The Decorator – August-September 2023

THEDECORATOR

Dear Members,

I trust my letter finds you all well, busy and enjoying the summer, and perhaps with a holiday in the offing. It’s hard to believe that it’s August already. Just where has the year gone? It’s certainly been a busy few weeks for me recently, with competitions, Awards ceremony and a visit to the USA to meet up with our newest Associate Partner, TriTech Industries.

For those of you who joined us in London on 6 July for the Premier Trophy Awards, it was good to meet you all. Warmest congratulations to the winners in all seven categories. A special congratulations goes to Alfred Bagnall & Sons (North- West) Ltd for gaining the Supreme Winner Award 2023 for the extensive and complex work carried out at the Royal Liverpool Hospital

A huge thanks goes to our Main Sponsor this year, Crown Paints, along with all our Loyal and Silver Sponsors. We simply couldn’t do it without your generous support.

It was encouraging to see all four finalists of the Apprentice of the Year competition attending the Awards ceremony. Congratulations to Junior Apprentice of the Year, Ysabella Payn from Bell Group, and the Senior Apprentice of the Year, Elizabeth Horler-Rhymes from Ian Williams Ltd. The four heats and grand final of the Apprentice competition achieved the highest number of entries ever recorded since the Association began to run this competition.

Application forms for both 2024 Trophy Awards and Apprentice competitions will be available to download from our website’s homepage from mid-September. When downloading, please note of the closing dates for both competitions. A full brief of this year’s Trophy Awards ceremony and its winners can be found within this edition of the magazine.

We have recently completed the two heats of the Apprentice Wallpaper Hanger of the Year competition. This competition is normally just the one heat, but due to the overwhelming demand this year, it resulted in us having to run a second heat. A big thank you goes to our sole sponsor, Brewers Decorator Centres for their continued generous support, not forgetting Doncaster College who hosted both heats of this competition and the grand final of the Trophy Awards Apprentice of the Year final. Your support is very much appreciated.

Those of you familiar with our website will notice some changes to the layout of the homepage. This is intended to facilitate better navigation for Members, new sign ups and consumers alike.

Listening to the recent figures recently surrounding inflation it does appear that we are now in the right direction of travel as we battle the cost-of-living crisis. Barring any accidents, we can all look forward to further falls in the inflation rate over the summer. Let’s hope we can take further comfort from the fact ‘core inflation’, excluding energy and food prices dropped to 6.9 per cent, defying the gloomy forecasts of most city economists. We await this drop to be reflected in the supply chain, including raw materials, import duties and the cost of decorative materials and paints.

By the time you receive the next magazine our autumn annual PDA Networking Gala Dinner event will almost be upon us. This year, we are celebrating in my own county of Yorkshire with the event taking place at the Principal Hotel in the City of York on 14 October. Full details can be found on page 6 and on our website. The evening will include a drinks reception, the Apprentice Wallpaper Hanger of the Year Awards, a live band, and a sumptuous meal. I really do hope some of you can join us in York. It would be great to catch up with you during the evening.

Take care for now and until the next time.

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

August-September 2023 — Volume 92 No 4

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.

takeNOTICE

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

PARTNER OVER THE POND

On 27-28 July, Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie had the opportunity to travel to the USA and spend some time getting to know new Associate Partner TriTech Industries. Based in Union, New Jersey, TriTech paint sprayers, guns, tips, and accessories have quickly gained a solid reputation in the UK as being high quality, high performance and having a high degree of reliability.

Neil was able to tour the facility and see first-hand the strong manufacturing capabilities they have. TriTech’s parent company is known in the aerospace and military industries as having ultra-high precision machining capabilities, this same ultra-high precision culture is at the core of all TriTech spray equipment too.

From design and engineering, to machining and assembly, TriTech’s focus is on bringing to market a sprayer that decorators and painters can trust to perform for the long run and provide them with the lowest cost of ownership.

Neil was even able to see a rare glimpse of full spray nozzle production. From powder to finished tip, it’s all done in house.

“It was incredible to see large scale high precision machining and intricate parts produced with the same high degree of precision production at the same time, all under one roof!”, said Neil, “But this is the theme throughout with TriTech, complete ownership of the design, engineering, and production process, they do not cut corners.

“They truly care about offering the decorator the very best sprayer they can buy. Is TriTech truly ‘Made in the U.S.A.’? Oh, it most definitely is!”

EXCLUSIVE PDA MEMBER DISCOUNT

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Combining smart technology with insurance, the ARMD package is designed to not only help to prevent your tools from being stolen, but also get you back up and running quickly in the event of a loss.

Easily keep track of tools you own using the FREE ARMD Tool Inventory App. Help protect your livelihood with either the ARMD Guard Alarm & Tracker or ARMD Tool Insurance (or both), and get 15% off the RRP using the unique code PDA15

Visit our exclusive ARMD page to learn more about the products and how they can benefit you. Don’t forget to apply code PDA15 at checkout to receive your 15% off.

https://mailchi.mp/armd/pda

NEW CIJC PAY RATES

The CIJC has agreed new pay rates effective from 10 July 2023. There is a 6% increase in pay (8% for general operatives), increases in travel and subsistence allowances, and sick pay. There will be further increases from 1 January 2024 and the rates should be read in conjunction with the Working Rule Agreement and Holiday Entitlement 2023 Full details are on the PDA website at https://tinyurl.com/PDASupport

HELP TO SHAPE SKILLS BOOTCAMPS

EMPLOYERS IN THE construction sector are being urged to get involved in Skills Bootcamps in their region and to help shape the training delivered. Skills Bootcamps are a Department for Education (DfE) initiative which has been developed in partnership with local employers, training providers and local authorities to help fill skills gaps and vacancies in their areas. CITB is working in partnership with DfE to help create and support Skills Bootcamps for construction which are open to anyone aged 19 and over, looking to change sectors or progress in their current industry. Flexible courses last up to 16 weeks and include classroom based, on-the-job and short courses, with all participants guaranteed a job interview at the end. A further competition is set to be launched soon and CITB is encouraging employers that want to benefit and drive their business forward, to work with their local FE Colleges and training providers to consider applying to deliver through the next competition round. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/DfEBootCamp

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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

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ADVICE for our Members

CONTRACTS: IT ’S ALL IN THE WOR DI NG

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

In your business life you may well enter in to contracts regularly, both with commercial clients, and the general public. It is vitally important that you bring your terms and conditions to your client’s attention before the contract is entered into, because if you do not, they do not validly become part of the contract. You must also be aware that there are additional rules when you are dealing with ‘consumers’, defined as ‘an individual acting for purposes that are wholly or mainly outside that individual’s trade, business, craft or profession’. Markel Law considers those rules in more detail...

The legal stuff

There are important pieces of legislation which apply to contracts with consumers, namely The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA) which:

• Requires that all written terms used with consumers must be transparent.

• Requires that all terms used with consumers must be fair; save that the fairness test does not apply to terms which reflect the main subject matter of the contract such as the price.

• Includes a grey-list of terms likely to be unfair.

• Bans the exclusion or limitation of liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence (negligence is defined to include a breach of a duty to use reasonable care and skill).

The CRA includes a grey-list of 20 potentially unfair terms, which although not exhaustive, includes terms that are trying to achieve the following:

• Deny consumers full redress if things go wrong.

• Tie consumers into a contract beyond what they would normally expect.

• Allow the trader to not perform its obligations.

• Unfairly prevent consumers recovering pre-payments on termination.

• Allow the trader to arbitrarily vary the terms after they have been agreed (for instance, supply a different product, raise the price or reduce consumer rights).

• Allow the trader to determine the price or subject matter of the contract after the consumer is bound by it.

• Subject consumers to disproportionate financial sanctions.

In addition, the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 deal with:

• What pre-contract information traders must provide to consumers, regardless of where the contract is formed.

• A 14-day cooling-off period for agreeing to services online or at their home.

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008:

• Prohibits misleading and aggressive sales practices during the whole lifetime of a consumer-to-trader transaction: marketing, entry into the contract and performance of the contract.

• Contain a list of commercial practices which are always unfair.

Getting it right

Two recent court cases had to look at whether a company’s online terms and conditions applied, were fair, and protected them against legal action by members of the public. In the first case, the court dismissed a claim for summary judgment for £1 million against Camelot (the National Lottery), the operator of an online ‘instant win’ game. The claimant argued that she was entitled to the £1 million prize in addition to a £10 prize which a final screen display had told her she had won, because an interim and

optional animated screen display (of which she had taken a screen shot) showed that she had also won the larger sum.

Camelot refused to pay out, outlining that a computer coding issue had generated an error in the software responsible for the animated display, but that under the website terms and conditions, the interim animated display was irrelevant to the question of whether a player had won a prize. The court decided in Camelot’s favour on the grounds:

• Their website terms were properly incorporated into their online contract with the claimant by means of hyperlinks and drop-down terms.

• The website terms were not unusual or onerous, and were clearly drafted, so did not require any special treatment to bring them to the attention of the claimant.

