The Decorator – February-March 2022 by Catherine Saint Publicity

THE

DECORATOR

The official journal of the Painting and Decorating Association • February-March 2022

Rodgers Decorating Services Ltd Private Residence, Stevenage See The Gallery for more!

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Dear Members, I trust my letter finds you all in good health and that your work is going well. Speaking to Members across the country, the general consensus is that most appear to be busy with

@TheDecoratorMag

order books looking promising. Let’s hope that the easing of restrictions means that the grip of Covid-19 is loosening a little. Please continue to check the regular updates and advice on our homepage.

/DecoratorMag

You will all have received your invitation to renew your Membership back in December. For those of you who have already paid in full, may I thank you for doing so. For those still to pay, could I urge you to do so

/TheDecoratorMag

by 28 February. Subscriptions are our key income stream that enable us to continue to support you and to improve our services and offer. Once Membership is renewed, you will receive your new legal card containing the unique token code enabling you to access the Markel Law business and support hub. It is worth noting that this Member benefit alone would cost £190 per annum were it to be purchased individually. For those who do pay in full by the end of February, you’ll be entered in our prize draw, with a Graco Ultramax hand-held airless spray machine as first prize in our prize draw. This is a really valuable piece of kit for any painting and decorating business. After two years of lockdowns, restrictions and worry, we

elsewhere in this issue... 4 Association News

wanted to give our Members the opportunity to enjoy a treat on us, so we also have three runners-up prizes to give away which allow each winner to choose an experience from a range of options from country manor hotel stays to a night glamping in a yurt, or activities such as zorbing, bungee jumping or scuba diving.

18 Members News

Finally on the topic of subscriptions, for any Member who may be having difficulty in paying their subscriptions due to financial constraints, please call our head office and speak with our Membership Services Manager, Denice Harper, who is happy to advise on alternative payment methods.

20 The Gallery

We recently welcomed judges from the Institute of Clerks of Works to shortlist the Trophy Awards entires, there were 87 received in total across the seven categories, the highest number for several years. Judges’ site visits will begin in February. May I wish the very best of luck to all those shortlisted. We

22 Environmental News

look forward to seeing you at Plasterers’ Hall, London on 7 July 2022. Our four apprentice competitions are now arranged. This year we will be visiting Accrington and Rosendale, Coventry, New Kent, and Doncaster Hub Colleges. The application forms are available on our website, so if your apprentice wants to demonstrate their talents and be one of the winners joining me on stage in London on 7 July, please submit the entry form as soon as possible, as the closing date is looming! Our new website is one year old this month. We have sent out a survey asking for your feedback on its usability, ease of navigation, and features. Any suggestions for future improvements to the site are all welcome, please do return the survey, the website and your profile page are your shop window for potential clients to find you and request a quotation. I do hope to be able to meet some of you, along with some of our Associate partners at our Activity Day on 19 May at Redditch Golf Club. You will have the chance to play on an 18-hole professional golf course, or, if that’s not for you, then we have a Paintballing Experience as an alternative. Full details and booking form are on page 16. So, until the next time, take care, Spring is only just around the corner! Here’s to a positive and busy 2022.

Neil Ogilvie Chief Executive neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

24 Better Business inc FAQ with Charlie Budd

26 Industry News 28 Health and Safety 30 Case studies 34 Tooltalk

with Wayne de Wet

36 Products and services

THE

DECORATOR

Painting & Decorating Association 32 Coton Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5TW Telephone: 024 7635 3776 e-mail: info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk web: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk Chief Executive Officer Neil Ogilvie neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

February-March 2022 — Volume 91 No 1 The Decorator is published by Catherine Saint Publicity on behalf of the Painting & Decorating Association

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

PDA Editorial Neil Ogilvie Telephone: 07796 942474 e-mail: neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.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.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

takeNOTICE

@thePDA facebook.com/thePDA

The latest news and updates about the PDA and wider issues across our industry. If you have something to contrubite email info@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

EARLY BIRD RENEWAL

PRIZE DRAW We’re giving PDA Members the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes in our Early Bird Renewal Prize Draw. Everyone who pays their subscription in full by 28 February 2022 will be entered into the early bird prize draw with a chance to win one of the following great giveaways: • Graco Ultramax Airless Handheld spray machine – Upgrade your kit with this great handheld spray machine from the choice brand Graco. • Two Nights Blissful Breaks Gift Box – A relaxed two-night stay for two people at a choice of hotels in the UK and Europe. From city breaks to rural retreats...You choose! • Glamping Breaks Gift Box – Relax and unwind in the great outdoors without compromising on luxury. Choose from over 25 locations across the UK. • Action & Adventure Gift Box – Choose from over 525 experiences across the UK, from surfing, supercar drives, bungee jumping, and more. An unforgettable experience awaits!

Thank you to all those of you who have already paid your 2022 renewal in full, you have automatically been entered into the prize draw!

Kindly supported by Graco Contractor Sprayers

GET CERTIFIED FOR LESS! Repair Care are not only market leaders in timber restorations and maintenance, they also aim to offer the full package from training to ongoing support. PDA Members receive a 30% discount on the Trained Contractor Repair Care certified training course, where you can get hands-on experience with the entire Repair Care product range. Training is valid for four years on successful completion of the course and gives you access to the Repair Care ten-year guarantee!

