’m really excited about.’
DANNY LATIMER ‘I’m a 35-year-old master fitter from Newcastle upon Tyne. I’m proud to have reached the finals of FOTY alongside some of the industry’s best installers. Entering the competition has always been a goal of mine and I’m excited tos howcase my skills in the final.
‘One of the best parts of the trade is working alongside other fitters, sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and having a laugh. I’m looking forward to catching up with friends and meeting fellow floor layers at the show. My family are incredibly proud that I challenged myself by having my work judged. I’m passionate about my trade and believe there’s always something new to learn.’
JAMES WILKINSON ‘I officially started my career in carpet fitting in 2009, but the trade has been part of my life for much longer. Growing up, I spent many summer holidays onsite with my dad at Pudsey Carpets, learning the values of hard work and pride in the job.‘As a proud Yorkshireman, I’ve always believed carpet fitting is a craft that deserves respect and attention to detail. It’s not a “slap it down and get out” trade: it’s about skill, precision and delivering a finish you can be proud of. Becoming a master fitter is my proudest career moment. Reaching the final is an honour and an opportunity to represent the trade and the craftsmanship behind it.’
