The Decorator – December 2021-January 2022

THE

DECORATOR

The official journal of the Painting and Decorating Association • December 2021-January 2022

Barrington Decorators Ltd Broad Campden, Gloucestershire – See The Gallery for more!

Find us online...

Dear Members, Throughout 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic has continued to dominate our lives to a greater or lesser extent. However, despite that we have been busier than ever at the PDA, and you will shortly receive your Membership renewal letter. We sincerely hope that you will re-join and continue to reap the benefits of being a Member of our Association. We do want to continue to support you fully in coming year.

This year, despite the extra administration work and the challenges of pandemic restrictions, we we able to host the Premier Trophy Awards, four National Apprentice competitions and our Networking event at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool. These have all been well attended and so many people came to tell me how good it was to go to events in person once again.

Hot on the heels of the Liverpool event, we also had a stand at the National Painting and Decorating Show held at the Coventry Building Society Arena. It was lovely to meet so many of you and of course to see our Associate Partners. It was a great couple of days where we saw both new Members and Associate Partners joining us.

In March we launched our new website, which has been well received by Members and Associates alike, with Member profile pages now much easier to navigate and update. Pleasingly, the search ranking for the Association has improved greatly with its position now appearing on the first page of search engines when the words “Find a Painter & Decorator” are used.

We are almost ready to launch our revised version of the Health & Safety in Painting & Decorating Handbook. This will be available to all Members as a progressive web app which will work on most electronic devices. In creating an electronic version of the guide, its content can be updated regularly thus ensuring that it is always up to date.

We have some exciting new projects lined up for the future, foremost being our Paint Green initiative.

With environmental issues becoming such an important aspect of many industries, Paint Green aims to encourage PDA Members to build sustainability principles into their daily working lives, encourage uptake of paint recycling and reduce waste. More details will be released next year.

As it is the end of the year, I would like to thank my team at headquarters and our Membership advisor Paul for all their work this year. Additionally, thanks go to Shepherd PR, Catherine Saint Publicity, and Empathic Visions who work tirelessly on The Decorator magazine, marketing, social media, and our website.

Finally, I would like to thank the PDA Management Board for their continued support and the wider decorating community for showing such resilience. We’ve all been through a lot together and should be proud of the way everyone has sustained our great industry.

None of us know what challenges lay ahead in 2022, but the PDA is in great shape going forward, and I am confident that there are real grounds for optimism for our industry and the Association alike. In working together, we can and will succeed in meeting the challenges.

We look forward to helping promote your business, and in liaising with our Associate partners who represent such a diverse range of products and services within the sector.

I wish you all continued success in your business. Please stay as safe and as healthy as you can. Have great a Christmas and New Year and I look forward to speaking with you during 2022.

Yours Sincerely

Neil Ogilvie Chief Executive neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

@TheDecoratorMag

/DecoratorMag /TheDecoratorMag

elsewhere in this issue...

4 Association News 16 Members News 18 Training and Education 22 Health & Safety 24 The Gallery 28 Better Business inc FAQ with Charlie Budd

32 Industry News 34 Case studies 38 Tooltalk

with Wayne de Wet

40 Products and services

THE

DECORATOR

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

December 2021-January 2022 — Volume 90 No 6 The Decorator is published by Catherine Saint Publicity on behalf of the Painting & Decorating Association PDA Editorial Neil Ogilvie Telephone: 07796 942474 e-mail: neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Advertising and Editorial Catherine Saint Publicity Telephone: 07941 590183 e-mail: catherine.saint@yahoo.co.uk Artworking and Design empathicVisions Telephone: 07789 725074 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 facebook.com/thePDA

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

AND THE PRIZES GO TO...

We recently asked PDA Members visiting the National Painting and Decorating Show to drop their business cards into an exclusive prize draw jar – thank you to all who entered!

The randomly selected cards belonged to: • Darren Robinson from D Robinson Decorator, who bags a fabulous Mirka DEOS sander; and • Mitchell Capes from Allied Decorating Ltd, who pockets a £50 TradePoint voucher.

For those unable to attend the show, if you currently held or signed up for a free TradePoint card via the PDA, you were also entered into an exclusive prize draw...

The randomly selected cardholder was: • Christopher Lockie from Lockie PPD, who wins a £100 TradePoint voucher.

Congratulations to all our winners!

HAVE A MERRY XMAS! The PDA Head Office will be closed from 5.00pm on 23 December 2021 and will re-open for business as usual on 4 January 2022. We would like to wish everyone a great holiday and a happy and healthy 2022.

Neil and the Head Office Team

Winter holidays – England, Wales & Scotland The Working Rule Agreement states that there shall be seven working days taken in conjunction with Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to give a winter holiday of two calendar weeks. The Winter Break in 2021 will be from normal finishing time on Friday 24 December 2021 to normal starting time on Monday 10 January 2022 in accordance with WR.18.1.

PDA SIGNS UP TO WORKING MINDS WORK-RELATED STRESS is now the number one cause of employee sickness absence, with major causes being workload pressures, tight deadlines, too much responsibility and a lack of managerial support. Many employers, particularly smaller ones, are not aware of their legal duties or how to spot the signs of stress.

The Health and Safety Executive’s Working Minds campaign is calling for a culture change across Britain’s workplaces, so that recognising and responding to the signs of stress becomes as routine as managing workplace safety.

Working with partner organisations, including Mind, Acas, and Mates in Mind, the HSE will provide small businesses with relevant information and practical tools, aimed specifically at supporting small businesses by providing employers and workers with easy to implement advice, including simple steps to introduce employers to the principles of the stress management standards.

For more about information about Working Minds, visit https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/

TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION THIS WINTER Right now, the insurance market is tricky, even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit there have been many factors which have contributed to insurance premiums rising and insurers tightening their acceptance criteria for businesses they are willing to insure. That’s when speaking with an insurance broker like Premierline could be beneficial.

Premierline is proud to be the insurance broker for PDA Members since 2011. They will take the time to understand your insurance requirements and search the market to recommend a policy that is designed for your individual needs. What’s more, Premierline has access to market leading products at competitive prices, giving you the peace of mind that your business is protected should the worse happen.

As a PDA Member you can benefit from a no-obligation review of your business insurance. By talking to a professional broker at Premierline you can have a conversation about your insurance and they’ll ensure you get the right insurance cover at a competitive price. Simply contact the dedicated team who can help you.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

2021

YEAR IN REVIEW Throughout 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic continued to dominate our lives to a greater or lesser extent. Its impact extends around the world, not least with the latest news of the new Omicron strain.

As with elsewhere, the situation in the UK is likely to fluctuate for the foreseeable future with booster vaccinations now being rolled out. The above notwithstanding, however, we have seen a return to some semblance of what we used to call ‘normality’.

Brexit: Ongoing challenges The start of 2021 saw a significant lack of availability of key raw materials and packaging, with price increases causing major disruption in the UK and across Europe. five litre paint cans cost 10% more than at the same period last year, and tin plate also had a similar increase which resulted in a shortage of metal paint cans.

Health Safety and Environment Committee Something at the forefront of everyone’s minds is taking care of our planet. Terms such as Net Zero, Carbon Emission and Greenhouse Gases have entered common parlance.

The PDA have started working with partners across the industry to create an initiative that supports businesses to showcase their environmental credentials.

Our Paint Green initiative will be rolled out early in 2022 and is designed to dovetail with projects across the sector, acting as the conduit between PDA Members and industry partners, from manufacturers and suppliers, to partners such as the BCF.

The Paint Green initiative aims to: • Encourage PDA Members to build sustainability principles into their daily working lives • Encourage use of the paint and container recycling schemes provided by Associate Partners • Increase recycling rates and reduce waste • Reward PDA Members with Paint Green status, showcasing their environmental credentials Essentially, the Paint Green status will offer a positive incentive for traders to engage in eco-friendly schemes that already exist but are under-utilised. It will also highlight new initiatives as and when they are launched.

Education and Training Committee The committee has met three times this year.

Committee members also attend several other boards and committees instrumental to enhancing training, apprenticeships, and qualifications within the sector.

More recently the PDA has become a CITB recognised ‘Third Party Organisation’ and this will further support the important work of the committee.

The group continues to work with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as part of the forthcoming review process for the Level 2 Painting and Decorating Standard.

There is still a significant drive from Government to introduce construction T-Levels for our sector, however, the committee focus remains on the current L2 standard in ensuring the content is relative and applicable to our sector and reinstatement of a L3 qualification.

The embedding of the new standard across the college network in England has been a watching brief with mixed feedback from tutors and construction heads and we continue to keep a close eye on progress.

Activities and Events Despite the extra administration work and the challenges of pandemic restrictions, we hosted the Premier Trophy Awards, four National Apprentice competitions and our Networking event in Liverpool.

Internal meetings such as Management Board, Training and Education, and the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee have continued online.

In March we launched our new website, which has been well received by Members and Associates alike.

The Member profile pages are now much easier to navigate and update. Pleasingly, the search engine ranking for the Association has improved greatly.

We are almost ready to launch our revised version of the Health & Safety in Painting & Decorating Handbook.

This will be available to all Members as a Web App. The app will work on mobile phones, tablets, and PCs with its self-adjusting screen resolution. In creating an electronic version of the guide, its content can be updated quicky thus ensuring that it is always up to date.

Associate Partners During the year, the Association brought in seven new Associate partners from various sectors across the industry. I would like to thank the Associates very sincerely for their continued support, loyalty, and much appreciated sponsorship.

Conclusion Finally, I would like to say a few words of thanks...

• To my team at headquarters – Denice, Yvonne, Sam, Kerrie, and our Membership advisor Paul. You have all done an amazing job throughout this past year. Thank you for your continued dedicated commitment to the PDA. • To Shepherd PR, Catherine Saint Publicity, and Empathic Visions who work tirelessly on The Decorator magazine, marketing, social media, and our website. Thanks to you, the promotion, visibility, and awareness of the Association to both Members and consumers has been vastly improved during the last twelve months.

• To the PDA Management Board for their continued support. Special thanks go to Andrew Havard who has now left the committee after many years of sterling service on this committee and various others over the past 17 years. Also, congratulations to Martin Hillyard on being re-elected and to Steve Drew on being newly-elected this year.

• To you, our Members, for your loyalty and commitment to the Association.

We really do appreciate it. Please don’t forget, we are only at the end of the phone so don’t hesitate to call us for assistance.

• To the wider decorating community (including the manufacturers) for showing such resilience. We’ve all been through a lot together and should be proud of the way everyone has sustained our great industry.

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None of us know what challenges lay ahead in 2022, but the PDA is in great shape. It’s been double jabbed and ready to face the future! I am confident that there is a lot to look forward to and real grounds for optimism for our industry and the Association. By working together, we can and will succeed in meeting the challenges.

We look forward to working alongside you in helping to promote your business, and in liaising with our Associate partners who represent such a diverse range of products and services within the sector. I wish you all continued success in your business. Please stay as safe and as healthy as you can. Have great a Christmas and I look forward to speaking with you during 2022.