Simply quote promo code ‘PDA‘ on the training enquiry form at www.repair-care.co.uk/training/trained-contractor-course/

The PDA has been informed of the sad news that Geoff Noble of GE Noble Decorators passed away in 2021. Geoff Noble Decorators were a longstanding Member firm of the BDA and then the PDA having been established in 1963. After leaving school Geoff worked in a solicitor’s office but decided to switch careers and became an apprenticeship as a painter and decorator. His wife described him as a perfectionist who loved his work. Geoff enjoyed meeting others in the sector and looked forward to going to events and the head office in Harrogate and latterly Nuneaton. The PDA sends its condolences to his wife and family.

OBITUARY

Geoff Noble

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Next up in our series with Purdy, we would like to introduce PDA Member Anthony Wade and his apprentice Calib Dyson. Anthony and Calib recently took part in the Purdy Inspiring the Next Generation video series which looks to champion the professional decorator and inspire the next generation to take up a role in the industry...

CHAMPIONS OF QUALITY Anthony is now training his third apprentice Calib, shown here and below right demonstrating roller technique. WHEN HE LEFT school, Anthony decided to work alongside his father at his industrial cleaning business. At 18 years old Anthony took the leap to become self-employed and started his own cleaning business, working with estate agents to prepare properties for rental. When he was asked if he would like to expand his skillset and decorate the properties as well, Anthony jumped at the chance. Over time and with a lot of hard work, Anthony established himself as a professional and now owns his own painting and decorating company, Sprayform Painting and Decorating. Although it wasn’t the career path that he had originally planned to follow, Anthony has fallen in love with painting and decorating and is driven to inspire the next generation to take up a role in the industry. In fact, he is currently training up his third apprentice, Calib Dyson, who has been working with Anthony for over eight months. Over this time, Calib and has demonstrated a strong will to succeeded in the trade, as well as excellent personal skills with customers thanks to Anthony’s passion about instilling his knowledge and skills in those he teaches. Anthony ’s hard work and dedication to the industry has not gone unnoticed and he has picked up several national awards, including the Highly Commended award at Johnstone’s Painter of the Year 2002. Anthony was also highly commended at the PDA Trophy Awards in 2003 and received the commended award for small contracts at the Apprentice of the Year Awards in 2005. He even trained the Apprentice of the Year Supreme Winner in 2005 showing that hard work, determination and graft really does pay off.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Calib is now eight months into his apprenticeship with Sprayform.

www.sprayformpainting.co.uk Now, with extensive experience under his belt, Anthony has come to learn that to be a professional decorator you need to have people skills, confidence and attention to detail. Within this, he believes that having the right tools to hand is the key to achieving the best finish, particularly as every job is different. Anthony is a real advocate of combining spray, brush and roller on a project, and thinks that mastering all three disciplines and understanding the best fit for each, is where the real craft is. He is also a firm believer that a professional is only as good as their tools, which is why he champions the use of quality products. Anthony says, “Using cheaper products are detrimental to on site efficiency and the finish someone is able to achieve, especially when it comes to more intricate tasks like cutting in. “For frames and trim, I rely on Purdy’s 1.5” and 2” Sprig brushes, which feature unique thin filaments that help to apply the paint in a smooth motion with less drag for a flawless finish.” For cutting in sharp lines between the walls and ceiling, Anthony uses the 3” Purdy Pro Extra Monarch, “The brush’s high-quality means that it doesn’t lose bristles and has a longer life, offering a durable solution that I can rely on across projects.” Finally, when in need of a roller, Anthony looks to Purdy’s White Dove sleeve that uses the finest nylon fabric to deliver an ultra-smooth finish. What’s more, this roller holds more paint to improve efficiently and get the job done.

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A new way to mount items on to difficult to drill surfaces like glass and metal, the tesa Mounting for Pros range removes the need for conventional fixings such as nails and screws and reduces project time versus glue due to no drying time. tesa Mounting for Pros is the no dust, no noise and no hassle way to mount kitchen splashbacks, skirting boards, mirrors or ventilation grills, it is quick and easy and doesn’t require any extra equipment – just one roll of double-sided tape. Mounting has never been easier!

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You can see Anthony ’s video and more from the video series at www.purdy.co.uk/news-list/

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

e m o c l e WTO THE ASSOCIATION... www.valspartrade.co.uk FIRST LAUNCHED IN the UK in 2015, Valspar Trade brings a core range of water-based products to the painting and decorating industry. From Sherwin-Williams, the largest coatings’ manufacturer in the world, bringing with it a rich heritage alongside many other renowned brands including Purdy, Thompson’s and Ronseal, Valspar Trade’s advanced formulations deliver on all fronts, designed to achieve the perfect finish, every time. From walls and ceilings paint to primers, undercoats, wood and metal paint, decorators can be sure that they’ll find the right product for their needs, available exclusively at Tradepoint and B&Q. Offering superior covering power, excellent durability, no splatter and low VOCs, Valspar Trade products are there to help decorators work faster and more efficiently, with reduced prep time and less clean-up. They are also spray ready, with no need to water down for quick and easy application. When it comes to colour, Valspar Trade has it all, providing endless colour choices for the perfect job! Offering superior colour matching technology like no other, Valspar Trade promises to create and match any colour that the eye can see, from an unrivalled database of over 2.2 million options. To find the perfect colour scheme, customers can also choose from Europe’s biggest range of 2,000 pre-selected colours. Laura Hettenbach at Sherwin-Williams said, “We’re really excited for Valspar Trade to now be a part of the Painting and Decorating Association and are looking forward to continuing to support the incredible UK painting and decorating industry with our wide range of high-quality products.” For the right colour in the best-performing paint, visit www.valspartrade.co.uk or call into your local Tradepoint store to find out more. JOBMATE IS GAME-CHANGING business management software, providing small business owners with the digital power and tools that only large businesses can normally afford. For over 30 years, the founders of jobmate have seen the benefits enterprise software brings to large businesses. With careers that span various industries, in companies of all sizes, it became clear that due to complicated interfaces and high costs, smaller businesses were missing out. On a daily basis, small business owners face numerous pressures; competing for contracts,

