The Decorator – December 2022-January 2023

Dear Members,

As I write my final letter of 2022, I wonder where this year has gone, as the last 12 months have flown by and already the signs of Christmas coming are appearing everywhere.

It was good to see the Members who attended our AGM at the National Painting and Decorating Show in Coventry last month. To have seen even more would have been heartening as numbers were somewhat sparse. This is your opportunity to raise any points or concerns that have arisen during the year, along with the chance to meet up with fellow Members.

If you couldn’t make the meeting and have something you wish to raise or share, please don’t hesitate to either call or email it to me directly. We are only a phone call away if you need to talk to us. Let’s hear more from you in 2023, please don’t be strangers. After all, it’s your Association, so please do feel that you can be more involved. As with most things, you only get out of it what you put in.

I’d like to welcome several newly elected Members onto the Management Board, namely, Samantha Costa, Philip Jones, and Simon Martin. I look forward to working alongside them all in 2023. We now have the requisite number of nine Members covering all sizes of business.

Thank you also to our National Contractor Member, Mr Stephen Bagnall, for acting as Chair for the past two years. You really did a splendid job. A SME contractor, Mr Stuart Yates is up for election for this role for the next two years at the board meeting on 14 December 2022. The board, along with myself and the office team will develop and implement the future strategy of the PDA

In addition, I must acknowledge a huge debt of gratitude to Mr Bob Smith, the retiring National Treasurer. We thank him for all the exceptional work he has carried out for the Association over many years. Thanks a million Bob, we will surely miss you, but you will never be forgotten. Enjoy your retirement.

Looking ahead to 2023, preparations are now well underway for both the Premier Trophy Awards and our series of Apprentice events which will take place in spring. For the first time one of the apprentice heats will take place in Glasgow. I recently visited this college which was built in 2019 and is reputedly one of the largest training facilities in Europe, complete with a state-of-the-art painting and decorating department.

In the meantime, we are aware that life is going to be financially challenging for us in the coming months and years, whether from rising food prices, fuel costs, raw material costs, or inflation and interest rates. As a Membership organisation we will do everything we can to support your business

As a final thought, none of us yet know what challenges lay ahead in 2023. The PDA is still in great shape, and I am in no doubt that it will remain so. I am confident that there is much to look forward to and grounds for optimism for our industry and our Association. Through working together, we will succeed in meeting the challenges that lie ahead. Let us ensure that when we reach 2024 which sees us celebrating the Association’s 130th year, we do it in style by remaining ‘Simply the Best’ in our sector.

For now, please stay healthy, happy, and safe. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, along with a buoyant and prosperous New Year. I look forward to speaking with you all again throughout 2023.

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

December 2022-January 2023 — Volume 91 No 6

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

PDA Editorial

Neil Ogilvie Telephone: 07796 942474 e-mail: neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Advertising and Editorial

Catherine Saint Publicity Telephone: 07941 590183 e-mail: catherine.saint@yahoo.co.uk

Artworking and Design empathicVisions Telephone: 07789 725074 e-mail: info@empathicvisions.co.uk

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

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

HAVE A MERRY XMAS!

The PDA Head Office will be closed from 4.00pm on 23 December 2022 and will re open for business as usual on 3 January 2023. We would like to wish everyone a great holiday and a happy and healthy 2023. Neil and the Head Office Team

Winter holidays – England, Wales & Scotland

The Working Rule Agreement states that there shall be seven working days taken in conjunction with Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to give a winter holiday of two calendar weeks. The Winter Break in 2022 will be from normal finishing time Friday 23 December 2022 to normal starting time Monday 9 January 2023 in accordance with WR. 18.1.

PRIZE WINNERS

The National Painting and Decorating Show took place at the end of November, where it was great to see Members old and new. Thank you to the organisers and all PDA Members, Associate Partners and visitors who stopped by the PDA stand who had the opportunity to enter our Exclusive Member Prize Draw for a Mirka DEROS Orbit 5.0 sander with case. The winner, chosen at random, was Bryan Dennett of L. F. Dennett & Son. Many congratulations, happy sanding!

PDA Members attending our AGM also had a chance to win, and Windsor Powell got to take home a Graco UltraMAX Cordless Handheld Airless Sprayer 230v!

Now in its 33rd year, the Premier Trophy Awards

Following the successful event this year (see page 10), we’re planning to hold another Gala Dinner on 7-8 October. This is a great opportunity to meet up with other PDA Members and make new contacts, plus of course, have fun! Pop the date in your diary now and keep an eye out in future magazines for details of how to get involved.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Firstly, I want to start by thanking you, our Members for remaining part of the Painting and Decorating Association. It’s certainly been a tumultuous time over the last couple of years. Your membership is valued.

Back in March 2020, the team at HQ agreed that Member services, and the office itself, would be open to support PDA Members during our normal opening hours.

It was clear that if ever there was a time when Members would need our support, then this was it. Many Members thanked us for the hundreds of calls we put out to check whether they needed any assistance. My direct links within Government kept us supplied with information daily which we added to our Covid-19 web page, thus, providing you with relevant information and updates.

Going forward, we are all aware that life is going to be financially challenging for us all in the coming months and years, whether from rising food prices, fuel costs and raw material costs, to inflation and interest rates.

As a membership organisation we will do everything we can to support your business. As ever, please do remember that we are only phone call or email away.

Benefits

To counteract some financial burdens on Members, we are continually seeking new Member benefits. Beneficial discounts ranging from 20-50% are offered from many of our Associate Partners, and our list of Associate Partners now stands at 65 compared with just 15 when I took up my role as CEO in 2010.

As an example, Markel Law, B&Q Tradepoint and the Take Time offers alone, would cost a member £250 per year to join.

During the pandemic, we added the free 24/7 counselling service to our benefits when it was felt that Members, especially the self-employed, may require professional help and support.

New vehicle purchasing and leasing deals will also be coming your way in 2023.

You will also be aware that we launched our new website in the last year. According to feedback, this has proved to be a great success. Just last month, because of suggestions we received, the website was given a facelift for on the homepage and Member profile pages.

Please check your own individual page and update it where necessary. You can easily upload images of your work, testimonials and other work-related documents such as your insurance policies. Each profile page has a ‘request a quote’ tab allowing clients to email you directly from the site once they have viewed your company profile page.

Marketing, PR, and The Decorator

Our marketing and media team have intensified our presence on all communication channels over the last year. The Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages are now receiving much more traffic than previously.

Additionally, Members receive our comprehensive e newsletter every two weeks, giving you all the latest deals, offers and updates.

Our bi-monthly publication, The Decorator continues to go from strength to strength. There are very few Trade Associations which still publish a magazine at all, let alone publish one every eight weeks.

As well as the hard copy, the digital version is now featured on the homepage of our website. I wish to thank Catherine Saint Publicity personally for all the tremendous work done on this publication. Please do continue to submit your stories, case studies and images to Catherine. After all it’s your magazine and we love to see you featured in it.

I would also like to thank both Stuart and Ruth Elding of empathicVisions for all the dedicated work they do regarding the magazine publication, e-newsletters, website work and social media channels.

Regarding PR and Marketing, our continuing long standing relationship with Shepherd PR produces three main streams of the PR and Marketing work. I would like to thank them all for the sterling work they do. These include:

• Media engagement – creating press releases or providing other written content for trade titles such as P&D News, national and regional newspapers, including this year, The Sunday Times, web news outlets, and content for use in The Decorator and the PDA web news and newsletters.

• Video – filming, producing, and editing video for use on social media channels, and at industry events including the Premier Trophy Awards and the PDA Gala Dinner

• LinkedIn – managing and creating written content and imagery for use on the PDA’s professional B2B social media platform.

Highlights this year have included articles in The Times and The Sunday Times, coverage of PDA apprentice competitions in regional newspapers from Dorset to Inverness, as well as a nationwide call out for school leavers to consider a career in colour, attracting attention across the UK.

The PDA has also appeared in glossy lifestyle magazines such as House and Garden as well as trade titles including P&D News, Construction Update and Professional Painter & Decorator.

The LinkedIn social platform has achieved significant growth over the year to November, with an audience increase of 70%, more than 66,000 impressions and a 350% rise in video views.

Education & Training

Our Education and Training Committee has been working closely with the Institute for Apprenticeships and

Technical Education. The focus of this piece of extensive work has centred on the review of the Painting & Decorating Apprenticeship Standard.

Following several successful meetings with IfATE since February, it was agreed by the Head of Construction, and the Built Environment at IFATE that the PDA Education and Training Committee be made the vehicle for the Painting & Decorating Apprenticeship Standard Qualification review.

This is a huge win for our committee. The current L2 Standard introduced in 2018 has presented many challenges for new entrants, employers, colleges, and independent training providers alike, and the Committee have lobbied IfATE for over two years to review the L2 Apprenticeship Standard and reinstate a L3 Painting & Decorating Apprenticeship in England.

Committee members have been instrumental in the review process, meeting regularly with IfATE’s Senior Product Manager, through to ensuring a thorough consultation process with wider industry, PDA Members and the provider network.

Our committee Chair, Julie Lawrenson, and Ann Cook Associates presented the proposed new Standards to the IfATE Route Panel on 21 October. A new Level 2 Painter and Decorator and Level 3 Craft Painter and Decorator have been approved by route panel and by compliance board.

Feedback from route panel was exceptionally positive with no further actions required or recommendations made. This supports the positioning of the Education & Training Committee as a highly credible influencer within the Department for Education landscape.

Health, Safety & Environment

We all hear about environmental issues and the growing concern to ‘do our bit’ for the planet and its wellbeing. Paint Green is a new initiative conceived by the PDA Health, Safety and Environmental Committee and Shepherd PR. We were pleased to announce the soft launch of this during the National Painting and Decorating

Show

By taking the Paint Green Pledge, PDA Members can show customers they are:

• Prioritising the planet

• Working to recycle more and reduce waste

• Going the extra mile to support sustainability schemes and community projects

To achieve Paint Green status, PDA Members must commit to reducing waste by signing up to a paint container recycling scheme, and find ways to ensure waste paint is reduced, reused, or recycled.

They will then be able to sign the Paint Green Pledge, record their recycling efforts on a digital Green Card and submit the details to the Association every 12 months to retain their status.