• None of the website terms on which they relied to avoid liability were unfair under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999.

• Under the website terms, it was only the amount shown on the final screen display and on Camelot’s official list of winning numbers that was conclusive as to the amount won by anyone playing the game.

Getting it wrong

However, the outcome in the second case was very different... The court found in favour of the claimant who sought to recover the amount of his winnings totalling £1,722,500.24 from the defendant, Betfred, an online  betting company.

As with the first case, Betfred’s main defence was that the winnings were the result of a software defect, and that its website and other end-user licence terms and conditions excluded its liability to the claimant in that situation. Here the court decided that:

• The wording of each of the ‘exclusion’ clauses was inadequate and failed to exclude liability to pay-out the claimant’s winnings in the relevant circumstances.

• The clauses were not adequately brought to the claimant’s attention and therefore were not validly part of the contract.

• Even if the clauses had been properly ‘incorporated’ into the contract, they were not transparent or fair in terms of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, so were invalid. These two cases demonstrate very starkly that each case is decided on its own facts. Whilst they are both to do with forms of online gaming, the principles can apply to any industry or sector, they could equally apply to painting and decorating, and regardless of whether the contract is agreed online or not. They serve as useful guidance to all traders, especially those dealing with the public.

So, in summary, when contracting with consumers you mut make sure that your terms and conditions are:

• Clear

• Transparent

• Balanced

• In plain English

• Fair and reasonable

• Prominent (in particular any onerous clauses)

Anything in your terms and conditions which is unfair is not legally binding on consumers, so it is likely to be struck out and have no effect. In addition, the authorities, including the Competition and Markets Authority can apply to court for an injunction preventing the ongoing use of the offending term(s) and this will be publicised. It could of course have costs consequences against you, they could seek to recover their legal costs incurred in taking such action from you.

PDA Members should be aware that there are numerous factsheets and precedent documents for your use on the PDA Legal Hub, see above for how to access the service!

SOLE TRADER V LIMITED COMPANY SAVING TAX AND OTHER KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Register as a sole trader or set up a limited company? It’s a key question to answer when you decide to take the plunge and start your own business because your decision can have major implications. Even after making a choice, with your business firmly established, every once in a while, you should crunch the numbers to work out whether the legal form you chose is still the right one for you and your business, whether that’s sole trader or limited company.

What’s more common?

When people ‘go self-employed’ or start their own business in the UK, most become sole traders. It’s by far the most popular small business legal structure. Sole traders make up more than half the small-businesses in the UK, which amounts to about 3.2m businesses.

In addition, there are some 384,000 ordinary/general business partnerships, which (tax-wise) is like being a sole trader, but you run a business and share responsibility with a partner or partners. Others choose to ‘incorporate’ (ie. register) a private limited company and there are about two million of them in the UK.

Whether you become a sole trader, ordinary business partnership member or set up a limited company, it’s remarkably quick, easy and no cost or low cost. All can be done online via the government website GOV.UK

Personal financial risk

A major reason why people set up a limited company is because, as the name suggests, your personal financial liability is limited provided you don’t trade recklessly or fraudulently, or give personal guarantees for company loans. That’s because, in law, the limited company is a separate legal entity to its director(s).

The opposite is true for sole trader businesses. In law, there’s no distinction between you and your sole trader business, so you are personally liable for your business debts. That liability is unlimited, which can mean you’re forced to sell off things you own to pay off your business debts, including your car and home. This is less of a consideration if your business is unlikely to build up considerable debts.

Customers and staff

Finance and tax admin

In many cases, accessing finance and funding won’t be any easier because you run a limited company. Having a sound business plan can be much more important.

Running a limited company involves much more tax admin when compared to running a sole trader business. You may be able to do some yourself, but there’s more of it and it’s much more complicated.

You could pay an accountant to take care of your tax admin, but if you’re operating a limited company, your fees are likely to be significantly higher, because an accountant will need to do more work for you.

Which is more tax-efficient?

You do not pay Income Tax on your first £12,570 of gross taxable income, because this is your tax-free Personal Allowance.

Thereafter:

– you’ll pay the basic rate of Income Tax (20%) if your income is between £12,571 and £50,270

the higher rate of 40% if your total taxable income is between £50,271 and £125,140 or – the additional rate of Income Tax (45%) if your total taxable income is more than £125,140. 2023/24 tax year for all figures quoted above. Income Tax bands and rates are slightly different in Scotland.

There’s a popular perception that operating as a limited company means you’ll pay less tax than if you were a sole trader. In some cases, with certain amounts of taxable profit, it’s true – but certainly not in all cases.

changes introduced in April 2023 mean the advantages of limited company are significantly less than they were. Here are some examples:

Sole trader Ltd company Outcome Profit £20,000 £20,000 You take-home £118 more

Limited companies pay Corporation Tax on their profits (19% for 2023/24 tax year), while Income Tax and National Insurance may be payable on your salary, with tax also payable on share dividend payments that you receive – 8.75% if you’re a basic Income Tax payer; 33.75% if you’re higher rate; and 39.35% if you’re an additional rate Income Tax payer – all get a £1,000 tax-free Dividend Allowance.

From limited company to sole trader

£100,000 You take-home £1,470 more

Total tax & NIC £31,999 £33,469 as a sole trader

*All figures calculated by GoSimpleTax, based on 2023/24 tax year figures, and one limited company director taking £9,100 a year as salary and the rest as share dividends, to minimise their tax liability. At the lower and higher end of the scale, operating a sole trader could give you a greater take-home, while you could also save money by doing your own tax admin.

However, even where your take-home as a company director is higher, much if not all of that can be wiped out if you have to pay an accountant to take care of your company and personal tax admin. Your monthly fee to an accountant could be, say, between £60 and £120 or more a month (ie £720 up to £1,440 or more a year), so operating as a limited company could in fact be less tax-efficient, not more.

Will potential or existing customers care if you run a sole trader business or limited company? Probably not, because being a limited company is no guarantee that your business is more stable, reliable or superior in any way. Being a sole trader is unlikely to prevent you from being able to tender for contracts, either.

Just because you set up your business on your own, doesn’t mean you’ll have to work on your own. Sole traders can employ others, and many won’t care whether you’re a limited company or sole trader, because it has no bearing over how much you pay them or how you’ll treat them.

How are sole traders and limited companies taxed?

As a sole trader, you’re taxed on your actual profit once all costs have been deducted. HMRC allows you to deduct many expenses and costs from your sole trader income and once any tax allowances have been accounted for and your other taxable income factored in, HMRC will tell you how much tax you owe.

It’s reasonably simple to change from a limited company to sole trader. You can either close down the limited company completely or make it dormant:

To close a limited company, usually you need the agreement of its directors and shareholders (easy if it’s just you).

If your company is ‘solvent’ (ie has enough cash to pay its bills/debts), you fill out the DS01 form to apply to Companies House to get the company struck off the Register of Companies (or you can action a members’ voluntary liquidation. Your company accounts and tax returns must be up to date.

When you liquidate, assets are used to pay any debts. Any money left goes to shareholders. If the company is insolvent (ie can’t pay its bills/debts), you’ll need to liquidate it or apply for a company voluntary arrangement, so you can pay creditors over an agreed fixed period.

With the company now closed down or dormant, all you’ll need to do is to register as a sole trader for Self Assessment.

BAGNALLS WIN BIG

BAGNALLS IS THE proud winner of the Large Business Apprenticeship Employer of the Year award. The commercial painters and decorators won the accolade at the 2023 West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. 30% of the Bagnalls management team, including two of their board directors, began their careers as apprentices. Bagnalls understand the importance of continued training and support to an individual’s personal and career development.

Bagnalls beat tough competitors to take home the title, including Channel 4 and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Bagnalls’ HR Director, Ellie Jobes, says, “This is a fantastic achievement. This award highlights our commitment throughout the business to apprenticeships and continued learning. Apprentices are key to our business’ success.

“Some of our apprentices have gone on to have careers of more than 40 years with us! This highlights the true loyalty so many of our apprentices show us.”

Bagnalls support apprentices to achieve their full potential through on-site, handson training. This offers an alternative to the traditional university route.

WELL-DESERVED MBE

LONG TIME LAMD and PDA Member, Robert Woodland, has been awarded the MBE for services to ‘Art and Heritage Crafts’. Everyone who knows Robert have offered their congratulations on receiving the honour, which is “well deserved and long overdue”, as he has always been a gentleman and championed the craft.

Past president of the London Association of Master Decorators, Chris Patmore, said, “I believe he will be part of the first group to have bestowed upon him this Honour under the Birthday Honours King Charles III. I feel that it’s great news for him, as he has always been dedicated to the craft and is known all over the world, as well as being the nicest and most modest person that you could ever meet.

“Robert has had a busy year re-gilding of the organ pipes at St. Peters Church in Wolverhampton, with guilding specialist Debra Miller. I was informed that on the very first time the congregation was present to hear and see the wonderful works of our dynamic duo, as the organist started to play the newly gilded organ, a shower of gold leaf that had fallen into the pipes shot out and covered the congregation with gold leaf!”

