The Decorator – Winter 2025

THE

DECORATOR

The official journal of the Painting and Decorating Association • Winter 2025

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Hello everyone, As I write my first letter of 2026, I sit here wondering where the past year has gone. The months seem to go by faster every year. It must be sign of old age!

I hope you managed to have a good Christmas and enjoyed the New Year celebrations. It is always time for reflection and to spend quality time with family members, friends and loved ones.

It was great to see some of you at the National Painting and Decorating Show at the Coventry Building Society Arena back in November. This year, the show is on the move! It will take place at the NEC Birmingham from 24 to 26 June, as part of the Installer Show, a huge event with an average 30,000 footfall. More information will be available in the coming months.

As part of the online AGM held last November, we welcomed Smithdec Contract Decorators onto the Association’s Management Board. Alison Smith, the Company Director, will now be part of our board for the next three years. Congratulations to the other board members who stood for re-election and were duly confirmed in the voting process. Stuart Yates was also re-elected as Chair of the Board at our December meeting.

By now, you should have received your 2026 membership request for payment information. All members who pay in full by 27 February will be placed in the prize draw with a chance to win a Graco GX19 spray machine worth over £900. We’ll also be running a series of giveaways throughout the year for members, including a full professional Mirka sanding kit!

Looking ahead to 2026, preparations are now well underway for our series of Apprentice of the Year events that will take place from late February. This year, we have added a new regional heat to this event which will take us over to Belfast as part a full UK tour. So, for the first time in the history of the competition we will touch all four home nations. These competitions really are a testimony to the resounding success and longevity of both awards in representing the very best our sector. If you have a rising young star in your company, please do put them forward for this competition. It will be a great experience for them, and they may even join me on stage in London, to receive their certificate, award and cash prize.

The closing date is also fast approaching for the Premier Trophy Awards, so if you have a completed piece of work that you feel fits within one of the seven categories, then please submit it and let’s see you at Plaisterers’ Hall London on 2 July 2026. You can download both Trophy Awards and Apprentice of the Year application forms from the PDA website.

Our new look website was launched in December. It’s now much cleaner, sharper looking, that in turn makes it easier to navigate. The mobile version has also been updated, again, to help with navigation. Our new text messaging service also appears to be a hit with members, along with our fortnightly e-newsletter and social media, our team at HQ can now contact members quickly to alert them any news, updates, or offers, using this new texting system.

None of us know what challenges lie ahead, especially in the current delicate political, and ever-changing economic landscape, however, I can tell you that PDA is in great shape, and I am confident that there is much to look forward to and real grounds for optimism for both our industry, and the Painting and Decorating Association as a whole.

My full Year in Review 2025 report can be found on our website under the AGM tab in the Members’ hub, a summary of which can also be found on page 8 of this magazine.

We will continue to offer our best possible support and guidance to you and your business. If you need us, please make contact at info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk or by phone on 024 7635 3776.

I look forward to speaking with and hopefully meeting some of you, throughout the year.

Neil Ogilvie Chief Executive neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

/TheDecoratorMag

The Decorator

in your winter magazine: 4 Association News 14 News from PDA Members 16 Education and training 20 The Gallery 22 Health and Safety 26 Sector News 30 It’s all about the ‘who’ FAQ with Charlie Budd

32 Case studies 36 Tooltalk with Wayne de Wet 40 Products and services

THE

DECORATOR

/DecoratorMag

Painting & Decorating Association 32 Coton Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5TW Telephone: 024 7635 3776 e-mail: info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk web: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk Chief Executive Officer Neil Ogilvie neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Winter 2025 — Volume 94 No 4

The Decorator is published by Catherine Saint Publicity on behalf of the Painting & Decorating Association

Advertising and Editorial Catherine Saint Publicity Telephone: 07941 590 183 e-mail: catherine@the-decorator.co.uk

PDA Editorial Neil Ogilvie Telephone: 07864 300 688 e-mail: neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Artworking and Design empathicVisions Telephone: 07789 725 074 e-mail: info@empathicvisions.co.uk

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those held by the Association. Editorial items in this publication and the statements and opinions expressed thereon are published on the understanding that the author of the contribution is solely responsible for the opinions so expressed. Although every care is taken with advertising, no responsibility can be accepted by the published for their products, services and other matters advertised. The publisher will not be liable for any loss or damage consequential or otherwise occasioned by error, late publication or the failure of an advertisement to appear in any cause whatsoever.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

takeNOTICE

/thePDA tinyurl.com/LinkedInPDA

The latest news and updates about the PDA and wider issues across our industry.

If you have something to contrubite email info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Don't miss out – Renew now for your chance to be a winner!

RENEWING PDA MEMBERS PRIZE DRAW! We’re offering all our members the chance to win an amazing GX 19 Airless Sprayer (worth over £900!), generously donated by our Associate Partner, Graco.

Keep an eye out for your 2026 renewal pack, landing soon with all the details you need.

MEMBER GETS NEW MIRKA It was a busy couple of days for the PDA team at November’s National Painting and Decorating Show. A big thank you goes to all who stopped by our stand to say ‘hi’, and welcome to our newest members who took advantage of our show only offers.

A big congratulations to the lucky winner of our member exclusive prize giveaway (drawn at random), Tristan Stephens, who was presented with a Mirka Deros Electric Orbital Sander by Marketing Manager Julie Starkey and PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie.

We’d love to see you putting it to use – So remember to send us some photos of your work for The Gallery...

Who knows, you might even get a bonus prize if it’s used on the cover!

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UNIEP GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025 THE UNIEP GENERAL Assembly, hosted by CAPEB Nationale, took place on 14 November in Paris. Board members and UNIEP members gathered both in person and online for this annual meeting, which is highly significant for UNIEP’s future. Among them was PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie, serving as Vice-President of UNIEP. The President, Maurice Karotsch, opened the meeting, thanking those present and giving the floor to the various speakers.

In the afternoon, the achievements of UNIEP over the past few years were showcased, particularly its efforts to promote the painting sector. A special focus was placed on training initiatives and the opportunities that technological advancements offer the industry.

Additionally, charitable initiatives organised by members were highlighted, demonstrating how the painting sector and its companies can contribute to societal improvement.

The dedication demonstrated by members during the conference is clear evidence of their collective aim to enhance UNIEP’s significance and establish it as a key reference point for the painting sector across Europe.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

MANAGEMENT BOARD

2025–2026

A total of nine PDA members, along with Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie, have management responsibility of the Association. Our elected Management Board plays a vital role in shaping the trade body's future.

They contribute to developing new benefits and services for all members, and provide valuable guidance to the CEO and staff in managing the Association.

Prior to the AGM in November, we asked members to elect five Management Board members, thank you to all who voted in an extremely close run election.

The following were selected to join the Management Board: Representing Categories 1 to 4 Stuart Yates, Stuart Yates Decor Samantha Costa, Costa Decoration Ltd Windsor Powell, Windsor Powell Decorators & Building Alison Smith, Smith Dec Representing Categories 5 & 6 Philip Jones, Ian Williams Ltd

CATEGORIES 1,2,3& 4

CATEGORIES 5&6

Samantha co-manages a family-run painting and decorating business, with previous experience in business management, construction management, financial oversight, and governance. Samantha oversees the PDA’s financial accounts, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment.

Joanne Gualda

Des Cass Des and his family have been PDA members for nearly 50 years, and have represented the Association in various positions over the years, as South East Regional President on two occasions, and twice as President of the Associations London Branch, the LAMD.

Joanne has has worked for Bagnalls since 2000.

A Chartered marketer who loves to promote the positive aspects of the industry including apprenticeships, sustainability, innovation and quality workmanship, and fully support the excellent work undertaken by the PDA.

Samantha Costa

A P&D lecturer for over 20 years, and a self-employed decorator, Scott also delivers all day training on the current equipment, skills and expectations for Dulux. Having recently appointed an Apprentice, he knows the hurdles of navigating Government funding and gateways to learning.

Windsor Powell

Scott Oliver Philip Jones Former regional and national president of the PDA, Windsor has been in the industry for over 40 years. A strong believer in apprentices, he says, “The future for decorating is all about innovation and skill, which we need to make sure we get the gratification and worth for what we do.”

Alison Smith

Involved in the decorating industry for 50 years, holding several posts from apprentice to management, Stuart has represented small businesses on the PDA management board since its inception, he currently holds the position of chair of the committee.

With 37 years in the painting and decorating industry, Philip brings deep experience and strong support for smaller businesses, pushing to keep membership costs low, and helped strengthen member benefits.

Current Chair of the Trophy Awards Committee.

Charlie Wileen

Stuart Yates

A painter and decorator for over 25 years, Alison mostly delivers decorating packages for small developers and fit out contracts, sometimes working on larger contracts as a subcontract painter or as a SSSTS working supervisor.

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With 30 years experience from Apprentice to Director, Charlie has gained a wealth of knowledge and developed many different management skills. His passion for the trade has also led him to become a member of the advisory board for apprenticeships at his local college.

