The winner of the Checkatrade/2CR FM Dorset Top Trader Competition is announced today. The judges awarded the title of Top Trader 2007 from a list of over two hundred nominees, to Bill Hussey, a telecommunications specialist of Blandford. Bill receives a cash prize of £1000, free radio advertising on 2CR FM for two weeks and twelve months free membership of Checkatrade.com, the answer to the UK’s rogue trade problem.

The judge, Tim Saunders, Business editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo, was impressed with Bill’s attitude towards his work, which was reflected in the comments made about him by nearly 90 of his satisfied customers. Many said, “He is a true professional”.

The judge’s opinion of Bill was reinforced when Bill announced that he is donating half of his £1000 prize money to The Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester. A presentation of the £500 cheque will be made on January 4 2008 at the hospice.

When told of his win, Bill said, “Of all the things that I have won, this is the best. I am very proud of what people have said about me and of the way it has helped my business grow from scratch.” Bill went on to say, “I cannot stand to see people being ripped off. My association with Checkatrade can only be good for both of us and also for my future customers who will be able to see reports made about me on the Checkatrade website.”

Kevin Byrne, Founder and CEO of Checkatrade.com said, “Bill is exactly the kind of trader that we want to have as a member of Checkatrade. His excellent standards of service, reliability and workmanship echo Checkatrade’s own high criteria for membership.” This is the first time the competition has been held and the response from both traders and the customers who nominated them exceeded expectations. Over 1100 customer feedback cards were received during the competition which ran for just over a month.

Details of the winner can be found on www.checkatrade.com/billhussey.

Checkatrade was formed.

Since then, Checkatrade has grown to include nearly 1,800 trade members and, via the Royal Mail, distributes 3.7 million directories into communities throughout Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Berkshire, while the website includes traders from across the UK. In 2007, the company has seen a turnover of 1.5 million - an increase of 50% on 2006. After its humble beginnings in a shed, Checkatrade – still based in Selsey - now employs around 40 staff.

Kathy Simmonds, Checkatrade
PR / marketing
01243 601234
Tel: 07841 988373
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Bill Hussey has 42 years experience in telecommunications. He worked for BT until 2002, when he took early retirement and formed his own telecommunications company. Bill has never regretted that decision and enjoys the direct contact with his customers.

Contact:

Bill Hussey

Tel: 01258 458345

Mob: 07736 642733

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Website: www.billhussey.com