Also, it supports community projects and sustainability initiatives through donation of excess paint to local donation units. The scheme is designed to dovetail with existing sustainability and waste reduction schemes within the industry, encouraging members to utilise the initiatives already on offer.

Another area of extensive work has been in updating and converting the PDA Health & Safety Handbook, from a print version to a Progressive Mobile App.

By creating an online version of the guide, the latest health and safety advice is just a click away. The content can be updated easily, ensuring that it is always current. Members can access the web app from most devices using their own unique website login details.

Awards and Competitions

Our Trophy Awards event, now entering into its thirty third year, is a tremendous opportunity for Painters and Decorators’ companies of all sizes to showcase the work they do throughout the year.

This year boasted an outstanding event, with over 80 entries submitted in the seven categories. Application forms for the 2023 Trophy Awards and Apprentice competitions can be downloaded from our website.

Our Apprentice of the Year competitions have grown considerably over the last few years, with 2022 being no exception. Over 65 apprentices took part in our nationwide heats, with the winners attending the Premier Trophy Awards event in central London last July, and the winners

Conclusion

I would like to say a few words of thanks:

of the Apprentice Wallpaper Hanger of the Year picking up their prizes at our Gala Dinner Networking Event in Stratford upon Avon at the beginning of November.

Next year will see an additional heat being held in Scotland, culminating in a grand finale to be held at Doncaster College next spring.

We continue to work alongside our European Association, UNIEP, on various industry and training related projects. The PDA is currently one of 23 Partners in a European Project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, to develop a European Centre for the painting sector in the form of an Academy for lifelong learning and career progression to secure a skilled European Painting and Decorating workforce and make vocational training, particularly Painting and Decorating, more attractive to young people.

The Painting Skills Academy will be a consortium of approved European training providers who will offer courses and workshops from a catalogue of Units of Learning Outcomes at Levels 1 to 6.

• These Units are based on a matrix of the qualifications and skills of each Partner country, so that Painters and Decorators can complete further training at various European locations and have greater opportunities to work abroad.

• All training courses / workshops and developed products will be quality assured by a committee of experts from UNIEP.

• It is important to know that this initiative will not over-ride or supersede any national requirements or standards for Craft training, but is designed to enhance existing provision.

• The development Project will be completed in March 2023 when the catalogue of courses and support materials will become available online.

Local Authorities and Councils

Another important new venture we have been working on over the past year, is the comprehensive booklet on how councils select contractors to undertake work paid for by the taxpayer.

This booklet has now been submitted to local councils and housing authorities across the country to increase their usage of PDA Member companies for contractual Public Sector work.

The guide also explains about supporting bids for local authority contracts by demonstrating social value, community benefit and how PDA Membership can underpin the principles of contract and relationship management within public procurement.

We know our Membership includes some very talented professionals who offer specialist skills that lend themselves to public buildings, heritage projects and commercial settings. So I very much hope that this leads to an increase in enquiries and work over the next year and beyond.

• To my team at headquarters. Denice, Yvonne, Sam, and Kerrie. You have all done an amazing job throughout this past year. Thank you for your continued support, and dedicated commitment. A huge thanks goes to Mr Stephen Bagnall for his time spent over the last two years as Management Board Chair.

• To the Management Board for their continued support. Congratulations go to Stuart Yates on his re-election and to Philip Jones, Samantha Costa, Simon Martin, and Windsor Powell on being newly elected.

• To you, our Members for your loyalty and commitment to the Association. We really do appreciate it.

• To the wider decorating community, including the manufacturers, for showing such resilience. We have all been through a great deal together and should be proud of the way everyone has sustained our industry.

• Finally, may I express our gratitude to our retiring National Treasurer, Mr Bob Smith, for the exceptionally dedicated work he has done, and the loyalty he has shown for many years at both at Branch, Region, and National level. Bob, it’s been an absolute honour and pleasure to work alongside you. You will be sorely missed, but certainly not forgotten. To round up this review, none of us yet know what challenges lay ahead in 2023. The PDA is still in great shape. I am confident that there is much to look forward to, and real grounds for optimism for our industry, and the Association

By working together, we will succeed in meeting any challenges that lie ahead. For my remaining time left at PDA, both myself and the team will continue to offer our best possible support to you and your business. Let us ensure that 2024 sees us celebrating the Associations’ 130th year in style by remaining, ‘Simply the Best’ in our sector. And so, please stay happy and healthy. Have great a Christmas & New Year and I look forward to speaking with you again during 2023.

TAKE THE GREEN PLEDGE AND COMMIT TO REDUCING WASTE

THE PDA HAS launched a new sustainability initiative in a bid to reduce waste in the sector.

With the The Paint Green Scheme we are encouraging PDA Members to earn the Paint Green stamp of approval by pledging to recycle or reuse excess paint and containers.

The initiative aims to dovetail with existing paint and container reuse and recycle schemes and help customers identify painters and decorators who are committed to protecting the planet.

Paint Green status will be available to all PDA Members who take the Paint Green Pledge and show that they are taking meaningful steps to reduce waste.

PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said, “Clients across the domestic, commercial and public sector markets are increasingly concerned about the sustainability aspects of the businesses they work with.

“Paint Green status will be given to PDA Members who pledge to drive down waste by signing up to existing schemes that recycle or reuse paint or containers.

“The Paint Green logo will identify painting and decorating businesses that have committed to improve the way they manage waste and therefore reduce their impact on the planet.”

Launched at the PDA’s AGM, held at the National Painting and Decorating Show in November, Paint Green will recognise the work of PDA Members who have already started to build sustainability principles into their business, as well as supporting members who are ready to start their sustainability journey.

Members will be asked to make a record of their waste reduction efforts from March 20, 2023, with Paint Green status renewed annually thereafter for members who can demonstrate they are improving year-on-year.

Neil added, “PDA Members are welcome to sign up straight away if they wish, but we recognise that not everyone is ready to commit to this just yet.

“Members interested in achieving Paint Green status now have around three months to consider how they can introduce recycling and reuse, as well as looking at schemes near them that can support them in those aims.

“From March, we’ll be asking Members to take the Paint Green Pledge and start keeping a record of the work they are doing to reach the required level of recycling.”

PDA Members who make the Paint Green Pledge will have access to a range of materials to support them in making sustainable choices, including the Green List directory of recycle and reuse schemes, a Green Card on which to record their efforts and online Paint Green Guide.

• Commit to reducing waste by signing up to a paint container recycling scheme

• Set a target for paint container recycling for the next 12 months

• Record progress on the Green Card

• Commit to reducing waste paint

• Sign up to a scheme that re-uses or recycles paint, OR work alongside community groups or projects that can uti I ise excess paint

• Record progress on Green Card

More information about the Paint Green scheme is at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk/paint-green

MY REASONS FOR RENEWING

Sometimes, when it comes to renewing my PDA Membership I have the same niggling thought... Is this worth it? But then I reflect on the benefits it’s given me over the years.

Networking opportunities, that as a sole trader I wouldn’t get anywhere else, training courses, the credibility of being a Member of the most respected Trade Association for decorators, and, more recently the odd cheeky discount through the Take Time lifestyle club, and I conclude that, on balance, it is most definitely worth it!

This past year, even more so, as I received a totally unexpected benefit after I was called up for jury service. I was happy to do my civic duty, but the allowance for loss of earnings is laughable, it’s around £65 per day. I think that they trust that most responsible employers will make up the difference, but that’s not much help for us self-employed.

During the induction chat, the jury officer at court suggested checking insurance policies to see if they had any provision for jury service. After checking the PDA website, I saw the Markel Law legal expenses cover included an allowance for jury service!

Initially, it wasn’t easy. The claims administrator insisted on me providing evidence from an accountant of my loss of earnings. I’m a sole trader and do my own accounts and tax returns as my financial affairs are straightforward, but they were unwilling to accommodate any proof that I suggested.

At this point I contacted PDA CEO Neil Ogilvie, and he got on the case straight away, with the assistance of the PDA’s insurance broker, Duncan Cramphorn from Premierline From then on, the process went smoothly, and the claim was processed. Just 12 days after those two got involved, I had a payment of £1,000 in my account, the maximum amount payable for a jury service claim.

I’m so grateful to the PDA. Running a business as a sole trader can be a solitary life, so just knowing that I have the weight of the Association behind me, should I need it, is very reassuring. Come January, I won’t be hesitating before renewing my Membership.

Alison Smith, Smithdec

Denice Harper, Membership Services Manager at the PDA kindly steered me in the right direction to make a claim.

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GALA DINNER

A WONDERFUL EVENING was had by all at the Networking Gala Dinner and Paperhanger Awards held on the evening of Saturday 5 November. Guests assembled at the centrally located Stratford Manor Hotel for a Gala Dinner and to celebrate the winners of the Apprentice Paperhanger Competition. The beautiful Warwickshire countryside as the backdrop and historical charms of Stratford upon Avon made the perfect setting for the event.

Before dinner, attendees were treated to an amazing display from Slightly Unusual, with great comedy timing and interaction, guests were wowed by their grand illusion and close up magic.

After dinner, the evening event then moved on to the Apprentice Paperhanger Competition where the worthy winners were announced and received their prizes (see page 20).

During the course of the evening, guests were entertained with the ever-popular Daniel Morgan-Hayes and Tony Benedict.

PDA CEO Neil Ogilvie offers his thanks to the sponsors for the event Brewers, Solvite, Purdy, Artex and Hamilton. The event would not be possible without this industry support.

Welcome

WITH 32 STORES in convenient locations across London, Leyland SDM is the chosen specialist for thousands of professional decorators in the capital.

Leyland SDM has a huge range of more than 22,000 decorating and DIY products, with everything from paint to plumbing, electricals to timber and power tools to ironmongery. Paint in every finish is available in the trade’s favourite brands, including Dulux Trade, Leyland Trade, and Johnstone's Paint, and if the desired colour doesn’t exist, colleagues will be happy to create it using Leyland SDM’s in store paint mixing service.

With stores based in the heart of London communities, their colleagues are focused on delivering outstanding customer service utilising their specialist product knowledge. There’s also everything else the busy decorator needs to swiftly get the job done, from a huge range of timber in many stores to hardware and ironmongery for those finishing touches.

