The Rise of Super Trowel and Its Path to the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500

Words: Justin Stengel

The Super Trowel 2024 event was nothing short of a monumental success, marking its place as the UK's largest and most iconic competition and exhibition for wet trades. For the second consecutive year, the event boasted sold-out attendance and fully booked trade stand spaces, reflecting the high level of interest and engagement from industry professionals, passionate craftspeople, and apprentices.


The event's rapid growth is a testament to its unique, end-user-based approach, ensuring that exhibitors directly connect with craftspeople, contractors, and decision-makers. This format allows attendees to witness the best bricklayers from the UK battle it out for 60 minutes to be crowned the UK's fastest bricklayer, much like the renowned SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 competition in the United States.


 

A Testament to Passion and Engagement


Held at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, the Super Trowel event has outgrown its current venue and will move to a larger space at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry for the 2025 event, scheduled for August 13th-14th. This move is driven by the overwhelming demand and the need to accommodate more attendees and exhibitors.


The feedback from this year's event has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees and exhibitors alike praised the event's organization, atmosphere, and the opportunities it provided for networking and engagement. One attendee described the event as "exceptional," highlighting the passion of both the customers and the organizers. Another exhibitor emphasized the value of meeting a broad spectrum of customers, from those on the tools themselves to large brickwork contractors.


 

The Road to SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500


As the dust settles from the Super Trowel 2024, the winners are already setting their sights on the next big challenge: the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 Final. Charlie Collison, the winner of the Super Trowel, along with his tender Tom Marcus, are gearing up for the prestigious competition. They are joined by Ben Ellis, the apprentice winner, and his tender Kurt Eplett, who are training hard for the Junior SPEC MIX 500. Additionally, Ash Mahoney and his tender Andy Mahoney (his father) are preparing to compete in the Fastest Trowel on the Block competition.


These competitors are not just representing themselves but are carrying the pride of the UK as they prepare to battle it out in January. The SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 is known for its rigorous standards and the high level of skill required to compete, making it a significant milestone for any bricklayer.


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