responding to increasing customer demands, adhering to Covid requirements, ensuring compliance with HMRC Making Tax Digital (MTD) regulations... all whilst maintaining a work-life balance, maximising profits, and avoiding burnout. Developed specifically for the small business, jobmate is simple to use, affordable, and doesn’t cut corners in terms of features offered. The jobmate app works for established and growing businesses and makes it possible to work from any location, on any device. Preparing quotes, scheduling jobs, and raising invoices becomes quick and efficient. Building a database of suppliers and monitoring stock gives accurate visibility of costs. Managing employees and tracking job progress ensures the smooth running of day-to-day activities, whilst integrating with Xero and HMRC MTD aids compliance. The success of small businesses is at the core of jobmate’s mission as they look to support small business owners throughout their digital journey.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

WELCOME TO THE ASSOCIATION!

would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome all new Members to the PDA from the many different regions over the country. Our strength is based on the membership of the many firms like you, here's to a productive and successful 2022! Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive 10 Building Maintenance, West Sussex A L Decorating, West Yorkshire A Powell Decorating, Wiltshire A R Decorating Services, Somerset Acelux Limited, Essex Adam W Ford Painting Services, North Yorkshire Allied Decorating Ltd, Cambridgeshire Atmosphere Painting, Merseyside BCW Painting & Decorating, Cornwall Ben Smith Painting Services, West Sussex Bird Property Services, Hampshire Bristol South Decorating Ltd, Avon Brompton Cross Maintenance, London Caledonia Decorating Limited, Scotland Chroma Services Ltd, Northumberland Collins & Co Decor Ltd, Scotland Connolly Coatings, Derbyshire Conspicuous Interiors, Suffolk CPW Property Maintenance Ltd, Berkshire Crystal Paint Solutions, Scotland Dave Molyneux Professional, Co Durham David Murray Painting & Decorating, Nothamptonshire D L Painting, Kent DA Projects Interior Design, Cambridgeshire Damian Mruk Decorators Ltd, London Daniel Barrett Decorating, Kent DBS-Projects Ltd, Norfolk Decoleader Ltd, London Decor Hereford, Herefordshire Decor8andBuild, London Decorating By Lee, Middlesex Decorative Spray Solutions, Cheshire Devlin Decorating & Maintenance, Lincolnshire Dexterous Group, London DLF Domestic Services, Hampshire DS Decor NW Ltd, Manchester Ergo Construction, North Yorkshire Farbaworks, Surrey Fidelity Property Maintenance, London

Fresh Coat Limited, Lancashire Fresh Coat Painting & Decorating, West Yorkshire Freshstart Painters, Northumberland G D Painting and Decorating, Oxfordshire G Roberts Decorating, Cambridgeshire Geoff Bunce Painters & Decorators, West Sussex Gibney's Painters & Decorators, West Sussex GMDL Painter & Decorator, Merseyside Graham Airey Decorating, Cumbria Gray Painters Ltd, Scotland Halls Decorating & Painting, West Yorkshire Harrington Decorators, Herefordshire Hayesdec Painting & Decorating, Essex Hayley's Painting & Decorating, East Sussex HGC Decorators, West Yorkshire High Maintenance, Dorset Hometree, Hampshire Hugh L S Mcconnell, Scotland Hugo Painting Contractors Ltd, Derbyshire i-Decor, North Yorkshire Ian Oliver Painting & Decorating, Devon Image Decor Painting & Decoraintg, Worcestershire Imagine Wall Interiors, Cheshire Islandmagee Painting & Decorating, Northern Ireland J and J Decorating, Oxfordshire J B Decorating & Maintenance, Devon Jacques Painting & Decorating, Lancashire JB Decorating Services, Norfolk JBM Decorating, Suffolk Jessica Ball Decorations Ltd, West Yorkshire Jez Inwood Professional Decorator, Worcestershire JH Painting Decorating & Property Maintenance, Llandysul Jim Myers Painting & Decorating, Devon Jonathan & Co, Wiltshire JRM Painting & Decorating Ltd, Hertfordshire K B Decorating Services, Lincolnshire Karmly Decorators, West Midlands Kevin Locke & Co, Devon Kristjen Holden Painting & Decorating, Kent