Availability and convenience is at the heart of Leyland SDM’s offering to the trade. Stores open at 6.30am to allow tradespeople to buy their materials for the day ahead, and most are open until 7pm to provide the chance to stock up for the next day. Stores are also open on weekends until late for increased ease.

TO THE ASSOCIATION...

Leyland SDM is a firm favourite with the trade thanks to its expert colleagues and vast stock range, as well as its ability to source almost any products not available in store quickly and efficiently through partnerships with sister companies.

With so many stores across London, and plans for further expansion into new boroughs, decorators will never have to travel far to find a Leyland SDM. Most stores also benefit from parking and loading bays.

Leyland SDM prides itself on customer service and expertise, as demonstrated by the company’s numerous five-star Google Reviews.

For your nearest store, visit www.leylandsdm.co.uk/amlocator/

TO ALL THOSE seeking better results, Coral is a progressive tool brand creating innovative products that enhance decorating performance and deliver impressive results.

With over a decade of supplying the tools of the trade, to some of the biggest names in the industry, Coral is one of the fastest-growing brands in the decorating market. Founded on the basis that many everyday tools too commonly create problems for the user through poor design, Coral’s mission is to make decorating hassle free and more efficient by taking an intelligent approach to tool development.

Testament to their quality and performance, Coral’s multi-award-winning tools are trusted across a multitude of painting and decorating projects, from small residential jobs to commercial contracts and specialist applications.

Their extensive collection of professional tools and equipment has been developed with discerning painters and decorators in mind, ranging from quality preparation tools such as Elite® scale tang knives to timesaving decorators’ essentials including Paintwiz® Scuttle and Kettle Liners and robust Cam-Lock Extension Poles for a faster project finish.

Painters can expect a flawless finish whether they’re using a beautifully crafted Aspire® brush or Zero-Loss® filaments, and a wide selection of paint rollers for impressive coverage on larger surfaces. When it comes to paperhanging, professional results become effortless with Shurglide® Scissors and the iconic Paperwiz® 3 in 1 wallpaper tools.

Coral is also the UK and Ireland distributor of Tajima Japanese hand tools and Tapofix wallpaper pasting machines.

Discover more at their website, and follow @coraltools on social media for the latest updates.

www.coral-tools.com

ADVICE for our Members

THINGS YOU SHOULD CHECK AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR IF YOU’RE SELF-EMPLOYED

Being self-employed doesn’t usually mean getting an easier ride. Days can be long and tiring, because you must take care of many tasks and shoulder all of the responsibility. Many self-employed people become so deeply entrenched in running their business that they rarely step back, take a breath and carefully consider some key factors.

Although you should probably do it more often, once a year you should take time to take stock. January can be ideal for this, after you’ve filed your Self Assessment tax return and had some time off to rest, relax and take a break from your normal day to day. So, what key factors should you consider, at least once a year, if you’re self-employed?

Business performance

Sounds obvious, right? But, even when armed with figures from bookkeeping software or Self Assessment tax return, many sole traders don’t take the opportunity to assess their business performance, which is risky. You should know how your sales, costs and profit compare with the previous years.

• Are they increasing or decreasing?

• What are the key reasons for any changes?

• Are things getting better or worse for your business? Assessing your business performance could enable you to learn valuable lessons and perform better in the next 12 months.

Accounting procedures

You can’t run and grow a successful business unless you keep a close eye on your sales, costs and cash flow. That’s only possible if you have a reliable financial record-keeping system, one that you regularly update with accurate figures that reveals, at the touch of a button, your business’s true financial health.

• Is your accounting system up to the job or is it time to update and upgrade?

• Do you need to up your game when keeping your financial records current?

• Could better technology make accounting easier for you?

Business systems

The same applies to your other key business systems, so, ask yourself whether they’re still fit for purpose or do you need to improve or upgrade them. All of your systems should function well, save you time, effort and money, while enabling you to take care of things that are critical to your success, such as managing customer relationships, communication, controlling your costs, generating new sales and organising your work and time. Again, could better technology be a game-changer for you going forward?

Business banking

• How much do you pay in bank charges every month, every year?

• How could you reduce any interest payments and business banking fees/charges?

Although changing to another bank is not as easy as it used to be, you might be able to get a cheaper deal from another bank. You should compare your current banking deal with others. You should also arrange to speak to someone at your bank (preferably at your local branch) to find out how you could save money and get more from your relationship. And if you’re still using your personal bank account, setting up a separate business bank account is advised.

Tax admin

Do you struggle when it comes to managing tax? Many people do. Does Self Assessment continue to cause you a major headache each January as you battle to file your Self Assessment tax return before the online-filing deadline? Technology can take away much of the pain of managing tax, while you can reach out for support. Crucially, you should ensure that your business is as taxefficient as possible, of course, which means you’re claiming all of your available allowances and reliefs. The same applies to your own earnings, of course. Seeking tailored tax advice could save you a lot of money.

Business plan

Many people produce a business plan when starting up, but most fail to ever update it, which renders it useless. If your business plan is to continue to prove a useful tool that helps you to take your business forward, you must update it every year. Your business and its market may have changed massively as a result of the pandemic or other key factors. Take time to consider whether your business plan goals and strategy need updating or rethinking. Once updated, dig out your business plan, at least every six months, to remind yourself of what you’re aiming to achieve and how. It could help to keep you on the right path. Remember: planning without action is futile, while action without planning can be fatal.

Think about yourself

• Does your work still stimulate and satisfy you?

• Are you happy with your take-home or should you be earning more?

• Would you like to learn some new skills and make your working life more varied?

• What about your work-life balance – does that need improving?

Consider those close to you and the effect your work has on them. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference.

WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

CERTAIN CREATIONS HAVE to be registered, for example trademarks, patents, and registered designs. These have to be registered with the Intellectual Property Office for you to have protection under these breaches of intellectual property law. There are fees involved and often you will need professional assistance from a lawyer or patent attorney to help you with the application.

Most relevant to the painting and decorating sector are probably copyright, passing off, and trademarks. With these protections nothing needs to be formally registered, but you need to be prepared to produce evidence that proves that you created what you say you did, when you say you did. Amongst other things this could perhaps be by way of photographs, lodging documents with a third party, or having accurate computerised records.

Intellectual property (IP) is an umbrella term for creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names and images. It could equally be called ‘creative property’, because that would perhaps be a more accurate description. Essentially the term covers whatever you create, whether it’s a name, logo, design, a way of making or presenting something.

Looking first at copyright, this is most likely to arise in terms of content which you write, photographs you take, or logos you design. Copyright arises as soon as you write a piece of text for your website, take a photograph for your Facebook page, or design a logo for your van. You don’t need to have registered any of these, but if you either wish to say that someone is using your IP or need to defend yourself against an accusation that you are infringing someone else’s IP, you will need to produce evidence that you created the work. The ownership of copyright generally vests in the creator. Probably the most significant exception to this is when the creator creates the item in the course of their employment, in which case the IP vests in the employer. Copyright in a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work lasts until 70 years after the death of the author.

It’s important to always be aware with IP that it very much cuts both ways. Just as you may want to protect your IP, others may wish to do the same. You always need to be very careful not to use any IP you did not yourself create, unless you have the permission, ideally in writing, of whoever did create it. It’s a common mistake to assume that just because a photograph is on the internet, and therefore anyone can use it without consequence. This

is quite simply not the case, and there are big organisations who trawl the internet looking for photographs being used without permission, which then in turn leads to threatening letters demanding sometimes thousands of pounds in damages on behalf of the owner of the IP.

If a business wishes to maximise the protection its brand has, in the form of its name and logo, they can consider There are fees involved in this and often you will need professional legal assistance to help with the application, as it’s certainly not a formality that all names can be registered, as someone may already be using something similar. But if you do obtain a trademark, you can then bring legal action against someone who infringes it. As with all forms of IP, it is vital to check your facts before commencing any legal arguments. If you discover a business with the same name, but it transpires that they have been trading longer than you, it maybe you who is passing off and not them. You must also be aware that not everybody is confused by businesses having the same name – think for example how many pubs there are called The Red Lion or hairdressers called A Cut Above, yet none of us believe they are some sort of chain. You will generally need hard and fast evidence that people are being confused, rather than simply asserting that they might be. The reality is, when choosing the name of your business you must take extensive steps to make sure that your choice does not tread on anyone else’s toes.

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

LET’S TALK

WHY CONSTRUCTION MUST EMBRACE WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

IN ENGLAND, ONE in six people will experience depression or anxiety in any given week. In recent years, a growing movement in favour of the de stigmatisation of these issues has encouraged more open attitudes towards mental health, making it easier for people to discuss their problems.

A growing number of construction companies are adopting mental health policies, beginning to foster a more open, conversational culture and training Mental Health First Aiders to provide additional support. PDA Member Firm Bagnalls, that has made great strides in embracing mental health support across its business.

The construction industry is not unique in that the mental health of those working within it was negatively affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. It is, however, experiencing its own acute crisis. A CIOB survey found that, during 2020, increased numbers of construction workers were dealing with mental health issues; 87% of respondents to their survey had experienced anxiety, 70% had experienced depression and 97% had experienced stress.

Uncontrollable matters such as uncertainty regarding the war in Ukraine, the ever-rising cost of living and the UK’s imminent recession could be triggering personal mental health crises. According to the Faculty of Public Health, economic crises increase the risk factors for mental health issues, which can include low household income, debt, financial difficulties, poor housing and job insecurity.

Given that the recession and increasing costs of materials could hinder the viability of both large and small-scale construction projects, people working within the industry may have legitimate concerns about their job security. It is therefore hugely important that workers in the sector have proper access to the relevant support.

Why is mental health so important in the industry?

Mental health issues can affect anyone, irrespective of demographics or employment. However, UK-based charity Mates in Mind found that over two-thirds of construction workers believe there is a stigma surrounding mental health that prevents them from talking about their issues.

With dated masculine ideals and machoism still sadly enduring in the sector, there is little surprise that suicide rates are higher amongst men working in this industry; men working in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, with two construction workers dying every day from suicide.

What support should be available?

