Shrewsbury builder named one of best in country

Nathan Buckley from Shrewsbury has been crowned the runner-up in the Youth Build Young Builder of the Year 2015 competition.

Mr Buckley is the site manager for family-run Shropshire-based building firm, English Construction, where he started as an apprentice in 2009.

He was recently invited to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster with his wife Laura, to accept the runner-up prize in the UK-wide competition, which also saw him being awarded £250 in cash and a £500 gift voucher for Tool Station, from Youthbuild UK president Baroness Smith of Basildon.

David English, director of English Construction, entered Nathan into the awards, which seek to recognise those who have overcome adversity in the building trade.

Mr Buckley, currently oversees 20 tradesmen and three apprentices and after being dogged by various injuries has had to come off the tools and carve out a different career path for himself within the industry.

The 25-year-old said: "It was a bit of shock to come second to be honest. I really didn't think I was in with a chance. All of the finalists got to meet beforehand and talk to each other and from hearing their stories I really didn't think I would win anything.

"The idea of the awards is to recognise people who have overcome barriers and done well for themselves.

"I have suffered with a bad back for a few years now, so despite my age, found I could not carry on working on the tools and it's an ongoing issue so had to find a new role within construction and moved up into management. I feel this award will be a real boost for my career."

The company, owned by David and Jennifer English who live near Shrewsbury, has taken on 15 apprentices since its inception, all through with Shrewsbury College.

Mr English added: "Nathan started with me very early on as an apprentice and has climbed the ranks consistently ever since. Despite the various injuries he has suffered with, he has always had excellent organisational and leadership skills and management was a natural progression for him.

"I feel comfortable leaving projects and our workforce in the capable hands of Nathan and this award is well–deserved."