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IT STICKS TO VIRTUALLY ANYTHING, INSIDE AND OU O PRIMING REQUIRED. ONE CAN IS TINTABLE IN-STORE TO ANY RAL OR BRITISH STANDARD COLOUR. CLASS 1 SCRU SISTANCE. FIND IT IN STOCKISTS NATIONWIDE. SELF-PRIMING. AVAILABLE IN MATT AND EGGSHELL FINISHES. A TRUL ULTI-SURFACE PAINT. NEW COLOUR CARD AVAILABLE NOW DRIES IN JUST 30 MINUTES. PRIME, BLOCK & FINISH FROM NGLE TIN. INHIBITS MOULD GROWTH. MINIMAL PREPARATION NEEDED. MOULD & MILDEW RESISTANT. USE ONE CAN O ADDING, UPVC WINDOWS, HARDWOOD, GUTTERING, METAL FENCING, DOORS, WATER DAMAGE, SMOKE DAMAGE, TANN EED, RUST STAINS, NICOTINE STAINS, PLASTER WORK, PLASTER BOARD, SOFTWOODS, TANALISED TIMBER, MARINE PL GULAR PLY, MDF, CONCRETE, AGED DEGREASED GALVANISED STEEL, NEW DEGREASED GALVANISED STEEL, ALUMINIUM AINLESS STEEL, POWDER COATINGS, PVCu WINDOWS & DOORS., PLASTISOL CLADDING, FIBREGLASS & GRP, GLAS RAMIC TILES, FORMICA, MELAMINE, AGED GLOSS PAINT, COMMERCIAL CEILING TILES. USE ONE CAN TO PAINT ALMOS NY HOUSEHOLD SURFACE. 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ASSOCIATION NEWS

2025

YEAR IN REVIEW ATTRACTING NEW PEOPLE into the construction sector as a whole remains crucial. CITB identifies the need for around 240,000 extra workers over the next five years.

The UK painting and decorating sector is experiencing strong demand due to construction projects and an ever-growing need for skilled people and their services.

Specific positive points to note are: • Spraying continues to be a growth area.

• There is a growing demand for decorators who understand and can use sustainable and environmentally conscious materials. Our own, Paint Green initiative is gathering pace with our members signing up to take the pledge.

• Specialising in traditional techniques for heritage restoration projects is growing and in-demand area of work.

• There is a significant and surging demand for female painters and decorators with a noticeable increase in online searches for their services.

The Procurement Act 2023 The Procurement Act 2023 came into effect in February of this year, designed to streamline the public sectors £385 billion annual spend.

The government is working with trade associations to provide guidance and training for both public sector procurers and private sector suppliers to help them understand and adapt to the new regime, which aims to benefit smaller businesses by reducing barriers to public contracts.

This also benefits our association, as it means that more and more tendering contracts require membership of their related trade body in order to apply.

Member Benefits Discounts ranging from 20-50% are now offered by many of our Associate Partners. Our list of partners now stands at well over 60.

One of our most highly used benefits is the Markel Law claim line which includes legal assistance, and their newly upgraded Business Hub (use your membership login details to view this or see the box on page 10 for more information). This Markel Law legal service and 24/7 call centre is available 365 days a year and is an excellent benefit for our members.

For anyone who may be suffering from stress and anxiety, Markel also offer a 24/7 counselling helpline to all current PDA members. The contact number for this service can be found on your 2025 membership card.

Website Ongoing updates are continuing to be made to the PDA website, which includes adding the latest industry news, entry forms for our competitions, useful downloads and information, discounts and offers, shop discounts and more.

Our marketing team are also currently working with our website company to produce a new-look site design with simplified navigation and clearer messaging to ensure we remain high on major search engines.

Marketing and Communications In 2025, the three core themes of Why Choose Anyone Else?, Careers in Colour and Paint Green, were brought together to form the Power Up Your Business package.

We continue to communicate with PDA members via fortnightly e-news, e-shots and via the social media pages. With additional Instagram and Facebook pages that showcase members’ work and aim to increase public awareness of the PDA and the advantages of hiring a member.

The Decorator magazine continues to inform members of industry developments and news, along with projects from members and useful product information, being delivered direct to members in the post, with a digital edition online to also help spread awareness of the Association.

Education & Training Committee This year, the committee has made several amendments to a proposed Standard and outline End Point Assessment proposal for the General Builder Apprenticeship with a Painter Route. Changes related to omissions and technical inaccuracies, together with strong reservations on the Standard as a whole, which were fed back to Skills England.

The review and revision is part of the National Occupational Standards (NOS), which is still ongoing since November 2023 The PDA has signed up to a coalition of organisations from across the construction and built environment sectors, who are opposed to the proposals and the Education and Training committee will be monitoring, and lobbying their opposition as is required.

Safety, Health & Environment Committee Throughout the year, the PDA has continued its partnership with the Lighthouse Club, On the Tools and Andy’s Man Club to promote the importance of mental health awareness within our sector. Along with the free Markel Law 24/7 counselling service, I sincerely hope these go a long way to support our members, should anyone find themself in a difficult and vulnerable position. Help is only a phone call away.

Premier Trophy Awards and Apprentice Competitions The Premier Trophy Awards event is a tremendous opportunity for Painters and Decorators’ companies of all sizes to showcase the work they do throughout the year. This year was outstanding, with over 104 entries submitted in the seven categories. We also had over 70 entries for the Apprentice of the Year competition.

Thank you to Johnstone’s Trade as the main sponsor for 2025.

Once again, we received a good number of entries for the Paperhanger of the Year competition. The winners picked up their prizes at our Gala Dinner event back in October. A huge thanks go to Brewers Decorators Centres for once again, being sole sponsor of this competition.

Conclusion To sum up this review, none of us know what challenges lie ahead in 2026, especially in the current delicate political, and ever-changing landscape. However, I can tell you that PDA is in great shape, and I am confident that there is much to look forward to and real grounds for optimism for both our industry, and the Painting and Decorating Association as a whole.

Neil Ogilvie Chief Executive Officer

This is an abridged version of the report, members can access the full report online at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk/ceo_year-in-review-2025/ 8

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

ADVICE for our Members MAKING TAX DIGITAL EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS GUIDANCE OUTLINES how to determine if you are required to use the Making Tax Digital (MTD) service to report self-employment and property income, and provides related information.

Digital exclusion: You may be considered digitally excluded if it is unreasonable to maintain digital records or submit them using compatible software. Additional information on claiming exemption is available.

Who must use MTD for Income Tax

Other automatic exemptions include:

You are mandated to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax if all of the following conditions apply: • You are a sole trader or landlord registered for Self-Assessment.

• You receive income from self-employment, property, or both.

• Your qualifying income exceeds £20,000. (see Qualifying Income heading below) The requirement to start using MTD for Income Tax depends on your qualifying income during a tax year: • Over £50,000 for the 2024–2025 tax year: Mandatory starting 6 April 2026.

• Over £30,000 for the 2025–2026 tax year: Mandatory starting 6 April 2027.

• Over £20,000 for the 2026–2027 tax year: Mandatory starting 6 April 2028.

Business partnerships will also be required to use MTD for Income Tax in the future but HMRC haven’t confirmed the start dates yet.

It is not necessary to begin using MTD until after submission of your first Self-Assessment tax return, though early sign-up is available.

Qualifying income The qualifying income for MTD refers to the total income derived from self-employment and property prior to the deduction of any expenses. This encompasses all earnings from self-employment activities, consultancy services, freelancing, or any other self-employed work, as well as rental income generated from both UK and overseas properties.

• Acting as a trustee, including charitable trustees or trustees of non-registered pension schemes; • Individuals without a National Insurance number (Non residents or minor children); • Personal representatives of deceased individuals; • Lloyd’s members, pertaining to underwriting business; • Non-resident companies.

The above exemptions apply automatically and do not need to be claimed.

How to check if you are required to report under MTD HMRC offers a tool to check if you need to sign up for Making Tax Digital at https://tinyurl.com/MTDCheck This tool is designed to determine whether you are required to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and to identify the appropriate commencement date. It may also be completed by an authorised representative on your behalf. Before using the tool, you will need to know your qualifying income for 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Digital recording keeping If you’re in MTD, you will have to keep digital records of the amount, category and date of income and expenses relating to your self-employment and/or property business in some form of software. The categories used will follow those on current Self-Assessment returns.

Exemptions from MTD If exempt, you are not required to use MTD for Income Tax. In such cases you will continue to report income and gains through the standard Self-Assessment tax return procedure.

Qualifying income of £20,000 or less: No obligation to use MTD for Income Tax applies.

PDA members have free access to the Markel Business Hub, where they can find guidance and template documents across a range of business areas, including guidance on tax and VAT. If you have any questions on how to access it, email us at businesshub@markel.com

10

You’ll need to choose Making Tax Digital software that works with the new system, such as a bookkeeping or accounting app on your phone or laptop.

There are both free and paid software options and It’s up to you which you prefer. You can choose from a list of recognised providers, and you can even use a combination of different software.

HMRC does not supply its own software but offers a tool to identify software that is compatible with MTD at https://tinyurl.com/MTDChoices – The tool indicates whether the software is supplied free of charge by the provider or if payment is necessary.

Requirement to register for MTD HMRC will review your Self-Assessment tax return annually to verify qualifying income. If your income exceeds the relevant threshold, you will be formally notified and given a deadline for compliance (e.g., notification for the 2024–2025 tax year means compliance by 6 April 2026). If you do not receive correspondence, it remains your responsibility to verify your obligations and prepare accordingly.

If you believe you are required to register based on qualifying income but have not received notification: • Utilise the official checking tool for confirmation.

• Consult your tax agent, if applicable.

• Seek assistance from the Tax Advice line.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

UK PA AINTERS AND DEC CORATORS T Have you completed a standout pa ainting and decorating project in 2025?

Enter it into the PDA Premier Trophy Awarrds – and gain the recognition you deserve.

These prestigious Th i i Awards d celebrate l b excellence ll across the h iindustry d and d are open to o all, ll from sole traders and SMEs to national contractors.

Entry closes on 9 January 2026.

Visit our website for more information and to download your entry form.

www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co o.uk 12

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

“HONOURED & PROUD” Branch Manager at Bagnalls York and Leeds offices, Jane Potter, recently received recognition for her excellent work within the industry. Her recent naming at the CITB Top 100 Influential Women in Construction Awards, in the Most Influential SME/Trade Leader category, highlights her drive and determination.

We caught up with her to hear how it feels to act as a role model for young women within the industry and what she hopes to do next...

How does it feel to be named in the Construction Awards?

