A Crewe couple have been crowned North West Carpenter of the Year 2026 after building their joinery business from scratch.

Jack and Lucy Thomas, who run independent business Thomas & Co, received the award after being nominated in two regional categories at an industry awards ceremony.

The couple were shortlisted for both the North West and West Midlands & Wales titles, with each category attracting more than 2,500 entries.

They were the only carpentry company to receive nominations in both regions, before going on to win the North West award.

The achievement marks a major milestone for the pair, who started their business with a van, some tools and a determination to succeed.

Based in Crewe, Thomas & Co specialises in bespoke joinery, carpentry and home renovations across Cheshire and surrounding areas.

Jack and Lucy also work together on the tools, with Lucy playing an active role in manufacturing and installing projects.

They hope their partnership will encourage more women to consider careers in construction, an industry traditionally dominated by men.

The couple have since invested in their own workshop and equipment while building a following across social media and supporting local families through community giveaways.

Jack and Lucy told Nub News: "We didn't inherit a successful company, come from money or have investors backing us.

"We started with our skills, a van, some tools and a determination to build something that we could genuinely be proud of.

"Winning this award has been one of the proudest moments of our lives.

"Standing among some of the best tradespeople in the industry and hearing Thomas & Co announced as the North West winner was something we'll never forget.

"We're still a relatively young couple with enormous ambitions and although we've achieved something we're incredibly proud of, we genuinely feel like we're only getting started."

The pair thanked their customers, family, friends, suppliers and everyone who has supported Thomas & Co.

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