Best Wishes

Neil Ogilvie PDA Chief Executive Officer November 2021

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

NETWORKING EVENT

Dinner

IT WAS FANTASTIC to be back in the lively city of Liverpool for the PDA Members and guests Networking Event on Saturday 20 November. The

Paperhanger Competition where the worthy winners were announced

iconic city was a great backdrop for the

and received their prizes, see more on page 18.

PDA Gala Dinner and Apprentice Paperhanger Competition winners. Held

A special mention was given to Andrew Havard, the Managing Director of

in the Hilton Hotel down by the Albert Docks, the venue is the perfect

Ian Williams Ltd, who is stepping down from the PDA Management Board

calm oasis right in the hustle and bustle of Liverpool.

after many years of service. It was great to see his ‘main rival’ Stephen

During the course of the dinner, guests were entertained with the everpopular Daniel Sings, Paul Dobie and Tony Benedict. There was also the

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After dinner, the evening event then moved on to the Apprentice

Bagnall presenting the commemorative plaque with warm words for Andrew.

PDA CEO Neil Ogilvie offers his thanks to the sponsors for the event

surprise appearance of fantastic opera singers to lift the spirits and

Brewers, Solvite, CITB, Owatrol and Purdy, the event would not be

entertain the guests.

possible without this industry support.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

For its Inspiring the Next Generation series, Purdy spoke with three employees from PDA Member firm Bagnalls...

CHAMPIONS OF QUALITY BAGNALLS IS DEDICATED to inspiring the next generation and even has its own apprenticeship offering, The Bagnalls Apprenticeship Scheme, which is a two- to three-year scheme that comprises both college learning and an on-site practical element where trainees work with skilled painters to put teachings into practice. Beyond this, the company looks to support all employees throughout their career to further their skillset and progress at Bagnalls.

Abi and Lewis both started their NVQ Level 3 in Construction/Painting and Decorating in 2017 and have already picked up numerous awards between them, including PDA Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Decorator of the Year at Skillbuild UK 2019.

In addition, Jane has a wealth of experience in the painting and decorating industry and completed her City and Guilds Advanced Craft apprenticeship course in 1990, and in the same year was named Bronze Finalist in the World Skills Olympics.

When asked what they think it takes to be a professional decorator, Abi and Lewis both said that you need to be patient, and Abi mentioned that it is important to enjoy what you are doing.

Lewis added that having a steady hand and being good with people are key, and Jane noted attention to detail, time management and communication skills as core attributes.

Jane also believes that being part of the Painting and Decorating Association is important, as it offers support and guidance to a business on many levels.

At the Bagnalls Academy, they also test painting and decorating tools, including brushes and rollers, to ensure that contractors are using the best tools for each

Lewis Boyle

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Abi Johnson application. As a result of this, Purdy is one of the company’s go-to painting tools manufacturers, and the Bagnalls contractors rely on Purdy brushes, rollers and accessories to achieve a professional finish across a wide range of jobs.

Like the company they work for, Abi, Lewis and Jane all believe that quality tools are essential to achieve a good finish, which is why they choose Purdy.

Abi says, “All my her tools are Purdy as they are reliable and offer the durability needed for professional use. The right tools are vital when it comes to tasks like cutting in and creating a crisp, neat line.”

For example, Abi uses the Purdy Cub brush for intricate tasks as it has a short and lightweight handle for maximum control and the angular style tip is perfect for cutting in and getting into tight corners.

Purdy brushes’ filaments are locked in for a zero-loss guarantee and the connection between the handle and the ferrule (the section that holds the brush filaments) has a double or triple crimp, ensuring the bristles and handle are secure. Finally, the handle is made from Alderwood as it is lightweight, durable and moisture wicking, meaning it absorbs sweat for a more comfortable grip.

Jane Potter Lewis agrees, “It’s important to use quality tools that can withstand regular use and will last a long time, Purdy have a great reputation for durability. I often use the White Dove sleeve as it has the finest nylon fabric that resists matting and delivers an ultra-smooth finish.”

What’s more, Purdy rollers are designed to reduce tramlines, hold more paint and deliver a perfect, lint-free finish.

You can see videos of Abi, Lewis and Jane’s and more from the series at www.purdy.co.uk/news-list/

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

ADVICE for our Members If you have any queries about the NIC changes or wish to explore salary sacrifice opportunities in further detail, our specialist Employment Tax team at Azets are on hand to provide support and guidance, please contact at hello@azets.co.uk ON 7 SEPTEMBER, the UK Government announced they will temporarily increase the rates of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) throughout the UK. The rates of class 1 NIC (paid by employees and employers), class 4 NIC (paid by self-employed), and dividend taxes will all increase by 1.25% for the 2022/2023 tax year, effective from April 2022.

The voluntary NIC payments, class 2 and class 3, used to top up gaps for state pension purposes, will remain unaffected by the new announcement.

The class 1 NIC increase will apply to the employees’ NIC element as well as the secondary employers’ element.

For employers, the increase will also apply to: • class 1A NIC on benefits and termination payments exceeding £30,000, and; • class 1B NIC on items included in a PAYE Settlement Agreement (PSA).

NEW HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE LEVY ANNOUNCED WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR EMPLOYERS? What does this mean for employers?

The increases in class 1 NIC will result in inflated employer costs and will need to be factored into both budgets and forecasts, especially as employment costs are typically a business’ largest expenditure.

Employers are still of course recovering from the impact of the pandemic and the subsequent downturn in operations, with further staff cuts likely resulting from the end of the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) on 30 September 2021.This will no doubt add to their burdens.

To help mitigate the cost impact of the rising rates, employers may consider adjustments to employee salaries or customer pricing.

Our recommendation If not already in place, Salary Sacrifice schemes would be well-worth considering. Despite the UK Government’s withdrawal of some tax and NIC incentives in April 2017,

some benefits still remain which attract generous tax and NIC reliefs under salary sacrifice arrangements, these being: • Employer pension contributions • Ultra-low emissions cars, with CO2 emissions of up to 75g/km • Equipment under cycle-to-work schemes These areas provide opportunities for significant employer and employee savings and the latest NIC rate increases provides opportunity for further savings. We are seeing an increasing number of businesses use salary sacrifice to optimise the remuneration package leading to improvements in employee attraction and retention.

As we move towards seeking more green energy alternatives, ultra-low emissions vehicles provided under a salary sacrifice arrangement are becoming increasingly attractive bearing in mind the low ‘Benefit in Kind’ tax rates applied for such vehicles.

AVOIDING PITFALLS IN YOUR SELF-ASSESSMENT WE ALL KNOW the feeling. The ominous brown envelope lands on the doormat and suddenly you find yourself a few hundred pounds poorer, you owe the taxman for errors in your self-assessment tax return, and it’s time to pay up.

Mike Parkes from GoSimpleTax gives some pointers on how to avoid any errors...

THIS YEAR’S SELF-assessment will have an added element for many self-employed decorators, as it’s the first time the Covid-19 relief SEISS grants will need to be included. Anyone who received these emergency grants now needs to declare them and be ready to pay tax on the income.

So, what can self-employed decorators do now to ensure their self-assessment tax return is free of errors, and avoid that brown HMRC envelope next year?

Go digital

Sweat the small stuff

Look at the benefits

The devil is in the detail. While it’s obviously important that your self-assessment tax return shows your taxable profit accurately, it’s also vital that you go through the detail of the year with a fine toothcomb to uncover any discrepancies or tax-free expenditures, as these may mean the difference between tax brackets and therefore have a potentially considerable impact on the amount payable.

Tax software like ours will also prompt you to consider any tax-free elements to your business expenditure. Things like phone bills, materials procured in the course of business, marketing expenditure and so on can all be considered as part of your business’ tax-free expenditure and therefore you don’t need to pay tax on top of that cost. It’s worth looking at all your expenditures and establishing which fall into this bracket.

Get your classifications right

Think ahead

When completing your 2020/21 tax return, any SEISS grants received in the year ended 5 April 2021 need to be included. However, do not include the grants within your normal turnover figure. HMRC have added a specific box to the 2020/21 tax return for you to add details of any grants received, please be sure to include the grants in this box.

If you were to include the grant within your normal turnover figure and leave the new box blank then it is likely HMRC will add your SEISS grants automatically, meaning the grant income is included twice, the result is you will pay tax on the same income twice.

It really does pay to be more organised, and you can save yourself a future headache by tackling your tax head-on as the year goes on. Digital software is one effective and easy way of doing this. Not only do you save yourself time and stress, but you can operate your business with a clear idea of how much profit you’ll have after tax, thus avoiding any nasty surprises.

Tax is rarely at the top of anyone’s list of favourite admin jobs, but it’s a really important one. By taking extra care now, you can hopefully avoid that brown envelope landing on your doormat next year.

If you haven’t already embraced digital solutions for tracking your invoicing and expenditure, it’s time to give it some serious consideration. There is plenty of free and paid-for software that make this aspect of running your business much easier, and help with your tax return too.

Tools like SimpleTax integrate with many invoicing software platforms and automatically import your transactions, taking the pain out of working out your annual financial picture.

GoSimpleTax software submits directly to HMRC and is the solution for the self-employed, sole traders, and anyone with income outside of PAYE to log all their income and expenses. The software provides hints and tips that could save you money on allowances and expenses you may have missed.

PDA Members receive a 30% discount off GoSimpleTax.www.gosimpletax.com/tax-pda/

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

WINTER

Most clothing available in Mens or Womens fit

Warmers

Stay warm and dry this winter... Inside and out!

PDA FLEECE Available in Navy and Black Top quality ‘symmetry fleece’ adjustable shockcord hem, two zipped lower pockets Available in sizes M, L, XL and XXL

£17.99

A whole line of affordable work wear and sundries such as quotation pads and van stickers are available to purchase through the PDA Website – Most clothing items are also now available in a choice of mens or womens fit!

Login to the Members area of the PDA website and click on ‘PDA Mechandise’ tab

SOFT SHELL JACKET Available in Navy and Black Water Repellent finish, wind resistant, easy drying fabric, ideal to be worn casual or with collar & tie. Available in sizes M, L, XL and XXL

£32.99

SWEATSHIRT Available in Ash Grey and Navy Elasticated cuffs, neckline and waistband.

Triple stitched seams for ultimate strength.

Brushed fleece inner. Available in sizes S to XXL

£14.99

w w w. p a i n t i n g d e c o r a t i n g a s s o c i a t i o n . c o . u k Alternatively call Head Office on 0247635 3776 or email sam@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk 13

ASSOCIATION NEWS

elcome W TO THE ASSOCIATION...

THE AUSTRALIAN BRUSHWARE Corporation (ABC) is a leading wholesaler and distributor of quality paint brushes and paint accessories in Australia.

Their brand Monarch is renowned for its handcrafted paint brushes. Whether you are a professional trade painter or DIYer, Monarch will have the right painting tool for your next painting project.