“I’m honoured and proud to be involved in such a prestigious award. I took my niece with me to the ceremony and it was lovely to see her feeling so inspired by all these amazing women and role models.

“She works in the engineering sector, in a very male dominated workplace, so it was great to see her experience an event focused on women’s achievements across the whole of the construction industry.”

Why do you think the CITB awards are so important for the industry?

“We need to get more women into our industry!

When I first started out I was the only woman on the team, I had to push through and show I could do the same job as the men, to get people to believe in me.

Proving people wrong was my driving factor.

“Now, I think the mindset has changed and we’re seeing more positive shifts in the industry. I used to get asked what I was doing on a building site and told I

should be at home in the kitchen! This would never happen nowadays, we’re all a lot more supportive of one another, providing coaching and guidance where needed, regardless of gender.

“It’s a real passion of mine to attract more women into our world, which is why I’m proud to say that I now head up a team that is 22% women!”

How does it feel to know that you’re a role model for other young women?

“It feels fantastic! I never thought of myself as especially inspiring, I just get on with the day-to-day. I never imagined I’d be nominated for something like this.

“To get this kind of recognition from other women in the industry is really touching. In turn, they have inspired me!

“Now, I want to keep pushing and do even more, so that other brilliant women, like my niece, have the opportunity to show off their talent and succeed within the construction industry.”

What advice would you give someone looking to break into the industry?

“Just go for it! it really is a fantastic industry and you get to experience a varied number of painting and decorating projects. No one day is ever the same!

“Plus, the Bagnalls board team proves that the apprenticeship route doesn’t close any doors in terms of working your way up. 15% of our current senior leadership team used to be on the tools.

“Family businesses, like Bagnalls, really are brilliant at nurturing talent and helping shape careers. I know that my team truly cares and that all my colleagues will back each other to be the best they can be.

“Bagnalls has evolved so much over the years, championing women and young talent, really being there for people who want to progress. I’m hoping that other companies will see this as a good example to aim for.”

If you could nominate someone else for the Awards, who would that be?

“My niece. She’s always striving forward in the face of the adversity she faces every day, working in an extremely male-dominated space. But she’s brilliant!

“I look at some other women I know in the industry today and they’re facing the same challenges I did 30 years ago, as a woman in a male-dominated space.

“But, sitting in that room during the Awards, surrounded by all these inspirational women, I just thought ‘wow’. It really brings it home, that things are changing, that we can do this.”

BELL ACQUIRES MCDERMID DECORATORS

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BELL GROUP HAS recently acquired McDermid Decorators, which will continue to trade under its existing name and structure. Painting and decorating has always been at the heart of Bell’s story, and this acquisition strengthens the company’s future in this work stream while honouring and protecting the McDermid legacy, a well-respected name in Scottish decorating.

Originally established in 1973, McDermid Decorators is a trusted professional painting and decorating company based in Paisley, Scotland. With over 50 years of experience, the company evolved to primarily focus on the new build housing sector, delivering exceptional interior and exterior finishes that exceed client expectations.

In October 2025, McDermid Decorators was acquired by Bell and continues to operate under its own name, however the business now benefits from the extensive resources provided by the property services contractor.

Craig Bell, Chief Executive at Bell commented, “This is an important acquisition, and I am delighted that it allows us to achieve so much. For Bell, we began life as a painting and decorating contractor, and this strengthens our position even further across the Central Belt of Scotland. It also means we protect the future of McDermid Decorators,

which is widely known and respected. Our two businesses hold a deep commitment to quality, service and craftmanship and we are very proud to work together to deliver the highest standards of work for customers.”

Lynne Dolan, Office Manager at McDermid Decorators concluded, “McDermid Decorators has always been like a second family to me. Some of us, myself included, have been here over 35 years, we’ve grown up together. I’m proud of everything we’ve built and I’m looking forward to continuing my journey as part of Bell.” www.bellgroup.co.uk

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Competition Venue: DN Colleges Group

PAPERHANGER 2 0 2 6 APPRENTICE

To encourage excellence from the start of their careers, apprentice decorators are invited to showcase their skills at the annual PDA Apprentice Paperhanger competition.

Tackle a six-hour wallpapering challenge for the chance to win a place at the PDA Gala Dinner along with a selection of fantastic prizes supplied by Brewers Decorator Centres.

All UK registered apprentices can enter the competition, with entrants’ accommodation (including breakfast) the night prior to the competition provided.

Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/pdaaphy Sponsored by:

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UNR RIV VA ALLED* O OP PA ACITY IN A SINGLE CO OAT Johnston ne’s Trade Obliterate Matt M Emulsion T O l i A True One C Coat S Solution A premium quality interior wall and ceiling paint with i h a flat fl matt fi finish i h to giv ive unrivalled* opacity in just one coat. Unlike traditional emulsions tthat may require two, or even three, coats for full coverage, this product offers immediate hiding g power. It’s I ’ perfectly f l suited for f new build and redecoration projects in high footfall areas in botth domestic and commer mercial spaces, thankss to its durability. Obliterate Matt is designed to help yo efficiency. nd improve ou finish jobs faster and impr Offering time saving solutions on site.

Visit www.johnstonestrade.com to find out more *Compared to other PPG Matt Emulsion formulations

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

NEST HELPS 1,500 APPRENTICES FLY SMALL CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSES can find the process of hiring an apprentice complex and time consuming. The New Entrant Support Team (NEST) at CITB reduces the hassle and makes the process easier.

NEST helps make finding, recruiting and retaining an apprentice or new entrant easier for employers, and works closely with them to remove any barriers they may face employing and retaining new entrants, particularly apprentices. The New Entrant Support Team also assists employers with the administration involved including help setting up the Government Digital Account and accessing CITB grants and funding.

Figures show that NEST has already supported 1,521 apprenticeship starts between April and September 2025, an increase from 943 in the same period in the previous year.

In the last full financial year 2024-25, CITB’s NEST supported 4,000 apprenticeship starts, almost doubling from the previous financial year, and the team is currently on track to outperform this in the 2025-26 financial year.

CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook report estimates that the UK needs to recruit 47,860 extra workers each year to meet demand for housing, infrastructure and

maintenance. For construction to have the workforce it needs in the future, investment in training that supports people into jobs is crucial. This is at the heart of CITB’s Strategic and Business Plans.

As part of the Government’s £600m investment into construction skills, CITB will invest £32 million to fund over 40,000 industry placements each year for all Level 2 and Level 3 learners, those studying NVQs, BTECs, T Levels and advanced apprenticeships. CITB will also double the size of its NEST programme to support SMEs in recruiting, engaging, and retaining apprentices.

Deb Madden, CITB’s Executive Director, Customer Engagement and Operations, said, “A strong pipeline of apprentices and construction workers is required to build the millions of homes and hundreds of infrastructure projects needed. We’re really pleased to see how impactful NEST is, and I look forward to seeing the good work continue to give employers access to hands-on, dedicated support.”

Find out more about NEST at https://tinyurl.com/CITBNEST or contact the team directly on 0300 456 6431, email newentrant.team@citb.co.uk

SKILLS PASSPORT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND CITB GRANTS GO DIGITAL CITB HAS DEVELOPED a new online portal to make it easier for employers to access the CITB Grants Scheme. CITB Online Services now allows employers to submit and manage applications for Apprenticeship, Qualification and Short Course grants, which could previously only be applied for via email, as well as submit their Levy Return.

The online portal enables employers to save draft grant applications and track when they have been processed, as well as control who within their business has access to the information. Employers who already have a Levy or Grant account with CITB can use their existing details to log in without registering again, although Levy and Grant access are requested separately so employers who only have Levy access will need to ‘request access to your employer’ and select Grant access in order submit grant applications.

Whilst the existing route of submitting grant applications via email will remain available for the time being, employers are being encouraged to start using CITB Online Services going forwards. CITB has published a range of guidance Further support is also available from your local CITB adviser. https://onlineservices.citb.co.uk/

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THE SKILLS WHITE Paper promotes the development of skills passports to enable the competence of individuals to be ‘documented, endorsed and transferred between employers and sectors’, and construction is leading the way with the rollout of the My CSCS App, which provides the foundations of a digital skills passport for the industry.

Build UK is calling on the Construction Skills Misson Board to support the digital skills passport to ensure that Clients and other dutyholders under the Building Safety Act can demonstrate and enforce the competence of individuals working on their projects. The My CSCS App holds an individual’s digital CSCS card, which is identical to the traditional plastic version and shows their photo, qualifications, training, occupation and the expiry date of the card.

To help both cardholders and employers, the My Skills section within the app allows an individual to store in one place their qualifications; successful completion of the Health, Safety and Environment Test; and any additional training and CPD undertaken. Cardholders can then generate a CV-style summary of the information within the app, which can be shared with employers as part of demonstrating the skills and knowledge elements of competence.

CSCS Smart Check can be used to digitally check all 2.3 million cards carrying the CSCS logo, and Build UK members should be using it across their projects and supply chain.

APPRENTTICE OF THE YEAR E COMPETITTION

UK Apprentice e Painters and Decorato ors Yo ou are the future of the painting an nd decorating industrry.

To encourage excellence from the start of your caree er, we’re challenging you to tesst your painting skills against your peers in a six hour contesst.

Enter the PDA Apprentice of the Ye ear Competition today t – and gain the recognition you deserve, plus a selection of fantastic prizes!

Entry closes on 13 February 2026.

Visit our website for more information and to download your entry form.

www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co o.uk

gallery

The

RAH Decorating Services A nice stairwell and bedroom redecoration... Walls painted with Benjamin Moore Interior Matte, ceiling with Johnstone’s Trade Vinyl Matt, and Aqua Satin on trims. The bedroom wall features Superfresco Easy Utopian paper.