Mental Health First Aid England exists to provide support to workplaces in a vast range of industries through adapted training and new resources. Striving to train one in 10 people in mental health awareness and skills, the organisation’s aim is to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and cultivate a culture in which speaking freely about your mental health is accepted.

Through the Mental Health First Aider course, members of a company or organisation can learn how to better listen, reassure and respond to people dealing with a crisis. In the male-dominated construction sector, where speaking freely about mental health can be an obstacle, it is more important than ever that colleagues are attuned to their peers’ feelings.

There are many ways in which companies in this sector can help foster a more open culture. Bagnalls offers an Employee Assistance Programme, which is available to access all day, every day. Bagnalls are also expanding the number of Mental Health First Aiders in the company, making it easier for members of the team to get access to the proper support.

By forging a partnership with Andy’s Man Club, who addressed the entire workforce on the importance of speaking up about mental health issues, Bagnalls has begun to make the necessary changes to increase openness in the workplace.

Joanne Gualda at Bagnalls comments, “Providing proper mental health support should be a requirement for businesses in any sector, but companies working in construction have a particular responsibility. By partnering with Andy’s Man Club and training our staff members to become Mental Health First Aiders, we hope to raise awareness and reduce the high suicide rate amongst people working in the construction industry.”

www.bagnalls.co.uk/services

Why is mental health more important now than ever?

Bagnalls supported a charity Dragon Boat Race, with monies raised donated to Andy’s Man Club.

Realising the importance of MHFA during lockdown, Bagnalls ensure they have resources on the ground to support colleagues and families.

Bagnalls had posters placed in PPE stores areas, welfare cabins, washrooms and vans with details of their local MHFA and also Head office and external support.

Joining the celebrations as Ian Williams scooped the Supreme Winner title at this year’s PDA Trophy Awards, with 130 years’ experience at Ian Williams between them are Forepersons, Alan Brooks and Paul Ciotti and Contracts Manager Malcolm Blanchard (centre)

GENERATION GAME

AS ONE OF the UK’s largest painting companies, and a 76-year heritage, it’s no surprise that Ian Williams has a huge amount of skill and expertise within the business.

As an industry, we often talk about skill shortages, the loss of craftsmanship as people retire, and the challenges of attracting new talent. So it’s exciting to see the spread of the Ian Williams team, from young painters joining the Academy, to those who have been there for over four decades who are able to coach and mentor and share their knowledge to the next generation.

Ian Williams’ Managing Director Andy Havard comments, “Offering direct employment and long, sustainable, vibrant careers are two things Ian Williams strives for as an employer. We recognise it’s our people who define and shape the success of our business. While we are now one of the UK’s largest privately-owned property services companies, we retain at our heart, a family-run business ethos.

“We are so proud of every single painter and decorator who works for us, from those taking their first steps on the career ladder through apprenticeships, to those who have between them such a rich and deep experience and expertise. Thank you.”

www.ianwilliams.co.uk

The Ward family have given Ian Williams over 60 years of combined service to date. Alan Ward began his career as a painter 42 years ago. His son, and a Mentor of the Year, Ashley, joined as an apprentice at the age of 16, and Ashley ’s daughter has already completed a week’s work experience with the company.

Between Tony, Malcolm and Richard Blanchard, they have been employed by Ian Williams for 100 years. Tony, now retired, worked for the company for 43 years, his son Malcolm, a Contracts Manager in Southampton, has been there for 41 years, and grandson Richard, a Painter & Decorator, has been employed for 16 years.

We often talk about how our people are our greatest asset and the importance of keeping them with us in long-term, happy careers. This little chap has a Great Grandad, two Grandads, two Uncles, and his Dad all working at Ian Williams. He has already asked to be put down for a 2033 Academy apprenticeship!

PADDLING IN PAINT

MORE THAN 500 people put their best foot forward to create a giant 20-metre piece of public art, where people were invited to take their shoes and socks off and to get creative with paint on a canvas.

Artist Sol Golden Sato ’s Happy Feet public art project, supported by PDA Associate Partner, Leyland SDM, arrived at Portobello Market in October. The Portobello canvas, along with canvasses created at previous events, will be used to make a 20-metre sculpture of a sock.

Leyland SDM has supported the Happy Feet project from the start, by helping organisers with the resources they needed to be successful.

Sol said, “The event at Portobello Market was a great success. There was a tremendous buzz around the canvas and everyone had great fun getting creative with their feet.

“Happy Feet aims to bring people together literally on the same canvas. It’s an opportunity for children to do something different together and, ultimately, to produce community created paintings. It empowers individuals through collaborative acts of self-expression.”

The sock sculpture will be a homage to Antoni Tapies, the Spanish artist who suggested installing a 60-foot sock into the Barcelona Art Museum in the 1990s.

The Portobello area has a large Spanish community, so Sol felt it fitting to create an artwork with a nod to Spain.

Jonathan Jennings, CEO at Leyland SDM said, “We were pleased to support another successful Happy Feet event. It’s a fantastic way to bring communities together across London.

“Our colleagues are always keen to get involved with the local community, as we have done with various fundraisers and activities throughout the year.”

Leyland SDM has become a recognisable and trusted decorating and DIY retail brand in central London with 32 stores in some of the capital’s most prominent locations, including Battersea, Camden, Clapham, Hackney and London Bridge. www.leylandsdm.co.uk

Father and daughter, Rob and Rebecca Jeffreys, are both painters and decorators with Ian Williams Rebecca joined as an apprentice, recommended by her dad.

PAPERHANGERS RECOGNISED AT PDA GALA DINNER

THE WINNERS OF a gruelling six-hour wallpaper hanging challenge have been presented with their awards at the PDA Gala Dinner in November.

The PDA’s annual Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition challenges Level One and Level Two apprentices to showcase their talent each year. In total, 16 apprentices from across the UK, took part in the competition, which was held at Doncaster College in June.

Judged by PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie, and Melanie Adams, Head of Wallpaper at competition sponsor Brewers Decorator Centres, the Paperhanger competition tasked apprentices with a specific wallpaper design created to test their precision, timing and skill over six hours.

Neil was joined by Dave Hope, National Sales Development Manager at Brewers to present the awards at the Gala Dinner held at Stratford Manor Hotel in Warwickshire.

Senior Winner of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year 2022 was Rebecca Mackinnon, an apprentice at Neil Mackay & Co Ltd, who attends UHI Inverness Rebecca returned in the senior category after being runner-up in the Junior category last year.

Senior runner-up was Cameron Bonthron, an apprentice with Axis Europe who is studying at North Kent College

The winner of the Junior category was Jade Oakes, who attends Riverside College, Widnes & Runcorn, and is an apprentice at Ciaran Rooney Painting and Decorating Harry Davies, 19, from Bradford was named runner-up in the Junior category. Harry is a student at Leeds College of Building and employed at LDC Decorating Contractors in Halifax.

Calib Dyson from Wardle near Leeds works as a sub-contractor after completing his studies at Leeds College of Building in June, and was presented with the CEO Achievement and Recognition Award.

Neil Ogilvie said, “Our Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition is really valued by the young people who take part. It was fantastic to see the apprentices take on the challenge with such enthusiasm and help each other out, even though they were in a competitive setting.

“They all demonstrated great respect for each other and a commitment to their craft, which was a credit to them, their employers and their colleges.

“The competition is sponsored by Brewers Decorator Centres and it is their generous and continued support that allows us to host this vital opportunity for people entering the industry. I am delighted that we have been able to celebrate their success at the PDA’s annual Gala Dinner.”

Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year winners (L-R): Jade Oakes (Junior winner), Rebecca Mackinnon (Senior winner), Harry Davies (Junior runner up), Calib Dyson (Achievement and Commendation Award), Cameron Bonthron (Senior runner up).

Senior Winner Rebecca Mackinnon, and Junior Winner Jade Oakes (right) during the competition in June

Association (CECA), and other accreditation bodies and industry experts, the Common Assessment Standard is a leading accreditation programme that's recognised industry-wide. It replaces multiple assessment schemes with one comprehensive industry-agreed questionnaire based on existing prequalification questionnaires, including PAS 91

As well as streamlining what was a complex, costly and repetitive system, the Common Assessment Standard helps organisations demonstrate regulatory compliance across 13 key areas of risk management including criteria such as sustainability, diversity, equality and inclusion and modern slavery.

The Common Assessment Standard was launched in 2019, at which time CHAS became the first assessment body to offer the scheme. CHAS has now assessed thousands of contractors to the standard via CHAS Elite, the most well-recognised accreditation of the Common Assessment Standard

Data sharing milestone

A key milestone in the rollout of the scheme that has accelerated its adoption was the introduction of a data sharing agreement in 2021. The agreement means the details of everyone who passes the assessment can be accessed via any of the providers, regardless of which assessment body carries out the audit.

For CHAS contractors, this means they only need to complete the Common Assessment Standard once a year via CHAS's intuitive, easy-to-use, online contractor portal to qualify for a wide range of work rather than having to sign up to multiple schemes, saving time and money.

Meanwhile, clients looking for pre-qualified contractors simply specify the Common Assessment Standard to find contractors accredited to a single, consistent industry agreed standard. Clients can access a database of these contractors via the services of any of the assessment bodies, such as the free CHAS Client Portal.

Who specifies the Common Assessment Standard?

The Common Assessment Standard has rapidly become the elite standard for prequalification, with multiple major contractors now specifying the scheme.

Within the public sector, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has asked for contractors appointed to its seven-year framework to assess their supply chains using the Common Assessment Standard for some time. Meanwhile, an update to Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 08/16 is expected to be issued before the end of the year which will advise that all Contracting Authorities in the public sector must consider assessing their supply chains using the CAS.

An up-to-date list of who specifies the Common Assessment Standard can be found on the Build UK website and includes Balfour Beatty, Kier, HS2, Skanska and Wates

Qualifying for CAS with CHAS Elite

It's no surprise that so many contractors have chosen to take the Common Assessment Standard with CHAS. As well as being the founder of third party accreditation and a trusted authority on supply chain risk management, CHAS is renowned for providing a friendly and efficient service and high customer satisfaction levels.

CHAS contractors receive additional benefits such as access to discounted e-learning resources and free legal advice, 20% discount with Speedy Hire, free-of-charge TradePoint cards and discounted membership to

Checkatrade. CHAS is also committed to helping contractors who are not yet ready to complete the Common Assessment Standard to work towards higher levels of accreditation.

