Built by the Industry,
For the Industry

Ian Hodgkinson has joined Tradesconnect as an Ambassador, bringing over 40 years of experience in the construction industry and a lifelong passion for building with purpose. As the on and off-screen Project Manager for BBC's DIY SOS: The Big Build, Ian has led diverse teams of tradespeople, suppliers, and volunteers to deliver life-changing construction projects — from transforming homes for families in need to restoring vital community spaces. A true champion for apprentices and skills development, Ian's commitment to quality, teamwork, and giving back perfectly aligns with Tradesconnect's mission.

Daisy Turner (@dtplumbing) is an ambitious apprentice plumber and one of the leading young voices in the trade. Representing Grundfos, Scruffs Workwear, Polypipe and PolyPlumb as a brand ambassador, she promotes innovation, quality, and pride within the plumbing industry. Her accolades include Screwfix Apprentice of the Year Finalist (2025), HIA Awards Finalist (2025), HIP Learner of the Year & FSC Winner (2024), and IWD Plumbing Competition Runner-Up (2022–2024). Daisy has recently come onboard as a Tradesconnect Ambassador to inspire future apprentices, showing them what their careers could look like with dedication and opportunity. She also supports local colleges in encouraging new apprentices to join the Tradesconnect platform — helping students showcase their skills, connect with employers, and take their first steps into the industry with confidence.

Gavin Tutton is a highly respected carpenter and fitted kitchen specialist known for his craftsmanship, professionalism, and dedication to raising standards within the trades. With years of hands-on experience across residential and bespoke projects, Gavin has built a reputation for delivering precision work with an eye for design and detail.

As a Tradesconnect Ambassador, Gavin has played a key role in ensuring the brand stays true to its roots — built by trades, for trades. His insight and honest feedback have helped shape Tradesconnect into a platform that truly supports the needs of skilled professionals, apprentices, and employers across the construction industry.

A proud OX Tools Brand Ambassador and On The Tools Awards Finalist in both 2024 and 2025, Gavin's commitment to excellence and innovation has made him a recognised figure within the UK trades community.

Passionate about giving back, Gavin regularly returns to his former college to share his experience and mentor students entering the trade. His dedication to supporting the next generation aligns perfectly with the mission of Tradesconnect — to bridge the gap between education and industry, and help future tradespeople build rewarding careers.

We are delighted to welcome Mark Allison as an official Tradesconnect Ambassador.

Mark is a highly respected electrical industry professional, entrepreneur, content creator, and training advocate with a passion for supporting both the current and future generation of tradespeople.

As the owner of Power Sonic Ltd, Mark leads a specialist electrical installation company delivering high-quality electrical services nationwide. Working alongside his wife and sons, the family-run business has built a strong reputation across the electrical sector, with particular expertise in solar PV systems, battery storage solutions, EV charging infrastructure, and wider industrial electrical installations.

Beyond his installation work, Mark has become a well-known voice within the industry through his educational and product-focused content. He regularly showcases innovative products, tools, and technologies used by electricians, helping both consumers and installers make informed decisions while promoting best practice across the sector.

Mark is also the founder of a respected feedback forum dedicated to UK electricians and trainees. The platform gives learners, trainers, assessors, and employers a collective voice, encouraging open discussion around the good, the bad, and the challenges within electrical training. Through direct learner feedback, Mark is helping drive improvements in training centres, workplaces, and assessment processes across the UK.

His commitment to developing future talent extends through his involvement with A121 Electric Training, a specialist electrical training provider based in Driffield, East Yorkshire. Built on the belief that professional training should combine accredited qualifications with genuine hands-on experience, A121 Electric Training has helped hundreds of people begin or advance their careers in the electrical and renewable energy sectors.

Tradesconnect is also proud to announce a new partnership with A121 Electric Training, further strengthening our shared commitment to supporting apprentices, trainees, electricians, and employers throughout the UK. Through this partnership, A121 Electric Training has endorsed the Tradesconnect platform as a valuable way of connecting learners, skilled tradespeople, employers, and opportunities across the industry.

With Mark joining as a Tradesconnect Ambassador and A121 Electric Training supporting the platform, this collaboration creates exciting opportunities to inspire the next generation of electricians while helping experienced professionals continue to develop their skills and grow their businesses.

Tradesconnect Ambassador | @velocityprogear Brand Ambassador | Wickes Apprentice

Victoria is an apprentice kitchen fitter with a passion for carpentry, design, and creating beautiful, functional spaces. Currently completing her apprenticeship with Wickes, she is developing her skills and sharing her journey from apprentice to professional, one project at a time.

As a Tradesconnect Ambassador, Victoria represents the next generation of skilled tradespeople — bringing creativity, determination, and pride to everything she builds.

She's also a Brand Ambassador for @velocityprogear, showcasing quality tools and gear that help her deliver precision and excellence in every project.

As an older apprentice, Victoria is a testament to anyone thinking of changing careers or stepping into the trades — proving that with passion, commitment, and hard work, it's never too late to start.

Follow Victoria for project transformations, behind-the-scenes content, practical tips, and daily inspiration from life on the tools.

Inventor of The Brick Bud | Advocate for Safety in Construction Education

Carl Harris's journey from a seasoned bricklayer to a safety innovator began with a life-altering incident on a construction site. After nearly 30 years in the trade, a wall he had braced using standard timber methods collapsed, resulting in severe leg injuries. This accident led to a two-year hiatus from work and a significant personal and professional transformation.

Determined to prevent similar accidents, Carl pursued a Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) qualification and transitioned into safety management. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he developed the Brick Bud, a patented A-frame wall bracing system designed to prevent collapses in high winds and reduce site accidents. The Brick Bud has since been adopted by major construction firms, including Bellway Homes and Lovell Homes, and is now used in training environments and on construction sites.

Carl's commitment to safety extends beyond innovation. He actively collaborates with further education colleges to introduce the Brick Bud to the next generation of construction professionals. His efforts have been recognized with awards such as the Stephenson Shield and the NBCA Health and Safety Gold Award.

In partnership with Tradesconnect, Carl aims to integrate safety education into apprenticeships and college programs, ensuring that future tradespeople are equipped with the knowledge and tools to work safely from the outset of their careers.