The Decorator – June-July 2023

THEDECORATOR

Dear Members,

It has been a busy couple of months since I last spoke with you. Our Apprentice of the Year competition tour concluded back in May, with eight candidates from the regional heats in the grand final at Doncaster College. I would like to thank all the colleges, lecturers, and supporting teams for the tremendous hard work they put in to host these competitions. Each of the Apprentices who took part were a credit to not only themselves, but their respective colleges, employers, and families. It was a real pleasure to meet them all as we travelled around the country.

Four apprentices from the grand final will be invited to London on 6 July, to join me on stage as part of the Trophy Awards celebrations at Plaisterers’ Hall. Well done to everyone who took part and congratulations on your success. For those juniors who didn’t get through this time around, don’t be put off, let’s see you back in the competitions next year!

In recent weeks you will have seen PDA promoting National Mental Awareness Week via our social media channels. Mental health issues in the construction sector have again been making headlines in the media. The PDA has its own link to the Lighthouse Club, and the Markel Law 24/7 counselling service. We are committed to doing what we can to support our Members in this difficult and often unspoken area.

The reality is, that the statistics make grim reading, two construction workers taking their own life every day. On a larger scale, we have to re-shape the culture of the industry, but on a personal level, we can all help to support someone we know who may be struggling. The Lighthouse Club website has a huge number of resources easily accessible to anyone who needs a little extra support. Furthermore, the PDA counselling service is a listening ear for people to talk through their difficulties. Taking that first step is the hardest part. We all think that we are immune from such things, but they can creep up on us unawares.

Our list of Associate Partners continues to grow, with recent additions being Markel Law, PDS Promotions (event organisers of the National Painting & Decorating Show), SuperScript Insurance, and an American company, TriTech Industries Inc. They have invited me to visit them in New Jersey later this month, to see their immense production site for professional quality airless spray machines. An article about my visit will feature in a future edition of the magazine.

Once again, I ask those remaining Member companies who are still to pay their subscriptions this year to do so as soon as possible. It will soon be six months since the requests for payment were made in mid-December 2022, with reminder letters in February and March. To see the continuation of our 129-year-old Trade Body/Association with its services, benefits, and legal assistance, it is imperative that we receive these outstanding payments now. If you are having issues in paying the subscription, please contact Denice Harper our Membership Services Manager, who will be happy to discuss extended payment terms.

As always if you have any suggestions or comments to make, please contact me either by phone or email. Call on 024 7635 3776 and email neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Until the next time, have a good summer and stay safe out there.

Neil Ogilvie Chief Executive neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

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

June-July 2023 — Volume 92 No 3

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

PDA Editorial

Neil Ogilvie

Telephone: 07864 300 688

e-mail: neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Advertising and Editorial

Catherine Saint Publicity

Telephone: 07941 590 183

e-mail: catherine@the-decorator.co.uk

Artworking and Design empathicVisions

Telephone: 07789 725 074

e-mail: info@empathicvisions.co.uk

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

NOTICE

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

SHOW OFF YOUR ECO-CREDENTIALS

Looking after the environment also has big wins for business

More and more homeowners and corporate clients are keen to award business to those that can demonstrate their actions on sustainability. When customers use the search facility on the PDA website, they can look for a painter and decorator who prioritises the environment, and choose one who has pledged to recycle more and drive down waste, with the Paint Green badge. We’d like to thank all those Members who have already stepped forward for the scheme, and we are now encouraging as many PDA Members as possible to achieve the eco-mark!

Simply commit to reducing waste by signing up to a paint container recycling scheme and find ways to ensure waste paint is reduced, reused, or recycled. The recycling rate required to qualify for Paint Green status will be tailored to the size of the businesses taking part, reflecting the wide range of PDA Membership which includes sole traders and SMEs, larger contractors, and nationwide companies with hundreds of operatives. Paint Green is designed to dovetail with existing sustainability schemes, many of which help community projects, provide additional employment, and nurture links between business and non-profit organisations. Get involved by emailing sam@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

NEW FROM BOB HEWITT JUST A TEA BOY

A former President of the Institute of Clerks of Works, Bob Hewitt also spent more than 30 years as a judge for the PDA Trophy Awards.

Just A Tea Boy records many of the 1,500 sites visited by Bob, from Aberdeen in Scotland to Marazion in Cornwall, and personal views of them over the years. Each has a tale to tell, while travelling to sites is a story in itself.

Read full story with supporting photography, Just A Tea Boy is normally priced at £18.99, but reduced for PDA Members to £15.50 (plus £4.00 P&P).

To reserve your copy, please contact R B Hewitt on 01202 696256 (answerphone) or Sonja Sparrow at sonja@keystrokes.go-plus.net

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY JOHN!

Long standing PDA Member John Watkin celebrated his 90th birthday in February. John became an Apprentice and started his indenture in 1947, aged just 14 years old before going into the Army in 1954.

He joined the Federation of Master Painter & Decorators in 1967, as the PDA was known back then, and is still an active member of the PDA Wakefield & District Branch, attending most Branch meetings, many of the external days out the Branch holds including the annual visit to the National Painting & Decorating Show held in Coventry each year.

He became the Wakefield Branch President in 1973 and also used to spend some of his spare time teaching special effects decorative work at Dewsbury College. Awarded Honorary Branch Life membership in 1998, John finally retired from work when he was 80.

PDA CEO Neil Ogilvie went along to his home to present him with a 90th birthday certificate, a birthday card signed by the HQ team and a bottle of his favourite red wine.

FREE MENTAL HEALTH HELP

Mental Health Awareness Week took place from 15-19 May with the focus this year on anxiety, which is one of the most common mental health problems that people can face. The Mental Health Foundation has published some suggestions on how to cope with anxiety and prevent things spiralling out of control, which you can find online at https://bit.ly/3Mx3XLg

On the Tools TV recently undertook a survey into how tradespeople are impacted by mental health, which found that tradespeople are 26% more likely than workers in other industries to experience mental ill health. Strikingly, of those surveyed, 73% said they were either experiencing mental ill health right now or had done so in the past. The factor most commonly cited as the one directly impacting their mental health was ‘my financial situation.’

A copy of the Mental Health White Paper, On the Tools – Behind the High-Vis, can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/3pKAfcH

At the PDA we are here to support our Members’ and bring tradespeople together as a community. We are part of the Lighthouse Club which gives all Members access to a range of services including a 24-hour helpline and wellbeing masterclasses.

• 24/7 confidential helpline, 0345 605 1956, available to Members, their employees and subcontractors/agency workers.

• Text HARDHAT to 85258 for 24/7 text-back counselling service.

• Self-support app, a wellbeing support app called ‘Construction Industry Helpline’ signposting to more than 3,000 accredited support organisations and packed with information about conditions and coping strategies.

• Wellbeing Academy, with free training including self-paced e-learning, CPD accredited masterclasses and MHFA accredited Mental Health First Aid training.

• Lighthouse Beacons, over 350 volunteer centres around the UK and Ireland that offer drop-in sessions for workers to socialise and talk with likeminded people

If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 FREE and confidential support now Find out more at www.lighthouseclub.org

Welcome TO THE ASSOCIATION...

AN INJURED APPRENTICE, stolen equipment, a project postponed due to a leaky pipe –no matter how careful or experienced you are, working as a painter or decorator comes with certain risks.

Business insurance is designed to protect you from these risks and more. But insurance has a reputation for being complex and time-consuming, and it isn’t always easy to find the right cover.

That’s where our new partner Superscript comes in... Rocking a 4.8 out of 5 score on Trustpilot, Superscript provides flexible, customisable business insurance that’s tailored to your needs. They can protect your business, tools and team, and give you peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered if something were to go wrong.

https://tinyurl.com/pda-apss

With Superscript, you can:

• Pick only the covers you need

• Pay monthly, with no locked-in terms

• Get instant, online access to your documents

• Tweak your policy at any time, with no admin fees

Get a personalised quote online in just four minutes, or get fully covered in 10, and if you’d rather speak to someone, Superscript’s support team is happy to help.

Log into the Members area of the PDA website to find out more about Superscript’s insurance for painters and decorators, and take advantage of their 20% discount, exclusively for PDA Members* *As you’d expect, terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

TRITECH INDUSTRIES IS a US manufacturer of high quality, precision made airless spray equipment and accessories. they develop, engineer, machine and assemble all of their products in their Union, New Jersey facility. Precision, performance, quality and reliability are all cornerstones of TriTech products.

TriTech started producing tips, guns and accessories in 2005. Using their proprietary tungsten carbide blend, TriTech tips are rapidly growing in popularity around the globe. Sprayers started production in 2014, and their range now offers six airless sprayers, with three more being added to the range in the coming months.