L J Kelly Painting, South Yorkshire L R Shelton, Cambridgeshire Lincs Painting & Decorating, Lincolnshire M C Painters Ltd, Merseyside Matthew Harney Ltd, Cambridgeshire Meggaclean Ltd, Hertfordshire N Murray Decorating, Derbyshire Newtown Decor Ltd, Scotland Olte Property Maintenance Ltd, Derby Opal Painting & Decorating, Essex Paint Palette Decorating, Gloucestershire Painted by James, Lancashire Painters Force Ltd, Nottinghamshire Painters Nottingham Ltd, Nottinghamshire Painting Shades Decorating, Oxfordshire Perfect Homes, Suffolk Petersfield Property, Hampshire PJ Home Services (Bristol), Bristol PJZ Decor, Scotland Primus Maintenance (UK) Ltd, West Midlands PS Painting & Decorating, Co Durham R Mallon Quality Painting & Decorating, Manchester R Moulding & Co Salisbury Ltd, Wiltshire Richard Samuel Painting and Decorating, Hampshire Robert Williams, West Midlands Robertson Interiors, Scotland S M Wood Property Services, Essex SJC Decor, Wales SK Curran Painting and Decorating, Manchester SMD Decorators Ltd, Essex Sol Property Services, Yorkshire Steve Bailey Painter & Decorator, Lancashire Steves Handyman Services, Milton Keynes SFW Painters & Decorators, Scotland Taylors Decorating Services, Hampshire Ted Brindley Property Services, Northumberland The Art Deco Home Renovation Ltd, Nottinghamshire The Spray Kings, Warwickshire Tristan Stephens Design & Visualisation, Warwickshire WCM Painting & Decorating, Manchester Whitehouse Decor, Northern Ireland Will Duggan Decorating, Wales

NEW MEMBERS JOINING

The London Association of Master Decorators Busy Brush Painters & Decorators, London DPS Decorating Ltd, Essex H & S Decorating Specialists, Buckinghamshire Northwest Property Maintenance, London Renovart Ltd, London TMT Central Limited, London

ASSOCIATION NEWS

ADVICE for

our Members MANAGING CASHFLOW THE KEY TO BUSINESS SURVIVAL THE OFFICE OF the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) has welcomed the clarity provided by a report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on payment problems faced by small businesses. The current economic situation is causing increasingly difficult challenges for small businesses. Many are having to choose between paying their bills, in order to keep operating, and paying their own suppliers. Some may have further concerns, linked to Covid-19 staffing or supply chain issues are creating additional barriers to success.

The best way to make sure these businesses survive 2022 is to pay for their products and services as quickly as possible, and certainly within 30 days. If it has been agreed that payment will arrive on a certain day, it is critical for small businesses that the money arrives on that date. Managing cashflow is key to survival, and that means certainty as to when payments will be received.

The FSB has found that 30% of the firms in their survey are struggling to get paid. This is a challenging situation that is likely to get worse. The OSBC stands ready to help those firms. OSBC caseworkers can help resolve payment disputes between small firms and their bigger customers. The Office of the Small Business Commissioner was set up by government at the end of 2017, following growing concern about the amount of money owed to small businesses (those with fewer than 50 staff) by large business customers, the establishment of the OSBC saw steps taken to try to reduce this kind of business-to-business debt. www.smallbusinesscommissioner.gov.uk

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP

LEGAL EXPENSES POLICY ONE OF THE many benefits which comes with joining the PDA is free access to its Legal Expenses policy from insurer Markel, which provides up to £100,000 of cover for any one claim. Full details of the Markel policy are available to all Members on the PDA website, but some of the more commonly used areas of cover are Employment Disputes, Contracts for goods & services and Construction contractors disputes.

Sounds great! How does the policy work and how do I make a claim? The intention of the policy is to fund your legal costs in pursuing or defending your position, for example, maybe you have completed a job and not been paid in full as the client is questioning the quality of your work or maybe you’re having to let one of your employees go in contentious circumstances and need some guidance. There is a two phase process which has been agreed by the PDA and Markel, which must be followed when making a claim...

Find practical DIY templates and guidance, around topics such as employment and health and safety law, on the Law Hub. Get a token code from PDA Head Office and sign up for free on www.markellaw.co.uk/registration

Phase 1

Advice line only

Phase 2

Markel Law appoint solicitor Follow the advice laid out by Markel Law and try to reach a compromise with the other party. In some cases falling under ‘contract disputes’ the PDA may be called into mediate and suggest a compromise.

Contact the Markel Law advice line and talk them through the challenge you are facing.

If no agreement can be reached, Markel Law will assign your case to a solicitor to determine if there is a 51% or better chance of success. If there is not, you will be advised that your claim has been rejected and you may opt to seek the services of a solicitor privately.

Your case has met the 51% criteria and can be accepted. Markel will cover the Legal costs accrued up to a maximum of £100k. Please note that for claims falling under ‘contract disputes’, cover will only extend to cover the amount in dispute, i.e. if you are owed £10k by a difficult customer, the policy will only cover a maximum of £10k in costs to recover it. There may also be an excess to pay, which is detailed on the policy schedule.

Markel Law will assign a solicitor to your case to represent your best interests and defend your position.

Claim is settled.

You can get back to doing what you do best, taking comfort in the knowledge that you have saved you and your business potentially thousands of pounds in unnecessary legal costs!

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

CLAIMING MILEAGE WHEN YOU’RE SELF-EMPLOYED Whether to pick up supplies, drop off deliveries, see customers or make site visits to quote for jobs, each year many self-employed people rack up thousands of miles on UK roads while running their business. You may be self-employed and use your own vehicle to drive far fewer miles for business reasons, but even so, you should still claim your mileage allowance. After all, as well as fuel costs, business journeys help to cause wear and tear that can lead to expensive maintenance and repair bills. And, crucially, the more allowances and expenses you claim, the higher your self-employed earnings.

If you travel with someone else who also works for your business, as the driver, you can claim an additional 5p per mile for each extra passenger. So, if three of you travel together, you can claim 45p + 10p per mile (two x 5p per mile for the two additional passengers) for the first 10,000 miles, then 25p + 10p per mile thereafter. Need to know! Claiming mileage allowance doesn’t stop you claiming for other business travel expenses, such as train tickets and taxi rides. Parking tickets and toll fees while on business can also be claimed as a legitimate business expense.