When should you take the

Common Assessment Standard ?

Now is the time to take the Common Assessment Standard for contractors of all sizes, as we are rapidly moving towards a situation where you won't be able to win work without it.

There are two levels of certification, desktop and site based. Companies apply to CHAS for the certification level appropriate for their business based on factors including trade, size and the requirements of their clients. For companies that employ fewer than 10 employees and have a turnover below £1.8 million or a balance sheet totalling less than £1.8 million, the assessment standards will be applied proportionately.

Finding out more

THE PDA HAS a very useful eBook guide from CHAS on the Common Assessment Standard, the new industry standard for risk management in construction and related sectors. Find it in the PDA Members’ Hub at https://tinyurl.com/CHASGuideToCas

DEVELOPED BY BUILD UK, Civil Engineering Contractors

CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon outlines how adoption of the Common Assessment Standard has gathered pace since its rollout in 2019 and explains why now is the time for contractors who haven't yet taken the assessment to embrace the scheme...

PURDY ANNOUNCE TOP MENTORS FOR 2022

PURDY HAS CROWNED two winners for this year’s Mentor of the Year competition. Mark Mitchell of UHI Inverness was awarded Lecturer Mentor of the Year, while William Wilson of Broadie Decorators was awarded Painter & Decorator Mentor of the Year. Both were awarded £1000 prize money, with runners-up Trevor Fuller of Lighthouse Decorators, and Andy Ritchie of Newcastle College, presented with cheques for £500. Their nominators will also receive a bundle of Purdy goodies.

Purdy’s Mentor of the Year competition is in its second year, giving apprentices and those learning the trade the chance to thank the people that are having a positive influence on them and their education.

This year once again saw a high calibre of entries, and judges Phil Warwick of CITB, Neil Ogilvie of the PDA, and Rob Davies of Purdy felt that the two winners had gone above and beyond to instil their skills and knowledge in the next generation of professional painters and decorators.

This year’s entries were of such a high standard that Purdy introduced two Highly Commended certificates. These were awarded to Garry Johnson-Crabtree of Leeds College of Building in the lecturer category, and Dean Thorpe of D&K Decorating in the professional decorator category.

Rob Davies at Purdy said, “The second Purdy Mentor of the Year has been a great success! The entries were

of such a high standard and it is great to see how the next generation of painters and decorators are being mentored in terms of the skills of knowledge. We would like to say a huge congratulations to the winners, runnerups and the highly commended and a big thank you to everyone involved.

Mentor of the Year 2022: Painter & Decorator

Nominated by Paul Wilson, William Wilson was instrumental in helping Paul have the skills and confidence to start venturing out by himself after a difficult year.

William said, “I was so pleased just to be nominated, but to actually win has been incredibly humbling. Younger people and apprentices need someone to look up to and they need to be taught properly. I want to make sure that they are never worried to ask questions.”

Runner-up of Painter & Decorator Mentor of the Year, Trevor Fuller, was nominated by his son Mark Fuller. He has been a huge influence in Mark ’s career, instilling the importance of always going above and beyond for customers. Mark is very thankful for the opportunity his Dad has provided him with.

Mentor of the Year 2022: Lecturer

After being a runner-up in last year’s awards, this year Mark Mitchell was nominated an impressive eight times. He was nominated for his commitment and passion to ensuring his students strive to always achieve the highest level of workmanship, and is incredibly proud when he sees students go through college and then set up their own business.

Mark commented, “Most painters and decorators are in their 50s or 60s, if we don’t mentor the next generations and pass our knowledge on to them, the industry will suffer. With Mentor of the Year, Purdy has recognised this.

“I am incredibly proud to have won Mentor of the Year this year, and so pleased to be able to donate the prize money to Prostate Cancer UK in memory of my friend and colleague Alan Duncan, who passed away in 2019 after battling prostate cancer for a number of years and is sorely missed”.

Runner-up, Andy Ritchie, was nominated by one of his students, Courtney Maddison, for being a huge inspiration and his encouragement of the students to participate in competitions.

Andy said, “I was so pleased to be nominated by one of my students, it is a real honour to be associated with such a great brand in the industry”.

Trevor said, “I'd like to thank Purdy for a fantastic day and for the award, which is indeed a great honour. To be recognised as a mentor on behalf of Purdy is a privilege. It's also reassuring to know that there's an organisation encouraging the next generation of painter decorators”.

The new and improved Valspar Trade range – it’s a real game changer.

Expertly formulated, our most advanced water-based formulations perform where it counts, with tests showing Valspar Trade rivals the leading trade brands for ease of application, coverage and durability.

We’re disrupting the status quo.

TRADE Insights

decorating, and a better planet...

Tell us a bit about Go!Paint

Go!Paint makes tools for professional painters and decorators that help them do their job faster, better and cleaner. We are part of Hildering Packaging, specialists in packaging for paints and chemicals since 1958, so we know a fair bit about paint and the global paint market.

We have direct lines with many end-users, decorators from around the world, who help us with feedback and ideas throughout the entire innovation process.

What’s the innovation in the range?

Next to the specific benefits that each product offers to the user, all our products bring the benefit of preventing both paint spillage and washing paint out. They also enable the user to do more work in less time and at a higher quality.

When you look at our range of Roll and Go Buckets and Trays you will see the distinctive, large rolling surfaces that make separate roller grids obsolete. The thin disposable liners of recycled plastics fit tightly and prevent the formation of paint flakes when you compare them with loose fitting plastic bags and separate roller grids.

They also reduce cleaning times to as little as a few seconds by removing the need to wash out of the Buckets and Trays.

What made you want to bring these to market?

It is a great joy to make products that are appreciated by the user because they make their work more comfortable and help them to do better job. But it is a double reward when the use of your products actually means a direct reduction of paint waste and pollution of water with paint.

What’s your ideal future look like for the P&D Sector?

That the P&D sector, painters and decorators, whether professional or DIY, wash not a single drop of paint down the sink anymore. This is important because it seriously contributes to microplastics in oceans and waterways, and hardly anybody seems to be aware of this.

I want paint to be appreciated again as the ideal conservational product, that it is by nature, and I hope in the future it will not be a pollution hazard anymore.

Jop Timmers Innovation Manager

Go!Paint

I am an industrial design engineer, specialised in sustainable innovation. I design products and packaging since 1998 and I am in the paint tool business with Go!Paint since 2011, although I have known and advised Go!Paint since around 2008. I have also been a part-time product design teacher at the Hague University and I was trained and accredited as a Cradle to Cradle design consultant, which has further opened my eyes for the need and opportunities of sustainable innovation.

Where are your products made?

We are very proud that the vast majority of our products are made in Holland and not somewhere far away. Also all the materials are sourced locally and are already recycled, so we prevent unnecessary shipping across the globe and we help reduce the pile of plastic waste by turning it into useful products again.

How do you connect with painters and decorators?

We are present at many trade shows in Europe, where we meet a huge amount of professional painters and decorators. It is absolutely fascinating to see the differences and similarities between local tradesman from different countries. Understanding the issues they encounter in their daily jobs is quite a challenge, and then developing solutions is an even bigger challenge.

Where can decorators find your products?

Crown, Johnstone’s, Fleetwood, Coleman Bros, Colourtrend and independents

www.go-paint.com

Jop Timmers from Go!Paint tells us about how the brand is focused on better

The Spray Kings

This property in Kenilworth was looking quite dated with the brown woodwork. Following preparation and timber repairs, everything was spray finished using a QTech QT290.

Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Satin was applied to timbers, Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield to the render, and uPVC elements were sprayed using Selemix Direct with a 30% tint.

Property Painters

This Brighton veranda was repaired before repainting the two sets of French doors, flooring, and the overhead canopy.

Rossbro Limited

PNG Decorators

Some very high end interior refurbishments completed in Highgate, London.

The new Bedforshire Police HQ, built with Willmott Dixon, was finished by Rossbro using Dulux Trade and Sika products.

lery

Darren Nunn Painting & Decorating

Using Graphenstone products, AmbientPrimer L42 to stabilise the walls, finished in AmbientPro+ breathable 98% lime base which absorbs C02 as it cures. Woodwork & Plinth finished in Benjamin Moore Aura Satin, with Aura Grand Entrance on the door.

On the Cover

G BORG @gborgdecorators

All walls were stripped of old dark wallpaper and sanded back with a Mirka Leros, woodwork was sanded back to remove old paint runs and for a good key for the following coats to be applied. Walls then were lined using 1200 grade paper, ceiling was sprayed before frieze and ceiling squares were picked out using Dulux Trade Diamond Matt in Egyptian Cotton. Walls were coated with six coats of Johnstone's Trade Perfect Matt in Apple A Day, due to common pigments. Woodwork was then finished in Johnstone’s Trade Satinwood in White, and finally the fire surround coated in Dulux Trade Ultra Grip Primer and finished in Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood.

MDS Painting & Decorating

The timber window frames of this home were modernised with help from three coats of Sadolin Superdec, and a skilled hand.

P&Dnews

AXUS MOVE TO NEW HQ

OVER THE LAST decade, Axus Decor has seen immense growth within the UK, Ireland and the USA. Since its initial launch in 2010, sales of the Axus Decor brand have gone from strength to strength, even during the challenging trading conditions we have recently faced.

Rapid growth has been made possible by several factors, including affordable, high-quality products, committed staff passionate about the brand, expert product knowledge, and the support of merchants. With such elements in place, success was inevitable, and Axus needed a location to facilitate rising demand better.

So last year, the company moved from its head office location in Mill Hill, London, to a large, purpose-built distribution centre in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. It has a state-of-the-art Moffett storage system, which uses the

latest automation technology to store and retrieve goods on pallets.

This has two significant advantages. First, it uses AI to optimise the location of products for faster picking and, ultimately, faster dispatch. Second, it eliminates the need for forklifts, so aisles don’t need to be as wide, and more of the building can be used for storage. It’s safer too.

Axus Close also houses contemporary office spaces, a board room that doubles as a showroom, a photography studio, and product testing rooms. Sales and marketing teams have been able to use the latter to get ‘hands-on’ with products, cementing their lead as category experts.