TriTech sprayers are built with all metal construction. An extruded aluminum motor cover ensures durability while conducting heat away from the motor. Working together with the control box, airflow is optimised for improved cooling. The pump and filter manifold are machined from high grade aerospace grade aluminum, with solid aerospace grade stainless steel piston, and inlet valve all working together to provide a high performance, rust free pump manifold. At TriTech, they take great pride in their manufacturing capabilities and produce components at a level of precision never before seen within the airless sprayer industry. Every component, every sprayer, every accessory they create is put through exactly the same careful process. They start with an innovative design, countless hours, weeks and months fine tuning the design and performance. Always incorporating the highest quality materials and processes to ensure the longest duty life.

Everyday, decorators around the globe depend on TriTech’s performance and reliability!

www.tritechindustries.com

Mirka D DEOS ® elta

MEMBERS SAVE £80,000 ON LEGAL SUPPORT

BEING PART OF the PDA has saved Members more than £80,000 thanks to our partnership with Markel Law

PDA Members have saved tens of thousands in legal fees through the  Markel Law Business Hub. Markel also provides access to legal and tax support, and advice helplines, as well as group commercial legal expense insurance.

The partnership has been so successful over the last seven years, the team at Markel Law have also signed up to become an Associate Partner of the PDA (see the April-May issue of The Decorator) having seen a 20% increase in utilisation of the services in 2022.

Markel UK provide group commercial legal expenses insurance protection and online legal support and document creation service, all for FREE to PDA Members.

The Business Hub includes a range of documents that PDA Members can download for free, saving an average of £350 per document.

PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie said, “A key part of our role as the UK’s largest trade association dedicated to the painting and decorating sector, is ensuring our Members have access to services that support their businesses.

“We are delighted to welcome Markel Law as an Associate Partner, cementing a long-standing relationship which has provided a wealth of benefits, savings and support to PDA Members.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

“The Markel Law Hub is a really valuable asset and I’d encourage members who may feel they don’t require legal advice to register online and explore what is available.

“We know members use the Hub for work-related issues such as employment contracts and health and safety, but information is also available for personal legal matters such as making a Will.

“Alongside this, Markel Law provides PDA Members with helpline services which are available around the clock, and details of all these benefits and more can be found on our website.”

Nicola Sumner, divisional director of partnerships at Markel UK, added, “Markel is committed to working with the PDA to provide its Members with legal expenses insurance and additional savings through our value-added services, legal helpline, tax helpline and Business Hub.

“We’re very much looking forward to continuing this successful partnership by driving savings and genuine value to both the PDA and its membership base.”

As well as legal support provided by Markel Law, PDA Members are covered by a group commercial legal expenses insurance protection.

PDA Membership categories 1 to 5 automatically get free access to the 24/7 online business and legal support offered by  Markel  Legal Expenses Insurance via their Business Hub.

Access the Hub by following the instructions in the box below...

To access the Law Hub where PDA Members will find additional practical DIY templates and guidance around topics such as employment and health and safety law, get a token code from the PDA office and sign up for free on www.markellaw.co.uk/registration

EARLY SUBMISSION OF TAX RETURNS URGED

CITB HAS PUBLISHED their business plan for 2023 showing how they will invest £253m, an increase of £19.8m compared to last year, and empower employers by giving them a greater say on their short and long-term training needs.

Improving construction’s people pipeline

The labour market has over a million vacancies and approximately 250,000 are seeking employment. Construction needs a stronger pipeline of talent and more direct access to skilled jobs. However, there are barriers to attracting new talent. Research indicates potential new recruits don’t have positive perceptions of the industry. As a result, only 30% feel that construction is ‘for them’.

Creating defined training pathways

A skills system where training pathways are defined and flexible, with achievements validated through the Construction Training Register, is one of CITB’s top objectives. Oer the next two years, CITB will produce qualification and training pathways for 20% of the industry’s additional skills demands, focusing on priority occupations such as bricklaying, carpentry and joinery.

Delivering an efficient training supply

An effective training supply is imperative to meet the skills needs of industry. Employers have told CITB they are looking to upskill their workforce to fill gaps and show their employees that they are valued, and willing to pay for training to improve their careers. In addition, mandatory core occupational skills training needs to be delivered efficiently. To make this work, CITB will provide financial incentives to help businesses to do more training and work with providers to ensure good quality training is available when and where it’s needed.

You can read the full business plan online at www.citb.co.uk, and if you want to feed into the Strategic Review for 2024–28 get involved in the consultation at https://citb.researchfeedback.net/s/t3jwj2

HMRC HAS REPORTED that more than 77,500 customers have already submitted their 2022-2023 tax returns on 6 April 2023.

People are now being urged to reduce financial stress by filing in your Self-Assessment tax return now, and have peace of mind for the rest of the year. There is lots of information on how to file early on GOV.UK along with Live webinars to guide your through the process, covering employment income, the self-employment section, an overview of other income, and claiming tax reliefs. Some of the benefits to filing your tax return before November are:

• Submitting your tax return early doesn’t mean you pay now, the deadline for payment is still 31 January 2024. When you submit your tax return, you’ll know how much you need to pay, so you can plan your cash flow and finances. This might mean you can book a holiday, make an investment or it may mean you have to save for your tax bill.

• Once your tax return is in, you can claim a refund faster (if you’re due one).

• The busiest time of year is January, so if something goes wrong and you need to contact HMRC, you might find it hard to get through.

• Your tax return provides proof of income which you’ll need if you’re applying for a mortgage, loan or to access certain benefits and schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare.

• You may be able to reduce your Self-Assessment payment on account with confidence by knowing how much tax you owe

• Avoid any chance of getting a penalty for submitting your tax return late.

Visit

https://tinyurl.com/HMRCEarlyTax

You’ll feel feelings of total luxury, like a client who knows a good biscuit.

We are delighted to invite all PDA Members and Associate Partners to join us in York for our annual networking and gala dinner event!

The evening will commence with drinks and then a sumptuous formal dinner at 7pm. After dinner we will be presenting the PDA Apprentice Wallpaper Hanger Awards and celebrating the work of the talented apprentices who made the finals. Then it's time to hit the dance floor and enjoying the music.

The event will take place in the beautiful historic city of York at the prestigious Principal Hotel. The hotel is conveniently located near the train station and a short distance from the city centre. Boasting all the modern amenities of a top class hotel set within the grandeur of late Victorian architecture.

We do hope you can attend and look forward to seeing you.

Book your place now!

Bed, Breakfast, and Evening Gala Dinner including Drinks Reception and table wine

Double Occupancy – £305 Single Occupancy – £249

Evening Gala Dinner, Drinks Reception, and table wine only – £50 per person

Bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis.

email yvonne@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

telephone 024 7635 3776

Please note – Once booking is confirmed, cancellations after 15 September or non-attendance will be charged in full

TRADE SPECIALISTS OF PROFESSIONAL QUALITY PAINTING TOOLS

ADVICE for our Members

An employment tribunal rules that an employee who regularly attended the gym and ran a successful business during his sickness absence was disabled due to his long-Covid symptoms.

AT MARKEL LAW, we regularly receive queries on the employment helpline from employers who require advice on managing staff sick leave and managing staff who have ill-health conditions that impact their work.

As well as managing the significant impact that staff absences have on small businesses and trades, it is sometimes difficult for employers to ascertain the extent to which the reason for absence is due to genuine ill-health, rather than malingering.

A common example is where an employee is signed off sick but is seen socialising outside of work, or is posting updates about their life on social media.

The starting position is that the employer should treat the absence as genuine, especially if they’ve received a GP’s note, or fit note. This is unless the employer has very good evidence to the contrary. Employers should speak to their employees and investigate the position first, including requesting a medical or occupational health report if further evidence is required, rather than rely on assumptions.

A recent employment tribunal case (Bradley v Cultureshift Communications Limited) demonstrates the risk of making assumptions regarding an employee’s fitness to work when they actively engage in other pursuits during sick leave. Indeed, as in this case and depending on the nature of their ill health, an employee might have been encouraged by their doctor to socialise or exercise as part of steps to improve their health.

Although in this case the employment tribunal claim was brought by the CEO of the company he worked for, the principles are the same regardless of the employee’s seniority.

In order for a claim of disability discrimination to succeed, the individual bringing the claim must establish that they have a disability within the definition set out in section 6 of the Equality Act 2010. In determining this, a tribunal will focus on what an employee can’t do, in terms of their normal day to day activities, rather than on what they can do.