PAPERHANGER 2023 APPRENTICE HEATS COMPLETE!

THIS YEAR THE PDA hosted two heats as part of a nationwide competition for apprentices, both held at Doncaster College and University Centre

The PDA’s Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition has seen record entries this year with 18 apprentices battling it out in Doncaster in the first heat on 20 June, and another 14 attending the second heat on 18 July.

Both heats saw the competing apprentices face a six-hour challenge designed to test their precision, stamina and skill. Winners in Junior and Senior categories will be announced at the PDA’s Gala Dinner and National Networking Event in October.

PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie said, “Completing a set design under a significant time pressure is no easy feat, and our Apprentice Paperhanger Competition showcases the talent and skills acquired by people starting their careers in colour.

“It is always a pleasure to see the apprentices demonstrate what they have learned, and to judge the competition, which is sponsored by Brewers Decorator Centres.”

Anthony Wade  of Sprayform Painting and Decorating is a PDA Member who has had two apprentices enter PDA competitions, with one winning the Apprentice of the Year contest in 2005 and the second receiving a Special Achievement Award in last year’s Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year.

Anthony said, “As a one-man-band I’m immensely proud to have put two apprentices through their training.

“The PDA competitions are a really valuable addition to any apprentice’s training, and I am delighted to have played a part in bringing quality operatives into the industry.

“I’d encourage other PDA Members to give back to the industry by supporting apprentices through their learning and into their future careers in colour.”

Well done to everyone who attended, and thank you to Doncaster College for hosting the event.

JOHNS NAMED SME EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

JOHNS OF NOTTINGHAM recently received the  SME Employer of the Year award from Nottingham College for their outstanding commitment to developing skilled Painters & Decorators through their apprenticeship programme.

The PDA Member firm’s support for apprentices, the college and the wider sector is evident, with successful apprentices flourishing within the company and becoming industry ambassadors. Their generosity in providing training rooms, materials and industry advice further demonstrates their dedication to nurturing talent and advancing the sector.

Rachel Parkhouse, P&D tutor/assessor from Nottingham College said, “I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you from myself, and all the painting apprentices for the recent donation of wallpaper. The students get so little chance to practice the application of wide vinyl paper on site and some maybe seeing it for the first time ever. So, Johns extremely generous donation is hugely appreciated. The whole troop from Johns never fail to meet and exceed expectations with their generosity of time, expertise and materials.”

See more about the awards at https://www.bit.ly/44Lr4b6

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THE ANNUAL JOHNSTONE’S Painter of the Year Awards

acknowledge the outstanding talent within the painting and decorating industry and showcase some of the best projects completed during the previous year.

The awards ceremony took place in June, and saw professionals come together to celebrate their great work The event featured 29 finalists competing across eight categories. From these category winners, attendees on the night voted to crown just one as the Supreme Winner.

The title was presented to the Historical category winner, Nigel Wilkinson Painting & Decorating Ltd, for the decorating the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the largest in the Parish of Magherafelt, Northern Ireland.

After more than 100 years since its last full redecoration, the building needed a new colour scheme, so the team worked with PPG colour experts to achieve a dramatic transformation. Work on the beautiful Roman Catholic structure was completed within just six weeks, using Johnstone’s Trade Acrylic Durable Matt, Eggshell and Polyurethane Gloss Varnish.

SUPREME WINNER ANNOUNCED

Megan Esmond, PPG Marketing Director UK and Ireland, said, “The calibre of entries gets better each year, and this year was no different. Nigel Wilkinson Painting & Decorating Ltd was up against some tough competition, so to be crowned the Supreme Winner really is testament to the skill and craftsmanship that went into completing the project.”

Category winners

PDA Members Bell Group Ltd claimed the Commercial & Industrial award for exceptional work on the exterior façade at Collins Aerospace HQ in Prestwick. The team worked closely with PPG to ensure the system protection and corporate branding objectives were met while successfully delivering a high-quality finish to the building.

Alldec (Northern) Ltd took home the Education award for Wren Academy in Enfield, and Shane Smyth Decorators Ltd triumphed in the Residential category for refurbishing a palatial house in Georgian Village, Dublin. The Healthcare category winner was another PDA Member firm, Alfred Bagnall & Sons (North West) Ltd, for its remarkable redecoration of the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The unique project included communal areas, corridors, large stairwells, operating theatres, wards and a high-level atrium.

Henderson Decorators Ltd took the Hospitality category for Rothes Glen boutique hotel, whilst the External Wall Insulation award was presented to Jefferies Contractors Limited for Peacehaven Court, Tredegar, and EWIS (UK) Ltd received the award in the Render category for beautiful detailing work at John Barnes Court, Somerset.

Entries for the 2023 Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards will open later this year, so get your projects ready!

ONLINE ENERGY SAVINGS CALCULATOR

AN OPENLY ACCESSIBLE online energy savings calculator for all users of powder coatings has been launched by AkzoNobel. For the first time, all powder coatings customers can instantly calculate the energy and carbon reduction they could achieve with the company’s Interpon products and related services. It’s the latest example of how the company is continuing to work towards its ambition of reducing carbon emissions across the full value chain by 50% by 2030.

“Sustainability is critical for all of us and helping customers to reduce energy is one of the many ways we can work with, and for, them in order to meet our shared ambitions,” says Jeff Jirak, Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business, “We’re proud to be the first in the industry to introduce this kind of openly available online resource.

“It will enable us to create better awareness and enable customers to really get to grips with the potential energy and carbon reductions that can be achieved with low cure powder coatings.”

In order to understand the full range of possible benefits for individual users, further details of customer-specific situations would be required.

To make using the tool as easy as possible, the calculator is supported by a detailed guide, which helps customers better understand how even making small changes in the powder coating process can have a big impact in terms of becoming more energy efficient. These include checking for leakages in compressed air systems, improving insulation and ensuring all process equipment is regularly serviced and maintained. Customers also receive expert support from Interpon’s technical service team. https://powder.interpon.com/true-sustainability/energy-saving/

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DIGITAL TOOLS FOR TUTORS

THE PAINTING AND Decorating sector is undergoing a digital transition. Before updating its collaborative InPaint platform in September 2023 with new digital tools, the International Union of Painting Contractors (UNIEP) spoke in June to several teachers and trainers in Rome seeking digital upskilling solutions to help them deliver education and training remotely.

The DIGI-Paint project overcomes several constraints faced by teachers and trainers in Europe, such as lack of time, lack of access to training and lack of funds. The project chose to gamify the learning, with the development of five virtual courses (available on desktop computers), including one in Virtual Reality. The interactive learning courses designed by DIGI-Paint cover topics such as spraying techniques, coatings, measurements, and many others.

The project makes training fun and encourages teachers to improve their skills continually. Those who tested the system in Rome could grasp how gamifying helped, being able to infinitely practice gestures that in real-life, require finite and breakable physical resources (paint, machines, walls).

All the project’s tools are freely available on the InPaint platform and aim to deliver a basis for course content, including in practical skills areas, at low cost.

https://inpaint-platform.eu/

BE SAFE ON THE ROADS

DISTRACTION IS A leading a cause of collision. Whether manual, visual or cognitive, a distracted driver is not in full control of their vehicle, nor able to process and adapt to the changing environment around them.

Simply put: the human brain doesn’t multi-task. If your drivers are doing something else, they aren’t focussed on driving. Distractions can include eating, drinking, setting satnav, radios etc – anything that takes your eyes off the road or distracts your concentration driving.

Fleets have a responsibility to educate drivers about the huge risks associated with distraction, making sure your drive for work policy emphasises the ‘no mobiles while mobile’ rule is a must. Penalties aren’t just for the driver - an employer can also be prosecuted in certain circumstances.

Driving for Better Business is a free to access government- backed National Highways programme, delivered in partnership with RoadSafe to help employers reduce work-related road risk. There are a wealth of resources that employers can access to keep your drivers safe. Simply register at www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com

£500 OF ONE CAN COULD BE YOURS!

WIN BIG WITH BRADITE

Bradite One Can is fast becoming the go-to, single-pack paint for professionals looking for a quick-drying product that covers virtually any surface. If you’ve used it already, here’s your chance to win a supply of One Can worth £500! Taking part couldn’t be easier; all you have to do is share an image of your One Can project on social media and tag @braditepaints, and you’ll be entered into the draw. It’s that simple!

The first entry picked at random when the competition closes on 31 August 2023 will win the top prize. They’ll also pick two runners up to win £250 to spend on Bradite One Can. Winners will be contacted via direct message by the official @braditepaints account.

GOOD LUCK!

TRADE SPECIALISTS OF PROFESSIONAL QUALITY PAINTING TOOLS

FAMILY BUSINESS HAS THE WINNING FORMULA

HMG PAINTS HAS been named the Manufacturing Family Business of the Year at the prestigious Family Business of the Year Awards 2023. The awards, hosted by Family Business United, took place in the grounds of the Royal College of Physicians. The event aimed to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions made by family firms to the national economy.

“Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and with 6 million family firms employing around 14 million people in all corners of the country, they make a massive impact each and every day”, commented Paul Andrews, Managing Director of Family Business United “Incomes are generated, jobs provided and wealth created but as one of the family members said to me,

‘That is just the tip of the iceberg. Family businesses care and want to be seen as doing the right thing, doing business the right way.’ ”

The accolade of Manufacturing Family Business of the Year is a testament to HMG Paints’ commitment to excellence, innovation, and the preservation of its family legacy, with the judges also recognising their support for the wider family business community.

As a multi-generation family-owned business, HMG Paints has consistently demonstrated its dedication to producing high-quality paint products and industry leading solutions for over nine decades.

John Falder, Chairman of HMG Paints, said, “Being named the Manufacturing Family Business of the Year is

an incredible honour for us. We are immensely proud of our heritage and the values that have guided our family business since its inception. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who consistently strive for excellence in everything we do.”

HMG has been at the forefront of the manufacturing industry, continuously delivering innovative products and solutions to a diverse range of customers. The company’s commitment to sustainability, customer satisfaction, and community engagement has further strengthened its reputation as an industry leader.

Paddy Dyson, Marketing Manager added, “Being able to collect the award on behalf of all the team back at Riverside Works is an honour. We’re extremely proud just to be nominated for the award and be in the company of so many fantastic family businesses but to receive the Manufacturing Family Business of the Year Award was a fantastic surprise.”

Find out more about Family Business United and the awards by visiting www.familybusinessunited.com

For more information on HMG Paints and their range of products visit www.hmgpaint.com

WIN WITH DULUX TRADE

DULUX TRADE HAS reformulated its popular Diamond Matt range (see the feature on page 41) to deliver top performance and improved sustainability. The durable, easy to work product is now 99.9% VOC free and compliant with green building accreditations BREEAM2, LEED3 and WELL. It also delivers ultimate durability and is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs (the equivalent of five hours non-stop scrubbing).

To ensure that it lives up to decorators’ expectations and genuinely delivers on the benefits promised, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt has undergone rigorous testing, as part of the Tested & Approved product testing process (find out more about the process at www.duluxtrade.co.uk/testedandapproved ).

Matt Gray, Skills Development Consultant at Dulux Academy said, “We take pride in the fact that Dulux Trade Diamond Matt offers superior benefits and painters and decorators who recommend it to clients can be safe in the knowledge that they are working with a sustainable choice that has been ‘Tested & Approved’. Diamond Matt is a trusted product for the industry, suitable for a wide range of projects.”

Your chance to WIN!

How many scrubs can the new formulation of Diamond Matt withstand? Think you know the answer? Then what are you waiting for?!

One lucky winner will get their hands on a Makita 18V Cordless Radio (with battery and charger), as well as a Dulux Trade bundle including t-shirt, hat and powerbank.

Five runners up will also receive the Dulux Trade bundle comprising a t-shirt, hat and powerbank. Enter before 11:59pm on 15/09/23 to be in with a chance of winning at www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en/diamond-competition

APPRENTICE/ TRAINEE AWARD

THIS YEAR MARKS the 34th year of the Premier Trophy Awards, and each year we are amazed to see the outstanding work that takes place across the broad spectrum of the painting and decorating sector.

The 2023 Awards received 83 entries covering all aspects of the painting and decorating industry. The judges then assess and scrutinise these before preparing the final shortlist of projects in each of the seven categories.

Each project receives a site visit by the judges, to assess the work and meet with the client to gain their appraisal of the completed project. The judges reported that the quality of work was very high across most projects, and many involved overcoming significant logistical issues.

However, with a majority decision, the Supreme Winner was awarded to Alfred Bagnall and Sons (North West) Ltd for the Royal Liverpool Hospital. The judges were impressed with the overall finish of this large project which also gained first place in the New Build Category. It was a complicated project, with a significant budget and work set over a seven-year contract. The judges deemed the overall project management and work ‘excellent.’

We were delighted that over 200 guests attended the Awards Ceremony at the Plaisterers’ Hall on 6 July. Other winning projects across the seven categories included high-end apartments, the Garden Bar at the Royal Albert Hall, and the renovation of a former town hall.

The Junior Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Ysabella Payn from Bell Group, who attends City College, Plymouth

Senior Apprentice of the Year was Elizabeth Horler-Rhymes from Ian Williams Ltd and a student at Langley College

PDA CEO Neil Ogilvie (above) and Events Manager Yvonne Dominey-Tay (right).

Chief Executive of the PDA, Neil Ogilvie, said, “Well done to all the winners and those who received commendations. In each category of work, the five projects that make it through to the final show the skill, professionalism and commitment to quality that is recognised with these awards.”

A big thank you goes to the judges, all Institute of Clerk of Works (ICWCI) members for their sterling work, and the PDA also wishes to thank Crown Paints as the main sponsor for the 2023 Awards and all our other sponsors listed below – The Awards could not take place without your support.

Apprentice of the Year

The Apprentice of the Year competition results were also announced at the Premier Trophy Awards. This year high demand meant there were four regional heats, including for the first time a head in Scotland, and a total of 65 Apprentice-Trainees took part in the six-hour challenge of stamina and skill. The judging-assessment team comprised of Neil Ogilvie, PDA CEO and Andrew Davis, representing the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT).

Alfred Bagnall & Sons (North West) Ltd

This year’s project has impressed the judges with its difficulty due to the original contractor, Carillion, going into administration and subsequently having to work with the new contractor Laing O’Rourke.

They had been on-site at various periods throughout different stages of the contract with between 22 and 39 staff at any one time and up to seven apprentices. A very complex project that entailed working with up to 50 other trades at any one time.

A well-deserved award to a company that has been successful over its time in membership through the high standards and quality of their work. Good client service was an aspect that has contributed to this success.

A real credit to the industry and something to be proud of.

sponsors

Main event sponsor

Senior Apprentice of the Year winner was awarded to Elizabeth Horler-Rhymes who works for Ian Williams Ltd and a student at Langley College, part of the Windsor Forest College Group

Senior Runner-up went to Courtney Maddison, apprentice for Smart Design Decorating and a student at Newcastle College

The Junior Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Ysabella Payn from Bell Group, who attends City College, Plymouth, and Runner-up was Hope Philips also from Bell Group, a Bell Apprentice Training Centre student.

Once again, a huge thank you goes to the sponsors of the Apprentice of the Year competition – Crown, CITB, Ciret Ltd, Purdy and Valspar, and to Tom Little for his work in developing the task themes.

SUPREME WINNER

Nigel Emmanuel from Main Sponsor, Crown Paints, gave a keynote speech on sustainability at the event.

COMMERCIAL

Winner UK Decs Ltd

Bromley Town Hall, Tweedy Road, Bromley

Manufacturer: Dulux Trade

The project was the renovation of a group of derelict buildings that are now brought back to life as offices and a hotel to a very high standard. Formerly the building was a town hall and court complex with cells and a nuclear bunker. These were very damp before the renovation. The painting and decoration were to a very high standard and faultless. An excellent job - well done.

Very Highly Commended

Story Decorating Group Ltd

Roxburghe Hotel, Heiton, Kelso

This job is to a very high specification and finish across the hotel. The contractor should be very proud of this work. The client was very happy with the work and the result.

Very Highly Commended

S & C Painting Services Ltd

Colemore Row, 18–19 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham

The project was a total refurbishment of a city centre property converted into offices and accommodation, varying from approximately 20 personnel to individual spaces. The design ranged from exposed soffit and ductwork, creating an industrial look, to sophisticated areas finished with high-end wallpaper. The project is a credit to all those involved and a fantastic result.

Highly Commended

Alfred Bagnall & Sons (South Wales) Ltd

Coal House, Dumfries House, Dumfries Place, Cardiff

Turning the disused Coal Board offices into the available space must have been a mammoth task. The completed building has a unique appearance from the outside. The contractor had to surmount some challenging access situations internally. The result is an immaculate and desirable office environment. The project is a credit to the profession.

Commended

Ian Williams Ltd

Dudley Town Hall, St James’s Road, Dudley

An imposing piece of work. Access was a significant problem with the limited headroom for equipment, and cherry pickers could not be used due to the sprung wooden floor. The protection of furniture and various stage equipment was maintained throughout the contract. A first-class job - well done.

Very Highly Commended

Cousins Group

The Broadway, Residential Buildings, 1 Broadway, Wimbledon, London

These high-class apartments in a top-end location were finished to a very high standard. The judges were impressed with the standard of craft and skill, and well done to all involved on a good job.

Very Highly Commended

Ian Williams Ltd

Cumberland House, Norfolk Crescent, Bath

Redecoration of a typical Bath stone building and woodwork repairs carried out with timber care products. The contract had numerous items added, such as repairs to stonework, roof slates, bird control etc. Access to the city is difficult as it’s a controlled zone area. With all these challenges, a good standard of work was achieved to the client’s satisfaction.