For many at Axus Decor, though, the most exciting new facility is a dedicated R&D zone that will undoubtedly lead to many creations in the next few years.

“It was a wonderful experience to be able to see the growth in this long established family business. From my first visit to the small London premises of almost 10 years ago, to see the progression and development of the company is great”, said Neil following his visit.

“The work and effort devoted to the new HQ and distribution centre is phenomenal. Well done to everyone involved in this huge project! It’s a real credit to them all.”

MIRKA GETS THE GOLD

MIRKA (UK) LTD has been awarded the Investors in People (IIP) Gold accreditation. The IIP practitioner praised the business’ excellent relationships with all its stakeholders, ensuring continued sustainability, aided by a strong management team that inspires its staff, and delivering high business standards and performance levels.

The IIP practitioner also highlighted the company culture that brings people together within the organisation, empowering them to make autonomous and trusted decisions, and its robust structure and policies that support staff in continuous professional development and upskilling.

Craig Daycock, managing director of Mirka (UK) Ltd says, “We are absolutely thrilled to be accredited with the Gold award from the IIP This recognition highlights how the sustained investment in the processes and structure to aid the development of our staff to support their customers and all our stakeholders has helped them grow both individually and as part of their team.

“The Mirka UK management team is committed to continuing to invest in these areas because we understand first-hand how continuous professional development benefits our customers and the business, and how it has made our staff feel empowered and trusted within the organisation.”

Axus Decor is grateful to each person that has been part of the journey, and those that continue to grow with Axus including the Painting and Decorating Association

The management team at Axus Decor were delighted to give CEO Neil Ogilvie a tour of their new home.

Neil with Minul Shah at the new Axus HQ in Biggleswade

The new Axus Head Office incorporates an automated warehouse, plus offices, showroom, hands on areas and R&D zone.

ONE MILLION CANS AND COUNTING

DULUX DECORATOR CENTRE has received a staggering one million paint cans under its can recycling scheme. Thanks to the initiative, DDC is improving the environmental efficiency of the industry one can at a time by reducing the amount of construction waste that ends up in landfill.

Dulux Decorator Centre’s free of charge can recycling scheme, in partnership with Veolia, makes it easy for tradespeople to dispose of empty paint cans in a responsible and suitable way. Professionals can arrange for cans to be collected from site or can return them to store themselves, depending on what is easier.

The Dulux Decorator Centre team will monitor customers’ recycling and send them a certificate each year to certify how many cans they have recycled as a percentage. This can then be used to showcase a best practice approach to improving environmental efficiency and reducing wasteand can even help to win new business.

Duncan Lochhead, Commercial Sustainability Manager at DDC said, “As a champion of sustainable building practices, Dulux Decorator Centre is incredibly proud to have received one million paint cans under its recycling scheme. With our customers’ help, we are striving to increase the empty can recycling rate significantly and reduce our impact on the environment. The construction of our built environment produces the largest waste stream by tonnage, and recycling paint cans is an easy way for the painting and decorating trade to do its bit and reduce this figure.

“Our can recycling scheme means that tradespeople can drop their empty products into us on their next visit. Also, if customers have partially full paint cans at the end of a job, we will work with them to donate it to good causes such as Community RePaint, a UK wide paint reuse network sponsored by Dulux, that aims to collect leftover paint and redistribute it at an affordable cost, so nothing goes to waste.”

Donald Macphail at Veolia UK said, “This is a great example of an industry coming together to make a real difference to improve recycling. To reach our net zero goals we must take every opportunity to cut climate changing carbon emissions. By recycling HDPE paint pots, up to 88% of the carbon emissions are saved compared with using virgin materials, and using recycled steel and tin saves around 60% of the emissions against extracting new resources. This is just the beginning of the

journey and I encourage all in the industry to utilise this service as together we can make a huge difference to deliver ecological transformation.”

Dulux Decorator Centre accepts a wide range of dry or empty metal or plastic paint cans including Dulux, Armstead, Dulux Woodcare, Cuprinol, Sikkens, and Hammerite. Cans that have contained emulsions, gloss paints, undercoats and primers, floor paints, exterior paints, and masonry paints, water-based or solventbased, can all be recycled under the scheme. Plastic cans are shredded, washed, and sent back into the plastics market, and metal is remelted into new steel and returned to the general market.

For more information about the scheme visit www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/can-recycling

BREWERS HELP OUT BREWERY!

THE BREWERS FOUNDATION were thrilled to be able to support Bristol’s first disability led brewery by donating 60 litres of paint to create a mural within the space.

PROPS is a small, local charity who support over 50 adults with learning disabilities across Bristol and South Gloucestershire through skills development, professional training and employment opportunities.

PROPS took over Tapestry Brewery this year and have dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy into transforming the brewery into a place the community can really benefit from. The brewery had a real industrial style that PROPS wanted to enhance with the creation of a mural to add some identity to the space. Working with local artist Zed, trainees helped to design and paint the mural which looks incredible!

“As a small, local charity every donation makes a huge difference, and you can see exactly where it goes by visiting any of our projects. With thanks to Brewers for providing paint and emulsion, we have just launched Bristol’s first disability-led brewery”, said Konna Beeson for PROPS “Tapestry Brewery by PROPS, like all our projects, is designed to train and employ adults with learning disabilities, breaking down the barriers they face in business and society from the ground up.”

To help raise awareness of the brewery and raise vital donations to continue growing post-Covid, PROPS is running an online raffle until 19 December with £1000’s worth of prizes up for grabs which have been kindly donated.

Donations raised from every ticket goes into developing projects just like Tapestry Brewery from the ground up, so please take part this Christmas!

www.peoplesfundraising.com/raffle/PROPS

BOOST FOR UK PAINT PRODUCTION

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS HAVE unveiled a major expansion of their Sheffield production facility, delivering a huge boost to the local economy. The expansion of the Chapeltown site represents a £10m investment, enabling the group to significantly ramp up production of Ronseal, Ronseal Trade, Geocel, Dow and Thompson

The expansion also involves moving production from Europe, with Chapeltown becoming the manufacturing base of leading paint brands Valspar and Valspar Trade Sherwin-Williams hosted a special unveiling event at the newly expanded facility, attended by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Sioned-Mair Richards.

Over three years in the making, the facility features two new manufacturing lines and one filling line, with more than 20 new jobs created in manufacturing, filling and packing, site logistics and support staff.

The investment will expand the capability of Sherwin Williams to service supply to the UK and Europe, while helping the company to reduce its carbon footprint by consolidating operations and reducing freight.

Jane Ryder, Vice President at Sherwin-Williams, said, “I am delighted to officially open our expanded production facility in Sheffield, which significantly increases our UK production capacity, creates new jobs, and reduces our carbon emissions. This investment is testament to the success of our operations in Sheffield and to the popularity of our brands in the UK and Europe.

“The expanded facility will play a vital role in driving our growth plan over the next 10 years, ensuring that our leading paint and woodcare brands continue to go from strength to strength.”

Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Sioned-Mair Richards, said, “Sheffield has a long and proud manufacturing history, so it is fantastic to see Sherwin-Williams expand its operations in the city, bringing new jobs and skills with it. This investment will help to grow our local economy and increase the manufacturing base of the region. It is my pleasure to open this expanded facility, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the Sheffield economy.”

SUPPORT FOR FAMILY FUN DAY

LOCAL

Mitie is one of the UK’s leading facilities management and professional services companies with over 30 years’ industry experience, trhe family fun day was organised for the residents of the Treverton Estate after the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea project came to an end.

Mitie reached out to a range of their suppliers to ask for their support with the fun day and Brewers were happy to help! £50 worth of vouchers, goody bags, mugs, water bottles, stationery and more were all donated to give away to the residents.

The event was a huge success and put a lot of smiles on people’s faces. It’s always a pleasure to be able to support our customers, and their customers too!

SALES DEVELOPMENT Manager Sara Parker wanted to support Mitie Property Services Ltd with a donation of Brewers vouchers and lots of Brewers goodies to give away at their family fun day.

THE PREFERRED PAINT OF THE EDEN PROJECT

GRAPHENSTONE UK HAS secured a new supply deal with the charity and visitor attraction, Eden Project. The collaboration is a direct result of both companies’ shared visions and ethos over the environmental impact materials can have. Under the terms of the new deal, Graphenstone will be the Eden Project’s official ‘preferred paint supplier’. With such huge demand in the UK for products that offer tangible and material health benefits, Graphenstone UK will undertake research studies linked to the wider benefits of its paint solutions at forthcoming new Eden Projects

Patrick Folkes, Founder of Graphenstone UK says, “We are thrilled to be on this exciting journey with the Eden Project, which I view as one of the true wonders of the world. We have worked hard to become one of the world's most certified sustainable paints companies, and our mission is to ultimately change how people think about and use paint.

Thanks to a combination of trusted minerals like lime and silicate, which work hand in hand with our 21st century Graphene technology, our high-quality and meaningful formulations are the perfect partner for Eden a true beacon of ecological and sustainable excellence.”

The majority of Graphenstone UK’s formulations comply with Building Standards such as BREEAM, WELL & LEED and hold one of the widest ranges of respected and recognised harm-free certifications on the market, such as Cradle to Cradle Gold, Global Green Tag, and their newest certification, the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold mark.

These independent certifications ensure the complete confidence of their client base thanks to the most rigorous, holistic and independent analysis of their products.

www.graphenstone.co.uk

HMG RECYCLE THE RECYCLING

HMG PAINTS HAS unveiled new packaging for their 2.5 litre and 5 litre water based range of products from the start of 2023. The new design utilises recycled content to manufacture the containers, and the process and materials used also mean the final container can be recycled too.

The new packaging also feature a new livery design for HMG’s range of water based and decorative products.

These new PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) containers have been a long-term project for HMG as the containers contribute to growing the circular economy, reduce impact on climate change, whilst

ONLINE CONTRACTOR SUPPORT SERVICE

A UNIQUE ONLINE platform that makes it easy to connect with national suppliers and gain the most competitive quote, or simply to ensure availability and choose the most local option, has been launched by The Build Chain. Through its easy-to-use dashboard, contractors can efficiently source quotes when hiring equipment and purchasing materials, tackling issues including price inflations, product availability, and the requirement to lower carbon emissions by choosing suppliers within a set radius of the project.