In this recent tribunal case, to determine the preliminary issue of whether or not an employee was disabled, the employment tribunal found that an employee’s long-Covid symptoms constituted a disability in circumstances where he ran a successful business and regularly attended the gym while on sick leave.

ARE EMPLOYEES REALLY SICK?

This tribunal decision meant that the employee was able to proceed with his claim for disability discrimination, along with an unfair dismissal claim, on the basis that his symptoms of pain, lethargy and brain fog alongside stress and depression due to longCovid amounted to a disability under the Equality Act.

In this case, the employee stated that due to his long-Covid symptoms he was unable to sit at a computer screen and carry out work for any significant length of time, that he couldn’t prioritise work tasks, or structure sentences and had difficulty finding words and was stammering, such that he needed to rest and recharge during the day.

This was notwithstanding the employee’s ability to run ‘substantial’ distances, attend the gym three times a week and establish a ‘successful business’. The tribunal fully understood the employer’s concerns that the fact it took him 20 minutes longer to run 10k than prior to contracting Covid, and that he still attended the gym three times a week instead of six times a week as previously, indicated that the impact of his longCovid symptoms were not substantial. However, on the facts, this was a substantial difference for the employee given the tribunal accepted these activities were the employee’s normal day to day activities for him.

Although this may be a surprising outcome for employers, cases always depend on the specific facts. In this case, the tribunal accepted the employee’s evidence that the therapy he was undergoing encouraged him to be active and it became part of his recovery routine which greatly helped his recovery. A fact which was also confirmed by his GP. The tribunal also accepted that the employee was no longer able to work part time effectively because he needed breaks to sleep during the day.

To access the Law Hub where PDA Members will find additional practical DIY templates and guidance around topics such as employment and health and safety law, get a token code from the PDA office and sign up for free on www.markellaw.co.uk/registration

MAKE SURE THAT YOU’RE COVERED!

Having the correct business insurance in place can sometimes prove crucial to business owners in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. Decorators may sometimes be exposed to risks that could prove to be costly if your business insurance is unable to pay out in the unlikely event you need to make a claim.

Premierline work with a huge range of insurers to explore insurance claims they believe could impact their customers. By being able to share data from these claims, it helps their broker team to discuss the importance of quality business insurance with members of professional organisations like the PDA Therefore, we’re calling on Members, like you, to consider what would happen to your business if the following happened to you?

In one claim, a business premises was broken into which resulted in the theft of a large quantity of tools. The total value of the claim came to £5,073 which was used to fund replacements and repairs due to the damage sustained during the break in. In this case, the claim of £5,073 was settled by the insurer.

Premierline are passionate about protecting businesses from the unexpected. They work with PDA Members to provide comprehensive business insurance that has your back should the worst happen. If your business insurance is due for renewal, have a Premierline expert review your needs, call them on 0330 102 6155 or email pdaenquiry@premierline.co.uk

IAN WILLIAMS CONTINUE TO INVEST IN GOLD

IAN WILLIAMS HAS been awarded We invest in people Gold accreditation for the third consecutive time. This premium accolade is given in recognition of excellence in areas including people management, leadership, performance evaluation and empowerment.

Sian Pearce, Training and Development Manager at Ian Williams said, “Being awarded Gold for the third time in a row goes to show the commitment and passion of everyone in the business. This superb achievement is a team effort, so congratulations and thank you to everyone for making it happen.

“We understand that the success of our business begins and ends with our people, who have shown dedication, community spirit and hard work. This is an even greater achievement when you consider it against the backdrop of the challenges we’ve all faced in recent times.

“We are so proud to have received this endorsement from the IIP, shining a light on the fact that everyone is fully engaged in our vision for ‘world class best practice’.

Jenny Goward, the IIP Assessor commented, “Ian Williams has progressed to ‘high performing’ in many areas. A Gold award is a very high standard to retain, and I have been able to evidence improvements made over the past three years.”

Ian Williams’ People Director, Jason Gorin adds, “Only 17% of IIP accredited organisations achieve the Gold standard, so to achieve it three times in a row is fantastic. Benchmarked against the best of the best, it’s evidence of the fact that everyone is fully engaged in supporting each other and is doing their best to make work lives better.

“This could be leading and inspiring people, living our values and behaviours, empowering and involving people, recognising and rewarding high performance, building capability or delivering continuous improvement: whatever the skills, this award shows our people are at the heart of what we do every day. Investing in this people centric strategy also translates directly into excellent customer service from an enthused, knowledgeable and highly trained team of people, for whom going the extra mile comes naturally.”

www.ianwilliams.co.uk

Jason Gorin, Sian Pearce, Claire Elston, and IIP Assessor Jenny Goward.

Disposable liners set of 5

Integrated, sloped rolling surface

Strong handle for stable carrying

Max. 15”

15L

in Holland

THE MIDLANDS HEAT of the PDA Trophy Awards Apprentice Competition was held for the first time at South & City College Birmingham. It was also the first for a Northern Irish competitor, with Charlie Montgomery travelling from Belfast to participate.

Charlie was one of 13 apprentices from eight colleges to participate in the gruelling six-hour challenge, which requires apprentices to take a complex design on paper and translate it into a carefully completed ‘mural’.

The competition is judged by Andrew Davis from the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT) and PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie.

Neil said, “We’re delighted this year to have welcomed Charlie to the competition. He is the first entrant to travel from Northern Ireland, and we’re very proud to offer apprentices across the UK the chance to network with their peers and really push themselves to excel.”

The last regional heat in the new-format competition saw 15 apprentices, from eight colleges, complete the challenge at North Kent College

Lecturer in painting and decorating at North Kent College, Karen Wyatt, said, “It is beneficial for apprentices to take part in this competition as it brings together the skills they are learning at college, their training provider and employer.

“It also assists with their End Point Assessment because they have to look at setting out drawings, reading, communication, behaviours, and the foundations of painting and decorating. The work that has been completed has been to a very high standard.”

Kevin O’Donnell, Senior Technical Demonstrator at Crown Paints, the Main Sponsor of the Premier Trophy Awards 2023, said, “Painters and decorators have an unparalleled ability to bring colour, life and character to buildings through their work.

“It’s important that the industry maintains a strong pipeline of enthusiastic, skilled young people working in the trade. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to sponsor a competition that supports and nurtures the next generation of talented professionals.”

The PDA wishes to thank the teams at North Kent College and South & City College Birmingham for hosting the competition event.

A big thankyou also to our sponsors, Crown Paints, CITB, Purdy Professional Painting Tools, Valspar Trade and Ciret UK, without whom we couldn’t provide this opportunity.

The Apprentice of the Year winners will be announced at the PDA’s flagship Premier Trophy Awards ceremony, held at the prestigious Plaisterers’ Hall in London.

SKILLS TESTED IN LAST TWO HEATS OUTWARD BOUND APPRENTICES

IN APRIL, THE Learning and Development team took a group of Bell Group Painting and Decorating apprentices to the Outward Bound Trust in the Lake District for a week of outdoor activity.

The Learning and Development team worked with the trainers at the Outward Bound Trust to develop an exciting and engaging curriculum for the week that would really stretch the apprentices, support their personal development and put team-building at the heart of the programme. Apprentices were issued with a learning journal structured around Bell key beliefs, which enabled them to capture their personal learning journey over the course of the week, and this will be included in their

portfolio to support the completion of apprenticeship programme.

A wide range of transferrable skills were developed during the week including resilience, decision making, problem solving and for some, new found leadership skills.

Amongst the challenging activities undertaken during the week, there was an overnight expedition to Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England, wild camping at the foot of the mountain, gorge walking and raft building.

The excursion was truly a fantastic and memorable experience for everyone involved.

www.bellgroup.co.uk

FINANCIAL HELP FOR CSCS CARDS

AS OF 1 APRIL, CITB grant rates have increased to support individuals impacted by the withdrawal of CSCS cards obtained via Industry Accreditation at the end of 2024 (see story below right).

The achievement grant will increase to £1,250 for certain supervision S/NVQs and £1,500 for certain management S/NVQs. Industry Accreditation cards will not be renewed after 30 June 2024 and CSCS has issued guidance on the different ways that individuals holding cards issued by the core scheme can move onto the appropriate card before they expire on 31 December 2024.

CITB is also doubling the grant rates for short courses to help businesses with their training needs amid rising costs.

CITB registered employers will receive up to £240 when an individual successfully completes a short course as of 1 April.

Grant application deadlines have now been extended from 20 to 52 weeks too, as it was sometimes difficult to get supporting evidence in time to meet the 20 week deadline.