What is mileage allowance?

When can’t mileage allowance be claimed?

If used for business, you may be able to claim a proportion of the actual total cost of buying and running your vehicle, including such things as insurance, repairs, servicing, fuel, etc. This option may or may not enable you to claim more. However, keeping track of every cost and working out the exact proportion of business use for your vehicle takes time and effort. Instead, many self-employed people claim mileage allowance, a flat-rate scheme that provides a much simpler way to claim back the cost of using your own vehicle for business. Mileage allowance is part of a range of ‘simplified expenses’ options that HMRC offers to self-employed people. They’re designed to make tax admin easier and quicker.

How much mileage allowance can you claim? If you’re self-employed, you can claim a mileage allowance of: • 45p per business mile travelled in a car or van for the first 10,000 miles and • 25p per business mile thereafter • 24p a mile if you use your motorbike for business journeys. If you use more than one of your vehicles for business, you don’t have to use the flat-rate mileage allowance option in all cases, you could claim the actual cost for some, and mileage allowance for others. However, once you start using the flat rate mileage allowance option for a vehicle you use for business, you cannot change.

You can’t claim mileage allowance for personal journeys, they must be made ‘wholly and exclusively for business purposes’. Neither can you claim mileage allowance for journeys to and from your usual place of work (ie your commercial business premises). You can claim for travel to a temporary workplace, for example, if you’re a plasterer who needs to travel to different sites and jobs. Simplified expense claims can’t be used for cars designed for commercial use, such black taxicabs or dual-control driving instructors’ cars. Limited companies cannot use simplified expenses either, as they’re only available to self-employed people. Need to know! You cannot claim simplified expenses for a vehicle you’ve already claimed capital allowances for or one you’ve included as an expense when you worked out your business profits. Where necessary, seek guidance from an accountant. Three example mileage allowance claims: 1 1,200 business miles in your car in a year 1,200 miles x 45p per mile £540 Annual mileage allowance £540 2 10,000 business miles in your van in a year 10,000 miles x 45p per mile £4,500 Annual mileage allowance £4,500 3 12,000 business miles in your car in a year 10,000 miles x 45p per mile £4,500 + 2,000 miles x 25p per mile £500 Annual mileage allowance £5,000

Income, expenses and tax submission all in one, GoSimpleTax will provide you with tips that could save you money on allowances and expenses you might have missed. The software submits directly to HMRC and is the solution for the self-employed painter and decorator, sole traders and anyone with income outside of PAYE, to file their self-assessment giving hints and tips on savings along the way. GoSimpleTax does all the calculations for you so there is no need for an accountant. Available on desktop or mobile application.

Working out your business mileage Logging your business mileage is a good idea, as it can make it far easier to later work out and claim your mileage allowance. Your claim is more likely to be accurate and credible if HMRC can see precise details of dates, miles travelled, journeys and reasons. HMRC can request proof during an investigation. It can be wise to get into the habit of recording details after every journey for which you plan to claim mileage allowance. Manually recording your business mileage takes more time and effort, while scraps of paper and notebooks can go missing, so it’s better to record and store your mileage details in a spreadsheet/software, with data stored safely online. Many apps have been created to help business owners track and record their business travel mileage (some even use GPS to automatically measure business mileage). Some self-employed business owners simply estimate their business mileage, by claiming for a percentage of their vehicle’s total annual mileage. So, if your car does 1,000 miles a month and you can show that half of that is for business use, you can claim mileage allowance of 6,000 miles a year (ie £2,700).

How to claim mileage allowance Good accounting software will do all of the hard work for you, saving you lots of time and hassle. Enter your business mileage and it calculates your allowance, which you then enter into your Self-Assessment tax return, and your tax liability is reduced as a result. If you use simplified expenses to claim mileage allowance, you cannot claim for motoring costs such as insurance, road tax or fuel, because these are accounted for within the mileage allowance. Need to know! Deliberately inflating your mileage allowance claim can lead to penalties. HMRC takes a very dim view of anyone who deliberately enters false information into tax returns.

For more information Visit government website www.Gov.uk to read Travel – mileage and fuel rates and allowances. There is also an online tool that enables you to check if simplified expenses could save your business money.

All PDA Members get 30% discount on GoSimpleTax – log into the Member’s area of the PDA website and navigate to Tax Advice, for a special link to GoSimpleTax!

www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk 14

ASSOCIATION NEWS

GOLF TROPHY +

Option 1 •Coffee and Bacon Rolls on arrival, 18 holes of golf or Paintballing. • Three course presentation dinner •One night at Abbey Hotel with breakfast and full use of health club Single Occupancy £160pp Double Occupancy £120pp Option 2 •As Option 1 but with NO accommodation

PAINTBALL

1 9 M AY 2 0 2 2 Join us at the Abbey Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort for our networking and activity day! The 18 hole golf course is suitable for all and you do not need a handicap certificate to play. Not into golf? Then come and join a team for paintball at the nearby UKPaintball in Redditch. After a fun day of activity we will be holding a presentation dinner at the Abbey Hotel, where discounted rooms are available if you wish to stay over! The venue is centrally located for all Members, Associate Partners, family and friends who would like to take part.

£65pp

Option 3 • Three course presentation dinner £35pp Option 4 •Extra night’s accommodation with breakfast Single Occupancy £95pp Double Occupancy £55pp

Activity Day 2022 19 MAY 2022 • BOOKING FORM Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

Please specify any special dietary requirements

.................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................