FarbaWorks This newly fitted media unit was hand painted using Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Guard Primer, with Dulux Diamond Eggshell for the top coat colour, sanding between coats with a Festool dustless system. A super smooth finish was assisted by using Owatrol Floetrol mixed into the paints.

Douglas Gillie & Son This property was worked on in three phases during 2025, and there’s still more to do...

They will return in the spring to work on the front dormer windows and chimneys. The team have found the patience required whilst working on preparation and the project as a whole very satisfying!

Wayne de Wet This 300 year old property had suffered from an historical leak and mould had taken hold.

Extensive preparation and treatment was required, followed by finishing ceiling, outer walls and all woodwork with Zinsser PermaWhite, and feature walls using Dulux Trade.

SHOW OFF YOUR HARD WORK! For your chance to win £100 of vouchers from Brewers and feature on our front cover, send in your pictures to thegallery@the-decorator.co.uk For use in the magazine and to be considered for the cover, we need high resolution, clear images.

On the Cover Midland Decorators Ltd www.midlanddecorators.com

Great work – £100 of vouchers for use at Brewers are now on the way!

Warwick Castle Hotel is in a sheltered and secluded setting within the grounds of Warwick Castle itself. This project was very strict on timescale and had to be completed around other trades. A quirky aspect of this project is the medieval theme, which was complimented by the props and ornaments. Roughcast walls in the bedrooms painted with Johnstone’s Trade Perfect Matt giving the project an aged look to reflect the theme. These rooms are further enhanced by the mesmerising intricate patterns of the digital prints that were based on tapestry designs.

G.BORG The ceiling of this open plan living space was sprayed with Dulux Trade Durable Flat Matt using a Graco 390 airless sprayer, woodwork with Zinsser AllCoat Matt. 1m wide wallpaper was applied to all walls, including the inside of the fitted wine cupboard.

MRW Painting and Decorating This converted former grain store was first sanded down with Festool and Mirka dustless systems, before spraying all ceilings and walls with Johnstone’s Vinyl Matt and then back rolled. Woodwork was also spray finished in a pale grey, with oil applied to the oak staircase.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

Every year people suffer serious, life changing injuries, or worse, as a result of falling from height, an activity that takes place every day within the painting and decorating sector.

Jason Anker is one of those people.

NO SHORTCUT IS EVER WORTH IT On 3 January 1993 whilst working as a labourer, Jason suffered a life changing injury when he fell from a ladder at the age of 24. The accident happened late in the day, was unplanned work and was a last-minute favour for a customer who had a leaking roof. Under pressure to get a two-hour job done in an hour due to fading light, a ladder was used for access and the job itself was successfully completed. However, whilst coming down the ladder, the ladder slipped and Jason fell to the ground. After scans in hospital, a specialist confirmed that Jason had suffered a T10 spinal fracture and would never walk again.

Following major surgery and three months in a rehabilitation hospital, Jason was discharged on 25 April 1993. One day later, his wife left the family home taking their two young children with her. Not knowing how to deal with this, and with his friends not knowing how to effectively support him, drinking became his coping mechanism.

Jason’s friends and family also struggled to cope with what happened, resulting in a rift that took over 20 years to repair, lost friendships and mental health challenges for both Jason and those around him. The impact of the accident doesn’t stop at the physical injuries themselves.

We caught up with Jason after a recent presentation at Bagnalls to talk about his experience, the work he does now and how people should approach working at height.

Was the accident avoidable?

At the time of the accident, I shouldn’t have even been up the ladder as I was facing difficulties in many areas of my life.

It was the first day back at work after Christmas and I admit that I wasn’t fit to work that day. My marriage was in trouble, I had financial problems, and I was drinking too much. I’d been at a party the previous night and was probably still drunk the following morning.

When my supervisor picked me up that morning, he should have refused to take me to work.

This, combined with my inexperience and lack of training, in addition to personal challenges at the time, undoubtedly contributed to the accident.

What should people think about when working at height?

People take shortcuts, become complacent or use a ladder as it’s a quick and cheap option. Thinking an accident will never happen to you, that you’ve been doing the job for many years and never had an accident and believing you know how to do it safely, will not protect you.

Ask yourself if you’d let your son or daughter do it using a ladder, if the answer is no then it’s not safe for you either.

Also, if you’re willing to take shortcuts you need to be willing to tell your family about the shortcuts and risks you take that could result in you not coming home that night.

HAAVVE YOUR PAINT DELIVE V RED?

YEESS YE YES

22 Book a callback

HEALTH AND SAFETY Proud2BeSafe was set up in 2011 by Jason, now run by his daughter Abbi, and has expanded to have a portfolio of 10 accident speakers alongside a stable of wellbeing speakers. They also offer interactive performance sessions facilitated by actors to immerse and engage audiences and they facilitate the F-It workshop activities. Proud2BeSafe can offer a one-stop shop for everything a company needs to deliver a thought-provoking and interactive experience for attendees and can also organise events for organisations as they have recently teamed up with an events manager.

To get in touch and discuss how Proud2BeSafe can help your business, contact Abbi Taylor on 0800 8600 185 or email info@p2bs.org. Abbi can also connect you with Anker Marsh, who provide assessment, consultancy and training support.

One of my colleagues, Paul, was also injured when he went onto a roof to make sure that it was safe for his workers the following morning. Being experienced didn’t protect Paul, and he too is now in a wheelchair and shares his experiences like myself, to try and help others make the right, informed choices.

I’m a big believer that people’s wellbeing determines what they do or don’t do, and that you need to be aware of, and honest, about how you’re feeling. Our feelings play a key role in our decision-making in every aspect of life.

If you’re in a bad mood or having a bad day, you probably wouldn’t bother to speak up or challenge something that isn’t right, and would just get on and do the job, or you might not even notice the hazard or danger in the first place.

It’s not just about challenging unsafe behaviour, it’s about being proactive. If you’re not in a fit state to complete a job you need to voice it before you even start, so you don’t even get anywhere near the ladder.

On the sports field we engage with our teammates regularly and challenge actions, performance and behaviour, so why not in the workplace?

Companies providing Employee Assistance Programmes, and access to charities such as The Lighthouse Charity and Andy’s Man Club, provide much needed access for people where they can talk confidentially and not feel judged.

What should companies and managers focus on?

Safety shouldn’t be focused solely on procedures, figures and statistics that you can measure. For many years, companies have put emphasis on their safety cultures. In certain industries, such as construction, where there are high staff turnover rates and where five years is considered to be a long time to be employed in one company, how can you build a long-term culture?

It’s certainly difficult and, where high staff turnover rates exist, are they being looked at and questioned as to why they happen and how they can be reduced to improve the overall culture?

Irrespective of the size of the company it takes a long time to establish a positive culture, so if a manager says ‘just get it done today’ it sets the tone for the future, this one comment can have a massive impact on poor behaviour. They’re essentially saying ‘crack on and get the job done no matter what’.

It’s so important to maintain a positive culture and be open to learning from mistakes when they happen. My business partner, Professor Tim Marsh says, “If you really want to succeed, you have to fail and then have open and honest conversations around failures as it offers an opportunity to learn.”

How are things now?

Over recent years, I’ve been on a wellbeing journey which has helped me to start turning my life around. When initially starting to give talks on my experiences, I was bitter about the accident and there was aggression in my presentations. Now however, I approach work wanting people to be like me. There’s no way I’d make the decisions today that I did in 1993, and probably wouldn’t even have been on site that day.

Working with Professor Tim Marsh, I’ve developed the F-It score, to move away from asking ‘are you ok?’ which only ever gets one answer. The F-It concept places a real emphasis on how people really are, an approach that I’m currently sharing to empower people to make the right choice and be aware of their feelings and mindset.

And your biggest achievements?

I received a lifetime achievement award from the British Safety Council, but winning the best mental health initiative award at the Inside Out Awards for our F-It workshops with Proud2BeSafe has been a massive highlight this year. There are still some who don’t believe wellbeing even really exists and that it doesn’t influence safety at all so the F-It model could be a real gamechanger in how wellbeing and workplace behaviours are approached.

Thanks to ourr Direct2Site paint delivery y service.

23 valspartrade.co.uk

Produccts with ped igree

For 100 ye ars Purdy has been committ ed to developing painting to ools and accesssories designed to make a p rofessional’s job faster, e asie er and smootther. Back in 1925, Purdy wass founded on an uncomprom mising dedication n to quality brushes. Today, t he same dedication is still evvident in every brrush, roller, storage solution,, scraper and other tools that we make. It al l adds up to the Purdy Diffference.

purdy.co.uk

SECTOR NEWS

P&Dnews TRITECH APPOINT NEW UK SALES MANAGER GRAHAM & BROWN OPENS FLAGSHIP LONDON STORE GRAHAM & BROWN HAS officially launched a brand new retail experience with the opening of its flagship London showroom at 187 King’s Road, Chelsea.

The thoughtfully curated space blends retail and showroom elements to offer an immersive design experience. This exciting new opening represents a major milestone for the fourth-generation family business, as it establishes a physical presence in the capital for the very first time, and includes its extensive range of wallpapers, bespoke mural designs, fabrics and a paint palette of over 350 paint colours, all under one roof.

A dedicated digital design hub invites customers to interactively create their bespoke mural designs using a custom-built tool. An accompanying mood-boarding space complements striking floor-to-ceiling displays of paint, wallpaper, and fabric, showcasing the full breadth of the Graham & Brown offering.

Browse and shop samples in-store, or mix up the perfectly partnered colour, every detail has been carefully considered to spark creativity and support customers in bringing their interior design visions to life. www.grahambrown.com/uk/

TRITECH INDUSTRIES HAVE appointed a new UK Sales Manager to look after the UK and Irish business PDA Associate Partner TriTech has gained a strong reputation for performance and quality since introducing their High-Performance sprayers some years ago into the UK. Darren Robinson, who has served in the decorative and application industry for 42 years will now take on the responsibility for the sales of TriTech sprayers in the UK & Ireland.