Find out at www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/

MINIMUM WAGE RATES

FROM 1 APRIL, the National Living Wage has increased to £10.42 per hour, whilst the National Minimum Wage rose to £10.18 for 21-22 year olds, £7.49 for 18-20 year olds, and £5.28 for 16-17 year olds.

FUTURE TRADESPEOPLE AT LINCOLN COLLEGE

THE AREA DEVELOPMENT Manager for Brewers, Lauren Gordon, had a great opportunity to meet with the students from Lincoln College to see how the industry could support their future careers.

Many local businesses from the construction, engineering, beauty, health, social care and computing industries came down to meet the future workforce of their sector. Businesses and students were able to gain a real insight into key areas such as apprenticeships, work experience and opportunities with the college.

Lauren spoke to many students throughout the day and showcased some of the best products and service they can expect to see at Brewers Lincoln. Lauren even had the chance to meet Freddy, the college dog who lends a paw with students’ wellbeing.

Steph Churcher was awarded first place for a wallpapering and precision decorating assessment, and awarded some Brewers vouchers along with other goodies donated by Premier USA, Axus Décor, Mirka and Bessie’s Prestonett Steph absolutely loves her course and finds the bigger the challenge, the better! The two runners up also received some Brewers goodies which were presented earlier during class time.

SUPPORTING SKILLS IN THE SOUTH WEST

BREWERS JAMES GILLESPIE and Shayne McCosh were delighted to be judges for the KFE4Skills competition, the annual skills competition and showcase of the three colleges covering Kent and Medway's twelve main campus sites.

At KFE4Skills, everyone gains a competition certificate and the finalists can even go forward to be selected to enter the regional and national World Skills UK competitions as a representative of one of Kent Further Education (KFE) colleges. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to gain real life experience, being able to enhance their CVs for career development.

For the painting and decorating part of the competition, James and Shayne presented the winners with a £100, £75 and £25 Brewers voucher to top up their supplies. They also gave out many freebies including T-shirts, hats, lid lifters and paint stirrers so everybody was a winner really!

James and Shayne have had the opportunity to meet with students, sponsors and teachers from both Canterbury College and East Kent College during their competitions.

Shayne commented, “These are amazing events, and I am looking forward to supporting more of our future painters and decorators at the competitions and showing them how Brewers will support them on their career journey.”

CHECK YOUR ACCREDITATION!

ALL INDUSTRY ACCREDITATION (IA) cards issued from 1 January 2020 will expire on 31 December 2024, and cannot be replaced using IA. This is to meet industry requirements, which state that all construction industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications in place for all occupations.

What you need to do next depends on your occupation and what qualifications you may hold. If you do not visit site regularly, or you have moved into an office-based role you may no longer require a card.

Those needing to obtain a qualification DO NOT need to attend college. The SVQ/NVQ (S/NVQ) can be achieved via various routes and  CITB grants may be available for employers to support with the cost of the qualification.

Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/CSCSIACards

USEFUL GUIDE TO GREEN CLAIMS

CONSUMERS ARE BECOMING more aware of using environmentally friendly paint products. Many product manufacturers of decorative paints are keen to promote their ‘green credentials’, however, some statements can be meaningless or indeed misleading.

Last year the British Coatings Federation (BCF), the UK’s Trade Association representing decorative paint manufacturers for the industry, published a useful guide and advice on their website aimed at debunking and fact checking some of these claims.

Being ‘organic’, ‘eco-friendly’, or ‘green’ are possibly the most commonly used claims, which are broad statements with no scientific proof to back them up. As descriptors for paint products, these words, often misappropriated from the food industry, are too vague to adequately describe paint. These buzz words may attract attention of consumers but are meaningless and often signal little but green wash.

Next time you see an ‘organic’ paint, remember that all paint is organic by its definition as it’s derived from carbon. Similarly, when you come across paint described as ‘natural’, keep in mind that this term symbolises an unmodified product derived from nature, but to make paint there are physical and chemical processes involved to modify the ingredients. The sourcing of ‘natural’ raw materials, such as titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate for lime-based paint will involve processes that can be energy intensive. This should be taken into consideration as part of the whole life cycle of the product when environmental claims are being made. Find more information and a factsheet covering a range of descriptors and what they mean in practice at https://coatings.org.uk/page/GreenClaims

WHAT’S

DRIVING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES?

IN THEIR RECENT Jewson Trade Trends report, it was positive to see that half of tradespeople are concerned about the environment and sustainability. Consumers are partly driving this trend, as over a third of tradespeople said they’d recently been asked by a homeowner about energy efficient options. On top of that, 31% said in the last three months, they had changed their material purchases in line with new building regulations, and 29% had purposefully bought materials that are more sustainable.

While homeowners are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, some tradespeople and builders find they have to spend time explaining to their customers what the most effective options are.

Simon White, Founder of White Space Construction, said, “We often talk to our customers about the options to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. For example, they might be interested in getting an air source heat pump, but if the rest of the house would benefit from better insulation and new windows, it might be the wrong thing to prioritise. We specialise in Victorian properties, which have their own challenges when it comes to improving energy efficiency, but we’ll always advise on the best options.

“The recent changes to the Building Regulations mean that materials like insulation need to perform better, but this comes with a higher price tag. As such, it’s important for us to have access to up-to-date material costs as well as have the knowledge required to advise homeowners on the best home improvements for their needs and the property type.”

Commenting on the findings, Andrew Cushing, Customer Director at Jewson, said, “Increasingly, tradespeople are seeing their customers ask how they can improve the energy efficiency of their home to help manage rising energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. On top of that, in June 2022 we had some of the most significant changes to building regulations in over 10 years, which included increased insulation in walls, floors and roofs, and a greater focus on renewable energy technology.

“There has also been the recent introduction of the new Great British Insulation Scheme, and the Future Homes Standard is set to be introduced in 2025, all of which are driving purchasing in this area further.

“We know from our research that 61% of tradespeople are looking for support from their building merchant on energy efficient building solutions. To play our part we are helping to close the skills gap in sustainable building options by providing accredited training courses in areas including insulation. We also offer a route to MCS certification.

“Plus, we’re continuing to improve our Making Better Homes product range. It features the latest innovations in building products and systems, including solar panels, air source heat pumps and sedum roofs, to help tradespeople maximise quality, productivity and profit, while building comfortable, energy efficient spaces that their customers will love.”

The resarch, which saw over 500 tradespeople across the UK questioned, is available to view online https://blog.jewson.co.uk/welcome-to-trade-trends/

ANTIMICROBIALS FOR SUSTAINABLE COATINGS

MICROBAN INTERNATIONAL TEAMED up with European Coatings to give a webinar on the role of antimicrobials in developing more sustainable coating systems.

The educational talk is presented by James Rapley, Product Development Engineer at Microban, and covers key topics such as how antimicrobial technology works, methods for testing its performance, and global regulatory considerations.

In this highly relevant webinar, entitled Next-Generation Antimicrobial Solutions for Sustainable Coatings Systems, James highlights antimicrobials as a key ingredient of sustainable coatings, and outlines factors to consider when developing an

antimicrobial coating, such as toxicity and stability. James also showcases the latest innovations specifically formulated for water- and solvent-based coatings, as well as their advantages over traditional antimicrobials, including easier incorporation and UV stability.

The webinar is available on YouTube to view at your convenience. Gain a deeper understanding of antimicrobial technologies and how they can contribute to greater sustainability in the coatings industry, as well as to learn about Microban’s newest chemistries for this vital sector –

https://youtu.be/f2SLHMIsNWQ

James Rapley, Microban

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Painters across Great Britain are being reminded of the hidden dangers associated with asbestos. The warning comes as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Asbestos and You campaign targeting tradespeople about the personal risks from asbestos that still exist in  properties across the country today.

Around five thousand people a year die from asbestos related illnesses and asbestos can still be found in buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000.

But HSE is warning, that despite the ban on its use, many buildings still contain asbestos and it is still a serious risk to anyone exposed to it at any age.

Tim Beaumont, HSE’s acting head of construction policy sector, said, “Asbestos can be found in things like Artex, cement boards under eaves, garage roofs, old bath panels, boiler houses and fires and even mortar between bricks can contain asbestos.

“There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure but that’s not to say it can’t be managed safely.

“All tradespeople should make sure they know the basics about identifying asbestos. Before carrying out any construction work, there’s a legal requirement to identify whether asbestos is present and could be disturbed.

“Younger tradespeople need to know the dangers behind asbestos as it could affect them in later life like it is affecting older tradespeople now.”

Asbestos is only dangerous if not maintained in a safe condition or if physically disturbed without the right measures in place to control exposure to fibres.