Under premium brands Monarch and Monarch Advance, they are able to offer a one-stop shop for all your painting accessory needs.

Monarch is a principal paint accessory brand covering markets in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, with over 2,000 quality products on offer. Monarch is recognised for delivering innovative value for money products across most painting categories for professional and DIY painters.

When a quality finish is important to you, Monarch is the answer.

The trade collection Monarch Advance is for the true painting professional who is looking for that ultimate finish and understands that perfection comes from quality, durability and maximum performance.

Monarch Advance represents the highest in quality when it comes to painting equipment, and only the most premium materials are used to construct these fine painting tools. You can trust when you use a Monarch Advance product, you will get the ultimate precision and control, time after time.

For any questions about Monarch and Monarch Advance, as well as extra information and where to purchase, you can contact them via email at HLDinfo@hardwarelane.co.uk

Painting and Decorating Association

www.monarchpainting.co.uk

2022

MANAGEMENT BOARD

Following the recent elections, the PDA Management Board now comprises of these Members: Representing Membership categories 1 & 2

Categories 3 & 4

Mark Parsons Mark Parsons Decorating Services

Mr M. Pittaway Pittaway Decorative Group Ltd

Dess Cass D Cass & Son

Honorary Treasurer

Robert Smith Smith Bros Decorating

Stuart Yates Stuart Yates Decor

Representing Membership categories 5 & 6

Stephen Bagnall Bagnall Group

Steve Drew Bell Decorating Group

Martin Hillyard Jack Tighe Decorating Ltd

We still have a vacancy for another representative for Category 3 & 4 Please do get in touch with Neil Ogilvie at Head Office if you are interested in joining and helping shape the future of the Association! neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk 14

ASSOCIATION NEWS

TROPHY MEMORIES

PAINT INDUSTRY COMMITS TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE

THE PDA’S CHIEF Executive recently received a copy of Football, A Family Affair, in recognition of the sponsorship from the Association, and its Members' working relationship within the sports industry and other sectors.

The first Trophy Awards, launched by the Federation in 1988, included a visit by the judges to Wynyard Hall, Cleveland, the home of John Hall, family and owners at that time of Newcastle United FC. Works on this iconic building had been carried out by W H Booney.

Also visited the same year, was Middlesbrough FC at Ayresome Park Stadium. This was a complete internal and external renovation by Pattison Decorators. Now, more than 33 years later, these early visits had set the tone for the many inspections to iconic buildings across the sports sector.

Liverpool’s Anfield and Stoke City Britannia FC had the benefit of work carried out by PDA Members, along with Old Trafford, the Lancashire Cricket HQ along with The Oval’s new stadium in London, and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Last but not least, another visit over 20 years later to a new Middlesbrough FC Riverside Stadium, with its application of guaranteed protective coatings, and to meet a Middlesbrough supporter.

Was that a Leeds player I bumped into as I visited the City to make the presentation on the 6th October? He pleasantly remarked on seeing my Bournemouth attire, “Up the Cherries!”

Bob Hewitt, PDA Life Member

BRITISH COATINGS FEDERATION (BCF) members have joined other sectors in pledging to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The commitment was made at the recent BCF Board of Directors meeting in Manchester, and will be backed up by more detailed Net Zero Roadmaps for each BCF sector. The industry has also committed to a highly ambitious target for its paint recycling scheme, PaintCare. This scheme, which aims to create a circular economy for leftover decorative paint in the UK will aim to increase the percentage leftover paint re-used, recycled, or re-manufactured from 2% today to 75% by 2030.

“Following COP26, there has rightly been an increased focus on sustainable action, but our sector has been continuously working on improving key sustainability metrics for over 25 years”, said Tom Bowtell, CEO at the BCF. Sustainable production and recycling have been a key focus for the coatings industry in the UK since 1996 and are the basis for some of the 45 health, safety and environment key performance indicators monitored through the BCF’s Coatings Care programme.

Latest Coatings Care figures showed record low levels of energy used in production as well as a significant decrease in production waste. 71% of production waste is now recycled, compared with just 17% in 1996. Accident rates are also at a record low and well below the latest UK Labour Force survey, with zero RIDDOR reported dangerous occurrences or fires at BCF member sites in 2020.

“We want to highlight and celebrate the work our members are doing to create a more sustainable industry, so have launched our #SustainableCoatings and #SustainableInks campaign, which will share case studies from our members showcasing what they have already done and what new initiatives they will be taking in future to increase sustainability”, concluded Tom Bowtell. www.coatings.org.uk

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NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

TOOLSdown A QUICK Q&A WITH PDA MEMBER

Douglas Gillie How long have you been a painter and decorator?

I have been in business for 27 years, and in the decorating trade for 36 years.

What work do you do?

All aspects internally and externally, traditional and modern techniques including paperhanging.

How long have you been a Member of the PDA? I have been a Member for over 20 years.

How has membership of the PDA benefitted you?

The PDA are there for advice whenever needed, plus it’s a more professional look being a Member of a respected trade body.

How do you market your business?

Mainly through our website, however the vast majority of our work is repeat work or recommendations from the client base we have built over the years.

Are you on social media?

We use various social media platforms mainly as galleries for our current ongoing and past projects.

Do you have any tips on maintaining a successful business?

Consistently carrying out every job big or small with the same level of care and attention, just as you would like to have done in your own home. Keeping a good line of communication with clients from start to finish of projects. Leaving everything clean and tidy is equally as important as carrying out a job to a high standard.

Are you currently training any apprentices?

We aren’t currently training any apprentices however we plan to in the future.

Douglas Gillie is a PDA Member based in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, call on 01289 303524 or visit www.douglasgilliedecor.co.uk

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What would you say to encourage other to join the trade?

It’s a very satisfying job being able stand back at the end of a project and see the transformation you’ve made. Decorating is arguably the most important trade as it’s the first thing your eyes are drawn to on any property. With a bit of ambition you can go from being an apprentice to making a successful living from the trade.

What are the most annoying problems you come across?

Following and being followed by untidy tradesmen, work being damaged and marked by other trades after its finshed (carpet fitters dragging carpets along walls).

Prospective clients contacting you for a quote, but if the job can’t be started next week they can get someone else!

What do you most like about your job?

No two jobs are the same, every job has different obstacles to overcome which keep it interesting and keep you learning all the time. The satisfaction you get from seeing the transformation of projects from start to finish.

What products would you recommend to other decorators?

Although not new products, Zinsser primers are game changing. Both Zinsser and Tikkurila offer a good range of water based products, Sandtex Trade the old reliable.

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

RESPONSIBLE PRACTISE REAPS REWARDS FOR THE THIRD time, PDA Associate Partner HMG Paints were awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR ) Award at the 2021 British Coatings Federation (BCF) Awards. The night also saw HMG’s Chairman, John Falder, receive the prestigious BCF Silver Medal.

The winners of the BCF Awards 2021 were announced at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel. Almost 300 delegates were in attendance to watch 12 winners announced across 11 categories.

As well as HMG Paints’ double win on the evening, the Manchester based paint manufacturer were finalists for the Coatings Care Award, with two HMG employees as finalists in the Apprentice of the Year category.

Josh Taylor and Nathan Eckersley were amongst the first in the country to complete the new Industrial Coating Applicator Apprenticeship earlier this year, and their achievement was recognised by their industry counterparts.

Tom Bowtell, BCF Chief Executive said, “After a really challenging time for our industry, it was great to come together face to face and celebrate the achievements of

our member companies. It is also exciting to see so much young talent in our sector, demonstrated particularly in our Apprentice of the Year and Young Leader of the Year categories. Many congratulations to all those who were shortlisted, but especially to the winners”.

The judges of the CSR Award commented on HMG’s win, “As an SME, with only 180 employees, Covid would have brought significant business challenges. Despite these, alongside development of new hand sanitiser products with commercial benefits but also provided to charities and local communities, they maintained a comprehensive CSR programme clearly immersed and invested in the local community.

“Noted also was a focus on staff wellbeing during the pandemic. Their continued documented charity support, remembered from their application in 2017, and supporting new charites since the start of the pandemic, well reported on their programme and benefits this delivered.”

This is the third time HMG have won the BCF CSR award since its inception in 2017.

John Falder receives his Silver Medal.

John Falder, Chairman of HMG Paints, was awarded the Coatings industry’s highest honour, the Silver Medal.

Instigated by Leslie Silver upon his retirement in 1980, the Silver Medal recognises those who provide outstanding service and an exceptional contribution to the industry’s growth and reputation.

John has been actively involved in the industry and with the BCF for over 40 years, taking a leading role in developing several industry initiatives, such as the apprenticeship training scheme and Coatings Care, the industry’s health, safety, and environmental programme.

Through the years John has held several influential roles, most notably BCF President between 2014 and 2016. He has chaired the Industrial and Powder Coatings Council and the Vehicle Refinish Committee, as well as being a member of the General Purpose and Finance Committee.

Tom Bowtell concluded, “John Falder exemplifies the commitment to the industry that the Silver Medal was developed to recognise. He has been a prominent figure in the coatings industry and is a huge advocate of the BCF. We would like to thank John for his support and expertise throughout the years and congratulate him on this very much deserved accolade.” www.coatings.org.uk www.hmgpaint.com

IW COMMITTED TO IMPACT REDUCTION WITH COP26 ANNOUNCING the ‘World is at one minute to midnight over climate change’ it is critical that each of us, as individuals and as businesses, play our part.

Ian Williams is committed to tackling the impact of climate change, sharing the goal with many others to reduce carbon to a net zero position by 2050.

Although this is a very challenging target, we are working closely with our customers in the housing sector to help achieve it. We are delivering projects as part of the ECO-3 Funding and Pathfinder Grants, supporting investment in air source heat pumps, internal wall insulation, as well installing windows and doors to improve building air tightness.

Our supply chain partners, particularly manufacturers, are working with us to train our teams in new product installation. The design and application of sustainable paint products that include minimal, or preferably zero VOC’s will help along with low E powder coatings that have been manufactured with minimal impact on the environment.

Amy Boothman Development Manager Ian Williams Also the use of 100% recycled packaging to reduce landfill is of paramount importance. To this end we have taken part in can recycling and social enterprise schemes that are making a difference.

Whatever the final outcome of COP26, it is inevitable that there will be legislative changes and as a business, we are committed to aligning with the 1.5º pathway, the Heat and Buildings Strategy and beyond. We are all in a strong position to get results because of the type of work we carry out.

The UK’s housing stock contributes a massive 20% of the nation’s carbon emissions and working in 1,000s of homes every week, our teams are being upskilled to include Retrofit Co-ordinators, provided with the eco-friendly technologies and materials they need, and quality management systems such as PAS2035 to help play our part in creating a sustainable and future-proofed environment.

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TRAINING AND EDUCATION

PAPERHANGER 2 0 2 1

APPRENTICE

FROM INVERNESS TO LIVERPOOL (VIA DONCASTER!) APPRENTICES HAVE BEEN recognised for their wallpaper hanging skills at a Gala Dinner hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association.