Name............................................................................................ Address ........................................................................................ ..................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................... Telephone ....................................................................................

To register your interest please contact yvonne@paintingdecoratingassoiation.co.uk by 19 March 2022 All payments must be paid prior to arrival – For prepayment please call the Abby Hotel on 01527 406600 opt 2 Any booking taken after the closing date will be subject to availability and must be paid in full at time of booking. Disclaimer: Any bookings cancelled after 31 March 2022 will have to be paid in full.

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

PDA APPRENTICE WINNER RECEIVES 25 YEAR SERVICE AWARD IW ACCOUNTS UP TO SCRATCH PDA MEMBER FIRM Ian Williams, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned property services companies, has released its Annual Accounts, declaring a profit of £1.1m on sales of £104m for the last extended financial year, despite the challenging economic environment created by the Covid-19 pandemic. This financial performance demonstrates the organisation’s strong financial standing and resilience, and is a testament to the adaptability and endeavour of the organisation’s many employees and the continued to support and commitment from its customers. Last year also marked 75 years of of trading, in recognition of this achievement their employees and supply chain partners undertook a major fundraising campaign to raise £75,000 for The Trussell Trust, a charity working to stop UK hunger and poverty. Ian Williams’ Managing Director, Andy Havard comments, “The last year has been difficult for all of us, and we are delighted to return a profit during these unprecedented times. Looking forward, our order book is at record levels and will support strong profitable growth into 2022 and beyond.”

THE PDA WAS delighted to read the news, that a 1997 Apprentice of Year is still achieving perfection, recently celebrating his 25th anniversary of work with the longstanding Member firm, Bagnalls. It really does show that commitment to excellence and apprenticeships give a great springboard for a lifetime career. Joe Moore joined Bagnalls on 16 September 1996, showing promise painter from the start by winning the PDA Apprentice of the Year competition in 1997. Joe has many fond memories of his years with the firm, but he recalls his most memorable job being Drake Circus in Plymouth, “This was the first big site I ran, managing 20 painters. The demanding project involved painting the new build shopping centre for Bovis Construction, and took nine months to complete and working away from home.”

Joe in 1997, being awarded the PDA’s Apprentice of the Year title.

Joe Moore (right) receives a commemorative watch at a special presentation from Bagnalls Chief Executive Stephen Bagnall. During this project, Joe improved his knowledge of site meetings and developed his skills in site supervision and decision making. When asked why Joe has stayed so long with Bagnalls he said, “That’s an easy answer, Bagnalls is a great company, and to be honest, I enjoy getting in my van each morning and going to work as every job and place is so different.” It’s decortors like Joe who help to inspire the next generation and he advises, “When young people want to get into painting, I tell them... The first thing is to enjoy what you do, and the second thing is to listen to your supervisor’s advice and try your best to learn from their experience.” Congratulations Joe!

SOMETIMES IT’S GOOD TO GO ROUND IN CIRCLES By Simon Turner, Campaign Manager for the Driving for Better Business programme

Benchmarking sits as the primary entry point to this process. By allowing organisations to see how they fare when key metrics are set against the performance of their peers, it becomes clear how they stack up against both a user average benchmark as well as a good practice benchmark. You should be looking to calculate and monitor over time the following calculations: • Incidents per million miles • Average cost per incident • Average incident cost per vehicle • Average maintenance cost per mile • Average maintenance cost per vehicle • Average fuel cost per mile

IT’S NOT ALWAYS obvious where to start with managing driver risk. After all, there are so many different areas that need to be tackled, and how do we know whether what we’re doing is good or bad, or whether we have any glaring gaps. It’s easy to feel like we’re just going round in circles. There is a simple (circular!) process that can help you, based around four easy-to-understand steps...

Gap Analysis involves a deep dive into your current policies and processes to highlight the areas that could deliver the required improvements to raise the organisation’s benchmarking scores. You should be looking to identify all the things that well run fleets do, not just the legally required stuff, but the good practice management systems that deliver the higher levels of performance. As a minimum you should be looking at how the company manages driver risk and then in detail at the processes you have for managing drivers, vehicles, and journeys.

Action means, how do we implement those new processes effectively? The resources on the Driving for Better Business website include tools, guides, advice, and examples of good practice. As well as information to help managers, one of the best new features is a whole section of resources dedicated to driver knowledge, including downloads, weblinks and videos that can be shared with your drivers to raise awareness of important issues. Having implemented the improvements and given them time to bed in, it’s time to return to the start of the circle and ask the final question, “How big was the improvement?” thus starting the process again. This process will help you to: • Clearly compare your performance to others. • See where your priorities should be. For a wealth • Confidently implement improvements programme • Clearly see how well they worked

So, while you’ll still be going round in circles at least they’ll be productive circles, and you’ll be doing it with the expectation that you and your fleet will be performing a little bit better each time around.

of free online tools and resources, join the free at www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com

Do you have what it take s?

PAPERHANGER 2 0 2 2

APPRENTICE

ON I N A S S O C I AT I

WITH

7 June 2022

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

G.BORG Fresh and existing plaster was smoothed with a Mirka Leros sander, then mist coated where needed, and painted in Dulux Trade Diamond Matt.

gal

The

The entire staircase was new bare wood. after knotting, filling and built-up with primer, two coats of Dulux Trade Black Eggshell finished it off, along with the front door. Frames and skirtings painted with Dulux Trade Satinwood in White.