DECORATIVE

Winner Cousins Group

Ledian Farm, Upper Street, Maidstone

Manufacturer: Dulux Trade

These expensive private apartments have extremely high specifications; the finished work reflected this.

An exemplary example of what can be achieved with a skilled workforce and good management. A top-class job and a credit to all involved.

PREMIER TROPHY AWARDS

Winner Trident Maintenance Services

Moriconium Quay, Lake Avenue, Poole Manufacturer: Johnstone’s Trade

This high-class marina and housing complex has been redecorated to a very high standard.

Numerous repairs were required to the walls and masonry areas. The finished job had a seamless finish.

A job well worth visiting – the judges were extremely impressed.

Highly Commended

Cousins Group

Wembley Repton Gardens, Fulton Road, Wembley, London

The finishes on this apartment block overall were good. The contractor was challenged with time and logistics. Excellent clean job, well worth a visit.

Commended

Ambrose Ellis Painting Contractors Ltd

C1 New Bailey, New Bailey, Stanley Street, Salford

This is a city centre new build tower block finished to a good, uniform standard throughout. A good job and well executed by the contractor.

Very Highly Commended

Johns of Nottingham

Municipal War Memorial, Victoria Embankment, Nottingham

A Grade II listed building, the conservation and repainting project demonstrates the quality that can be delivered with joint development of method to achieve the best finish with minimal damage to the metalwork. A great credit to all involved.

Very Highly Commended

Keylon Interiors Ltd

Harrington Hall Hotel, South Kensington, London

The decoration in this upmarket hotel and member’s club was very well executed, with 25 varieties of complex design wallpapers. The building had 239 rooms with communal areas, a swimming pool and associated facilities, all set over seven floors. The client started to occupy the building before all works were completed. Well done on an excellent job.

Highly Commended

Alfred Bagnall & Sons (East Midlands) Ltd

Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough

The job comprised the whole decoration of the Church and Community Centre and was executed within a tight schedule during the liturgical calendar. The problems with access were overcome within a tight timeline. The result was a very impressive piece of work, and the client and community users were very happy.

Commended

UK Decs Ltd

Ambassador Theatre, West Street, London

Decoration of the theatre auditorium and new bar. The result was a clean finish on the walls and ceiling surfaces. This project was worth a visit to appraise the overall appearance. Quality work and well executed in the specified time window, including the additional works required by the client.

NEW BUILD

Winner Alfred Bagnall & Sons (North West) Ltd

Royal Liverpool Hospital, Prescott Street, Liverpool

Manufacturer: Johnstone’s Trade

A very complicated new build due to the contractor Carillion going into administration and Covid delays. A billion-pound hospital and £3.2million decoration works, including specialist finishes and set over a seven-year contract. This is one of the largest jobs we have ever judged. The overall project management and the work were excellent.

Very Highly Commended

Story Decorating Group Ltd

University of Salford SEE Building, University Road, Salford

A first-class piece of work of which all the team should be proud. Overcoming difficulty with access and challenging architect-specified colour selection in ceiling service areas. The client was pleased with finishes and aftercare from the contractor.

Very Highly Commended

Cousins Group

Turvey Village, Station Road, Milton Keynes

A high-end retirement village with decoration to a very high standard, both externals and internals. The development comprises apartments, and community areas, including a dining room, coffee shop, leisure areas and a swimming pool. Many areas included highquality wallpapering. An impressive, immaculate job that all involved can be proud of.

Highly Commended

Davison Solutions Ltd

Sunningdale Special Educational Needs School, Sunderland

This is a new build school for pupils with learning and physical difficulties. The work was well executed and to a very good standard. The school had been open for over six months and still looked new.

Commended

Southern Decorators Ltd

Victoria Road, Portslade, Brighton

Painters had to work around others and to a tight time frame for decoration as the other trades were running late. A good standard of work, and the overall finish had a sharp look. It was well worth a visit. The client and judges were impressed by the finish.

HIGHLY DECORATIVE

Very Highly Commended

Ian Williams Ltd

Marsh Mills Footbridge, A374 Footbridge, Plymouth

A tough job to manage due to the requirements of road closures and with a start date in late summer. The weather turned chilly, especially when the work had to be done in the evening. One hundred percent credit for the superb site management under very taxing conditions. Well done.

Very Highly Commended

Jack Tighe Ltd

Winner Cousins Group

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Garden Bar, South Kensington, London Manufacturer: Dulux Trade

The judges considered this to be a very impressive job with high-quality work and materials, carried out quickly. The contractor had to work around the other trades, as the bar was also being upgraded simultaneously, so delivery of materials had to be planned around other ongoing activities in the building.

An excellent result, very impressive work.

Very Highly Commended

Campbell Smith & Co Ltd

Marylebone Parish Church, 17 Marylebone, London

This job initially took the judges breath away upon entering the church. Detailing on the cornices, mouldings and friezes was to a very high standard. This was an excellent job; well done a pleasure to visit.

Very Highly Commended

Astryan NE Ltd

St Thomas The Martyrs Church, Haymarket Lane, Newcastle

An excellent overall job. The work was a time-consuming operation and also involved working at height. The result was very pleasing and well executed.

Highly Commended

Mitie Property Services UK Ltd

Lancaster House, Stable Yard, London

This impressive building was partially redecorated, including cleaning the silk coverings. The work was liable to change at very short notice due to government business and the function of the building. Good clean finishes – a job the contractor can be proud of.

Commended

Bell Decorating Group Ltd

Heraldic Panels, University of Aberdeen

This was a good standard of work and well executed. It is part of an ongoing project on these historic buildings that will probably take four years. It was good to note that six to seven apprentices are also working on this project.

Queenborough Station Footbridge, Main Road, Queenborough

The work was completed to a tight timescale with limited access to the bridge, having to work on night closures. The contractor completed an excellent job to the satisfaction of the network rail inspector. A project well executed.

Representatives from Cousins with Nigel Emmanuel (left), and ICWCI President Jerry Shoolbred (right).

Highly Commended

Alfred Bagnall & Sons (North West) Ltd

Jackson Footbridge, Castlefields, Manchester

A cast iron Victorian footbridge was repainted in conjunction with refurbishing nearby flats. The operatives on site overcame access problems to achieve an excellent finish to the bridge.

Very Highly Commended

Cousins Group

The Broadway, Basement Works,

1 Broadway, Wimbledon, London

This basement car park was finished to a good standard, with sharply defined lines and numbering. Great care was taken in this industrial area. Good job, well done on the nice clean finishes.

INDUSTRIAL

Winner Jack Tighe Ltd

Nitrogen Sphere, British Steel, Brigg Road, Scunthorpe

Manufacturer: International Paints

The repainting of a spherical cylinder which housed nitrogen was undertaken at Scunthorpe British Steelworks. This may sound like a simple task, however, it had several challenges with the proximity to high-pressure vessels limiting access and a live site. Large cherry pickers were required to prepare and paint the top section. The result was excellent work – well done.

SMALL CONTRACTOR

Very Highly Commended

Dan Taylor Decorating Contractors Ltd

Private Dwelling, Canonteign House, Lower Ashton, Devon

The property was very high-end, and standards had to be 100%. The contractor gave it his all, as seen in the completed work. All furniture and floor coverings were already in place; therefore, protection had to take priority. The overall finish was done flawlessly. The contractor should be proud of this job.

Very Highly Commended

Stuart Yates Décor

Tapton Hall Staircase, Shore Lane, Sheffield

The Masonic Hall is a Grade 2 listed building with the project to redecorate the entrance, stairway and landing. The decorator liaised with the client and had some influence on colour choice, which were all decorated to a high standard in colours depicted in the Masonic colour scheme. The ornamental mouldings and balustrading have been picked out in gold lustre to compliment the period of this building. An excellent piece of work.

Highly Commended

Winner Hugh Irwin

Private Dwelling, Old Town, Swindon

Manufacturers: Albany Paints

The redecoration of a 1970s house to a very high standard. The finishes included gold leaf, ragging, combing, shading, papering, faux marble and drag effect. The finishes were very varied and faultless. The judges found this an elegant, clean job and well-presented.

Neil Bailey Decorating

Private Dwelling, Bishop Court Farm, Dorchester on Thames

The redecoration of an old derelict Grade 2 listed farmhouse brought up to modern standards whilst retaining features. Repairs had to be carried out using traditional methods. The external wall was insulated and re-rendered to the latest standards. Excellent finishes both internally and externally. A job well worth the visit - well done.

Commended

Mitten’s Decorating Ltd

Private Dwelling, Viburnum Close, Cheltenham, Gloucester

A most pleasing finish to this recently re-modelled private dwelling. Bereft with problems caused by the builder, what impressed most was the homeowner’s praise, lauded on the decorator for patience, advice and endurance. A star in the making, keep this standard up. Well done.

by Charlie Budd

Emotions are good

There are times in life when everything seems to happen at once, and for decorators that’s often towards the end of the summer when we’re trying to get exteriors done before the autumn kicks in, people are on holidays, family weddings, our own gardens to keep on top of, let alone all the unexpected things that get thrown into the air when we’re juggling all that.