Held as part of the PDA’s annual networking event, the Gala Dinner included a presentation ceremony for winners of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition.

Three entrants from Inverness, two from Kent and one from London, were selected out of 18 apprentices from across the UK who competed at The Hub in Doncaster in June.

Judged by PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie and PDA board Member, Stuart Yates, the Paperhanger competition tasked apprentices with a gruelling six-hour challenge designed to test their precision, timing and skill.

Neil was joined by Dave Hope, from competition sponsor Brewers Decorator Centres, to present the awards at the Gala Dinner held at the Liverpool Hilton Hotel on 20 November.

Senior Winner of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year 2021 was Kimberley McIntyre of McIntyre Painting and Decorating Services, who attends Inverness College UHI. Senior runner-up was Francesca Fordham who attends North Kent College and works at Axis Europe.

George Lane of Alfred Bagnall and Sons (London) was presented with a Judges Achievement and Commendation in the Senior category.

Senior Apprentice Paperhanger 2021, Kimberley McIntyre, receives her award from PDA CEO Neil Ogilvie (left) and Dave Hope from Brewers.

Two more Inverness College students took the Junior category, with Euan McLean who works at Hendersons Ltd, named winner and Junior runner-up going to Rebecca Mackinnon, an apprentice at Neil Mackay & Co Ltd. Neil said, “Our Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition offers apprentices the chance to share their experiences, demonstrate their skills and network with their peers.

“The competition is sponsored by Brewers Decorator Centres and it is their generous and continued support that allows us to host this vital opportunity for people entering the industry.

“These young people have demonstrated a commitment to their craft, an eye for detail and a quality application of the skills they have been learning as part of their apprenticeships.

“They are a credit to their employers and to their centres of learning, George Lane received and I am delighted that we have been able to celebrate their success at a Commendation in the PDA’s annual Gala Dinner.” the Senior category.

Junior Apprentice Paperhanger Runner-up, Rebecca Mackinnon (below left).

Junior Apprentice Paperhanger 2021, Euan McLean.

Senior Apprentice Paperhanger Runner-up, Francesca Fordham (above centre).

Member Discounts and Offers Don’t forget to check out the Discounts and Offers tab in the Member Resources area at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk for exclusive benefits from all these companies and more!

18

Do you have what it take s?

PAPERHANGER 2 0 2 2

APPRENTICE

ON I N A S S O C I AT I

WITH

7 June 2022

Download the entry form at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk or request a copy by emailing yvonne@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk Deadline for entry 22 April 2022

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

FURTHERING EDUCATION

Andy Cummins, Purdy – Neil Ogilvie, PDA – Winner John Stevenson – Laura Hettenbach, Purdy JOHN STEVENSON FROM the Leeds College of Building has been announced as the winner of the first Purdy Mentor of the Year competition, with a first prize of £2,000. Samantha Murphy from Smart Design and Mark Mitchell from Inverness College UHI were both awarded with runners up prizes of £500 each. Their nominators will also receive a bundle of Purdy goodies.

Purdy’s Mentor of the Year competition, which launched in July, gave apprentices and those learning the trade the chance to thank the people that are having a positive influence on them and their learning. From the high volume of entries, judges Phil Warwick of CITB, Neil Ogilvie of the PDA, and Andy Cummins of Purdy felt that John Stevenson, Samantha Murphy and Mark Mitchell had gone above and beyond to instil their skills and knowledge in the next generation of professional painters and decorators.

20

Nominated by Reece Dudley for being “such a great tutor”, the judges saw just how inspirational John has been to those he teaches. He has gone out of his way to ensure that his students can gain a full understanding of what it takes to be a professional painter and decorator.

John ’s positive, ‘go out and get it’ attitude has been instilled in his students and he has worked hard to ensure that they understand the importance of maintaining a high standard of work across every job.

Samantha Murphy was nominated by Courtney Maddison for her unwavering support and encouragement.

Having taken Courtney on as an apprentice, Samantha has worked hard to ensure that she has the necessary skills to become a professional painter and decorator, including just how important it is to respect customers and their properties and ensure a high-quality finish every time no

www.purdy.co.uk matter how long it might take to achieve.

Mark was nominated an impressive three times in total by Hannah Deverson, Lorna Dyce and Emma Mackenzie for his commitment to ensuring that his students leave college with the skills they need to become a professional painter and decorator, from hints and tips on how to hold a paint brush to make cutting in a breeze, to encouraging his students to push themselves to be the best that they can be.

Andy Cummins at Purdy said, “We have absolutely loved reading all of the entries to our Mentor of the Year competition, it is fantastic to see just how many people have instilled their skills and knowledge in the next generation of professional painters and decorators. We would like to say a huge congratulations to John, Samantha and Mark and thank them for their commitment to our industry.”

HEALTH AND SAFETY

TOWER COMPLIANCE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WERNERCO IS LEADING the way and taking steps in the tower industry with the roll out of the new EN1004-1 product standards.

The changes, which will ensure all mobile access towers comply to create a safer working at height environment, came into force in November 2021 following a 12-month transition period.

The standards will cover what materials, dimensions, design loads, safety and performance requirements mobile access towers should conform to. Under the scope of the changes, towers up to 8m externally and 12m internally will still be covered, but now those under 2.5m will be included in the standard.

Including additions and clarifications of existing guidance, the key points of the revision ensure that there is a reduction in the distance between platform levels, more safeguards included on towers including additional windlocks on decks, scope for product innovation and new guidance on wind and gust loads.

Sophie Ellam, Product Manager for WernerCo comments, “We welcome these changes as safety is at

the heart of everything we do at WernerCo, and whilst most of our towers were already compliant to the new EN1004-1 standards, we are always looking for ways in which we can improve to make our products even safer.

“All BoSS products will be subject to third party testing, to provide additional levels of assurance through official certification to ensure that they comply with this revision.

We’re confident that our products not only offer a practical solution but also a safe work at height environment.”

The changes will replace any existing standards, however, you may continue to use any existing tower products that comply with EN 1004:2004 as long as they are in a suitable condition.

WernerCo has created an online guide to explain what the changes mean and how they will affect users, it will also explain what users should look for when purchasing new equipment.

For information on the changes and BoSS’ EN1004-1 guide visit www.bossaccesstowers.com/EN1004

MUSIC FOR MOTIVATION AND MENTAL HEALTH A NEW STUDY has surveyed 2000 UK employees and analysed Spotify data to reveal the relationship workers, including manual labourers and construction labourers, have with music while working.

Commissioned by Towergate Insurance, the study shows half of people listen to music more often since lockdowns began, with UK employees believing it positively impacts their office lives.

Looking across different industries, the survey featured employees in construction, property, design, creative arts, engineering, manufacturing, finance, banking, accountancy, and healthcare.

Over half (54%) of those surveyed said listening to music at work improves their mental health and happiness, 56% stated it improves their mood and 66% said it helps them focus and get work done quicker.

Pop music was found to be the favourite genre across most industries, followed by rock and classical music, the exception being in construction, where employees favour rock music.

The only industry where workers claim listening to music out loud is their prefered method was healthcare, with all other industries preferring to play music through personal headphones.

Towergate’s analysis explored playlists on Spotify, specifically for those in the construction and building industry to find the top genres, artists and songs that help them get through their workdays on construction sites.

The analysis found that rock music was by far the favourite, with 981 appearances, followed by metal with 358, while the top five artists are all rock bands:

• AC/DC: 84 appearances • The Rolling Stones: 63 appearances • Led Zeppelin: 63 appearances • Red Hot Chili Peppers: 60 appearances • Metallica: 50 appearances Previous research by the Office for National Statistics has found that mental health problems are prevalent in the construction industry. With 65% of those in construction and property saying that listening to music at work helps improve their mood, and 27% saying it impacts their happiness, music can play a role in combating mental health issues.

Rebecca Lockwood, an expert on music and mental health, said, “When we listen to music it creates an intentional representation in our mind which then gives us a feeling. Depending on the kind of music you are listening to will determine how you feel.”

“Music and work have always been intertwined,” says Alison Wild, Head of Marketing at Towergate, “Most people enjoy listening to music of some kind, it’s perfectly natural to feel that music must have some sort of positive impact on our work.

“It helps make the day go quicker, makes us feel good, improves the working environment, motivates us, and therefore helps us get through with otherwise boring tasks.

You can find the full results of the study at www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/articles-and-guides 22

HEALTH AND SAFETY

WHY FLEET AND DRIVER SAFETY SHOULDN’T BE A LOTTERY

By Simon Turner, Campaign Manager for the Driving for Better Business programme In short, this legislation means that: • The company mustn’t do anything that puts drivers at risk • Work-related driving activities mustn’t endanger any other road users

DO YOU PLAY the National Lottery? Millions do and, every week, they buy a ticket in the hope of winning the jackpot. Yet the odds of doing that are a vanishingly small one in 45 million! Still, millions of people think it might be them.

In Great Britain, there are roughly 20 million vehicles driven on business. Made up of just under one million company cars, nearly four and a half million vans, 400,000 HGVs and a staggering 14 million private cars thought to be used for work journeys – some every day, some only occasionally.

Every year, according to government statistics, around 40,000 people are injured in collisions that involve someone who was driving for work. Plus, these are only the injuries that are reported, many aren’t, and there are many more that only involve damage to vehicles or property. This means the odds of being injured in a collision while driving for work are just 1 in 500, and yet very few people ever believe it will happen to them.

That means if you have a fleet of 500 vehicles you can expect your drivers to be involved in at least one injury causing collision every year on average. If your drivers and vehicles aren’t managed well, then the odds could be even higher.

Anyone who manages drivers and vehicles has a legal duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act to take all ‘reasonably practicable’ steps to minimise the risk to staff, and anyone else who may be affected by the company’s operations.

• Directors must put appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure that this is so • All employees must follow those policies and procedures at all times.

The key to success is understanding how these legal responsibilities are shared across the business at all levels. Directors and managers have a responsibility to ensure that risks are identified and managed, and that the correct policies and procedures are put in place.

Your drivers have a responsibility to follow those procedures and behave responsibly at all times, driving safely and following the Highway Code. Line managers, work schedulers and others may also have an important role to play in managing the risk, by ensuring that drivers aren’t subject to unreasonable demands that might encourage them to speed or increase the risk of fatigue.

When everyone is aware of their responsibilities, and working together, some of the benefits we can start to see include drivers being at less risk while out on the road.

There will be less chance of the business being judged at fault for any incidents and, therefore, a lower likelihood of the business being exposed to prosecution and heavy fines, and reductions in fleet operating costs like insurance, fuel and maintenance costs.

Don’t allow your driver risk management to become a lottery. Knowledge and careful planning are needed to ensure that you, your drivers, other road users and your business are fully protected.

