PDA Premier Trophy Awards 2021

AFTER THE COVID-19 pandemic halted the Awards in 2020, representatives from across the sector came together in September for the PDA’s flagship event, The Premier Trophy Awards, which is now in its 32nd year. The magnificent Plaisterers’ Hall, London, once again provided an elegant setting for the awards ceremony.

The 2021 awards received a total of over 70 entries, covering all aspects of the painting and decorating industry. These were then assessed and scrutinised by the judges to select the shortlisted finalists comprising five projects across seven categories.

Johnstone’s Trade was this year’s main sponsor and guest speaker, Matthew Baines, Trade Business Unit Director of PPG Architectural Coatings UK Ltd encouraged businesses to look at the future and to address the key issue of reducing the carbon footprint of the sector.

Hosted by the PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie, the awards ceremony began with the PDA Apprentice/Trainee of the Year accolade, sponsored by CITB, Purdy and Johnstone’s Trade. The award is now split into a Senior and Junior Category.

In total 23 competitors attended the three heats, held at Bournemouth and Poole College (The Southern Heat) Coventry College (The Midlands Heat), and Leeds College of Building (The Northern Heat). The PDA extends thanks to the colleges for their facilities and help with the events.

Junior Winner, Thomas Turner of Alfred Bagnall and Sons Ltd, training at Doncaster College

Thomas Turner of Alfred Bagnall and Sons Ltd who attends Doncaster College was awarded first prize in the Junior Category. The Senior winner was Nicole Germaine of EQUANS who attends Leeds College of Building. Congratulations to both on this achievement – both worthy winners!

Senior Winner, Nicole Germaine working for EQUANS studies at Leeds College of Building

The Premier Trophy Awards were presented by Matthew Baines and Chief Executive of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate, Rachel Morris.

The Commercial Category was won by Bell Decorating Group Ltd for their work on the exclusive five-star Hotel Fairmont, St Andrews, Scotland with a superb finish.

In the Industrial Category, Jack Tighe Ltd was awarded the winning accolade for their work on Bardney Bridge, Lincolnshire.

Gary Marsh Quality Decorators was judged winner of the Decorative Category for the redecoration of an historic house in Durham City.

The Highly Decorative winning title went to Alfred Bagnall & Sons (North West) Ltd for their amazing work on Liverpool Central Library, which the judges commented was “a superb job in a magnificent setting. ”

P&S Timbrell Decorators Ltd were awarded the win in the Small Contractor Category for the redecoration of Codrington Court in Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire.

R & D Decorating South West Ltd won the New Build Category for their work on Gravel Hill Flats in Poole, Dorset.

Finally, the Residential Category winning entry went to Story Decorating Group Ltd for their work on Caton Court, Bulk Road, Lancaster.

There was a double celebration for Bell Group as the company was once again invited to the stage to receive the Supreme Winner Award as the Hotel Fairmont project was judged the best of the best.

Supreme Winner - Bell Decorating Group Ltd

Chief Executive at the PDA, Neil Ogilvie compered the ceremony, he said, “The Premier Trophy Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best in the painting and decorating sector. The awards are judged by a panel who have a wealth of experience and knowledge – and who are meticulous in assessing the standard and quality of work.

“I’d like to congratulate all those who have received commendations for their work and especially the category winners, on the professionalism, knowledge and skill that is reflected in the awards they have won this year.

“It is a testament to the breadth of skill and knowledge within the industry that we have award-winning companies of all sizes, from small businesses with just one or two operatives, right the way up to national contractors.

“It is always a pleasure to celebrate the best in the business, and to see young people who are starting out in the trade get some recognition for their efforts too. ”

The PDA is indebted to the sponsors of the awards main sponsor Johnstone’s Trade, CITB and Purdy for the Apprentice Awards. Loyal sponsors Axus Décor, Brewers, Crown Paints, Dulux Trade, Mirka, Purdy, Q1, Toupret and tesa. Sliver sponsors Barrettine and Repair Care.

The 2022 Premier Trophy Awards are now open! Apply at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk Neil Ogilvie, PDA Chief Executive.