Darren says of his new role, “I have been very fortunate to have worked in the industry for many years working with some extraordinary and talented people to whom I have had the pleasure of supplying Airless Spray Equipment and I now can introduce to them TriTech Industries and our quality products.”

TriTech take great pride in their manufacturing capabilities and produce components at a level of precision never seen within the airless sprayer industry.

Every component, every sprayer, every accessory they create is put through the same careful process.

They start with an innovative design, countless hours, weeks and months fine tuning the design and performance, always incorporating the highest quality materials and processes to ensure the longest duty life.

“Everyday decorators around the globe depend on TriTech’s performance and reliability, and we thank them for our success, they are our driving force!” says Darren.

“We have a wide range of sprayers available in both 110v and 230v, from our introductory T3 unit to our premium top end T15TX Paint, Intumescent and Plaster sprayer.”

TriTech’s engineering and manufacturing goal is to make sure that at every level, their machines have all the quality and performance that TriTech has become known for.

Solid stainless-steel piston, aircraft grade aluminium manifold, precision motor control for excellent pressure control and minimisation of dead band at lower pressures, all aluminium motor cover.

“TriTech started producing tips, guns and accessories in 2005. Using our proprietary tungsten carbide blend, TriTech tips are rapidly growing in popularity around the globe. Sprayers started production in 2014, and in a short eight years we developed a wide range of airless sprayers all produced with the highest quality.”

From their manufacturing plant in New Jersey and their brand-new logistics centre in Belgium, TriTech now supply directly to distributors in the UK and Ireland. www.tritechindustries.com

P&D SHOW GOES WEST

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FOLLOWING ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL event, the National Painting and Decorating Show will be heading to a new location, and a new time of year, for 2026.

For decades, professional painters and decorators have been heading to the show, held in November at the Coventry Building Society Arena, but now under new ownership it will become part of The Installer Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Everything is expected to remain the same, with nearly all exhibitors already signing up to display their products and services from 23 to 25 June 2026.

More details are expected to be announced soon, so head over to the website for more information and to secure your tickets. www.installershow.com

SECTOR NEWS

Maureen Turner, UHI Inverness College Lecturer Mentor of the Year 2025 Maureen’s nominators spoke of her exceptional communication skills, her energy, and her deep passion for the craft. She is described as patient, precise, and endlessly supportive, someone who adapts her teaching to every learner, offers clear guidance, and gives constructive criticism that builds confidence rather than diminishing it. Mo’s mentees credit her with shaping their careers, instilling high standards, and inspiring them to strive for perfection.

“It’s an absolutely amazing feeling,” explains Maureen. “I didn’t get into teaching to win any awards but after 37 years of being in the industry. I am so delighted!

“Mentoring is an integral part of what we bring to the industry; we are there to help progress the future generations of our trade. Without teachers, mentors, lecturers, the industry cannot progress.”

MENTOR OF THE YEAR WINNERS ANNOUNCED LEADING PROFESSIONAL PAINTING tools manufacturer Purdy has announced this year’s winners of its Mentor of the Year competition, at an awards ceremony held in central London.

Maureen Turner from UHI Inverness was crowned College Lecturer Mentor of the Year, while Sharon Norton-Marshall of Obsessed Decorating and Trade Health Coach, based in Milton Keynes, was crowned Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year.

Now in its fifth year, Purdy’s Mentor of the Year recognises those in the industry who inspire the next generation of professional painters and decorators to be the best that they can be. Those learning the trade were asked to nominate a professional who is having a positive impact on their learning.

This year, Purdy received a huge number of entries, so the four judges, Neil Ogilvie CEO of the Painting and Decorating Association, Phil Warrick of CITB, previous

Lifetime Achievement Award winner Glen Galbraith of Doncaster College, and Rob Davies of Purdy, had their work cut out choosing the eventual winners.

The runners up were Graeme Roberts, from Colchester College for the College Lecturer Mentor of the Year, and Greenock-based Henry Fulton for Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year. The winners each received £1,000 and the runners-up were both awarded £500.

Clara Dursent, Brand Manager at Purdy said, “The standard of entries we received this year has been extremely positive. It was a really difficult task to select our winners, but the judges have chosen some excellent individuals who don’t just add value to their colleges or mentees, they add value to the industry and provide a crucial support system to their students.”

Entries for the Purdy Mentor of the Year 2026 competition will open on 1 April 2026, with a deadline for entry of the 31 August 2026.

Graeme Roberts Colchester College Runner-up College Lecturer Mentor of the Year 2025 Graeme’s impact on learners and colleagues alike is profound.

His nominators described him as enthusiastic, dedicated, and deeply passionate about good practice. His students achieve at the highest level, including reaching SkillBuild competition finals, because Graeme instils accuracy, pride, and belief.

Henry Fulton Runner-up Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year 2025 Henry ’s nominators, his children, spoke with warmth and admiration about the way he has mentored them throughout their lives and careers. With more than 40 years of experience, his mentorship helped his sons build successful businesses of their own, grounded in hard work, pride, and the high standards he taught them. They credit him with not only their skills, but their confidence, resilience, and careers.

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Sharon Norton-Marshall Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year 2025 Sharon’s mentoring style was described as selfless, generous, and deeply human. Her nominator credits her with providing unwavering support in both professional and personal moments: offering advice, free skills days, and guidance shaped by real experience. She asks questions before giving direction, never judges, and focuses on growth, wellbeing, and confidence.

Sharon’s mentee expressed profound gratitude, describing her support as the reason they were able to keep going when things felt overwhelming.

Her kindness and positivity have been truly transformative.

Sharon commented on her win, “I was very emotional when it was announced; for me, mentoring is a lifestyle helping others to develop and achieve their potential. To think that after 30 years of decorating and the struggles that entailed, from being a no-knowledge decorator, to stepping out on my own now, to be awarded this prize is truly amazing.”

www.purdy.co.uk

SECTOR NEWS

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND decorators are playing an increasingly influential role in helping homeowners choose the right paint colours, according to new research from Crown Trade.

The nationwide survey found that almost all decorators (99%) are asked by customers for input on colour decisions, underlining the demand for supportive colour tools and resources that will help build colour confidence amongst professional painters and decorators.

Crucially, nearly two-thirds of decorators say their involvement in colour selection has increased in recent years, reflecting growing consumer demand for design advice alongside product expertise. Within this, nearly a quarter reported their involvement has increased significantly, positioning decorators firmly as trusted advisers in the design process. The survey also revealed that decorators are rising to the challenge, with 91% claiming they feel confident advising customers on colour.

While decorators are ready to provide guidance, the right tools and resources remain vital. According to the data, nearly 80% rely on access to essential tools such

DECORATORS INCREASINGLY ASKED FOR COLOUR ADVICE as colour cards and fan decks to help customers visualise and compare options.

Crown Trade plays a central role in equipping decorators with these resources – from the curated Crown Colour Edit card, featuring 160 shades that have been expertly organised for simplicity, to upgraded tinting machinery and colour matching tools across Crown Decorating Centres to ensure colour accuracy.

Professional decorators can also request a Crown Paints fan deck free of charge. The fan deck contains over 1400 colours, all identified by hue, lightness and saturation – helping decorators find the right shade in an instant.

The manufacturer has recently launched its new Crown Colour Visualiser, a digital tool that allows users to upload a photograph of a room and change the colour of the walls

and ceilings. The tech is designed to help decorators and their customers to create colour schemes with confidence.

Kathryn Lloyd, Colour Consultant at Crown Trade said, “Homeowners are increasingly turning to their decorator for trusted advice on colour and finish, relying on their skills and expertise now more than ever.

“The data confirms that decorators play a vital role in guiding customers through choices that can transform a space. At Crown Trade, we’re committed to being a supportive partner to professionals, ensuring professionals have the tools, resources and confidence they need to deliver great results and leave customers happy.”

For more information on Crown Trade’s colour services visit www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/colour/

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BETTER BUSINESS

BIG QUESTIONS START WITH SMALL WORDS Journalists and documentary makers are taught to ask the ‘who, what, where, when, why, how’ questions.

Applying those words to what we do is a great way to reflect on our lives and businesses as the year ends and another starts.

We can ask questions about what we’ve done well in the past year and

Who do we want to work with?

what we want to do in the next year. We can ask about how we can

We all need to work alongside others from time to time. It could be a

increase our skills, our profitability, our work-life balance. When we want

business partner, or a boss, or an occasional self-employed decorator or

to take our holidays, or retirement, or reach a particular goal. But one

group of decorators who work together on bigger projects. It can also be

of the hardest small words to ask questions about can be ‘who?’

other trades whom we like to recommend and who recommend us.

This is where trust comes in. We need to really trust who we work

Who do we want to work for?

with. Sometimes that comes with tough experience of being let down

The longer we do our trade, the more we understand about the kinds of

by someone, and sometimes we just get that gut feeling. Trust in

clients we enjoy working for. Is it domestic, or commercial, or industrial?

someone’s skills, conscientiousness and ability to turn up and do the job

Do we like being our own boss or do we like subbing? Do we like bashing

when they say they’re going to do it really is key.

out new build after new build, or do we like working for months or even

It’s also where complementary approaches come in. Perhaps you know

years on end helping to renovate old buildings?

a decorator who’s a great sprayer, or a meticulous detail person, or is

It even comes down to personality types. Do we like working for very

the Usain Bolt of the paint roller.

demanding people who are very clear on what they want, or do we prefer working for people who love our creative input and want our help in working out what the best approach is? So, ask, who are your favourite clients and why?

It’s all about the who 30

by Charlie Budd

BETTER BUSINESS

Who do we want to work for us?

Employing people is one of the most difficult things to do and getting it wrong can really bite us on the arse, but when we find someone who we really get on with, whom we trust, and who can help us to not only build our business but build our future, that is a wonderful place to be.