For a wealth of free online tools and resources to help you understand where your priorities should be to reduce risk, control costs and improve efficiency, join the free programme at www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com

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gallery

The

CM Decorators Ltd After 12 years, this property required repairs to facia boards and windows, damaged rendering and leaking gutters, before finishing with Dulux Weathershield primers, undercoat and gloss, and finally three coats of Armstead Trade Pliolite.

Thompson Decorating Services This piano was given a whole new look, thanks to Tikkurila Helmi 10, tinted to RAL 9003.

EA & AJ Mills This Tewkesbury shop front, required lots of repairs using RepairCare and Toupret Masonry Filler before painting could begin (see below). Walls were treated with Sandtex Quick Drying Stabilising Solution, finished with Sandtex Smooth, Zinsser AllCoat completed the plinth. Woodwork was primed before applying two coats of Sandtex High Gloss.

J.E.N. Interiors A small room with a lot to do! New and old wood finished with water based Johnstone’s products, walls stripped, lined, and finished with two papers

by I Love Wallpaper, and a cast iron fireplace stripped of old paint to create a distressed look.

You too can enter The Gallery for free!

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.

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Michael Graham Decorators Ltd The windows on this home had been well maintained, but the garage doors required lots of sanding and filling before Johnstone's Stormshield helped bring the property back to life.

On the Cover Barrington Decorators Ltd @barringtondecor

LAPD The homeowners chose this interesting design from Murals Wallpaper, Grey Ultimate Kids Map Wall Mural, for a 13ft wall in their new Playroom.

Barrington were asked to design and apply specialist decorative finishes to this home cinema room. Providing gilding with 23ct Giusto Manetti gold leaf, two tone effect work to ceiling rails using Mylands in Huguenot and Little Greene in Theatre Red, and paint dragging effect works to cabinetry using a wide range of Polyvine products.

£100 of vouchers from Brewers are now on the way to Barrington Decorators Ltd for their winning Gallery entry!

Sponsored by

25

HEALTH AND SAFETY

KEEP WORKERS SAFE THIS WINTER

As the seasons change, so do the risks, CHAS provides tips on how to keep focused on health and safety during the winter months

When winter approaches, outdoor workers have to negotiate new hazards. Poor light, exposure to cold and slippery surfaces can lead to accidents causing severe injury, ill-health and even a threat to life. When workers experience excessive cold, they are more likely to behave unsafely as their ability to make decisions and/or perform manual tasks deteriorates(1). Shorter daylight hours can also affect the ability to see and be seen.

Every year there are over 2,500 RIDDOR incidents involving transport in the workplace and being struck by a vehicle is one of the most common causes of fatal workplace accidents(2). Apart from causing dangerous driving conditions, rain, ice and snow can increase the risk of slips and trips, which are the most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces(3). Here, CHAS sets out ten ways to help prevent accidents throughout the winter:

Carry out daily safety meetings

Put up clear signage to warn of danger

Safety briefings are a useful way to keep health and safety in workers’ minds and should cover changes in weather, temperature, shorter days and low light. Keep meetings brief and focused to maximise retention. Discuss the day's activities, risks that apply, and how to work safe. Make sure workers know that if at any time they feel they are working in an unsafe way, they can stop, report and seek advice.

Slips and falls can occur more frequently in winter due to wet floors, snow and ice.

Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 states that employers must use safety signs where significant risk continues after all other relevant precautions have been taken. Notices must be kept clearly displayed, unobstructed and well-maintained. It’s also essential that all staff understand what signs mean.

Review your safety clothing

Introduce warm-up exercises

Thermal comfort is key to worker productivity and maintaining a consistent body temperature is vital. It's important that protective clothing includes a breathable base layer to wick away moisture, an insulating mid-layer and waterproof outer layer.

Consider whether footwear is waterproof, and provides enough grip and warmth. Are helmet liners or beanies compatible with hard hats? Do workers require extra layers?

Cold temperatures can cause loss of feeling, making detailed work difficult and can even lead to frostbite.

Encouraging workers to take part in 10 minutes of stretching at the start of their working day can get their blood circulating and warm up cold muscles. As well as fostering team spirit exercise increases energy levels, and therefore productivity, and decreases soft tissue injuries.

Issue photoluminescent safety stickers A study published by The Institute for Work & Health in January 2013 showed that the rate of work injury goes up when light is poor. When passing through areas of ambient lighting, photoluminescent helmets will absorb energy and then glow as the wearer passes into darker areas. Retro-reflective stickers can also be added to helmets to enhance the visibility, and highlight key messages, day and night.

Comfortable, high-visibility clothing Hi-vis clothing helps drivers of approaching vehicles see the wearer, gives them more time to react and reduces the risk of people being hit. Genuine hi-vis has fluorescent material providing daytime visibility, and retro-reflective tape that reflects light directly back toward light sources.

Reflective over-vests or jackets are available as well as full-body hi-vis clothing, with thermal insulation for winter temperatures. A risk assessment will identify what hi-vis protection is necessary to suit the role and environment. Wearing more unusual colours – or any colour that passes the EN ISO 20471 test – to replace or contrast against the traditional yellow can also help wearers to stand out and combat 'hi-vis fatigue'.

Encourage regular, frequent breaks Working in cold temperatures can lead to a lowering of the body temperature, which in turn can cause problems with concentration and tiredness, increasing the risk of accidents.

It can also be more tiring working in low light. Regular breaks in warm, sheltered environments and consuming hot drinks will help, and drying rooms should also be provided where wet clothing can be dried.

Practise all aspects of driving Vehicles are common causes of accidents, particularly in low light. Twenty people were killed at work after being struck by a moving vehicle in 2019/20, representing 18% of all work-related fatal injuries. Of 65,427 incidents during that period, 2% involved RIDDORreportable injuries caused by a moving vehicle(4). Look to implement a reverse park requirement to ensure that all vehicles pull off in a forward movement.

It is also important that operators are advised to take things slower when the weather is bad and, if necessary, wait until conditions improve. If possible, supplement on-site learning with an online health and safety course.

Encourage healthy eating It's easy for healthy eating to go out the window in winter, but a diet high in sugar and stimulants such as caffeine can cause blood-sugar crashes, affecting concentration, alertness and information-processing. The knock-on effect of poor sleep and fatigue can be a huge threat to workplace safety, as well as health.

Employers may fear being seen to ‘meddle’, however, by providing educational resources and raising awareness through health-promotion initiatives, you can empower workers to make their own decisions. Involving employees in the design and implementation of a programme from the outset is also more likely to gain buy-in.

Be aware of mental health Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates spike in the spring, not in winter. However, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is sometimes known as ‘winter depression’ because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter.

Courses can teach people to spot the symptoms of mental-health issues, offer initial help and guide sufferers towards further support. Also consider providing access to free online resources about tackling mental ill health in the workplace.

To find out how CHAS can help you visit www.chas.co.uk or call 0345 521 9111 26

References: (1) www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/index.htm (2) www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/tables/ridfatal.xlsx (3) www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/index.htm (4) www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/fatalinjuries.pdf

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BETTER BUSINESS

Knowing your client profile type During a renovation project, customers will be investing their money,

home renovations. However, this should not be seen as an obstacle

time and hope, so building a strong, positive bond with the customer

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Houzz.co.uk, the online platform for home renovation and design, has consulted with its community of professionals, which now totals

To establish a budget, first define what the client's wishes and expectations are. Create as accurate a picture as possible in the mind of the customer of what the end result will be, so that they can understand whether the estimated amount will be realistic.

more than 2.7 million globally, to draw up a list of the four archetypes

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The expert

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Here, it’s important to guarantee impeccable service, anticipate needs and always be willing to offer new ideas. The visual and practical aspects of a project are very important, use colour cards and visuals.

every step they take, they are doing the right thing. With tools like Houzz Pro, professionals can create detailed proposals and clients can

The fearful

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on all the steps and changes of direction of the project to avoid any surprises will be key. Within Houzz Pro, professionals are able to share a personalised client dashboard, where the homeowner can access the full communication history, financial documents and daily logs of activity on-site, as well as the project timeline, helping them to feel confident about the status of their project and enjoying the process from start to finish.

www.houzz.co.uk /houzzUK @HouzzUK 28

BETTER BUSINESS

I

was recently talking with a group of people about how to make the most of Christmas and New Year. After a while, two words jumped into my head that seemed to summarise what everyone was talking about; connection and reflection. The more I thought about this, the more I realised that the Christmas break is the ideal time to do both.

Taking time to reflect and connect Reflect Whatever kind of a 2021 you’ve had, the end of the year is the perfect time to reflect on what’s happened... Not just personally, but from a business perspective as well.

Some people have had it really tough. I was speaking to an artist called Ben recently who’d had cancer, and Covid, and lost his father, and had to move house, all in 2021. Things like that give

with Charlie Budd

Connect The last couple of years have been incredibly difficult to keep connected to friends, family, and work associates. Although lots of things have opened up now, at the time of writing I know three people who are isolating at home with Covid.

Some people have felt more isolated than others and it’s important to recognise that.

What brought it to real focus, was watching a two minute film a

you perspective. I hope your year has been better than Ben’s! (He’s friend of mine made about how older people can feel very isolated doing well now, and is very positive and busy.) when they get home from a hospital visit. A staggering 46% of people Reflection allows us to process what’s happened, the positive and over 75 go back to an empty home after being in hospital. The film the challenging. If you look back at 2021, what have been your shows an old chap waiting for the phone to ring, but it never does. highlights? What changes have you made in your life and work It seems almost criminal in a time when we are supposedly so that you’ve relished or have gone well? connected with phones, emails, instant messaging, and travel largely One thing I do, is to write down all the jobs I’ve done, then work out which ones I’ve enjoyed the most, and which ones have been the most (and least) profitable. It’s a brilliant exercise to do.

I did this throughout my decorating career and that’s why I ended up doing a lot of renovation work on big old houses, I got a lot out of it, and it was profitable. Bashing out new builds wasn’t my cuppa, but perhaps you love them, or they’re good for the bank balance?

Work out what kinds of jobs and kinds of customers to go for in 2022.

opened up again, that so many people still feel isolated.

It makes a huge difference when people get in touch, whether it’s a phone call, a card, even a hand-written letter, or just popping in with some cake for a coffee?

It’s not just a good idea for personal reasons, it’s the perfect time to get in touch for business reasons too.

Send a card to all the clients you’ve had over the past two years (the ones you like anyway). You could buy some charity cards, or even get some cards made... A picture of you in decorating whites with a santa hat on perhaps?

Send a card or an email to your favourite suppliers saying ‘thank you’ for the good service they’ve provided over the past year, and you hope they get the chance to have a really good break over the festive period. Sometimes we’re quick to complain, but not so good at saying thank you for good service. Christmas is a great time to redress that balance.

Some of you, like me, will be old enough to remember the BT ads from the 1990s with Bob Hoskins telling us “It’s Good To Talk” (you can still find them on YouTube, I just did and they made me smile!). As Bob would say, why not get on the blower?

So, as well as having a proper break this Christmas, and doing all the stuff you love doing at this time of year, plan in a few quiet hours to reflect and connect.