AJM Decorating Ltd Working with Val Dunn Interior Design, AJM worked over many months on transforming Applegarth Villa, applying vibrant colours, wallpapers in communal areas, suites and bedrooms.

DA Projects Interior Design This house in Buckhurst Hill had been stripped of all original Victorian features. This is David’s interpretation of restoring the original ambiance for modern living...

Lady Decorators Hampshire This newly installed bespoke shelving and fire surround was first prepped with Toupret Fine Surface Filler to smooth joints, Zinsser B-I-N for knots and primed with Caparol Haftprimer. Top coats were sprayed with Dulux Diamond Satinwood.

WANT TO SHOW OFF YOUR HARD WORK? Enter now for free! For your chance to win £100 of vouchers from Brewers and feature on our front cover, send in your pictures to thegallery@the-decorator.co.uk For use in the magazine and to be considered for the cover, we need high resolution, clear images.

lery

On the Cover Rodgers Decorating Services Ltd @rdsdecoratingltd

David Butterfill Decorating With a brief to lighten the room, units were primed with Tikkurila Otex Akva and finished with Helmi 30 in Sea Smoke. Walls were painted with Tikkurila Anti-Reflex, Optiva 3 for the ceiling and Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood on woodwork.

Neil Bailey Decorating One of the biggest challenges on this job was application of Ebony woodstain on the stairs with a light cream carpet remaining in place, thank goodness for quality tape these days!

This former rental property was completely renovated and redecorated prior to being put up for sale. The majority of trims, and a number of furniture items were sprayed with a TriTech T5 using Sayerlack and Johnstone’s Aqua Guard. Johnstone’s Perfect Matt was used for ceilings and walls, all applied by brush and roller, with feature wallpapers from an online photo wall retailer.

£100 of vouchers from Brewers are now on the way to Rodgers Decorating Services Ltd for their winning Gallery entry!

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS

UK’S PAINT STASH POSES SUSTAINABILITY CRISIS HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS THE UK are stockpiling enough paint to coat the Forth Rail Bridge 212 times, posing major sustainability and environmental issues, as revealed by new research from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Despite spoiling in a matter of months if stored incorrectly, 73% of UK adults have admitted to stashing away pots of unused or partially used decorating paint, 43% of which is more than three years old. What many may not know is, paint contains hidden chemicals called polymers in liquid formulations (PLFs). These are often made from fossil sources and are important ingredients needed to help paint stick to walls. Despite containing huge quantities of these specialist ingredients created using non-renewable resources, nearly all (98%) of the UK’s waste paint is either burnt or sent to landfill. Indeed, only just over a quarter of UK adults said they have recycled paint they no longer need, and 67% don’t know if their local recycling facility will allow them to recycle

The Royal Society of Chemistry is calling for: • Government and local authorities to provide more support to paint recycling and reuse initiatives, such as BCF’s PaintCare programme, making it easier for consumers to recycle paints no matter where they live

decorating paint. However, 82% of those surveyed said they probably would use a recycling facility if they had • Government to directly invest in research confidence leftover paint could be recycled. programmes for sustainable alternatives for To help combat this issue, the RSC, which has Polymers in Liquid Formulations convened a task force to make paint more sustainable, is calling for UK governments to provide better support • Consumers to reduce wastage of paints by to local reuse and recycling initiatives. Companies buying only what they need behind paint brands Dulux, Farrow and Ball, • Consumers to write to their MP asking for Johnstone’s Paints and Ronseal are calling for change - further details can be found online government engagement with the British Coatings at www.rsc.li/paints Federation’s PaintCare blueprint for a national remanufacturing programme. Professor Tom Welton, President of the RSC, said, “We need more facilities and ways for people to be able to have found that most households have tins of paint recycle and reuse unwanted paint so it doesn’t go bad languishing in cupboards, sheds and garages, and that while sitting in a shed, or end up incinerated or in landfill.” consumers want to be able to recycle, they face a postcode When asked why they stockpiled unused paint, the RSC’s lottery, making it unnecessarily difficult to do the right thing. survey revealed 30% thought it a waste to just throw it “All this paint contains huge quantities of valuable away, while 73% said they were holding on to excess paint polymers, it’s unsustainable to waste such a commodity, in case it was needed for touch-ups or repainting. and we’re risking environmental damage through not Tom Bowtell, Chief Executive Officer of BCF, said, “Our re-using and recycling, so we’re urging consumers to own research echoes that of the RSC and estimates that 55 write to their MPs to help highlight this issue. million litres of waste decorative paint is generated in the UK “We need government to engage with us, provide better each year. Our PaintCare initiative sees this left-over paint support to circular economy initiatives and invest in a as a valuable resource and plans to recover and reuse it. sustainable future for the UK.” “Consumers and professional painters will be able to The BCF framework is predicted to increase the take their old paint to their local waste recycling centre percentage of leftover paint re-used, recycled, or or DIY outlet where it would be taken to a paint recycling re-manufactured from 2% today to 75% by 2030 – which factory for sorting, mixing and testing to make new paint represents 275 million litres of leftover paint. of the highest quality for re-selling. Celebrity decorator and TV presenter Linda Barker said, “It’s a closed loop system, paint made from paint. We “Decorating was a fabulous way for us to cope with will also develop sustainable ways to use paint not suitable lockdowns during the pandemic, but a direct result of that for remanufacture into new materials such as concrete.” is we’ve been left with an awful lot of unused paint. While In addition to the release of their report, the RSC has there are some organisations who offer recycling, convened an industry task force to plan a way forward to coverage across the UK is sporadic at best. make Polymers in Liquid Form more sustainable. Unilever, “We all have a responsibility to be more sustainable and BASF, Crown Paints, Croda, Afton Chemical and Scott there is already a huge trend for making more Bader are among the first to join the task force, with many environmentally friendly choices when buying paint, so other organisations across eight key industries including we know there is a willingness to do this. We urgently agriculture and cosmetics sharing their expertise.