Craig Evans, United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) Chief Operating Officer, said, “I wholeheartedly support HSE’s campaign to raise asbestos awareness and the importance of training across industry.

“The dangers of asbestos are very real, with over 5,000 people in the UK dying each year from asbestos-related diseases.

“It is crucial that tradespeople are aware of the risks involved in disturbing or damaging asbestos-containing materials, as inhaling these fibres can lead to devastating diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

“UKATA members are committed to providing high-quality asbestos training, delivered by highly experienced and competent professionals with extensive knowledge and expertise in their field, to help prevent unnecessary exposure and protect the health and wellbeing of all those working in the industry.”

From the 1950s until 1999, asbestos containing materials were used extensively in the construction and maintenance of buildings.

When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. If these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. These diseases will not affect you immediately as they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything.

It can take 20 to 30 years before symptoms appear. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, extreme tiredness, pain in your chest or shoulder and in more advanced cases, swollen fingertips.

If asbestos cannot be safely managed, it should be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. Where present, asbestos should be closely managed by those responsible for the building.

For more about Asbestos and You at https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/asbestos/ For HSE’s guidance on asbestos visit www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/

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Wood grain effect acoustic panelling sheets were fitted to one wall, whilst the striking green was created with a base coat of Dulux in Natural Slate, before applying a top coat of Graham & Brown Matt Emulsion in Glasshouse.

Danny Chandler

Before

This bedroom in a Georgian property, including the bed frame, was completely transformed following a full redecoration project by PDA Member Danny Chandler. Ceilings and cornice were painted with Dulux, skirtings and doors using Edward Bulmer Eggshell, the wallpaper is Chinoiserie Chic from Rebel Walls. Valspar Wood & Metal provided main grey of the fire surround, with details brought out with Edward Bulmer, and bed was painted using Valspar Premium Wood & Metal Eggshell. £100 of vouchers from Brewers are now on the way to Danny Chandler for their winning Gallery entry!

Practical tips for working in care homes

With over 17,000 care homes in the UK, there is huge demand and opportunity for decorators in this sector. According to market researchers

AMA, “the demand for additional capacity within the care home market is likely to start rising again within the next couple of years. Covid-19 is likely to drive demand for larger and better-equipped care homes.”

In addition, “the pipeline for future development remains relatively strong, especially in parts of the UK such as the South East, while the next few years are expected to witness a growth in the number of alternatives to care homes, such as extra care facilities and retirement villages.”

Working in care homes can be incredibly rewarding, but comes with some unique challenges. Knowing how to tackle the difficulties of working in a live environment, and learning to expect the unexpected, is key to a successful care home project.

Communication is key

Every care home is different, not just in terms of layout and format, but also the residents it looks after. Regular communication between the decorator and care home staff is crucial, from planning through to

Adding colour to residents’ lives

application, to ensure everything stays on track. It is also important to understand the needs of the staff and residents to keep disruption to a minimum, for example, letting staff know which rooms will be out of action, and when.

You should also plan supply deliveries to ensure staff and emergency services can access the car park. It is often difficult to store materials on site, so smaller, more regular deliveries should be organised.

All in the presentation

Care home residents can be unpredictable, so it is important to keep the work area as tidy as possible. Leaving tools and materials unattended can be hazardous to both staff and residents. It is therefore crucial that everything is packed away at the end of the workday, and the additional set-up and set-down times factored into project timelines.

Presentation is also key. It is important to bear in mind that you are entering someone’s home, so arriving to the job in clean overalls shows respect for the people they are working amongst.

In addition, hi-vis jackets could be alarming for some residents, for example, those with dementia may be confused as to what this indicates.

In UK care homes, 70% of residents are thought to have dementia so offering advice about colour schemes and how to decorate with their residents in mind is worthwhile. Dulux Trade, alongside the British Research Establishment, created a Dementia Friendly Colour Palette. This helpful asset provides decorators and their customers with a range of colours to choose from when working in dementia care settings. It has been devised through years of experience in design and a wealth of dementia knowledge.

Main wall examples

Critical surfaces such as walls, floors and doors, should be defined and have contrast between them. A minimum of 30 points of LRV is recommended. To make doors obvious against neutral walls, use bold hues such as navies, sage greens and burgundies. Staff areas and supply cupboards should be the same colour as the walls so that they blend in, and help to avoid unauthorised access.

Door examples

Features examples

For main walls, only hints of colour should be used, more saturated colours should be used on feature walls for highlighting pillars, handrails and radiators, while also aiding in wayfinding.

Trims

As well as choosing the right colours, the right product should also be considered... Dulux Trade Scuffshield contains the ultimate scuff-resistant technology for high traffic areas such as corridors, stairwells and hallways, while Diamond Matt includes stain-repellent technology ideal for settings that often need cleaning. On the other hand, Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt and Dual Active Matt contain additives that reduce populations of harmful bacteria – key for environments where vulnerable people are being looked after.

For further advice visit Occupant Centred Colour and Design in the Advice tab at www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk

Andrew Cleaver, National Sector Manager at Dulux, offers advice on how to deliver the best results decorating in care environments...

P&Dnews

ONE CAN ’S SISTER ACT

IT HAS ALREADY proved it can tackle almost any industrial surface, but now Bradite One Can has conquered the art world too, thanks to the skills of two award-winning muralists from Hampshire.

2SistersUK is run by Lauren and Chloe Piper, who burst onto the design scene several years ago with their vibrant brand of painted artwork and hand lettering. Their client portfolio now includes clothing company Fat Face, Hilton Hotels, Dior and Boots

The latest of these, an eatery called Bonitas at Southsea, Portsmouth, wanted something wonderfully bright to add impact to their outdoor seating area.

“They are a very trendy, ‘Instagrammable’ restaurant, so they wanted something for people to take selfies in front of and post online”, says Chloe.

“We were blown away by the quality of Bradite paints and are really excited to find such a good quality paint that can be mixed to so many different colours.

“We paint artwork and murals for clients on so many different surfaces, we always have a headache finding suitable paints... With Bradite we no longer have that problem! It's super easy to use, flows nicely, and doesn't smell as strong as most exterior paints.”

www.bradite.com

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of last year’s roadshow, Valspar Trade will once again be touring the UK with the builders’ station, Fix Radio. Visiting TradePoint stores and local building sites throughout May, July and August, Valspar Trade will be promoting its new and improved product range, providing advice to customers and handing out freebies and money-off vouchers.

With advanced water-based formulations, tests show that Valspar Trade’s new and improved range rivals the leading trade brands on areas such as ease of application, coverage and durability. As such, this roadshow is a chance for new and existing customers to learn all about the range and ask any burning questions they may have about it.

Fix Radio and Valspar Trade will be visiting:

DEFIBRILLATORS

Valspar Trade and the Fix Radio team will be visiting different UK locations throughout July and August, when the van will visit a local TradePoint store each morning and then drop in on local building sites.

Richard Palmer, Head of Trade at Valspar Trade, commented, “We believe in building strong relationships with our customers to ensure they are equipped with the right tools and products to provide their customers with a professional result. That’s why we’re excited to be touring with Fix Radio again this year. It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with new and existing customers. Last year’s roadshow was a great success, and this year it will be no different, it’s not to be missed!”

If Valspar Trade is visiting your area and you want them to visit your site, message them via Facebook at

NOW IN ALL SCREWFIX STORES

SCREWFIX HAS PARTNERED with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to roll out defibrillators in all of its stores across the UK and Ireland, becoming the first trade retailer to roll-out defibrillators on this scale. With more than 870 stores, Screwfix is perfectly placed to provide the lifesaving devices in the communities it serves and has worked with BHF to determine what would be best the approach to take to help save more lives.

Screwfix is also registering its network of defibrillators onto The Circuit: The National Defibrillator Network, as it’s estimated that tens of thousands of defibrillators remain unknown to ambulance services, meaning emergency services cannot direct bystanders to them in the event of a cardiac arrest. The Circuit’s aim is to map all public access defibrillators, so that when someone has a cardiac arrest, 999 call handlers can direct bystanders to the nearest registered defibrillator while they wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Screwfix will also begin the roll out the BHF’s CPR training tool RevivR to its colleagues, that teaches the user CPR and defibrillation skills in just 15 minutes.

Mike Taylor at the British Heart Foundation said, “We are delighted that Screwfix has installed lifesaving defibrillators in all its stores and started to roll out RevivR to its colleagues, providing the information and tools they need to potentially save a life” www.thecircuit.uk

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE 18V TOUR!