Want to know more?

Find me on social media!

Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn

Charlie Budd @thetallphotographer @charliebudd Charles Budd

BETTER BUSINESS

Time to ditch the diesel?

E

lectric vehicles for business have been increasing in popularity due to their environmental benefits, lower running costs, and a range of government incentives. Simply Business have put together some pros and cons of having an electric vehicle for your work, plus a rundown on some of the best electric vehicles for trade...

Electric vehicles have many financial and environmental benefits for

The environmental impact of electric vehicles

businesses. However, there are some cost and performance downsides

The movement encouraging more people to use electric cars has been

that you’ll need to consider.

driven by the government, which announced its plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2030.

What are the advantages?

• The running costs are much lower – charging an electric vehicle could cost you a fraction of what you’d usually be spending on fuel

For businesses operating in towns and cities, there’s a clear Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) benefit in showing that you’re committed to reducing your carbon footprint.

• There are clear environmental benefits – one electric car can save approximately 1.5 tonnes of CO2, according to EDF Energy • There is a range of government incentives and tax benefits available for business owners who have electric vans and vehicles

What are the options for electric vans?

If you’re thinking about getting an electric van for your business, there are lots of options to choose from. Here’s three of the most popular...

Nissan eNV200

What are the disadvantages?

This van has a ‘real-world’ driving range of 100 miles before it needs

• Most electric vans won’t be able to travel as far as diesel or petrol

charging, as well as a 40kWh battery pack, it’s recommended for

vehicles without needing to be charged • It’s likely you’ll need to install a charging point at home or at work, which is an extra cost to consider • The initial cost of buying an electric car or van for your business is likely to be higher than buying a petrol or diesel vehicle

business drivers who do low mileage in the city.

Volkswagen ABT eTransporter Made by ABT and sold by Volkswagen, this van has an 82kW battery pack and a claimed range of 82 miles. It’s likely to cost you over £40,000 and is recommended for drivers who average 50 miles a day.

Mercedes-Benz eVito

Can business get grants for electric vehicles?

This van allows drivers to slow or coast while driving, boasting a 93

If you buy an electric vehicle for work, you can benefit from the

mile range and 85kW motor. It’s known for its good storage and but

government’s low-emission vehicles plug-in grant.

lack of fast charging, and will also cost around £40,000 to buy new.

The grant covers cars, vans, mopeds, motorcycles, trucks, and taxis.

It’s available to dealerships and manufacturers who’ll take the value of

Should you buy or lease?

the grant off the price when you buy an electric vehicle.

There are good reasons to take either approach. Leasing reduces the

The maximum grant for small vans is £3,000, £6,000 for large vans,

upfront cost and gives you a better chance of keeping up with

and £16,000 for trucks.

technology developments such as increased time between charges.

Travel incentives for electric vehicle owners

an electric business vehicle and the running costs after your initial

If you have to travel into urban areas for work, there is a range of

outlay are likely to be very low.

On the other hand, there are lots of financial incentives for buying

benefits to having an electric van or car...

• In London, electric vehicles don’t have to pay the congestion charge,

Whatever you decide, it’s important to do your research and think about the long-term impact it could have on your business.

saving £11.50 a day (which could add up to around £200 a month) • You’ll also be exempt from paying £12.50 a day as part of the ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) • There are similar ULEZ schemes planned in Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Bath, and Oxford

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www.simplybusiness.co.uk

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www.ob1original.com

SECTOR NEWS

P&Dnews CDC NOW IN MK CROWN PAINTS ARE set to add a splash of colour in Milton Keynes by opening a new Crown Decorating Centre (CDC) store in the town.

Creating four new jobs, the Milton Keynes store opened on 6 December at Chancerygate Business Centre, Goulds Close.

CDC’s are designed provide a one-stop destination for products and advice for their paint projects.

Milton Keynes has been chosen as the location for the new centre after demand from national customers for a CDC to be opened in the area. The opening will mark the ninth store to open in the UK this year, with plans to roll-out several more in 2022.

To mark the store’s launch, the Milton Keynes CDC is offering customers 30% off their first purchase (T&Cs apply) across its range of products, which include interior, exterior and designer paints and wallpaper, as well as decorating supplies and equipment from Crown Paints and other leading brands.

The Milton Keynes store will also offer the hugely popular Can Back recycling scheme, where customers can return any brand of old paint cans to be recycled responsibly. The store will also recycle decorative plastic through its Plastic Back scheme, the first of its kind among the popular paint brands.

SOLUTIONS FOR STICKING SEALANT AND ADHESIVE manufacturer, Geocel have announced the launch of a brand-new website, designed to offer comprehensive support to its full customer base with dedicated Trade and Specification areas.

Designed to offer specific product support and advice to the trade, the Trade Solutions section allows users to browse Geocel’s comprehensive product range, access technical data sheets and locate local stockists. Users can also keep up to date with regular news and company updates, as well as a blog section providing product and application recommendations and advice.

®

As a strategic partner of Dow , the new website also hosts a High Performance Building Solutions section, where users can reference a number of notable case study examples, including the V&A Dundee, St Pancras International Station and the Kelpies sculpture in Falkirk.

Finally, the new website also provides free to download product manuals as well as contact details for Sherwin-Williams’ High Performance Building Solutions experts, on hand to provide support on bespoke commercial solutions, with extensive product knowledge and training opportunities. www.geocel.co.uk

To celebrate the website launch, Geocel is hosting a free to enter competition on the site, giving entrants the chance to win either a £500 Currys voucher, Makita MR107 site radio or £25 Greggs gift card.

To be in with the chance to win, entrants need only answer three questions related to the Geocel brand by 14 December 2021. Entrants will then be entered into a prize draw with winners announced a week later on 21 December.

www.geocel.co.uk/launch-competition

SMART MARKETING Kamil Litwin (pictured), Store Manager at CDC Milton Keynes, said, “I’m really looking forward to opening our new store and connecting with the local trade in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.

With a wide range of products, a free next day delivery service and a colour matching, we’re excited to bring something new to Milton Keynes and to be a part of the local community”. www.crowndecoratingcentres.co.uk

32

THE LEYLAND TRADE Smart™ product range by PPG received the Marketing Campaign of the Year award, recognising the BCF member company that has produced and delivered the most innovative and effective marketing campaign, that makes a demonstrable impact on the target audience.

“The Leyland Trade Smart range is designed to address the frustrations the multi-skilled tradesperson faces,” said Ben Wilde, PPG marketing manager, “We designed a simple, jargon-free marketing campaign that shows how the paint saves them time, money and space and delivers a high-quality end result, helping to ensure repeat business.”

The launch campaign was built on research, insight and a solid understanding of the tradesperson, which resulted in highly effective communication of the range. Innovative and eye-catching branding coupled with engaging creatives were used to drive awareness across digital advertising, social media advertising, print media and in store.

Relatable key messages and expert video content were also used. Each activation performed ahead of target, which is a testament to how successful a campaign can be when it is built with the customer at the heart of each element.

ROLL AND GO BUCKET 18 and 25 PAINT TOOLS 2.0 Integrated rolling surface.

Bucket 18 for rollers up to 7”/18 cm.

Bucket 25 for rollers up to 10”/25 cm Use with disposable liners.

$_-mhv |o |_; 1o ;u o 1-m 0ub;Y store the paint and roller in the bucket.

mad e from 100 % rec ycl ed

CASE STUDY

T

he owners of Rock House, a property with local importance in a small quiet village just outside Bridgend, were understandably disappointed with the finish of the four-year old external render, especially as they’d recently completed internal renovation. PDA Member Jason Gunter tells us how he went about putting things right...

The previous finish was already in a very poor state after only four years...

Rock in a hard place When visiting the property, which dates back to the 16th century, I found the render in a very poor state considering it was only decorated four years ago.

Many properties in the village are grade I and II listed, and although it is of local importance, Rock House is not listed so thankfully there were no restrictions. Still, I wanted to ensure the work was carried out professionally this time, and gave a timescale of 10 to 14 days to account for our typical Welsh weather!

34

CASE STUDY

Jason Gunter is a Member of the PDA based in Bridgend.

You can get in touch with him on 07816 201130 or visit his website at www.jasongunterdecoratingspecialist.co.uk

We began by preparing the property by covering windows and doors with masking film to protect them from any overspray. All areas were initially treated with Tikkurila Homeenpoisto mould remover, followed

by Tikkurila Hydrosol primer.

Next, it was time to fix the lime render where it was failing. These areas were completely removed and cleaned down before reapplying SecilTek Reabilita Cal AC, a finishing render, using a sponge to match the existing surface.

The whole render was then given two full coats of Tikkurila Finngard Silicone Protect mixed to TVT 4806 from Tikkurila’s facade colour chart.

No unexpected complications came up, and the weather stayed favourable, so the work was all completed on time and within budget.

The owners of Rock House were very pleased with the end result, and they’ve asked us to go back next spring to carry out work to the facias and soffits.

35

CASE STUDY

K

eith Blackburn was recently asked to paint a fence...

But, being an award winning mural artist, Keith decided to go a little further than a few coats of Ronseal.

How to install a garden pond The owners of this London home got in touch with me about some unsightly concrete fence posts in their garden.

I decided right from the start, that I’d need to erect a solid panel to

Decisions, decisions...

I spent some time with the clients in order to come up with a suitable design on paper, once this was agreed I could then begin transferring it to the panel itself.

paint upon. After some thought, I erected a 50 x 50mm timber frame

I employed a simple grid device to scale up the design, which I drew

which was fixed to the concrete fence posts, upon which I mounted

on to the panel using Cretacolor leads. After the outlines were finished,

12mm marine grade plywood to create a 366 x 170cm surface.

the basic shapes were blocked in and tonal values were established.

The joints were then bonded and filled using Timbabuild EHB60 epoxy resin and Finish filler, before preparing the panel with lightly abraded Roxill waterproofing paste and three coats of tinted Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.

Slowly, more of the elements were introduced, but still with a limited palette, applying the acrylic paints as thin washes.

Polyvine Tropical Scumble clear acrylic glaze, tinted with their colorants, was used in a variety of ways – stippling to create the vignette,

With the board marked out in a grid, the enlargement begins...

Blocking the basic shapes and establishing tonal values.

Keith Blackburn is a Member of the PDA based in London.

You can get in touch with him on 0208 886 4708 or visit www.keith-blackburn.co.uk

36

Using a limited palette, acrylic paints were applied as thin washes.

CASE STUDY The bulk of the painting was done with Golden Acrylics and Medium.

Stippling Polyvine Tropical Scumble around the edges to create a vignette.

chamois leather ragging on for the general varied foliage background, and drawing through rubbed in glaze with Royal Sovereign Colour Shapers for areas such as the tree bark.

The bulk of the remaining painting was carried out with Golden Acrylics and medium. After a month of work, a final coat of Polyvine Dead Flat varnish is dry and the job is finished.