There’s an important flip side to that. Employing the right person can help them to reach their own goals, their own dreams. It’s good to be mindful and aware that their dreams might be leaving your employment and starting their own business. Helping someone achieve that goal can be very rewarding, and while they work for you, building their skills and experience, they can end up making you good money as well.

None of us is an island Even if we work alone much of the time, or even live alone, none of us is an island. We are all inextricably linked to dozens, hundreds, even thousands of people around us, both in the physical world and the online world now.

The people we surround ourselves with can either make us a better version of ourselves or a worse version. So, it’s always wise to think who we are hanging out with, in work life and in non-work life. They influence us and we influence them. Sometimes particular people are good to be around, or fun to be around for some of our life, but sometimes we (or they) need to move on.

So, who brings value to our lives, and who do we bring value to? I don’t just mean monetarily, I mean emotionally, intellectually, even physically. Who we want to show up as, in our work and our non-work

Who do we want to be?

I think this is the biggie. It’s a question we might not ask ourselves, at least in depth, but taking an hour or

lives, makes an impact on the people around us, and the ripples can spread out wider too.

more to put away distractions and really mull over where we want to be and who we want to be in 5 years, 10 years, even 20 years can be a daunting but incredibly rewarding thing to do.

Talking it over with loved ones can mean being achingly vulnerable, whether it’s with parents or siblings or partners or pals, and it takes strength and courage to be that open with people.

I’ve found that when I’ve done it, I’ve allowed people to give me insights into myself that perhaps I’ve not seen.

It is so important to talk about this kind of stuff in the right way with the right people. With mates down the pub, you might just bounce around ideas. With a loved one it might mean each of you exploring your similar and differing goals in life.

Who do you want to be? Who do you want to surround yourself with?

Asking these questions in a reflective and thoughtful way can change our lives for the better.

Want to learn more?

Find Charlie at www.chinbadgermedia.co.uk

/chinbadgermedia

@chinbadgermedia

charlesbudduk 31

CASE STUDY

C

oombe Farm is a Grade II listed farmhouse which dates back to the 17th century, and has now been beautifully renovated, with expert painting provided by the skilled team at Bramhill Builders.

Old

Where meets new Two generously sized extensions flank either side of Coombe Farm,

featuring contrasting black steel rooves. The new lime render and thoughtfully exposed stonework span the across the building creating a

Traditional paints can trap moisture inside your walls which can lead

seamless blend of old and new, enhancing the farmhouse’s character with

to structural problems such as blown bricks, cracked render, dampness

a subtle modern twist.

and mould. This can be particularly problematic for older properties

With the new extensions and the original building showing general wear

which have solid walls that need to ‘breathe’ to maintain their integrity.

and tear after years of exposure to the elements, a fresh coat of paint

The owner chose the shade Oatmeal because this was a close match to

was needed to preserve the structure whilst also enhancing its aesthetic

the original colour and in keeping with its history as a former farmhouse.

appeal. The owner’s goal was to ensure that the farmhouse not only

The durability of Silicate Masonry Paint was an added bonus so they won’t

maintained its historical charm but also received the protection it needed

have to worry about repainting again any time soon.

to withstand the elements in the future.

Using Silicate Masonry Paint and Silicate Primer was really simple,

Project manager Steve Ruggier explained, ‘The brief was to use a

meaning the only challenge the decorating team faced was an owl that

breathable paint on both the new and existing render. The house is built

poked its head out of the gable to see what was going on!

from cob over a stone plinth and to enable the building fabric to perform

Impressed with their experience using our products, Steve said, ‘The

properly it was essential to use a breathable paint and primer which is

paint is of a good quality, workable consistency and covers well. We

why we chose Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint.”

specify Earthborn for all lime render projects and Claypaint for internal work. The products are great value for money and the customer service and technical support are excellent.”

Silicate Masonry Paint is a durable and highly breathable alternative to conventional masonry paint and lime wash when used with Silicate Primer. Available in 48 beautiful shades and drying to a classic matt finish, it's perfect for renovation work on historic buildings.

Hessian prevents fresh lime render from drying out too quickly.

32

/earthbornpaints

@earthbornpaints

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

CASE STUDY

A

well-loved snooker club in Hull has undergone a vibrant transformation with help from PDA Associate Partner, Johnstone’s Trade, breathing new life into the cherished space.

Creating a Community Hub Tradewell Snooker Club has been given a fresh new look, creating a warm and inviting space for members, friends, community groups and residents of all ages. Run by a local family, the hall has evolved into more than just a place to play snooker. It’s now a thriving community hub, where people can come together to socialise, and enjoy snooker in an inspiring setting.

The refurbishment was led by Johnstone’s Paint, in partnership with the World Snooker Tour (WST), and carried out by local specialists CTS Decorating Services with support from Johnstone’s Paint volunteers.

Antoni Tuniewicz, the owner of Tradewell Snooker Club in Hull, said, “All the members have commented on how good it looks! We’ve been lucky, there hasn’t been a massive disruption, members still came here every day and every night while the renovation was going on. We can’t

Megan Esmond at PPG added, “Through this transformative program,

thank Johnstone’s Paint and World Snooker Tour enough.”

we aim to combine professional skills with the power of colour to make

The colour scheme was designed to feel calm and welcoming. Soft

a real difference. Working alongside one of our trusted, long-standing

greens and blues create a relaxed mood, while an off-white entrance

customers CTS Decorating on this club shows how high-quality materials

brightens the space and sets a friendly tone. Darker walls in the snooker

and expert workmanship can create a space the local community can

hall draw attention to the tables, and the pool room combines light and

enjoy and be proud of for many years.”

dark tones for a fresh, durable finish.

Jason Ferguson, WST Board Member and WPBSA Chairman said, “Johnstone’s partnership with the World Snooker Tour is a powerful

World Snooker Tour professional Thepchaiya Un-Nooh went along to share some tips with locals.

example of how purpose-driven collaborations can create a lasting impact beyond the professional game.

“In line with the wider objectives supported by Sport England, together, we’re helping to strengthen the sport from the ground up, supporting local snooker clubs, inspiring new players, and ensuring that communities have the opportunities and resources they need to nurture the next generation of talent.”

The refurbishment has not only revitalised the club’s interior but also reinforced its role as a source of local pride for Hull, giving residents a refreshed space to enjoy snooker for years to come.

See the transformation in full on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pRmwYNxfK8

/johnstonestradepaints 34

www.johnstonestrade.com

The colours you love, the performance you need Introducing Flat Eggshell: completing our new collection of durable paints. farrow-ball.com

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Wagner

SteamForce Speed Pro @wagner.professionals

www.wagner-group.com/uk/

Features & Benefits ‘ Compact design ‘ Two steam plates

The Wagner SteamForce Speed Pro is an incredible trade-quality wallpaper

houses the power switch

‘ Replaceable element

removal tool. This tough and compact unit is a significant improvement over

which lights up when power

‘ Automatic descaling feature

previous steam strippers in this category, wallpaper removal is made easy

is on, and protective

‘ 5-year guarantee (online registration)

with this machine... Even multiple layers and all types of wallcovering.

bumpers on either side

The design and build quality are well thought out, with everything you

prevent accidental knocking, along with three indicators for when it’s time

need stowed in the smart stand on storage case (including my tools). The

to refill, descale (a built-in feature), and clean.

articulated lid provides a slip-resistant working platform (max load 150kg),

The 2,750-watt replaceable heating element heats-up in only

allowing me to gain extra height when needed.

3.5 minutes, providing approximately 70 minutes of working time.

A 5.1-litre semi-transparent removable water tank makes filling and

Two steam plates are supplied with this unit – The largest is 321mm x

emptying a breeze. This connects to the Wagner SteamForce Speed Pro

242mm, with a brass-threaded hose connector and is ideal for general use.

with a simple connector similar to a coffee maker water reservoir – it's

The smaller steam plate is 150mm x 75mm with a plastic threaded hose

ingenious! An external viewing window shows the water tank level.

connector and is suitable for smaller jobs and window and door reveals.

Both ends of the five-metre heat-resistant hose are brass/plastic

Transporting the Speed Pro from van to job is made easy at only 7.5kg,

encased finger turn connectors, so no tools required,

and a sturdy carry handle which neatly folds out of the way. There are also

another improvement from older hoses. This design also reduces heat

side grab handles, which enable safe manoeuvring and an alternative way

transfer. A stainless steel coil at one end of the hose

to carry, and automatic cut-out at 105°,

protects it whilst connected to the steamer unit,

which is essential.

reducing kinking and bending that could restrict or

The machine also benefits from a

block steam.

3 + 2 year guarantee if registered online

You will find the light grey control console under

within 28 days.

the tank viewing window, it

tool TALK Find Wayne on...

36

Products independently tested and recommended by Award Winning Decorator, Wayne de Wet

@ToolTalk1

@ToolTalk1

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Sealey

Premier GripMAX®

Features & Benefits

@sealeytools www.sealey.co.uk

‘ Hardened and tempered chrome vanadium shafts

Features & Benefits ‘ Stainless steel blade

‘ Ergonomic soft grip handles

I have said a few times to my wife, “Why have

‘ Comfortable soft grip handle

‘ Magnetised, shot blasted tips

you got so many pairs of shoes?” and her

‘ Hanging hole and end cap

‘ Bit drivers

reply is always, “Why do you need so many

‘ Lifetime Guarantee

screwdrivers?”... I am guilty, but to be honest, I think that you can never have too many!

Repair Care

EASY-Q™ Buttering Knife @repair_care_international_uk www.repair-care.co.uk

®

You too will want to add this to your collection, as the Sealey Premier GripMAX 33 Piece Screwdriver and Bit Set is outstanding. I have mine set up on spring clips in my van, so they are always ready to use and on display.