THE FESTOOL TOUR is underway with an 18-volt Dodge Ram all the way from Germany, it will be traveling across 10 different locations, showcasing the company’s cordless battery range including the new products and innovations.

You still have time to join Festool team to see the new product demonstrations, receive expert advice and much more! Festool will be joined by various partners and professionals, including Fix Radio, Gary from Banks Carpentry & Joinery, and others.

On 7 June, you’ll find the tour in St Albans, 8 June in Twickenham, 9 June jjust outside Sittingbourne, and Saturday 10 June at Waltham Park Way, London.

The second week kicks off with a visit to Weston-super-Mare on 13 June, 14 June in Derby, and 15 June in Huddersfield.

On 19 June you’ll find Festool up in Dunfermline KY12 7RS, Glasgow on 20 June, before heading over the Ireland and finally, all the way back to Folkstone on 3 July.

Find full details and book your free tickets via Eventbrite online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/festool-34115173189

CLAMP DOWN URGED ON ONLINE MARKETPLACES

UNSAFE AND POTENTIALLY dangerous ladders continue to be sold online in the UK, according to a new safety report from the Ladder Association

The latest report is a follow on from the telescopic ladder market surveillance report, undertaken in 2022, which found that over 80% of commercially available telescopic ladders tested, failed to meet the minimum safety requirements designed to keep users safe. Worse still, this research found over half of the failed ladders were marked and sold as ‘compliant’ in a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers.

Despite ongoing campaigning, no action has been taken to improve the problem. In a bid to see if the retailers have addressed the issue, the Ladder Association re-tested a proportion of the same products from last year’s study, bought from the world’s best-known online retailers, Amazon and eBay, and popular online marketplace OnBuy.com

Following identical testing procedures, every set of telescopic ladders failed the required safety tests, meaning they are non-compliant and dangerous, and proving that the earlier failures were not ‘one-offs’. The latest study also found over 80% of the ladders re-tested claimed to be compliant with product standard EN 131 –but not one of the products met the standard

As it stands, online marketplaces selling products supplied by third-party sellers, have no responsibility for preventing unsafe goods being sold on their platforms, and no legal obligation to inform consumers if they have

purchased unsafe goods. This gives rogue manufacturers and suppliers based anywhere in the world free rein to sell unsafe, and in worst cases deadly, products direct to unsuspecting buyers in the UK. In many cases, no checks are being made at all before consumers receive the products and use them at home or in the workplace.

While there are manufacturers producing ladders that meet the safety standards, the study again showed that the telescopic ladders tested and sold by some of the country’s biggest online platforms, fall well below basic safety requirements. Many of these ladders appear fit for purpose and some even display bogus compliance labelling, giving customers false assurance.

Working at height can be risky enough, without the additional danger of poor-quality ladders. Every 11 minutes in the UK, someone attends A&E after sustaining an injury involving a ladder. A fall from height can cause life-changing injury, and in some cases, can even be fatal.

Peter Bennett OBE, Executive Director of the Ladder Association, commented, “It is clear from our latest report

that the issue of unsafe telescopic ladders available for sale on the UK market is neither new nor improving. We also know the issue is not constrained to our sector. We were joint signatories, alongside the British Toy and Hobby Association and Electrical Safety First, in an open letter to Government urging them to immediately release the long-awaited Product Safety Review.

“The Review is expected to contain proposals to protect people from buying dangerous products from online marketplaces. We welcome the recent Round Table called by Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake where he told online marketplaces they must do more to keep unsafe products off their platforms. But, until the Product Safety Review is released, consumers are being put at risk daily.

“The Ladder Association is calling for the Government to step in urgently to make regulatory changes to hold suppliers and online platforms accountable for ensuring the products they sell are compliant and safe to use.”

View the latest Telescopic Ladder Surveillance Survey Report at https://ladderassociation.org.uk/step-up/

There’s no such thing as ‘the best decorator in the world’, because we all have different skills and different experience. But we can become the best decorator we can be, given our mental aptitudes, how our bodies can manage the work, and how we approach the business of decorating. So how do we work out how to be the best decorator we can be, wherever we are in our career? And what kind of decorator do we want to be?

by Charlie Budd

It’s in the mind

Everyone’s brain works differently. Some people are methodical and detail-focused, others like speed and getting lots done. Some people are very focused on tasks, getting satisfaction by ticking things off as they get done. Others are more focused on people, wanting to make sure their customers are delighted.

The kind of work you prefer will probably depend on what kind of person you are. If you love detail, then maybe getting into high end papering or paint effects would be very satisfying. If you get a thrill by bashing out a newbuild really fast, then perhaps learn high speed spraying. If you’re really customer focused, working one on one, then perhaps the residential market would work for you. If you prefer getting on with a tick list of jobs, perhaps commercial work would suit.

I’m not saying you have to conform to this list, but it’s a great place to start, because what gives you the greatest satisfaction will spur you on to be better at it, and move towards the best decorator you can be.

What don’t you know?

On a practical level, once you’ve identified what kind of decorator you want to be, you then need to work out how to get there. There’s a lot of information online in blogs and videos. Read the articles in The Decorator magazine and go back to past issues. Ask questions in decorator forums. Perhaps you learn better by being shown how to do stuff, so go on a course or ask to work with someone you respect in return for learning some of their skills. We often do that when we start in the trade, but there’s no reason why we can’t do it when we’re years or even decades in. Martial arts masters often say that they are always apprentices, this is a great approach to have.

How to become the best decorator you can be

Share your work

Whatever you want your specialism to be, people need to know you do it so you can do more of it. So share your work on your website, on your social media. Do a quick post or a quick blog about every job, just a couple of photos and a few sentences will do. If you want more commercial contracting then send photos and blog links to contractors you want to work with, or turn up on site and speak to the gaffer with examples of work on your phone or tablet. Try business networking, few contractors will be doing it so you’ll have somewhat of a captive market.

Practice, practice, practice

Whatever it is you choose to learn - whether it’s graining or spraying or papering or timber repairs… Use every opportunity you can to practise. If you can do it at home, then go for it. If you’re just beginning then offer to do a charity job, or something for a friend or family member. The best way to get better is to do it, make mistakes and learn.

Peer support

Speaking of networking, try to connect with other people who do what you want to be great at. Find the experts and where they hang out online. Meet up with them for a coffee or a pint at decorating shows. And while you’re at the shows, get the latest gen on products and equipment.

Simply the best

Becoming the best painter and decorator you can be requires a combination of technical skill, talent, doing what you enjoy most and experience. You have a unique combination of those, and that means that you’re already the best decorator you can be, at this given time, with the skills you have right now, the tools you have right now, the attitude you have right now. But you can be better. Knowing that you can achieve more by taking some simple steps can give you purpose at work, it can lead to personal growth, business growth, and a more satisfied life.

Better Business

It’s all very well being great at what you do, but you won’t have the customer base nor the resources to do it if you don’t run an effective business. Reply to customers in a timely manner, turn up on time, be friendly, be clear, do what you say you’ll do and then a bit more. Listen to your customers, then repeat back what they say in your own words, it’s such a simple way to reduce the chance of getting the wrong end of the stick. It’s not rocket science; it’s just getting into the habit of doing everything a bit better.

Want to learn more?

Find me at www.chinbadgermedia.co.uk

/chinbadgermedia @chinbadgermedia @ChinBadgerMedia charlesbudduk

PDA Member firm Millennium Contracts Ltd pride themselves on delivering quality work in some beautiful homes across London. A period house in Hampstead Heath provided a wealth of period features that the client wanted to accentuate with a bold colour scheme. Millennium Contracts were selected to meet the project's requirements of preserving the property's character with a modern aesthetic, they told us how the project was delivered...

The impressive residential period property in Hampstead Heath had been extended and renovated. The client wanted to accentuate the wealth of period features inside the property with a bold colour scheme of dark blue, greens, greys, and whites. We specified Farrow and Ball for the project as the paint's depth of colour and opacity matched the requirements, the main shades being Hague Blue, Hazy, Breakfast Room Green, and Stoke.

The first job was to ensure complete protection of the windows, worktops, furniture and flooring before stripping down all the existing finishes. The stripped surfaces were prepared with filler and sanded down before the woodwork was undercoated. We applied a mist coat to the walls before a further application of two topcoats. All the cornice mouldings and ceiling roses were hand-painted with a brush.

This was a large property, and we had a challenging timescale of two weeks to finish the house, which meant

some completion of the work out of hours, tight project management, and the team's dedication to deliver the project successfully.