How do we cope?

Even better, how do we thrive when there’s so much to do?

The first thing to recognise is that some of the emotions we might feel are helpful. Feeling a bit stressed when you’re busy is very similar biochemically to feeling excited. Our bodies and minds feel more energised and on edge, but we can use that energy to really blitz through things.

To start, first stop

That’s all very well, but what do we do first? Where do we start? The best thing to do to begin with is not start but stop. Stop and plan. Get things down on paper - real paper, with a pen. Writing down a list of all the things you have to do is not only practically useful, but also mentally useful because it gets what’s swimming around your brain onto something physical, tangible and in black and white. The simple, tactile act of writing is calming - and seeing things written down helps to slow down the brain, creating less of a mental swirl and more of a linear and logical way of thinking.

Weekly priorities

Once you have everything down, it’s time to prioritise. A handy way of doing this is breaking things down into what needs doing this week, then next week, then the week after - for at least a month, preferably three months. Write down what the priorities are for each week - including this week.

Daily breakdown

You can then break those weeks down into days - what do you need to do tomorrow that will make the day after better? What do you need to do the day after to make the next day better? This allows you to be ahead of the game - you can buy materials ahead of time, you can contact people ahead of time, so they know what’s going on. Everybody wins.

How to juggle things when you get busy

Hourly breakdown

I used to think that this was a waste of time, until I started doing it. Breaking the day down into hour chunks is great for creating structure and clarity. Of course, there may be interruptions. Some things take longer than you think. That’s fine - it’s not cast in iron, it’s a guide, a useful prompt. Include in your plan some time to contact clients, ring the decorator’s merchants to make sure they have what you need in stock, and plan in time for breaks and the admin stuff that means you get paid, and your marketing gets done. You can include prompts like “take a photo for social media or the website” - doing that once a day means you end up with easy, sharable content.

Delegate/Outsource

The important stuff

It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now but planning in time to do the ‘other stuff’ is important. Sort out your tools, clean the van, take a loved one out for a meal… when we’re really busy it’s easy for things like this to take a back seatbut they’re really important. Making time for family and friends is time never wasted - especially when we’re busy and might not have so much time to give.

There are always tasks which other people will do quicker than you and free up both your time and your headspace. Things like accounts, or blog writing, or social media posting… Maybe you love tasks like that, but if you don’t then it can be really liberating to pay someone else to do it. It was such a weight off my mind when I got an accountant to take all the stress out of the annual accounts, and now taking care of things like VAT and payroll - it’s well worth the money.

You don’t have to juggle everything

There are times when you have to put some of what you’re juggling down. But if it’s important, don’t leave it too long. If you don’t do your marketing, for instance, you might find you’ve got less work in a few months’ time. It’s all about prioritising and keeping on top of one thing at a time by being organised.

Keep on keeping on

The key is to be purposefully busy. You decide what time you’re going to give something and stick to it. There will be times when you just have to put in those extra hours, but then make sure you have time to do the personal stuff that matters.

Want to learn more? Find Charlie at www.chinbadgermedia.co.uk

/chinbadgermedia @chinbadgermedia @ChinBadgerMedia charlesbudduk

Time and Tide

In our February-March 2019 issue, we featured the work of PDA Member firm Bagnalls on the Park Row Wing of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Over four years since first commencing the project, it’s now complete...

The last of the phases was in some respects the most important, as it included the full external redecoration of the Grade I listed Queen’s House, as well as the East & North Wings, including the impressive main entrance, regularly photographed by tourists and visitors.

All façades of the grade I listed Museum buildings have now been transformed from a salmon pink to a more reverential heritage Portland Stone colour. The paint specification was Akzo Nobel and work included the full renewal of existing pigeon deterrent wires.

Works on the two buildings took place simultaneously, from late summer into winter, with the customer imposing a strict 10-week duration for the Queen’s House phase. Final completion and handover of the Museum wings was to be in no more than 16 weeks, which Bagnalls achieved.

Normal operation of the museum was hardly affected and safe working arrangements were made to consider the risks of working in such close proximity to the general public. Safety signage was used throughout the site, every Bagnalls operative wore photo ID cards and wore site specific hi-vis jackets with the customer’s name on.

Bagnalls are Members of the PDA with branches nationwide. You can get in touch with their Restoration Branch on 020 8311 3910 or visit www.bagnalls.co.uk

Where it all started... The Park Row Wing of the National Maritime Museum.

On the main elevation, the working schedule was altered to accommodate this high traffic area. Scaffolding was erected outside of the busy morning opening times, and it was decided to only carry out cleaning down and low-level works during the busiest times. Going ‘beyond-the-call’ to ensure that works did not impact events on the site.

Queen’s House was scaffolded during the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, So Bagnalls rapidly installed black debris netting so that the spectacular light show, SPARK, could project onto a flat surface and not onto scaffold boards and metal poles. This was done free of charge, as a gesture of goodwill, and in line with their Community Paintbrush scheme.

Bagnalls was again incredibly proud to secure, via competitive tender, the works on the UNESCO World Heritage site in Greenwich, undertaking the final external phase, and thus completing the full façade re-fresh programme that started in 2018.

The original pale blue and salmon pink colour scheme.

Full scaffolding was required for access.

The old paintwork had failed badly.

K& R Decorators Ltd undertook an extensive restoration of a beautiful historic building near Midhurst. The woodwork had fallen into disrepair and required remedial work, for which they turned to Timbabuild. The firm described the work to achieve the perfect finish...

Timbabuild to the rescue

First of all, we reviewed all the woodwork we would be repainting. Each bit was checked for rot and soft areas. We scraped away as much wood as possible from the soft areas and then followed up with the use of a Dremel to take the edges back to the hardwood.

If there were large areas, we had the wood replaced by DMT Carpentry and Joinery. The rest of the windows were rubbed back with a sander and by hand around the putty. Any loose putty was taken out and replaced with Toupret Glazing Putty.

Any of the holes were then primed with Timbabuild EWS, to open up the grain, and then filled with Timbabuild EHB60 resin. We filled the smaller ones with Timbabuild ERC10 resin. All were rubbed back again, and Timbabuild Finish filler was put over the top.

Any bare wood was then primed with Caparol Haftprimer, before again filling any finer dents with Finish filler. The final finish comprised two coats of Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield Undercoat and one coat of Stormshield Gloss with rubbing down between coats.

As with anything that requires preparation and several stages to get the optimum finish, we were delighted with the result. It was a large project that took us about seven weeks to finish.

Some larger areas were completely replaced, before being finished with Timbabuild.

Holes like these were treated with Timbabuild EWS and filled in using either EHB60 or ERC10.

Estwing 15oz Black Ultra Framing Hammer

@rollinsgroup

When it comes to tools, there is one that’s possibly used by every tradesperson... A hammer! Like a paintbrush or a screwdriver, it is a very personal tool to choose. Each has its own merits.

Estwing is based in Rockford, USA and have been around since 1923. I make this their centenary – Congratulations!

Estwing’s fantastic new Black Ultra -series are manufactured using one piece of the finest American tool steel. Its new aerodynamic profile ensures strength is there from day one and for a lifetime of use. This is a beautiful hammer that’s incredibly uses a patented shock reduction grip, which I find very comfortable and is impressively

Features & Benefits

‘ Lightweight, one-piece American tool steel

‘ Patented shock reduction grip

‘ Magnetic nail starter

‘ Milled head

Wooster Dust Eater

Features & Benefits

‘ 360° pivot, 16” triangular head

‘ Screw in and Sherlock GT connection

‘ Replaceable heads

@woosterbrushuk

www.woosterbrush.com

I don’t need to tell anybody that good preparation is the best policy, whether washing, filling, sanding or removing cobwebs or surface dust. Back in the day, I used a soft broom to remove cobwebs and surface dust, and I would wrap the broom head with old t-shirts and towels! I then progressed to a vacuum, however, I’ve used a Wooster Dust Eater for the last ten years plus, and what a #gamechanger it’s been. I can clean large areas fast.

It effortlessly connects to my Wooster Sherlock GT convertible extension poles with a simple push, and click sound confirming it is locked in. It is removed by a single press of the thumb lever, or you can use a standard screw-in extension pole, so get the best of both worlds! I particularly like the gyro swivel head which provides a 360° pivot, allowing complete control of the 16” triangular head, so no unwanted flip-overs that would otherwise damage walls and ceilings. It also folds flat on the head for storage.

The wide head swiftly removes cobwebs and surface dust from ceilings, walls, and even dusty floors, not to forget skirting and flush doors. Wooster Dust Eater is impregnated with a special product that holds the dust and cobwebs.

The Dust Eater has its own storage bag, which keeps it clean when not in use, and replaceable dusting heads are also available. Products independently tested and recommended by Award Winning Decorator, Wayne de Wet

Win it all! Win it all! Win Win it all!

One of each item recommended in this edition of Tooltalk (including the next page!) are available to one lucky PDA Member!