What I particularly like, is how snugly the polypropylene and TPV rubber handles cling to my hands. They are so comfortable to use, and the better grip makes it easier to unscrew and screw fixings with more force.

The satin-finished shafts are manufactured from high-quality chrome-vanadium steel, with shot-blasted tips magnetised.

Repair Care EASY-Q™ Buttering Knife is an essential tool in my Green Systainer. When applying the resin it’s so important that it makes full contact with the substrate and I find this tool very useful for this job.

The comfortable moulded soft grip handle has a stainless steel end cap to ensure the tool is robust if dropped, plus has a hanging hole for storage. The polished stainless steel blade is 2mm thick by 9mm wide, and 11cm long with a flat area of 5cm, perfect for ‘buttering the material’ into crevices and other voids ensuring full contact is achieved with the resin.

It’s super easy to clean with their branded wipes and is manufactured to exceptionally high standard.

C-Tec

Win it all!

See panel on next page...

Wooster

Sherlock GT Maintenance Pack @woosterbrushuk www.woosterbrush.com When it comes to roller extension poles, I can say, hand on heart, that I have tried virtually all on the market, and nothing comes close to the Wooster Sherlock GT convertible roller poles.

It’s great that they also have a fantastic repair kit which contains everything you need: Aluminium GT BayonetTip Assembly (FR068), two screws for the tips (9FR060), Pole Lock Lever (FR066), Pivot Pin for levers (FR061), plus three Spring Levers.

Replacing these parts extends the pole’s life and saves money on replacement. The parts are easy to fit, so I always keep a maintenance pack on the van.

Features & Benefits ‘ Saves replacing complete pole ‘ Genuine parts ‘ Everything included

Power Grab n Bond @ct1sealant www.ct1.com When I look back over the years, I remember the days of solvent-based gun-able adhesives, especially the messy green one that was a nightmare!

Thankfully, things have moved on, and C-Tec’s Power Grab ‘n’ Bond (PGB) is easy to use and so strong with unique TRIBRID ® polymer technology.

It has a very fast skin over of 10-15 mins, and it will then gain a full-strength bond depending on how thick a bead you apply, the humidity, and temperature – A 2-3mm bead will cure in 24 hours, a bead from 3-6mm takes 48 hours, and a 6-9mm bead will take 72 hours.

This construction adhesive is the strongest I have used to date, allowing me to bond metals (including alloys), wood, fibreglass, marble, MDF,

Features & Benefits

concrete, stone, glass, even

‘ Fast skin over

mirrors and polystyrene, along

‘ Instant grab

with most plastics, except for

‘ Multiple substrate use

PP, PE & PTFE.

37

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Bessey

Features & Benefits

BEYCEPS @bessey_uk

www.besseytools.co.uk

‘ Quick drying and non-yellowing

Bessey has earned a worldwide reputation for manufacturing

‘ Water based, low VOC

premium tools, and I’m excited to share their new BEYCEPS.

‘ Washable

I often talk about tools giving me an extra hand, well, Bessey

‘ Scuff and knock resistant

BEYCEPS is one of those tools! It’s a one-handed lifting, spreading, and clamping tool, made to exceptionally high standards. Once you use it, you'll wonder how you managed before.

Dulux Trade

Quick Dry Gloss @duluxtrade www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk

Being able to lift a maximum of 180kg/400lbs is impressive, plus I can accurately lift to 8mm with a single full squeeze of the main lever. Two separate levers under the handle allow the tool to be lowered with millimetre precision or released completely.

Plastic protective socks protect surfaces, and because the

Water-based gloss formulas are now breathtakingly good! Dulux Trade

base and lift/spread plates are only 5mm thick (without socks),

Quick Dry Gloss has the most amazing high-gloss finish – I’ve been

they easily fit under the tightest of spaces – Especially useful

recommending it to my clients for years!

for doors. Although one tool is enough for doors, I’ve found using two is so much better.

This modern-day formula is suitable for primed new wood, metal and

The uses of this tool are

plastered surfaces. On these substrates, it’s always best to apply an

endless, plus, if you remove the

undercoat. On previously painted surfaces, good old preparation is required:

black round screw at the top of the

sanding, washing with sugar soap, and rinsing well!

bar and reverse the main body,

It doesn’t require an undercoat on these existing surfaces, but I prefer to apply Dulux Uniprimer to give the new gloss a strong base and ensure a

you instantly have a clamp with

stronger bond to the old paint. This also helps with the opacity of Quick Dry

a range of 170mm - 390mm.

Gloss, as it blocks out intense colours, or where the existing paint has yellowed over time.

Features & Benefits

I never thin when applying by brush and roller, but apply it quickly to take

‘Spread, lift or clamp

‘Lift up to 180kg

into consideration that it is quick-drying, and always use two coats.

‘One handed operation

‘Protective socks

For T&Cs on entering the prize draw for this item visit https://www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en/terms#decorator-winter-2025

tool ! l l a t i n i W TALK

One of each item recommended in this edition of Tooltalk are available to one lucky PDA Member!

il to tooltalk@the-decorator.co.uk For your chance to win, send an ema ry Eldridge Well done to our most recent winner, Gar ing. orat of GJ Eldridge Painting and Dec

Axus

PureFlow Ultra Features & Benefits

@axusdecor

www.axusdecor.com

‘ Fibre-Lock heat-fused fabric

For at least 30 years, I have been using mini rollers to apply

‘ Four size options

paint to every kind of surface. Back in the day, this was

‘ Multiple pack sizes available

problematic with oil-based coatings. The trick was to break in the sleeves by using an emulsion, primer etc, to wear the loose

fibres out and then introduce into oil-based products. I’m pleased to say that things have moved on, with the gradual shift to water-based paints and the introduction of microfibre rollers.

The Axus PureFlow Ultra XS (extra short pile) 4” sleeves are part of the Lime series and are excellent.

They have Fibre-Lock technology to reduce fibre loss and achieve longer-lasting sleeves. Plus, the 4mm fabric is heat-fused to the core, preventing unwinding and allowing more paint coverage per loaded roller.

Suitable for all paints, oils and varnishes and produce exceptional results on all smooth surfaces.

38

Tough on the job, gentle on the planet.

ECOPRO Matt Emulsion proves you can have minimal impact on the environment without compromising on quality. It’s your go-to choice for walls and ceilings in domestic and commercial projects.

Easy to apply

Durable

Excellent coverage

Kinder to the planet

earthbornpaints.co.uk Available to buy direct or from your local stockist.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

One can, many colours www.bradite.com Bradite are making colour selection easier than ever with the launch of their first colour card. The card features a palette of shades available in their most-popular finish, One Can, the water-based primer, stain blocker and professional finish ‘all in one can’. Designed for simplicity and ease of use, this compact colour card showcases 54 curated colour swatches, combining proven shades from the worlds of interior design and exterior decoration with some of the most popular standardised colours. RAL numbers are featured underneath the standard swatches for quick reference. This collection of contemporary and classic colours ensures there is a shade suitable for every project.

FrogTape now even greener! www.frogtape.co.uk Shurtape is eliminating thousands of kilograms of plastic annually, with the launch of its new FrogTape cardboard packaging. The new

UP

tool

Keep up to date with what’s available for the modern decorator

packaging is created from environmentally responsible FSC certified paper board, replacing the existing plastic canister and lid. Presented in the same iconic, distinctive bright green and yellow FrogTape colours for on-shelf standout, the new stand-up, resealable packaging means that Shurtape is able to offer a more sustainable and responsible solution that can be easily recycled when finished. The Multi-Surface and Delicate Surface product itself remains unchanged apart from its new 55m longer length: with the same PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape helps to ensure decorators have the confidence to tackle any indoor painting project, enjoying a market-leading position with end users and professionals alike.

.co.uk www.brewers

off the shelf ISOMAT Ceiling Paint is designed to give ceilings the attention they deserve, while making the painting process effortlessly smooth.

This flat matt emulsion does more than simply cover. It creates a serene, flawless finish that instantly uplifts any interior. With less than 2% sheen, ISOMAT Ceiling Paint creates anti-reflective surfaces that diffuse light beautifully, making it the perfect choice for creating cosy, shine-free rooms.

ISOMAT Ceiling Paint can also easily hide surface imperfections. Whether ceilings have uneven patches or minor flaws, ISOMAT Ceiling Paint ensures a uniform result, eliminating the dreaded flashing effect that can ruin an otherwise perfect paint job.

The finish is also spatter resistant and quick-drying with reduced recoat times, so ceilings can be refreshed quickly and easily. Available in timeless Mediterranean White and a beautiful palette of light shades through the ISOMAT Colour System.

Shop at brewers.co.uk or your local Brewers Decorator Centre.

40

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Next gen brushes Ciret have spent a year developing and testing a revolutionary new concept of brushes, designed to tackle any job a decorator will encounter.

Working closely with professional decorators and retailers, their product development team have designed a comprehensive range of brushes that address all of the frustrations decorators face, while delivering the

www.ciret.co.uk Kana Pro With lightly waxed handles and polyamide ferrules, the specialist Pro range is built for comfort and durability. The unique polyamide plastic ferrule flexes with the handle for greater control and prevents paint build-up, ensuring a long-lasting performance.

exceptional quality Kana brushes are known for.

Pro Luxe With bright blue filaments, Pro Luxe are your go-to for any water-based

Kana Iconic

jobs. With a sleek tapered profile and a triple blend of filaments, they

Featuring a natural, unfinished handle and a seamless steel ferrule,

produce a flawless finish.

Kana Iconic brushes are built for reliability. With a wide selection of shapes and sizes and Twin-Tech blend of filaments, these brushes deliver a professional finish on any project.