The outcome was a striking display of colour and finishes. The kitchen is positioned at the front of the house, retaining much of the original Victorian detail while being set against dark blue bespoke cabinets. Once you step out of the kitchen and into the dining room, the walls are painted green, and the ceilings are white to create a natural and modern aesthetic. Upstairs each of the bedrooms have a distinct colour to give character and charm.

The client was delighted with the result noting “The painters and decorators were extremely helpful and were experts in their trade.”

Millennium are Members of the PDA based in London. You can get in touch with them on 020 8251 2996 or visit their website at www.millenniumldn.co.uk

The best things come to those who wait

Alongstanding existing client had to wait a lot longer than expected when Covid-19 delayed the re-decoration of the residential property. As an avid Instagram browser, this time gave the client the opportunity to scroll through décor posts and gave her a bold plan of what she wanted in the property. PDA Member John Kerry finally got to realise the client’s dream décor to striking effect in this period property in Stockton on Tees. John told us about the project...

The client had an extension finished, along with a new shower room and bathroom fitted, and we had discussed the re-decoration of the house. However, Covid-19 delayed everything and unfortunately it took nearly three years to get it over the finish line, just in time before Christmas 2022.

The walls hadn’t been mist-coated, so the old soft sheen needed to be scrapped off. The walls were then finished with Farrow and Ball in Ammonite, and the same colour was mixed in Caparol PU-Satin for the trim.

All stair-treads and handrails were taken back to bare and then a coat of Caparol Haftprimer in black was applied, followed by Zinsser B-I-N in grey and then a further coat of Haftprimer. The final finish was two coats of Caparol PU-Satin in black. The new bespoke MDF cupboards and workstations were all primed and finished the same way.

The downstairs back room was painted in a bold Green Smoke with Hague Blue ceiling using Tikkurila Vinyl Matt, and a feature wall with Lick wallpaper.

The bedroom was painted Cinder Rose, including the ceiling, using Tikkurila Vinyl Matt with a Woodchip and Magnolia wallpaper. Finally, the new oak doors were sanded down and simply finished with Smith & Rodger Rocktop Satin.

The client was over the moon with the outcome and is now considering another extension for the ‘hubbie’ and kids so it doesn’t get messed up!

We will probably be back for a freshen up in the future, but I think she needs a rest from workmen and to enjoy her décor.

John Kerry is a Member of the PDA based in Stockton on Tees. You

Thorough preparation included stripping the staircase handrails and spindles back to bare wood, plus filling cracks and new plaster joints.

ZZem Screw Stripped Hole Repair Kit

@zzem_screw www.zzemscrew.com

My clients often ask me to repair the screw-fixing holes that hold door hinges (both to the door and the frame), striking plates, handrails, gate hinges, deadbolts and latches etc. I’ve used different methods to do this, from glued matchsticks to dowels and even golf tees, but I often wished that there was a better, quicker, stronger alternative.

ZZem Screw have sorted this with their patent-granted stripped-hole repair kit, which contains everything you need except the cordless drill!

Remove your hinge, and use the supplied drill bit in the old screw holes, ensuring this is done level and straight. Then use the Torx T-27 bit to screw the ZZem Screw into the frame very slowly until flush. Do not do this by hand, as the ZZem Screw cuts a thread into the frame, then use the PH-2 Phillips bit and the screws supplied to get a really strong fixing.

Available in two lengths, the bigger size adding improved forced door security. The small kit contains a sharp 5/16” drill bit, 11/2” ZZem Screws, T-27 Torx Bit, PH-2 Phillips bit, and 1” brass finish screws.

Available in various pack quantities sizes (4, 8, 12, 20, 50, or 100) You may use your own screws to match the hardware as long as they are the same size as the ones supplied.

If you find that your door frame isn’t as thick as the 1” 1/2” ZZem screw, drill through the frame with supplied drill bit, then use a masonry bit to make space for the ZZem Screw or trim it down.

Wooster

Pelican® Handheld Pail

I’ve been working as a painting and decorating contractor for 45 years. During that time, I have come across some fantastic products and the US brand Wooster is among my favourites. The Pelican is my most used product in their lineup.

It features a comfortable soft-grip strap handle (that can expand for those with bigger hands like me), and finger and thumb slots for optimum control when holding.

The Pelican is held in either the left or right hand like a teapot or by sliding your hand through the handle and gripping the back of the scuttle. Underneath on the base, the soft grip material is continued and helps prevent slippage.

The mouth of the Pelican has a nice lip, which I use to clean excess paint from my brushes, and on the handle side you find a completely flat area with an extra strong magnet built into the plastic to dock your paintbrush. Flat brushes are more secure because of the surface contact, however, oval brushes still work well.

There is a perfectly angled roll-off ramp for mini rollers up to 4.5”, this has 14 raised profiles that direct excess paint to the sides of the scuttle when loading the roller. A cut-out slot enables my mini roller handle to dock, which is great when swapping from rolling to brushing.

An optional three-pack of liners makes colour/paint changes a breeze and saves time by not having to wash out the Pelican scuttle, and an optional clear snap on lid keeps paint wet and protected from contaminants whilst letting you see inside the scuttle and not having to wipe the paint back into the tin.

Features & Benefits

‘ Strong, durable plastic

‘ Soft grip handle and base

‘ Optional liners and lid

‘ Strong integrated brush magnet

‘ Perfect angled roll-off grid

Wrap-It Storage Easy Carry Storage Strap 28”

@wrapitstorage

Over the years, I’ve used many random methods to keep power tool cables, dust extractor hoses, ropes, and extension leads organised and tidy. This means they are not lying on the van and studio floor, and I can be more efficient by not wasting time looking for them.

At the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, I spotted Wrap-It Storage, and they have so many ingenious products, there is a Wrap-It Storage star for virtually everything!

Features & Benefits

‘ Secure hook and loop with dedicated pull tab

‘ Tough, durable carry handle

‘ Various size options

‘ 22.6 kg max load

The patent pending Easy Carry Storage Strap is the perfect solution to securely hold my dust extractor hose. The black hook and loop strap keeps the hose tidy, and it even has a comfortable carry handle that is also used to hang the hose up. They are incredibly strong, with a max hold of 22.6 kg and are weatherproof and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. While I use it for my dust extractor hose, the Easy Carry Storage Strap can be used on so many other things.

Features & Benefits

‘ 2-hours of cordless use

‘ Max pressure 2-Bar

@topbuxus www.topbuxus.com

You may be surprised by the number and variety of brands I own regarding cordless tools, some of these products are multi-taskers. I get tremendous pleasure from gardening at home, where I can unwind and relax! Something I use in my garden, at home and on my job sites is the Topbuxus Electric Sprayer. These are available in 2L and 8L options, with the latter getting the most use.

In the garden, I use it to spray my box hedging and my roses and applying car shampoo to my car and van for cleaning. On my decorating job sites, I also have many uses from them...

Outside, they’re great for treating moss and algae on exterior surfaces such as woodwork, walls and pathways. On interior work, I use it to spray wallpaper when I am stripping it, or to dampen old paint to soften, so it’s easy to remove, and of course, textured paints after testing to see if it contains asbestos.

The Topbuxus SP8 model holds eight litres of liquid. The battery, with life indicator LED, takes approximately three hours to charge fully with the supplied USB-C cable, and gives about two hours of use. Adjusting the spray nozzle is a breeze, and a tiltable internal filter lets you get the last drop out. There is a telescopic spray wand with a range of 53 to 77cm, and the 140cm hose is plenty. This incredible cordless garden sprayer has a maximum delivery pressure of two bars, it’s a compact piece of kit with a length of 24cm x width x 22cm x height of 45cm, and lightweight at 1325g. A robust built-in carry handle or the supplied shoulder strap make moving it around easy.