Delighted with the result, clients Roger and Greg are now preparing to reinstate the plants that had to be removed to facilitate the project, and will also be adding ivy along the top to hide the edge of the mural.

37

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

GatorTape

Features & Benefits

‘ Unique, top reading measure

@gatortape

‘ Metric, imperial, and dual options

www.gator-tape.com

GatorTape is a remarkable tape measure that I am proud to own and

‘ Optional holster and Curtain Claw

use – definitely won’t be lending it to anyone! It is about to take the

‘ Ergonomic design with Snout Lock

market by storm and is packed with many great qualities and features.

‘ Arrucate to +/- 1.1mm over 10m

I have no hesitation in saying that this tool will win awards... Many!

GatorTape is a precision tape measure manufactured to the highest Class 1 grade, accurate +/- 1.1mm over 10m length. It has a flat, stable base plate, and its self-supporting blade can easily extend upwards to an astonishing 2.8m, making vertical measuring a breeze. I’ve even managed a horizonal stand out of 2.3m.

e! v i s u l c Ex

tool TALK

The 25mm dual scale blade provides the best of both worlds, featuring metric and imperial measurements. It is suitable for both left and right-handed use, and combined with its unique top viewing window with white guideline, it’s the easiest and most accurate tape measure I’ve used to date in 44 years as a professional.

Designed to fit into the hand comfortably, it’s worthy of an ergonomics badge of honour! Fingers fit the underside like a glove with the middle finger resting in the ‘v’ groove, my thumb easily operates the ‘Snout Lock’.

An optional curtain claw attachment enables it to hook to curtain rail eyelets or rings... Once secured, simply pull the GatorTape down to the floor.

There’s no built in clip, instead an optional holster with strong belt clip ensures the tape is always by your side, with a front pocket to store the curtain claw

Products independently tested and reviewed

by Award Winning Decorator, Wayne de Wet

accessory plus elasticated side pencil storage bands.

One of each item reviewed 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 ting.

Jason Gunter of Jason Gunter Decora Well done to our most recent winner,

Win it all!

Monarch

Advance Brush @decorating _supplies_uk www.decoratingsupplies.org.uk When it comes to brushes, like every other painter and

Features & Benefits

‘ Thicker stainless steel ferrule

‘ Triple pinned on sizes above 38mm

‘ Advanced synthetic tapered filaments ‘ Suitable for all paints

decorator, I have a personal preference. Monarch’s hand crafted Advance paint brush range is pure class, suitable for all paints and aimed at the professional, they’re manufactured by Australian Brushware Corporation, and everything about these brushes is perfection.

The quality beavertail handle is incredibly comfortable in the hand, and being raw timber means that as it gets wet through washing, the grain will swell adding to an even better grip.

The square edged high-quality stainless-steel ferrule, with three pins per side, scream out that this is a highend brush! The thicker ferrules also hold more paint than any other brush type, enabling faster paint application.

Monarch use advanced tapered filaments which are like fine but soft needles, varying in lengths and firmness, add to this a slight chisel end on the filament tips and you have the perfect combo for paint loading, spreading, cutting in and ultimately laying off.

Cleaning these brushes is also easy and a good routine will help keep them in top condition. Available in 38mm, 50mm, 63mm and 75mm sizes.

38

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Paint Poncho

Allway Tools Wet Brush Protectors

@allwaytoolsinc

www.allwaytools.com Storing my brushes between jobs and taking breaks has never been a problem with the products I use.

As ever, I’m always looking for something new on the market.

Allway Tools Inc is based in the Bronx of

New York, and they have been innovating since 1935. Their patented Paint Poncho wet paint protectors are the answer to my wet/dry brush storage. They are made from

SpotDrops

durable eco-friendly, EVA frosted plastic with

@spotdrops.co.uk www.spotdrops.co.uk

an elasticated pull cord and a spring lock.

I mostly use them for temporary, wet, water-based brush storage. They are suitable for brushes up to 4 inches, and come in a five-pack, reusable and easy to wash out.

Simply open the Poncho wide, slide in your wet brush, and press the spring lock whilst pulling the cord to form a tight seal

Features & Benefits

‘ Wide opening fits up to 4” brushes

I’ve had SpotDrops since

Features & Benefits

they launched, the latest

‘ 16 pack, or 32 pack with free storage pouch

made from heat resistant

‘ Heat resistant silicone

‘ Reusable

version are turquoise and silicone. They’re very simple products that

around the smallest part of the handle.

keep spotlights away

Allway Paint Ponchos are now part of

from the ceiling while you repair, sand and paint, and also

my kit and have made my wet brush

allowing the paint to dry.

‘ Prevent wet bushes drying out

storage look more professional. They

‘ 5 pack

also get me out of trouble for short

set of 16, or a set of 32 with a free black zipped storage

periods with wet solvent-based brushes.

pouch and karabiner included to keep them all together.

‘ Reusable eco-friendly EVA plastic

Two are required per spotlight, SpotDrops are available as a

A simple product that provides a solution to the problem!

Aura 9332+

3M Valved Particulate Respirator @3msafety

www.3m.co.uk

In our line of work, dust is a fact of life, but how we deal with it is a matter of choice.

PPE choice is a top priority for me, the 3M Aura Valved Particulate Respirator provides tried and tested protection from a world class industry leading brand.

The three panel design features a foam nose buffer with aluminium clip, which fits to my nose area perfectly, and a chin tab enables better control... Never rush the fitting!

An embossed top panel reduces eyewear fogging and a 3M cool flow valve reduces heat, which, paired with low resistance filtering technology means I can breathe easier, and it makes the mask wearing experience very comfortable.

Features & Benefits ‘ 3M cool flow valve

‘ Foam cushion nose buffer

‘ Individually wrapped box of 10

Each mask folds flat and is individually wrapped, so storage is easy, and coloured head bands make identification quick and easy (red for FFP3). It’s a no brainer to always have a box of ten on the van. Always check you are using the correct mask for the job you are doing - these are not recommended for use with facial hair.

You can find Wayne on...

@ToolTalk1

@ToolTalk1 39

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Build back better @timbabuild

www.chemfix.co.uk

Timbabuild is now available in a new easy to use bigger pack. The new pack increases the value for money for this essential primer used in epoxy wood repairs, and is far easier to use and much cleaner. EWS primer promotes adhesion of Timbabuild Epoxy Wood Resin and prevents further wood decay.

To use the new EWS, simply remove the cap to the mix chamber and squeeze the bottle until this chamber is full to the top. Repeat with the Hardener and mix the two components together. The chambers cannot be

Bigger wetter stronger @ultragrimeuk

www.ultragrime.com

over filled, and decant the exact amount of material required for a perfect 2:1 mix. The packs can then be closed and cleanly stored away in their robust containers for re-use later on.

UltraGrime Pro Power Scrub XXL+ clothwipes are dual textured and at 38cm x 25cm are double the size of common wipes. The Pro wipes stay wet and usable for over and hour out of the pack and don’t dry out when the pack is left open for weeks! Dermatologically tested, the wipes are safe on skin and safe to use on all surfaces for removing grease, paint, silicone, foam and adhesives. Super-soft and strong, more like a cloth they’re alcohol-free with Vitamin E and Aloe extract.

www.ob1original.com The Siroflex / OB1 Painters and Decorators Trouble Shooting Kit combines three must-have products for decorators – The OB1 Multi-Surface Construction Sealant &

UP

The force is strong

tool

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

Adhesive, offers sealing and adhesion for numerous surfaces. It makes an immediate seal even when wet, and it can be over-painted with water based paints. OB1 Multi-Layer Paint & Varnish Remover, is a methylene chloride free spray-and-remove product for use with multiple layers

Shorter sanding /mirkaukltd

@mirkauk

of paint and varnish, which does away with the need for

Mirka have recently been demonstrating their new LEROS-S, which combines the

harsh chemicals or heat guns. Finally, Siroflex Instant

best-in-class features of the original LEROS, including a sanding head with 180° flexibility

Paintable Caulk, makes finishing the job quick and easy.

and a 5mm random orbital movement, but in a more compact design that makes sanding

Find ‘how to’ videos on the OB1 website!

in confined spaces easier, more efficient and dust-free. The LEROS-S adds to a wide range of versatile tools, which are suitable for multiple applications.

40

www.mirka.co.uk

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

.co.uk www.brewers

off the shelf At this time of year, mould and stains can really hinder decoration, adding hours to a job. To be sure that the problem is dealt with properly, you need to choose the right product for the job. Brewers stock a comprehensive range of problem solving products, including these great examples from Zinsser.

Zinsser Perma White is a washable anti-mould primer and finish for interior walls and woodwork. It is designed to prevent the growth of mould and mildew for up to seven years, when applied as part of a two coat system. It is ideal for use in bathrooms and wet rooms, is water-based and fast drying, with coverage up to 10sq/m per litre.

To remove dark stains caused by mould, fungus and algae, use Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover. Ideal for areas of high humidity, it can be used on internal surfaces such as tiles, wood, plaster and wallpaper.

Containing a fungicide that removes mould, it is ideal for preparing mould stained areas before painting to give a better, longer-lasting paint finish.

To cover and seal deep, persistent stains such as water, smoke and nicotine, use Zinsser Cover Stain, a solvent-based primer-sealer for interior and exterior use. Self-priming, it sticks to most surfaces without sanding. Touch dry in only 35 minutes and recoatable in two hours, the top coat can be either a water-based or solvent-based paint.

Infinite outdoors www.jotun.co.uk Jotun has launched a fast drying, self-cleaning opaque exterior semi-gloss paint, Demidekk Infinity Details. Suitable for application to a wide variety of wood surfaces including windows, doors garage doors garden furniture and fences it can also be applied as a top coat to fascia’s made of plastic or metal. The product is formulated to ensure high colour and gloss durability and is self-cleaning. It is rainproof after one hour and dry within two. It can be brush, roller or spray applied.

Eco-friendly surface protection @AxusDecor

@axusdecor

www.axusdecor.com

Axus Decor’s surface protection range features several unique, ecological products... Their Razor tapes are made using paper from highly renewable sources, such as the bark of the Japanese mulberry tree. These vibrant tapes can be left applied for up to a month, then peeled off easily to reveal straight paint lines and leave behind no residue. Mask-31 Pre-Taped Protective Paper, a huge time-saver and a must before spraying, is fully compostable, sustainable, and recyclable. The heavy Kraft paper resists tearing and stops paint from passing through onto the surface below. Gekoe is the ultimate in reusable floor protection, its machine-washable heavyweight composition and meticulous edge-hemming make it a pleasure to lay down, time and time again. It features a top layer that's impermeable to liquids and a rubber-embossed bottom layer holds the sheet firmly in place.

41

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Paint has changed, and Hamilton knows that the tools you use must continue to change along with it...