Matthew McClune (pictured left), co-founder and chief commercial officer of The Build Chain said, “Our online platform was created to fulfil what the industry needs and to solve a variety of longstanding industry issues. For instance, the difficulty of comparing and compliantly benchmarking quotes, as well as choosing a local supplier that will help everyone in the chain to meet net zero targets and support regional economies.

“The centralised digital dashboard stores information and correspondence in one location, ensuring no emails, phone calls, or paperwork are missed, as well as meaning all information can be archived for future use and reference.

“This is an opportunity for all contractors, irrespective of their business size, to embrace digitalisation and improve processes through collaboration. We have already partnered with a range of independent and national merchants pre launch, so the platform is ready to go. We’re confident contractors across the country will see the benefit immediately for a low subscription cost that will soon be recouped through an improved quotation process.”

The Build Chain is a subscription-based platform with packages starting from £50 per month, that allow users to select a monthly fee that suits their business needs. The platform does not charge commission, meaning complete transparency and no surprise fees.

This also results in no disruption to the procurement process for suppliers, or contractors. The platform’s live chat function gives users instant responses to queries, speeding up the process and ensuring a compliant process throughout.

Contractors submit enquiries through their dashboard and the software instantly matches their enquiries to suppliers who are filtered by distance from site and product offering, helping to meet social value and decarbonisation targets, whilst ensuring seamless connections between the contractor and suppliers.

As part of the service, users benefit from in-depth, data-driven reports, bespoke to their business as well as access to an ‘Expo’ section full of new product information and advice.

ellbeing is a buzzword at the moment, but who wouldn’t want to be a well being?

Rest is critical for physical and mental health, as well as our relationships, and it’s critical for the success of our business. In order to look after our business we need to make sure we’re not working in a way that harms our bodies or our minds...

The importance of active rest

heard the term active rest or active recovery. Doing vigorous physical activity every day means the body doesn’t have time to repair. Active rest means you’re still moving, still getting the blood flowing around the body and brain, but putting less stress on the body so it can repair from the high impact workouts or sports.

But active rest is a great idea for all of us, to look after both our physical and mental health. It means taking time out of our jobs and doing something else, not just sitting on the sofa gaming or watching telly.

What’s that got to do with decorating?

Being a decorator can not only be a physically demanding job, but also mentally demanding. There’s the stress of getting jobs done in time, of finding the next contract, of getting invoices paid on time, of dealing with stress when things don’t go to plan, maybe sometimes dealing with customers who are a bit of a pain in the butt. Sometimes we can feel like we have to always be on the ball, never shutting off.

When it all goes wrong

Most of us know people for whom it’s all got too much and they burn out, perhaps it’s happened to you. Sometimes we work so hard that tiredness results in a lapse in concentration, causing a serious accident that happened to me.

It’s all very well having a hard work ethic, but not when it comes to the cost of your health or relationships.

How to rest actively

It may seem counter-intuitive to ‘rest actively’, but doing it well is really refreshing. For people who are more extraverted and feel energised by being with people, it can involve hanging out with family or friends. For people who are more introverted and get revitalised by spending time alone, it may mean getting away from the hustle and bustle of life to recharge.

Active rest can involve properly resting your mind, whether that’s by meditation, gentle exercise, or spending time on your favourite hobby.

Spending time in nature is a really good way to rest actively. Going for a walk, or a holiday to a rural or seaside location. It’s been shown that spending just 11 minutes in green space has a positive physical effect on our brains. I had the idea for this article while taking the

dog for a walk at dusk. Just wondering what to write about made me think how useful just walking is. I was taking a break from work, but still being active, and here we are.

What are the benefits of active rest?

Not only can active rest give your body a break, and allow it to repair itself, but it can give your mind and emotions a rest, allowing you to recharge and even gain new perspectives.

Doing something active that doesn’t involve having to concentrate can give your mind a chance to consider your life and work. It can give you ideas to take your business forwards, or go in a different way.

Using active rest to work on your business

So many of us are caught in the hamster wheel of doing, doing, doing... Of working IN our businesses doing the day to day jobs, we often don’t make the time to work ON our business. Thinking about how can you work more intelligently? Are you doing the kind of work you enjoy? Who could you collaborate with?

No excuses - you need rest

It’s so easy to say that we haven’t got time for rest, we’ve got work commitments and family commitments, but not resting can have a negative effect on both work and personal lives.

Active rest is not about switching off, it’s about becoming refreshed. Yes, it’s important every day to have rest time and to sleep, but that’s giving your brain and body its necessary daily break. What we’re talking about is purposeful rest, reconnecting rest. Active rest is not about switching off, it’s about switching back on.

by Charlie Budd

Designer décor

The aim of the client was to turn her interior design vision into reality. Together with her husband, they had every surface in the house taken back and started from scratch, even changing the internal layout of the property.

We started the project by looking to seal all the new plaster work, and priming all of the MDF wall panelling and wardrobes. As the panelling and the wardrobes we not 100% finished when we arrived, we decided to tackle to walls, ceilings and other woodwork first.

After priming, we masked off the handrails, base rails and newel caps before spraying the spindles on the new staircase with Crown Trade Clean Extreme Acrylic Eggshell. The masked off parts of the staircase were then uncovered to be rubbed down with Osmo oil, providing a beautiful contrast to the painted spindles.

One big setback came along not long after first coats of paint went on the walls. All of the ground floor door linings had to be raised by a few inches, so we had to wait for the old ones to be removed, new ones installed and then the walls replastered.

Crown Trade Clean Extreme Matt was used throughout the property for the walls and ceilings, with some feature walls papered in various designs, all of which then had to be masked so we could work on the now completed wardrobes and panelling.

Working to a clients’ colour and design ideas can often lead to questionable results, but thankfully for PDA Member firm Mitten’s Decorating, the client just happened to be an interior designer. Lewis Mitten talks to us about the extensive work involved in transforming their Gloucestershire home...

Some of the extensive fitted furniture and panelling, primed, sanded and ready for the first coat.

Sanding between the two top coats to provide a super smooth finish.

All of the MDF was rubbed down with some 240 grit sandpaper, with the edges sealed using Zinsser B-I-N. We then rubbed it down again and the used wood filler along all the edges and pin holes before a third rubbing down with 320 grit.

A first coat of Tikkurila Helmi Primer undercoat was then sprayed on, allowing us to see where further filling and rubbing down was required.

After touch priming the filler, we then applied two coats of Tikkurila Helmi 30 top coat, with sanding between coats to give a flawless finish.

Despite the size of the project our aim was to have it completed within four weeks, but due to waiting for other trades it took much longer than expected, still, the decorating side did come in on budget

The client was very happy with our work and left these words on our TrustATrader account... “Lewis and his team were a pleasure to have in our home and took care to respect our property whilst working. He requested detailed information for each room, and sent a well presented spreadsheet formalising what was to be done and where.

“He worked hard and was always happy to come back to work on any snags as the job progressed. There were actually very few things that needed rectifying and he always responded immediately to any emails and texts.

We have no hesitation in recommending Lewis and his team and in fact have already done so to friends.”

Mitten's Decorating Ltd are Members of the PDA based in Cheltenham. You can call them on 07717212089 or visit their website www.mittdec.com

The newly installed staircase looks great, finished with both painted and oiled parts to create contrast.

Gold standard Entrance

Project management and forward planning were essential requirements for successfully redecorating the stairwell at Tapton Hall in Sheffield. Now a venue for weddings and events, the Hall has a long history...

Originally, Tapton Lodge was the home of the Mary Shore, grandparent of Florence Nightingale, but in 1855 the Sheffield steel master Edward Vickers acquired it and the Hall was built as a grander home on the site.

In 1965 the Sheffield Masonic Hall Company acquired the house and completely refurbished it in 1967 to serve as a venue and meeting place. Stuart Yates tells us about managing the project...

Sheffield Masonic Hall Company commissioned me to decorate the old house staircase. As the building was in use during the project, we had to work around corporate events, weddings and other functions which had already been booked into the schedule.

Initially, we had a three-week window to erect a birdcage scaffold and complete the first floor. The hallway had not been decorated since 1977, so there was a lot of preparation work before the redecoration.

We then dismantled the scaffolding to ensure everything was perfect for a wedding function, returning a few days later to complete the project over the next two weeks.

The colours were chosen from the PPG colour palette with attention given to the history of the building and enhancing the original colour scheme. All the mouldings were finished in Johnstone’s Trade Aquaguard before being picked out in gold. Polyvine provided the gold, and I was allowed to bring some design to the scheme to make the project stand out.

We applied Johnstone’s Trade Acrylic Durable Matt on all the walls, the balustrades were cleaned and finished in rose gold, and we coated the handrail in water-based satin varnish.

The project came in on budget, and the client was very happy to see the hallway restored to its former glory.

A birdcage scaffold was erected to access the high ceiling, where lot of work required an incredibly steady hand.

www.stuartyatesdecor.co.uk or call on 01246 203 562

Stuart Yates Decor is a Member of the PDA based in Chesterfield. You can visit their website at

Dominating

Restoration with great Care

Lenval unite traditional trades with modern materials and techniques, so turned to Repair Care’s sustainable products to assist in the restoration.

Karen Turp, Lenval’s Company Director said, “It started with one client and snowballed from there. We now have a team of 12 certified professionals working with us using Repair Care products.” Lenval’s role in the renovation was to carefully secure each of the 324 delicate hand blown opal glass pieces into the iron frame of each clock face. With their knowledge of Repair Care products, Limited selected the Dry Seal™ MP for the job, a revolutionary alternative to traditional linseed putty. Its elasticity properties mean it will not shrink over time, which is vital in the restoration and preservation of heritage work.

“This not only made the finish flawless, but saved time and cost as the contractors did not have to employ a team to meticulously paint the Dry Seal, and it could not have come at a better time as Covid brought the work to a grinding halt.”

Lenval Limited began their work in September 2019, due to the interruption of the pandemic the project was finally completed in April 2021.

Remarkably, when it was safe to recommence work onsite, Lenval completed each of the four clock dials in just six weeks.