‘ 8 litre capacity

‘ Carry handle and strap

‘ Battery LED life indicator

Lasts longer against the elements

www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

Every structure’s exterior should have a beautiful look and excellent protection, no matter the weather. Benjamin Moore’s Element Guard is a premium exterior paint specially formulated to offer advanced moisture protection that performs in any weather, including wet and humid environments. It’s excellent adhesion, resistance to cracking and peeling, and superior hide and colour retention combine to ensure Element Guard will apply all Benjamin Moore exterior colours in premium quality, designed to last. Element Guard ’s 100% acrylic resin provides protection against wind-driven rain, excessive humidity and other harsh weather conditions. With early rain resistance, you can apply Element Guard 60 minutes before rainfall or dew and between the temperatures of 1.7ºC to 37.7°C, meaning you can extend your workday and painting season.

www.brewers.co.uk

Safer stripping

www.polyvine.co.uk

Polyvine have released an eco-friendly Varnish and Paint Remover. Available online now, this product contains none of the chemicals that other removers on the market have. The ultra-low solvent and ultra-low VOC content, means that this is a safe and effective method of removing years of varnish and paint build up. Polyvine Varnish and Paint Remover is available in 1L, 2L and 4L bottles, and will start to appear in Polyvine stockists over the coming months. Keep an eye on the Polyvine website and social media for more updates.

toolUP

off the shelf

For even more choice, Brewers are excited to stock new products in their woodcare range from GORI Professional, the Scandinavian wood experts. GORI was founded in 1902 in Kolding, Denmark and they have established a strong reputation as a brand of premium woodcare products. GORI 99 Extreme Opaque Wood Finish is water repellent, UV-resisting and extremely opaque. Ideal for colour changes, even from dark to light colours, this product offers up to 15 years durability and optimum protection against mould and fungi on the surface thanks to innovative Slow Release technology. GORI 88 Compact Opaque Wood Finish is a non-drip, exterior wood protection which can be used on new and previously treated wood. Also containing Slow Release technology, the innovative product means the active ingredients are released only when necessary, making the finish long-lasting and providing a high-quality finish.

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

Tactical protection

www.antinoxglobal.com/taktec/

Protecting client’s homes has never been easier with Antinox Taktec® Carpet Protector. This heavy-duty self-adhesive film is designed to withstand the demands of any job from office fit-out, to home redecoration. It provides long lasting protection from spills, sprays, dirt and general foot traffic. The unique Taktec adhesive sticks to the carpet surfaces and won’t lift unless pulled. Anti-slip and anti-trip to reduce the risk of injury, it’s also waterproof to protect from liquids and spillages. Heavy duty, premium quality film designed to withstand the job requirements, the premium white colour means any snags can be identified to prevent floor damage. With no residue, and non transferrable print, the protector leaves surfaces clean when the film is removed.

Become a Trusted Trader

www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

Specialist supplier IronmongeryDirect is now offering customers up to £10,000 instant credit, with the launch of its new Trusted Trade Account. The online application takes just a minute and, if eligible, the approval is instant, meaning customers can start using their account right away. Benefit from up to 60 days interest free credit and access your account online at any time, to keep on top of your account status. IronmongeryDirect is the UK’s largest online supplier of ironmongery to the trade, with over 18,000 products in stock. Customers can choose from a range of flexible delivery options to meet the needs of their busy schedules, including next day delivery, same day delivery to postcodes in selected areas of London and the East of England, as well as click and collect.

Fill more than just the basics

www.timbabuild.co.uk

The Timbabuild BASIC starter kit is the latest offering from the UK manufacturer of Epoxy Wood Fillers. The BASIC kit is designed for the decorator that has their own storage system in place, and offers an economic entry level kit that contains everything to start making 50-year guaranteed wood repairs. The BASIC kit comprises of a metal extrusion tool with lifetime guarantee, EHB60 fourhour curing filler for large repairs, ERC10 one-hour curing adhesive for splicing, the EWS primer and Timbaglaze heritage putty replacement (hybrid type) which you can paint after one-hour. Each kit has some filling knives and safety gloves to get you started straight out of the box.

Transportable tower

www.wernerco.co.uk

toolUP

Werner has launched the PROPLUS Mobile Access Tower, a new mobile tower which boasts an ergonomic lightweight modular system, is designed to reach up to 5.4m, providing a safe and stable platform for industry professionals working at height. The PROPLUS Mobile Access Tower is easy to erect, with the stackable system allowing users to build up to three working heights. Designed with a sturdy platform at the top of the tower featuring a trapdoor for easy access, it also has toe boards around the platform to prevent tools from falling. Certified to the latest EN 1004-1:2020 safety standard, this new tower features swivel castors which enable it to be moved easily, as well as a folding base frame single unit for quick and simple assembly. The compact base unit can also fit in the boot of most cars or vans, perfect for those using it on the move. This sturdy platform has a load capacity of 184kg, as well as 250mm rung spacing up the side of the frame, enabling easy climbing to the top platform. Offering a lightweight, adjustable and sturdy solution, the tower also features stabilisers on each corner of the frame, providing improved stability and designed to bring height safety to any job.

Ts & Cs apply

www.festool.co.uk

Lightweight, compact, versatile and surprisingly powerful. The Festool TXS 18 and CXS 18 compact screwdrivers are two first-class helpers for a wide range of everyday tasks. The two all-rounders do not show any weaknesses in tight areas or corners. As the name suggests, the two compact drill screwdrivers are available in the C and T design. Technically identical, the unique C-shape allows for precise work in the drilling and screwdriving axis, while the classic T shape ensures easy handling and a short distance from the workpiece. Fast tool changes are ensured with the FastFix interface and the CENTROTEC system. Numerous attachments can be used with the CXS/TXS 18 and extend the range of uses enormously. Equipped with bit garage, LED light control, belt clip and a powerful 18 V battery, the new CXS/TXS 18 leaves nothing to be desired for easier work.

Exterior Paints: Durable Finishes

Eco-friendly, British paint manufacturer Little Greene is the last independent company still making a complete range of high quality traditional and modern paints. Available in the complete Little Greene colour palette, the long lasting, hard-wearing exterior paints combine the highest technical performance with a beautiful finish and profound depth of colour.

Water-based Intelligent Masonry Paint is designed to last up to 15 years on exterior walls, dries quickly to a pleasingly smooth matt finish and is dirt and water resistant, containing anti-fungal and anti-ageing technology.

Technically advanced, self-priming Intelligent Exterior Eggshell is a practical choice that can be applied straight onto new and bare wood, as well as to suitably primed metalwork. The elegant, smooth appearance belies its inherent strength and durability.

Tom’s Oil Eggshell is extremely hard-wearing, has excellent flow, deep adhesion, a beautiful low sheen and is fully weather resistant.

Traditional Oil Gloss has a classic, deep gloss finish, which looks extremely smart on doors, traditional joinery, and metalwork. Extremely hard-wearing, practical and elegant, the eco-oil recipe uses naturally-occurring vegetable oils.

Intelligent Gloss is a water-based alternative to Traditional Oil Gloss. A tough, environmentally friendly and fully washable paint with a chic, high sheen, it is fast-drying, perfect for all joinery, woodwork, and suitably primed metals.

Limewash is a traditional very matt finish, used to decorate and protect porous stone and lime-rendered surfaces. Water-based and completely breathable, it combines with the surface, with depth built up by applying successive coats.

Exterior decorating is not only a practical way of weatherproofing a home, it’s also the perfect opportunity to add design personality to an outdoor space. Whether you are painting a large expanse of wall to provide a backdrop to alfresco dining or simply refreshing pot plants for a small balcony, you can completely coordinate outdoor elements to create a truly cohesive scheme.

The introduction of colour can completely change the atmosphere of a space, bringing year-round joy and design interest to an exterior. Consider a bold colour highlight as a backdrop to planting and greenery or for a more tranquil feel, select natural shades to blend with their surroundings.

A deep hue such as Arras combined with natural wood finishes and textures will transport customers to warmer climes, and memories of hot summers, whilst a classic blue and white exterior scheme is the perfect backdrop to a pretty country garden. For year round sunshine, incorporate a bold pop of the joyful Indian Yellow to inject a little vibrancy.

Not all brushes are created equal

The bristles

The bristles of a paint brush are made up of thousands of individual filaments. High-quality filaments should be SRT (Solid Round Tapered) and made of durable synthetic nylon or polyester which simulate natural fibres but don’t damage as easily. Some brushes are also tipped and flagged to aid paint pick up and lay-off. Brushes with self-flagging filaments, such as Purdy's, will continue to perform over time, even as the bristles wear down.

The ferrule

The ferrule is the metal collar that connects the bristles to the handle. As ferrules can be prone to rust, it is important to select a brush with a ferule made from corrosion resistant stainless steel or copper. The ferrule is then connected to both the bristles and to the handle – brushes that are bonded with a strong epoxy are the best choice, to avoid loose filaments, while corrosion resistant nails will ensure the handle and ferrule stay together. With all Purdy brushes, an additional wooden plug is embedded within the bristles under the ferrule, creating a reservoir for better paint retention.

The handle

Many manufacturers recommend wooden handled brushes as these absorb moisture throughout the day: this reduces the amount of friction the user feels and also stops the handle becoming slippery. A brush with a handle made of a hardwood, such as Alderwood, will be lightweight and comfortable in the hand but strong and able to resist day-to-day wear.

A high-quality paint brush is made of several different components, that all combine to create the perfect tool for the perfect finish. Here Andrew Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Purdy, breaks down the different parts of a brush and what you should look out for in a high-quality product.