Testing every stroke A reputation that spans over 250 years can only be built upon expertise, confidence and continuous development. Hamilton have always advocated

settings, using a Tension Meter for example, to measure the force needed to

strenuous product testing, both in the laboratory and in the hands of real users.

pull out brush filaments. This ‘pull test’ is performed against competitor

Innovation in paints and coatings, even more so in recent years, can mean that decorating tools that have stood the test of time, may need to be updated, alongside ongoing new product innovation.

Delivering on reputation

42

Following extensive research and design, products are tested in automated

products on a regular basis to ensure standards are met for no filament loss.

Hannah Jones, recently completed a testing project that took several weeks, comparing Hamilton products to others in the UK market.

“We not only want to ensure that our Hamilton products perform as our

Hamilton’s product testing process begins quite early on, where development

users expect, but we also want to ensure they are outperforming comparable

is driven by end-user insight, everyday requirements that could be fulfilled by

products too,” said Hannah, “This takes quite a lot of resource and investment,

the products in hand.

but is crucial in allowing us to build a range that delivers as is expected.”

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES @Hamilton_Decor

@hamilton_decorating_tools

Tried and tested

www.hamiltondecoratingtools.co.uk

This anecdotal user feedback allowed for final tweaks and any

Automated technology is by no means the only reliable testing

products to be added to the future pipeline, assurance products

method employed regularly by Hamilton’s team, getting real

are more than suitable before they are launched into market.

users with products in hand is even more important.

Buy with confidence

The recent launch of their For the Trade range is a prime example of how testing recruitment allowed real users to get their

Hamilton want their users to be able to choose and use their tools with confidence, and this continuous and controlled focus

hands on upcoming products and review how well they work and

on user insight, testing and development should

how comfortable they are to use, amongst other feedback.

give customers that peace of mind.

43

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Graco have launched two new high-performance, ultra-portable cordless paint sprayers

You can take it with you /GracoContractorClub @GracoInc www.graco.com

On many construction sites, power is simply unavailable, or severely limited to certain areas or buildings. The conventional solutions are generators or long extension cords, but each has its drawbacks.

Generators are often expensive, not only to purchase but also fuel and maintenance costs, they are also heavy, bulky and difficult to move, loud and let’s not forget their unhealthy exhaust fumes. Extension cords limit

For larger jobs The Classic 390 PC Cordless is a solid workhorse for indoor and outdoor jobs in medium-sized homes and small commercial projects. Its beating heart is the Endurance™ pump which lasts twice as long as comparable pumps, and reaches a maximum pressure of 227 bar with a flow rate of

movement and are a tripping hazard.

1.8l/min. The Advantage drive train has hardened steel spur gears that

Battery power is booming

ensure extremely quiet operation, and the EasyOut™ pump filter reduces material clogs and guarantees a high-quality finish.

It’s no surprise that battery powered tools are increasing in

It’s good to share

popularity, they can be used

The two sprayers boast a number of

anywhere on site. It avoids power

common revolutionary features that make

failures (which can damage your

these units unique and give painters the

equipment), there’s no need to

freedom they’re looking for. The

search for outlets, and you don’t

DeWalt® 54V 6.0Ah FlexVolt battery

have to share them with other

gives the possibility to spray up to

professionals.

To meet the demands of

11.5 litres of paint on a single charge, which takes less

painters, Graco has launched

than 60 minutes with the

two stationary cordless sprayers,

included quick charger,

the GX21 Cordless and the

and both sprayers come

Classic 390 PC Cordless.

with two batteries included in the box to avoid any downtime

Ultimate portability With its lightweight, compact design, the GX21 Cordless is ideal for smaller

44

while spraying.

Both are equipped as standard with

residential renovation and new-build paint jobs. Thanks to the flexible

Graco’s RAC X™ Low Pressure

suction hose, it sucks water- and oil-based paints, primers, stains, acrylic

SwitchTips™. Not only do they

paints, enamels, latex, etc. from buckets of 1 to 30 liters. Its ProX™ piston

guarantee a top-notch finish, but

pump is exceptionally durable, with a long service life, pumping at a

spraying with less pressure

maximum flow rate of 1.8l/min and a maximum pressure of 207 bar.

improves battery life and reduces overspray.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Aubrey is a life-long painter and decorator. He has taught his skills in further education colleges for over 30 years, and recently created his own YouTube channel, Aubrey’s Absolute Decorating, to help others in their pursuit of mastering the skill. With years of experience under his belt, Aubrey used Datacolor’s latest colour matching device, the ColorReader EZ, in his latest decorating project...

Matching made easy

www.datacolor.com/colorreader /Datacolor @colorreader

I recently got to try out the ColorReader EZ from Datacolor and to really put it to the test, I tried it on an upcoming paint project at home. With one click, the tool matches colours to all major paint brands and even gives you the RAL and NCS codes so you can easily mix a colour

How the tool works in practice I used the ColorReader EZ on some cushions I have with a great pattern I wanted to recreate on my walls. I matched the grey and yellow colours on the cushion and took the readings to my local paint stop.

in case your paint store doesn’t stock it.

Without the ColorReader EZ I would normally try matching the

What I really liked is that it is simple to set up and

colours using manufacturer’s paper fan

use, you just download the ColorReader app from the

decks and colour cards, which would

App Store or Google Play and it’s all connected to your

be time consuming. I would also be

smartphone via Bluetooth.

relying on how accurate my eyes are

You can save and label all the colours you scan and

and be limited to the fan decks I had.

there is a function that will give you colour palettes in

At the shop they suggested using the

complementary, triad, analogous and monochromatic

NCS colour codes to mix up a vinyl

colours. This takes out all the guesswork when you

matt emulsion in the two colours. When

choose fabrics and decorations in the same colour

I got back I opened the tins to compare

scheme. It can be shared with friends, clients or even

the colours to the cushions. It was

your paint shop.

great to see just how closely the device

I was surprised how small and light the

had managed to match the colours of

device is, which means I can easily carry it

the fabric.

with me wherever I go. I scanned a handful of items at home to get to grips with how the device worked and I was

Accurate Results

amazed at how accurate it was. I tested anything from brightly coloured

The result of my project is brilliant, and the pattern I created on my living room wall is matching

tea boxes to duvet covers, and pictures. I even took it with me to a local shop where I scanned the colour of a handbag and other items.

the cushions perfectly. I’ve since used the device to match existing paint

See Aubrey test out the ColorReader EZ online at https://youtu.be/qmEnLQun1kg

colours for other projects and have had similar results.

I was very impressed with the ColorReader EZ. It’s so small and portable so it can be carried around at all times. It’s quick and easy to use and has a database of thousands of colours to match to paint, and it includes a range of features like help with creating colour palettes.

It’s a digital fan deck that takes painters and decorators into the 21st century, cutting out the hassle of matching colours by eye from heavy, unhandy fan decks. It’s already excellent value for money, but by using the discount code, craad2, you get up to £20 off the purchase price.

45

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

While brush heads come in many different shapes and sizes, the manufacturing process for making the heads is very much the same whatever the individual brush style being produced.

Making a premium quality brush head PDA Associate Partner Pioneer Brushes share the process of producing their high-quality brushes Filament extrusion

Making the brush head

Traditionally, natural pig bristle was the most used material for the filling

The mixture of filaments are inserted into a folded and punched seam

of paintbrushes, being flexible but also strong, with excellent paint

stainless steel ferrule, and tapped down so that all the filaments at the

pick-up and a natural flag that delivers a smooth coat, it was the ideal

base are level. This is important to ensure all the filaments are locked in

choice. Most bristles came from China, but also from Russia and India.

place during the gluing process.

Today the use of natural bristle has declined sharply, in part to changing

Wedges are then inserted to provide a paint well that acts as a

breeding practices, but mainly because it doesn’t perform as well in

reservoir to increase loading. Once the wedge is in place, the filaments

modern water-based paints. Today most brushes are made with synthetic

are pulled up to the required length out, leaving at least enough inside

filaments using either nylon or polyester bases.

the ferrule to ensure the epoxy holds it in place.

Granules are melted through moulds to

The final stage in this part

make a continuous thread, which is pulled

of the process is for the

along a line of drums and water tanks to

brush head to be combed

stretch the filament to the required

straight so that the paint will

diameter without breaking. Once it has

run in a straight line onto

been through this process, it is offloaded

the surface to be painted.

on spools and heat stabilised. These spools are then cut into hanks and then into bundles, depending on the length needed for the brush.

Filament mixtures Filaments at this stage are level. To improve the flow of paint

The heads are now ready to be sent to the epoxy station to be locked to the ferrules.

Final steps

from the base to the tip to enable precision painting, they

After gluing, the brush heads are cleaned of loose filaments, and flagged

undergo a tapering process. The longer the

to create finer strands, with these tips being sanded to a very fine point

taper, the more controlled the release of paint

to give a smooth painting finish.

and the better the brush maintains its shape.

A good brush will typically be made up of

The final stage is for these to be paper wrapped to create a pointed shape to the heads. These are then steamed for up to two hours to

three layers of filament. Thicker diameters

create a ‘memory’ in the

with more absorbent filament shapes are

filaments, ensuring that the

used at the base to load up and give strength

brush head will retain its

to the laying off, solid filaments in the middle

shape throughout its lifetime.

to give good flexibility and bend recovery, and

The brush heads are now

the longer filaments at the top with a flag to

complete and ready for

enable a smooth finish.

assembly on to handles ready for final finishing!

@pioneerspirit1 46

www.pioneerbrush.net

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THE SURE CHOICE FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY INTRODUCING THE NEW 99.9% VOC FREE* DULUX TRADE AIRSURE RANGE

7KH XOWUD ORZ 9RODWLOH 2UJDQLF &RPSRXQGV 92&6 LQ WKH QHZ Dulux Trade Airsure range minimise the impact on indoor air TXDOLW\** ZKLOH PDLQWDLQLQJ SURIHVVLRQDO UHVXOWV

Visit duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk today We promise our paint will give you the perfect colour with a uniform finish and the coverage stated, or we’ll replace it. Visit dulux.co.uk/promise Terms and conditions apply. Claims must be made within 6 months of purchase. Proof of purchase required. Colour claims limited to 10L per customer.

Manufacturer’s tips and instructions must have been followed. UK purchases only.

*Based on in-can VOC content, measured in accordance with ISO 11890-2:2013. ** Respectively, ‘Ultra Low’ as this product is 99.9% VOC Free with ‘MINIMAL’ VOC content (0-0.29%), as GHȴQHG E\ WKH 92& *OREH VFKHPH RSHUDWHG E\ WKH %ULWLVK &RDWLQJV )HGHUDWLRQ DQG PLQLPLVLQJ LPSDFW RQ LQGRRU DLU TXDOLW\ DV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ WHVWHG IRU HPLVVLRQV LQFOXGLQJ IRUPDOGHK\GH 792& 7692& DQG &DW $ % FDUFLQRJHQV &RPSOLDQW ZLWK WKH HPLVVLRQV OLPLWV FULWHULD LQ %5(($0 1HZ &RQVWUXFWLRQ 8. DQG ΖQWHUQDWLRQDO /((' Y :(//