Through a tightknit team and the best Repair Care product for the project, these highly skilled professionals did a praiseworthy job.

Lenval Limited has many more heritage projects lined up, Eton College being one of them, and with each new project comes the opportunity to select the best product for the job from Repair Care’s extensive range.

Karen concluded, “Each project we use Repair Care products on opens our minds to the different ways we can use them! You don’t know until you use them yourself and see the results. Repair Care has the best products, You can’t beat them!”

The working space inside the tower was quite tight.

The versatile glazing sealant is compatible with wood, metal, or double glazed sealed units, internal or external use, drying within two hours, and ready to be painted or stained. Before starting on the real thing, Lenval Limited wanted to test the precision of Dry Seal™ MP on an iron framework. Each piece of glass needed to be secured, with no trace of a shadow line. As it was not feasible to use the unique hand-blown opal glass pieces, Lenval engaged the skills of a local Blacksmith to create 324 iron templates identical to the opal glass.

“The mock-up demonstrated the unique and multi-purpose qualities of Dry Seal MP, but threw up another issue,” said Karen Turp, “Dry Seal is white, but the Elizabeth Tower iron frame was a unique shade of brown. We have a great relationship with Repair Care, and they were able to customise the colour for the project.

BECOME A TRAINED CONTRACTOR

the London skyline, is the iconic Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster. Constructed in the 19th century, the tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 and has been shrouded in scaffolding for some time since then whilst undergoing renovation. One of the many teams working hard behind the faces of the clock was Lenval Limited

Repair Care specially tinted the Dry Seal MP, eliminating the need to paint the repair work.

Features & Benefits

‘

Protractor - Mitre - Single Cut Angles

‘ Anodised CNC machined aluminium

‘ Perfect in the pocket at only 130g

‘ Laser precision cut scales

Trigjig AF4 Angle Finder

@trigjig www.trigjig.co.uk

There will always be cheap tools out there, but I’ve learned from experience to only invest in the best quality I can afford, because I know they will last!

As a multi-skilled tradesman, tools that make work easier get a thumbs up from me, is a company that designs and manufactures high quality precision tools using the AF4 Angle Finder has a 2” diameter face which integrates a protractor, mitre and single-cut angles, each with its own locating arrow.

It’s lightweight at just 130g, boasting 4” arms it fits perfectly in my Jobman work trouser holster pockets. This exceptional tool benefits from a durable blue and silver 15 micron anodisation and is made from CNC machined 6082T6 aluminium with a lifetime guarantee.

Hi-Vis Boot Socks

www.cleversocks.co.uk

As this is the Christmas edition, let’s talk socks! You may think a sock is a sock, but a lot of research and development has gone into these boot socks from JCB, and they do make a difference to your feet!

I’ve always complained about being able to feel the toe cap from inside safety boots or trainers, so I wear thicker socks... But this can lead to sweaty feet. JCB socks use unique Reactive™ Yarn Technology on the underside to keep feet dry as the moisture simply wicks away.

The ribbed leg and foot offer support, whilst the terry loop fabric throughout the sock gives added comfort and protection. The soft grip elastane aerobic cuff ensures a snug fit that doesn’t pinch my legs and stays put.

These black socks have high visibility detailing in either orange, blue and green, with one of each in the three-pack.

Features & Benefits

‘ Comfortable, warm and hardwearing

‘ Moisture wicking yarn

‘ Three pack with hi-vis detailing

www.u-scribejig.co.uk

Margin Marker is an incredible tool that simplifies marking margins, whether corner or straight. With clear, easy to read black scales in both metric and imperial, it’s fully adjustable and you simply lock the selected margin size into place.

I use it for setting margins for architraves and panel work, but it’s so useful for any jobs requiring repetitive, accurate marking. Small slotted grooves on each section's top and bottom allow to tool to click into place, and a black thumb lever locks the position position.

Features & Benefits

Up to 25mm / 1”

It fits easily into my pocket, and the hi-vis green makes it easy to find in my toolbox or van.

Little Giant Quad Pod

@littlegiantladderuk www.littlegiantladders.co.uk

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with Little Giant Ladders. They never sit still and keep innovating and improving their products and accessories.

The patent pending Quad Pod gives additional features to the King Kombo Ladder. It’s compatible with the Industrial and Professional models, and allows you to use your ladder on inside corners, outside corners, walls and studs with ease when in extension mode. Simply fit the Quad Pod, and the two tray compartments keep small bits and bobs close to hand. Various tool slots and holes enable me to have what I need to hand whilst working.

The Quad Pod benefits from two bright orange traction pads, which grip the surface while protecting it from damage. It's easily attached using a screwdriver and the four self tapping screws.

@rollinsgroup www.rollins.co.uk

Marshalltown Paint Cup is the ideal choice for smaller painting jobs when you don’t need a lot of paint. The Paint Cup easily holds 475ml, so it is great for stains, paints and primers. It boasts a comfy carry handle plus an integrated brush magnet that secures brushes up to 2”. It has an easy pour spout that directs paint back into the paint can when you’ve finished.

Made from blue solventresistant non-stick material, it’s effortless to clean out.

Muddy Recommends it

www.brewers.co.uk

Albany Durable Matt has received the Muddy Recommends accolade! Muddy readers were selected to take part in the product panel and rated Albany Durable Matt very highly when undertaking their projects. Albany Durable Matt is perfect for interior walls that are new or have been previously painted. Albany Durable Matt is 500 times stronger than standard vinyl matt emulsion, providing a tough, long lasting, matt finish that can be cleaned time and time again. Specifically designed for high traffic areas such as hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens, it can be knocked or scuffed without any worry due to its high scrubbability factor. It’s highly opaque, which means that you will achieve great coverage on the walls and can be applied easily by brush or roller.

A platform for professionals

/WernerLadderUK www.wernerco.co.uk

Werner launched its new Adjustable Height & Linking Pro Platform at this year’s National Painting and Decorating Show. This unique, lightweight and versatile aluminium platform offers a working height of up to 0.76m via 10 height adjustments, and the ability to connect two or more platforms for a longer working surface, with no tools required thanks to its Quick Link technology. The extra large 1.17m x 0.36m platform provides a broad standing space which allows the user plenty of room to manoeuvre safely while working, and thanks to the linking element, there is the ability to double, triple or even quadruple the working space. Wide feet offer stability and the height adjustability and non-marring plastic bumpers allow for the platform to be used on uneven ground and stairs, without damaging finished surfaces. The Adjustable Height & Linking Pro Platform has an impressive 136kg load capacity yet weighs less than 10kg, combined with the wide opening Easy-Grab handle and compact legs which fold completely flat, make it comfortable to carry in one hand and move from job to job.

Festool guarantees unlimited power with its new surface-restoration grinder, the RENOFIX RG 130 ECI is perfect for carpenters, painters, parquet flooring and floor layers. The brushless, extremely efficient EC-TEC motor, combined with the robust gearbox, guarantees an excellent service life. This also allows you to work reliably and with high efficiency, overheating and forced shutdowns are a thing of the past. If something should go wrong, the all-inclusive warranty will fully cover you with free repairs during the first three years. Depending on the material and requirement, the speed of the new surface-restoration grinder can be adjusted flexibly between 2200 and 6500 rpm.

Take a breather

www.alphasolway.com

The UK’s largest PPE manufacturer, Globus Group, has launched a new range of face masks to protect workers against extremely hazardous substances found in the workplace, including sawdust, engineered wood dust, and respirable silica dust. The new design provides improved comfort and fit to help encourage good PPE compliance. The range, from Alpha Solway, has been designed for superior fit and comfort for workers, especially those wearing the masks for long periods of time. The Alpha range comes with a range of changeable filters to protect against solid particulates, liquid particulates, gases, and vapours, and are suitable for use in a wide variety of industry settings. The masks are also the first Globus product range to be designed and manufactured entirely in the UK.

www.brewers.co.uk off the shelf

Harlequin has teamed up with Brewers and Wallpaperdirect to launch a bold and beautiful collection of wallpapers, exclusively recoloured to reveal new and exciting colour stories for AW22.

The Harlequin design studio, working in close collaboration with Brewers, has applied a fresh new colour palette to designs that have all been created and printed in the UK. From Kelapa’s large scale cheese plant leaf design in contemporary colourways to Koi’s painterly fish design in watery hues, the collection will appeal to a range of clients.

The Harlequin Edit features one book of 34 colourful wallpapers across 13 statement designs, available exclusively in Brewers Decorator Centres across the country.

Browse the sample book and order your free samples in your local Brewers Decorator Centre today.

The new and improved Valspar Trade range offers advanced water-based formulations that perform where it counts. Tests show that Valspar Trade rivals the leading trade brands on areas such as ease of application, coverage and durability, and with the introduction of Vinyl Matt and a new exterior range, their offer is now bigger and better than ever before...

Valspar Trade now covers even more

Part of the Sherwin-Williams family, Valspar Trade brings with it a long standing and rich heritage of high-quality paint products and a superior colour offer.

Its latest range has undergone rigorous ISO testing to prove it performs on the key areas important to the trade, such as application and splatter, coverage, scrubbability, stain resistance and overall appearance.

New packaging completes the re-vamp, with a vibrant look designed for easy product identification in store.

to extend the painting season into colder months. It’s also weather and dirt resistant, as well as showerproof in just 30 minutes. All exterior paints are available in either a ready mixed or tintable formula.

Moving indoors, in addition to the refreshed Tough Matt emulsion, the product of choice for superior durability, stain resistance and covering power, Valspar Trade is pleased to introduce Vinyl Matt to its interior walls and ceiling range. Providing high opacity, with up to 16m2 of coverage per litre, and low odour and VOCs, Vinyl Matt is available in five or ten litre tins in White.

Key product include Valspar Trade’s new exterior paint range: Masonry Smooth paint, Masonry Stabiliser and Exterior Direct to Wood and Metal paint. With its innovative SeasonFlex™ technology, Valspar Trade’s Masonry Smooth paint is able to be applied in temperatures as low as 2ºC, helping

Valspar Trade’s Wood and Metal paint range has been renamed to Acrylic Wood and Metal and has also been extended, with new wood and metal primers. Quick drying and providing strong adhesion, they’re ideal for achieving that perfect finish.

Quick

For

Economical,