Pro Select

Kana Trade

Optimised for oil-based and hybrid paints, these brushes feature new

Produce a great finish with minimal brush marks. An ergonomic handle

X-Tense curled filaments and a much denser profile that helps thicker

and tapered filaments create a comfortable, reliable brush.

paints glide across your trim and woodwork.

41

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

https://academy.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/

The training partner for every decorator In a trade built on skill, precision and creativity, decorators need to stay on top of new trends, products and techniques to keep customers happy and stay one step ahead of the competition. Partnering with a training

Strengthening the Academy’s spray offering is James Wildish, who has

provider like Dulux Academy gives decorators the chance to sharpen

recently joined the team as a full-time Skills Development Consultant.

their skills in ways that actually work for them. Whether hands-on in a

James’s journey from running a successful business to training others

face-to-face course or at your own pace online, Dulux Academy offers a

puts him in a unique position to show decorators just how transformative

range of learning experiences designed to meet your learning style.

spray skills can be. Through his training, he is helping them stand out from the crowd, add a valuable service to their offering and grow their

Why is ongoing professional development so vital?

businesses with confidence.

“As a decorator, there’s always something new to learn – whether it’s improving your application skills, getting to grips with a new product, or

What trends are making a comeback?

finding better ways to promote your business. Keeping yourself up to

Wallpaper is expected to grow over the next few years, and adding a

date isn’t a luxury, it’s essential if you want to stay competitive and keep

high-end skill like this to a decorator’s repertoire can make a tangible

work coming in” says Dulux Academy Lead, Vickie Mather.

difference to their business’ earning potential.

“The decorators who make professional development part of their business plan aren’t just more successful they’re also playing a key role in protecting and strengthening the future of the trade”.

What are the most in-demand skills?

Spray application courses continue to be some of the most popular with tradespeople looking to boost efficiency and expand their services.

It’s the perfect example of how innovation and technique work together to deliver faster turnarounds and top-class finishes. From kitchen resprays to furniture and interior refurbishment, spray can open up new income streams for decorators. With the right masking, PPE and equipment set-up, it can truly be a game-changer, helping decorators take on more work with confidence.

Trends come and go, but the value of precision and craftsmanship never fades. Wallpapering remains a benchmark of the trade and modern materials require confidence with complex installations and precision to deliver professional results, which is why training is so important.

How can decorators grow their colour confidence?

Understanding how colour influences mood and accessibility is crucial for those looking to support customers with colour advice.

Colour isn’t just aesthetic, it’s emotional and understanding how it affects mood, accessibility and comfort will help to create spaces that truly work for the customer. Experienced Colour and Design Consultant Nicola Homes runs a series of colour-focused training courses that provide key tools and resources to help decorators when on the job.

42

From practical techniques to colour and design theory, decorators must keep learning, experimenting and embracing innovation to thrive.

The team at Dulux Academy can help every decorator stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry, with expert training courses and materials.

To find out what Dulux Academy has on offer, head to https://academy.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Handmade in Portland A brush maker’s story

It’s been a special year for Purdy, with 2025 marking 100 years since the company first began hand crafting brushes from its factory in Portland, Oregon. We caught up with Corinne Montoya, Purdy’s Brush Making Supervisor, about what it’s like working for a company with a century of craftsmanship up its sleeve.

Can you tell us a bit about your role?

I’m the supervisor for the brush making department and I’ve been with Purdy for 36 years. It’s my job to oversee the handcrafting process and ensure everything that passes through our department meets our stringent quality standards, as we want to make the best brushes we possibly can.

It’s quite amazing to think that Purdy has been handmaking bushes here in Portland for 100 years, and we’re proud of that long heritage.

What goes into the brush making process?

Quality control is fundamental to the process, and this is built into every single step... From checking that the bristle materials have been mixed correctly, to making sure the ferrule is in perfect condition. We give our brushes a fine, even head and we inspect all elements to make sure there are no scratches, dents or crooked handles, and that the brush head is absolutely perfect.

Anything that doesn’t pass our rigorous inspection gets pulled out of the production line. Finally, we make sure the brushes are completely

What’s the training process for a Purdy brush maker?

It’s a very detailed process. We want to make sure that every brush maker fully understands our quality guidelines and why we do things the way we do. We have a dedicated trainer that works with new brush makers, and all of their brushes will be thoroughly inspected before being passed through production.

clean before they get sent for packaging, we don’t want any materials

Why do all the brushes have a sticker on them?

left on the brush that will affect how they apply paint to the wall.

The sticker has the name of the brush maker who made that particular brush and it’s a way of showing pride in our workmanship. When you make something by hand, you’re invested in the process, you have your hands and your eyes on the product at every step of the journey. We want the brushes to be the best they can be, and we literally put our name to it.

It makes you feel good being able to walk into a store, see brushes with your name on and feel proud that you made them. We want the painters to know that we care about what we’re making and how it helps them. It’s a little symbol of the journey the brush has taken from our hands to theirs. And if they clean it and take care of it, that brush will last them a lifetime.

To find out more about the Purdy range visit www.purdy.co.uk 43

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Innovation meets craftsmanship tesa launch comprehensive new products for professionals tesa is expanding its professional range for painters and craftspeople with several new products. The focus is on three innovations: 2in1 Professional 4460, Silicone Precision Masking Tape 4455, and the self-adhesive protective paper Professional 74922 help painters and craftspeople achieve high-quality results despite increasing workloads and growing demand for renovation work. With these new launches, tesa once again underscores its expertise in innovative and practical solutions for the crafts sector.

to silicone and other difficult-to-bond, dirt-repellent surfaces while delivering the sharp paint and lacquer edges expected from a precision masking tape.

The new self-adhesive protective paper Professional 74922 is a professional-quality kraft paper that provides effective protection against paint splashes and scratches on various surfaces. It can be effortlessly applied, repositioned,

Unique Solutions for professional requirements What makes tesa 2in1 Precision Masking Tape special, is that it can be applied only once but can be used twice. After applying the first layer of

and removed without residue – ideal for efficient protection of floors, stairs, and window sills.

“With our new product solutions, we specifically address the

material such as plaster or sealant, the

challenges that craftspeople face daily,” explains

top layer can be easily removed using

Christoph Bossard, Head of Marketing Specialised

the integrated finger lift. The second

Trade Europe, at tesa. “The shortage of young talent

layer is revealed and can be used when

and skilled workers in the industry and the growing

applying the next layer of material. With

demand for renovation work due to demographic

UV resistance of up to 6 months, the

change will lead to a bottleneck in the sector.

product ensures precise paint edges and

Through our innovative solutions, we want to help

optimal results.

save time while achieving optimal results.”

tesa Silicone Precision Masking Tape is a newcomer to the market with its combination of washi paper and silicone coating. It enables adhesion

Sustainable product development in focus With the new products, as well as the further development of the overall portfolio for painters and craftspeople, tesa places particular emphasis on sustainability. The new, large-format covering paper is made from recycled material and is FSC-certified. The solvent-free adhesive underscores tesa’s commitment to more sustainable product development. In addition, a large portion of the precision masking tape range will be converted to FSC certification by the end of the year. Since April 2024, tesa has introduced 13 new product solutions in the crafts sector, including duct tapes with a recycling content of over 60% in the backing film, with further additions still to come later this year.

@tesa.uk 44

www.tesa.com/en-gb/craftsmen

K

WWW.CIREETT.CO.U

+44 (0) 23 9245 7450 | sales@ciret.co.uk

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The value of support ‘on the ground’ In a competitive market, delivering the perfect finish is everything.

While choosing the right products and applicators are obvious contributors to success, taking advantage of the support available from paint manufacturers can also help to make a real difference. Read on, as we chat with Richard Palmer, Valspar Trade’s Head of Trade about how ‘on the ground’ support can help decorators shine...

Why do you think manufacturer support matters so much in today’s decorating industry?

We all know that decorating is a truly skilled profession. That said, even the most experienced painters can sometimes face new materials, challenging substrates or client

Does that kind of partnership really make a difference on the job?

Definitely! It may not be needed but knowing that support is accessible

demands that push them outside of

serves as a bit of a safety net, helping decorators to deliver a better

the comfort zone. Having reliable

finish for the client. After all, no two jobs are the same, meaning the

support from a paint manufacturer

challenges that come with them can’t always be solved with a

provides peace of mind knowing

one-size-fits-all approach.

that expert help is only a phone

There’s also a personal side to it too, which can often be

call away. It’s about being able to

underestimated. Decorating can be a lonely profession, particularly if

get clear guidance when it’s

you’re a one-man band. That’s why it’s good to know that if you hit a

needed most, rather than

snag, from unexpected surface challenges to adhesion issues, you don’t

spending (and potentially wasting)

need to face it alone.

time on trial and error.

What kind of support are painters and decorators looking for from manufacturers?

How do you see manufacturer-decorator relationships evolving?

It’s all about collaboration. Rather than it being a purely transactional

While the product itself is obviously key, it’s not the only thing that

relationship, we are all about sharing knowledge and expertise. It’s very

counts. Increasingly, decorators want a relationship with a paint brand

much a two-way street. We as manufacturers gain insights from

that goes beyond just supplying cans of paint. Practical, real-world

decorators who use our products on site day in, day out, while you can

advice can be invaluable, whether that’s guidance on the right prep work

benefit from tailored industry advice.

for tricky substrates, product recommendations, colour advice, help with calculating paint quantities or on-site problem solving.

What support do Valspar Trade offer for painters and decorators?

Our network of local Trade Sales Specialists (TSSs) provide hands-on, personalised support to decorators across the country, whether it’s a quick phone call or a site visit. Our TSSs are more than just a helpline – they’re a familiar, friendly face who genuinely understands the trade.

With regular check-ins, a direct line via phone or email and a commitment to building strong relationships, your local TSS can become a trusted partner in your business.

/ValsparPaintUK 46

@valsparpaintuk

www.valspartrade.co.uk

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