For your chance to win, send an email to tooltalk@the-decorator.co.uk

Well done to our most recent winner, Lee Sullivan of LAPD Painting and Decorating!

Gator Magnetics

Gator 2.5” Closed Hook

@gatormagnetics

www.gatormagnetics.com

I am always looking for products and tools that make my job and life easier, for use at home and work. Gator Magnetics have an array of mind-blowing, incredibly strong, magnetic hooks with both open and closed ends, baskets, and cupholders, all in various colours. Their use is limited only by your imagination! They use patented technology with multiple north and south poles on the same side of the magnet, enabling the extra strong Gator Magnet to hold on better than standard magnets. Gator Hooks will work wherever you have a flat metal surface – in your van, garage, workshop, laundry room, office, shop, etc.

Features & Benefits

‘ Magnetic 2.5” closed hook

– holds up to 25 lbs.

‘ Interior and exterior use

‘ Rubberized back pad

‘ Vinyl dipped carbon steel hook

‘ Easy-off lever

‘ Reusable

To use, just lift the patent pending lever ‘easy-off’ release mechanism, this allows free movement of the magnetic hook so you may obtain the best place you want it. After you have found the perfect position close the lever down, and it’s good to go straight away.

The rear wall facing side of the Gator Hook has a black rubberised pad which stops any surface damage, and the hook is manufactured from vinyl dipped heat-treated carbon steel, providing protection for whatever is hanging.

A Gator 2.5” Closed Hook will securely hold up to 25lb / 11kg, and is best suited to tools with handles like shovels or hoses, extension leads, backpacks, circular saws etc., but your options are unlimited.

It’s always so messy when I am drilling, cutting or grinding on my jobs. Over the years I’ve used envelopes with masking tape and all sorts of ideas and contraptions to contain dust, including holding a vacuum pipe whilst drilling! Recently I’ve been converted to using the XtraHand from Häfele, and it’s a game changer!

The name XtraHand gives it away because you don’t have to hold it in place while collecting dust and debris, as the dual suction keeps it on the surface. It has a unique flexible TPE gasket that cushions the XtraHand to the surface you are working on, giving a solid hold and freeing up your hand.

Features & Benefits

‘ Hands-free dust extraction

‘ Doesn’t obscure visibility when in use

‘ Wet and dry use

‘ Universal vacuum adapter

‘ Made in the UK

I’ve used it on flat surfaces like ceilings, walls, wallpaper, painted surfaces, plaster, plasterboard, wood, ceramic tiles, bricks, blocks, plastic, melamine, and laminate carcasses. This unique tool is suitable for wet or dry work (if your vacuum can do both) and is designed and manufactured in the UK. The unique design boasts a half-circle mouth which doesn’t impair the visability during use, plus a trimmable universal adapter for connecting to dust extraction machines and vacuums.

Being able to carry out internal repairs to walls, ceilings, and floors is a routine task on my job sites. But finding something that can do it fast and be ready to take other fillers in 90 minutes has been an issue since Dunlop Rapid Repair filler was discontinued. Ardex ARDURAPID A 45 Rapid Drying Internal Repair Mortar is a similar product.

I’ve used it on extensive repairs to walls where the ‘sparks’ had chased out walls and electrical back boxes, and a faster repair was needed due to hand-over restraints.

ARDURAPID A 45 can receive finishes after only 90 minutes. I tend to top it out with a high-quality interior filler like Toupret Quick Dry Filler with excellent results – It’s now my go-to repair product.

Features & Benefits

‘ Rapid drying

‘ Slump free vertical and horizontal repairs

‘ Carve and shape after approximately 15 mins

‘ Deep repairs

The product lets you level, shape, and carve it after approximately 15 minutes, subject to the ambient temperature. I use a ruling-off process and back scraping, so I always overfill and finalise with a firm flat damp sponge making circular motions, this creates a slurry which may then be reworked over the surface to improve the repair.

Keeping the surrounding area clean is essential, as the product is quite gritty when dry. Once set, I pass a damp sponge to the area, rinsing often. Repairs and cracks of depths up to 50mm are not a problem for this product, it won’t slump, making it ideal for vertical and horizontal repairs.

tool TALK

When it comes to keeping my clients happy, this extends to doing extra work. That phrase ‘whilst you’re here could you just...’ always happens!

The most asked-for extra is installing pictures, mirrors and art, which I like doing, but it’s essential to use the correct fixings for specific items, using maximum weight limits.

3M Claw picture hangers are heavyweight hanging solutions for drywall and plasterboard, they don’t need a stud so you can use them anywhere on the wall. They all have colour-coded packaging, so at a glance, you know which is best for the job. Max weight limits are also stamped on each 3M Claw face.

Made from hardened steel with incorporated angled fitting ‘claws’ and a hanging hook on the front. These hug the wall and are exceptionally strong.

3M Claw have various hanging weight options that are all ‘proven to hold’. The 30kg is available in a two pack, 20kg, 11kg and 7kg available in both two and four packs.

As you would expect, they vary in their physical size and thickness. They are easy to install, keeping the bottom flat to the wall with the top tilted out, with both thumbs you press into the surface. No tools are required, but if you simply can’t push them in by hand, then a gentle tap with a small hammer will do. Remember that the Claw is angled downwards, and the final position must be completely flat with the wall.

To remove, place a flat-ended screwdriver behind at the top and gently loosen off. Store safely as the claws are sharp.

Features & Benefits

‘ Hang pictures, mirrors, art and more

‘ For drywall and plasterboard only

‘ Reusable hardened steel

‘ Simple to install by hand

‘ 7, 11, 20 and 30kg options

off the shelf

Premium paints and a curated range of classic colours to support professionals meet more high-end demands from UK homeowners, Dulux Heritage is a range of professional quality paints that deliver a beautiful ‘smooth to the touch’ aesthetic along with the tough, lasting durability needed for everyday life. Heritage colours have been popular with professional decorators and interior designers for many years, to give them even more confidence in the quality of the finish, Dulux invested in the development of the Heritage paints, comprising an emulsion for walls and ceilings with a unique Velvet Matt finish and a premium solvent free Eggshell for trim. It is this unique blend of colour expertise married with technical innovation that sets Dulux Heritage apart. The result allows professionals to offer customers a range of colours that are effortlessly elegant for today’s homes in a premium paint that is easy to apply to walls, woodwork or metalwork, with the quality and durability that Dulux is known for. Available now at brewers.co.uk or to order in your local store.

Feel like part of the Team

DeWalt® has launched a limited-edition collection of McLaren Formula 1 Team branded power tool, battery, and storage solutions, exclusively available at Screwfix. The limited-edition products include an 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill Driver, Brushless Impact Driver, Brushless Twin Kit, as well as a ‘3 in 1’ TSTAK Tower, and Pro Backpack. As the Official Tools and Storage Partner of the McLaren F1 Team, the extensive co-branded DeWalt collection gives construction professionals and tradespeople who put their tools to the test day in and day out, access to the same range of high functioning, reliable and versatile solutions used by the McLaren F1 Team. Customers can also claim a free PowerStack compact battery when purchasing one of the power tools in the range.

toolUP

Higher quality results faster

www.graco.com/ultraquickshot

Graco have introduced the new Ultra QuickShot™, the first and only electric powered airless gun, delivering higher quality results faster for every professional painting contractor. Delivering trigger speeds over 80X faster than a traditional airless gun, this breakthrough technology virtually eliminates spits for a smooth and professional-grade finish on all small jobs. The compact size makes it easy to use in tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas, while its lightweight design delivers a dramatic reduction in user fatigue when spraying. Ondemand pressure and flow control are built into the gun, allowing contractors to quickly dial in the performance they need with precision and control. A six-foot flexible hose provides full reach and easy hose management, and the belt and holster provides maximum portability.

Performance and Sustainability

To ensure it offers the best products, Dulux Trade has reformulated the Diamond Matt range in line with user feedback, to deliver a durable easy to work product compliant with green building accreditations.

For professional decorators, offering a high-quality finish is a top priority. Designed for high traffic areas, the new Dulux Trade Diamond Matt formula will help extend maintenance cycles further with walls that stay looking newer and cleaner for longer.

The range has led the way in durability. Compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C, it can withstand 10,000 scrubs (equivalent to five hours non-stop scrubbing). Diamond Matt can therefore be repeatedly cleaned, ensuring that unwanted stains can be removed by clients without damaging the paint film, so the professional finish lasts even longer.

Diamond Matt also delivers great opacity, and is now available in 150 additional extra deep colours, providing decorators with reassurance that they can achieve strong aesthetics that will last the test of time.

Tested & Approved

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt has undergone rigorous testing, as part of the Tested & Approved product testing process, to ensure that it lives up to decorators’ expectations and genuinely delivers on the benefits promised.

Hannah Beeke, R&D Team Leader at AkzoNobel explains, “Our Tested & Approved process works closely with experienced professionals, their opinions help to ensure we are delivering the highest quality products, and ultimately, the best results for the end user.

“Our expert decorators trialled the product, their feedback was used to make further improvements to the formula, then we took the range into field trials where it was tested under external conditions, enabling us to see how it will perform for our wider customer base.”

PDA Member Desmond Cass, of D.Cass & Son was part of the Tested & Approved process, “I was quite surprised by how much testing Dulux Trade does before it gets to the final product. We were are able to give our analysis of products quite easily, as we use them day in and day out throughout our working lives.

“It is so important these tests are carried out with professional decorators, especially ones that have been in the trade a long time, as you can’t get their knowledge anywhere else. It is a true test of the actual product.”

Sustainability

In a recent survey, 71% of professional decorators said their clients now regularly request sustainable paint options. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is 99.9% VOC free, so it has a reduced impact on the overall carbon footprint of a project when compared with the previous formulation.

Innovative binder technology ensures that the water-based paint delivers quick drying times, helping professionals work quickly and efficiently. It forms a film even at very low temperatures, meaning that work can be completed quickly, and minimising disruption to the customer.

For added reassurance, Diamond Matt is also compliant with green building accreditations BREEAM, LEED and WELL.

Assessments by a panel of external professional decorators – this is also a blind test.

The NEW Festool PLANEX M Sander

The PLANEX LHS 2 M is the most versatile of Festool’s long-reach sanders. Ready to go in next to no time: Simply unpack it from the handy carrying bag, switch it on and get to work. The eccentric sanding motion produces a high surface quality on walls and ceilings with the greatest of ease...

Whether working on walls or ceilings, the eccentric sanding motion of the new PLANEX LHS 2-M will deliver a high-quality finish free of scratches. The adjustable suction power means that you can sand walls and ceilings without tiring, reducing the strain on your arms and back.

Its working length of 1.4 metres is ideal for all standard room heights. What’s more, the practical T-shaped handle provides additional reach.

“The new PLANEX LHS 2-M is the perfect addition to our Festool PLANEX family, bridging the gap between the PLANEX Easy and the top-of-the-range PLANEX LHS 2,” explains Product Manager Simon

Gröger

Suction power for ergonomic working

The adjustable suction power means that the new PLANEX M holds it own weight against the wall and ceiling, significantly reducing the strain on both the back and the arms while sanding. A high-quality scratch-free surface is guaranteed by the eccentric sanding motion.

The PLANEX LHS 2-M can be packed away quickly and securely in the carrying bag before and after use. Measuring 1.4 metres, the mid-range sander is the optimum working length for standard room heights. Taller heights are within easy reach too by virtue of the practical T-shaped handle.

The new PLANEX LHS 2-M also has the perfect recipe for a long service life: Namely, hard-wearing, high-quality components and a brushless yet powerful EC-TEC motor.

Dust-free work

High volumes of hazardous sanding dust are generated when sanding plasterboard, walls and ceilings. Fortunately, the Festool system has devised the perfect solution to this problem: The CT 36 E AC-PLANEX mobile dust extractor is designed to work perfectly with the new PLANEX long-reach sander, allowing users to always work in a low-dust environment, without risking their health. To round things off, there is also a choice of abrasives perfectly matched to the PLANEX: The GRANAT abrasive, for instance, produces the best possible surface quality and low-dust sanding.

The new LHS 2-M 225 EQ long-reach sander will be available from October in selected specialist retailers.

the new PLANEX LHS 2-M supports its own weight when sanding walls and ceilings.

The new PLANEX M is the most versatile model in the Festool PLANEX family.

PLANEX M

The all-rounder for sanding work on walls and ceilings.

The PLANEX M is the a unpack the sander from work. Its eccentric san walls and ceilings. The sand on walls and ceil arms and back. Its wo room heights. he pra additional reach.

all-rounder of our long-reach sanders. Simply m the transport bag, switch it on and get to nding motion achieves a high surface quality on e adjustable suction power means that you can ings without tiring – reducing the strain on your rking length of 1.4 m is ideal for all standard ctical T-shaped handle even provi

A guide to breaking the mould

Rising energy costs and a cost-of-living crisis is going to encourage homeowners to keep their windows closed and heating off. The lack of ventilation in properties, along with the mild, wet conditions of British weather can create the perfect breeding ground for mould.

The Crown Trade Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting range is designed to keep moisture build up to a minimum. It’s ideally suited for damp-prone areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, where condensation can build quickly. It helps walls and ceilings retain a cleaner, fresher appearance for longer. The paint also provides the perfect solution for damp and dirty surfaces and can help reduce maintenance cycles, something that customers will always be pleased to hear!

Ultimately, customers care about the finished look, so it’s important that specialist products don’t compromise on opacity and quality. The Clean Extreme range combines a high opacity matt formulation with a built-in fungicide that puts a stop to mould growth on the paint film.

As well as being highly resistant to stains, the paint is also robust enough to be repeatedly cleaned without any detriment to the finish, meaning mould can be treated without compromising the appearance of surfaces.

Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Scrubbable Matt boasts a high opacity matt formulation that provides exceptional durability even when scrubbed, with the Acrylic Eggshell option providing a high-performance stain-resistant and washable mid-sheen finish.

As decorators know, damp can completely ruin the final look of a job in a few months’ time, creating a disgruntled customer. Offering homeowners or landlords advice on ways they can avoid damp and mould build up when pricing up a job is an easy way to upsell, as well as showcase to customers that you care about them, their property and your work.

As well as keeping rooms ventilated, using specialist products can also help keep mould at bay. The painting and decorating industry have a crucial role to play in guiding homeowners to the right product for the job which will get results.

Offering protection, durability and design flexibility, Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting paints are available in a wide range of tinted colour and, thanks to their water-based formulation, provide a quick-drying and low-odour solution.

Kathryn Tormay at Crown Paints discusses talking to customers about avoiding mould...

For high quality tools that deliver a job you’re proud to put your name to, look no further than Hamilton’s Prestige range of brushes.

A much-loved range of reliable and durable flat, angled and sash brushes that are designed to deliver a great finish. High specification fibres deliver excellent paint pick up and a finer finish. The all-important combination of steady paint release and a consistent flow ensures that a top-quality job is achieved.

All Hamilton’s Prestige brushes are easy clean and vapour box compatible.

The much loved professional Prestige range incorporates the following exceptional brushes:-

• Flat brushes – featuring rounded beavertail handles for a comfortable grip and available in a range of sizes up to 3”.

• Sash brushes – Ideal for cutting in around door and window frames, the specially shaped brush head ‘hugs’ profiled surfaces to evenly distribute paint and help achieve a superior smooth finish. Available in 15mm, 18mm and 21mm sizes.

• Oval, angle cut brushes – a popular choice for precision painting.

• Laying Off brush – the unique finely tipped high specification filaments are designed for smoothing areas painted with both oil- and water-based gloss paint, delivering a super smooth finish with no tramlines!

• Fitch brushes – round and flat brushes and lining tools for touching up small, awkward areas.

• Emulsion wall brushes - with marine ply handles to provide a durable solution.

• Dusting brush – featuring a seamless ferrule, this quality brush cleans off debris before painting.

A world of inspiration

Drawing from the Absolutely Flawsome trend, Graham & Brown has launched three new designs. Amherst Garden, Obassia Silk, and Hartley Damask, draw from a desire to embrace the differences and imperfections in everyone and everything. These designs celebrate uniqueness, influenced by multicultural references and the mixture of materials, creating a rich and diverse palette drawn from around the globe.

The Absolutely Flawsome Trend has developed from a yearning to rebel against the ‘crowd following’ nature of society, encouraging you to break out from the norm and become more unapologetically individual. The trend can be expressed through upcycling and handcrafting aspects of your interior. It’s all about seeing beauty in all items and making them shine again, thus creating a bespoke and special space.

Amherst Garden

Inspired by the Lady Amherst pheasant and drawing from the flora of Southwestern China, this truly opulent design is sure to attract attention. Available in four colourways, Sage (pictured above), Teal, Bronze and Mulberry, Amherst Garden is painted in an illustrative way. It’s recommended to pair with one of the four perfectly partnered paint hues and plain fabrics in order to ensure the wallpaper is the standalone focus of any room.

Obassia Silk

Hartley Damask

The Hartley Damask design brings the intricate filigree design to life with precious metallic intricacies. True damask was originally wholly of silk, but gradually the name came to be applied to a certain type of patterned fabric regardless of fibre. This design combines British country manor chic, with the historical nature of this woven design technique. A perfect reflection of the Flawsome trend, combining a very matte look with metallic shimmer, Hartley Damask is available in four colourways, Wedgewood (pictured above), Teal, Neutral, and Sage, with perfectly partnered paints and fabrics carefully chosen to create a seamless interior scheme.

Taking its name from the Japanese Styrax Obassia tree, this design uses contemporary colours creating a mix of cultures and bespoke design. The delicate detailing depicts the same ovate leaves and flowers as the tree itself, with the shimming detailing creating the illusion of silk. Available in four colourways, Opulence (pictured left), Teal, Midnight, and Dawn, with colour palette offering a completely different ambiance.