Linda Barker helps out at Seagulls Reuse (see below). One paint recycling and reuse scheme that has been successful is Seagulls Reuse in Leeds. Started by friends Cat Hyde and Kate Moree in 2002, the social enterprise collects waste paint from local households before remixing it for sale at a low price, even recolouring for customer’s specific requirements. They set it up after discovering the environmental harm that can come from improperly disposed paint, and that there were few options to sustainably dispose of leftover paint in the UK. Pre-COVID, they prevented 350 tonnes of leftover paint going into landfill every year. Seagulls Reuse founder Cat Hyde said, “I don’t think awareness of paint recycling has moved much over the past 20 years. I think in Leeds, people know we’re here and there are schemes around the country that do similar things, but we need more. “We always say it’s better to bring in unused paint than let it go off, but even if paint has gone bad, it can be remade or recycled into other products. So please don’t just throw it in the bin!” It costs approximately £40-50k per year for Seagulls to dispose of unusable paint and Cat says schemes like theirs must be funded to address issues with stockpiling and waste going to landfill. “At the moment, it comes down to whether or not a local authority is prepared to pay for that waste. We’re very grateful for Leeds City Council for supporting our own scheme, but we need more initiatives like ours right across the country.”

Cat Hyde (left), with Linda Barker at the Seagulls Reuse depot in Leeds.

BETTER BUSINESS

How often have you given a quote to a potential customer for them to reply “What! How much?!” There may be several reasons: they’ve never had a decorator and have no idea of the cost, they don’t know how much prep might be involved, they’ve no idea how long it takes to do the job properly, they don’t know how much paints and other materials can cost… It goes on. The costs of doing the work and the perceived value of getting

with Charlie Budd

the work done are two very different things.

The Value and Costs of Outsourcing We all know there are a lot of ‘hidden’ costs of being a decorator; insurance, vehicle, equipment, clothing, materials, training, accountancy and bookkeeping, marketing, trade body subscriptions, bank fees, phone, tablet and computer, software, parking, stationery, lock-up or workshop rent, employees… and then, hopefully, your own profit. Whatever you’re charging as a day rate, plus project expenses, you must take all those costs into account.

Value To a customer, though, much of this may be largely irrelevant. They will have their budget, and it’s what they’re prepared to pay to get the job done. That’s the monetary value they’ve put on the job. Some of this perceived value may have been decided up front, but

But who do you outsource to in your business? I don’t just mean

you do have an opportunity to increase the perceived value in how you

taking on decorators for particular projects, I mean for all the other

communicate with them.

jobs you don’t want to do, or just can’t?

You can talk about your years of experience and problem-solving

That might include getting plumbers in to remove rads, chippies in

skills, you can mention the professional equipment you use to get a

to do carpentry, glaziers to repair windows. Some of those jobs you may

great finish; from dust extraction sanders, to top quality brushes, to

be able to do, but make sure you’re insured to do them. Sometimes it’s

sprayers, or just the right platform to get to that stairwell top corner.

best to get an expert in, freeing up your time to do what you’re best at.

Whether you like it or not, it’s a critical part of your job to get a

Outsourcing goes beyond getting other trades in though. I hate

customer to understand the value of all your professional experience

doing accounts and it’s taken such a weight off my mind to get all that

and professional equipment, the value of outsourcing to you.

done by a PA and an accountant. Yes, it costs me money, but it saves me not only time but also the stress and headspace of worrying about it.

Outsourcing

What else could you outsource? Maybe a new website? A new logo

When someone gets a decorator or contractor in, they’re outsourcing a project. They’re trading their money for your skills, time, equipment and experience. They’re saving themselves time, hassle, and risk.

and branding? Social media management and blog writing? You can spend more time doing what you’re good at, or more time with family, or on the golf course?

Want to know more? Find me on social media! Facebook Charlie Budd Twitter @charliebudd

Instagram @thetallphotographer LinkedIn Charles Budd

BETTER BUSINESS Arguably, the most key ingredient to any working relationship is trust. Clients are investing their time, money, and home into your hands, so feeling confident in your ability to deliver the outcome they’re dreaming of is vital to you both working together successfully and achieving the best possible outcome. Home renovation and design platform, Houzz.co.uk, shares five tips from their community of professionals to help you strengthen the bond with your clients...

CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS

Trust works Communicate professionally Timely and efficient communication is a must to ensure both parties are on the same page, plus open communication channels give your client an opportunity to ask questions about the process and voice their needs. Giving your clients this space will show that you genuinely care about their

Houzz Pro visual tools make easy to get clients excited about the end result and understand what you’re proposing.

concerns as well as their goals for the project. As the world becomes increasingly digital, homeowners

Set proper expectations

expect an elevated level of customer service. With marketing

Delivering on what you promise will be vital to a satisfactory outcome

and business management software Houzz Pro, you’re able to

for the project and a happy client at the end of it, but to be able to

share a dashboard with clients meaning they can access the

do this you must set clear expectations from the outset. Being honest

full communication history, read daily logs and follow along

with a client when you think their budget or timeline expectations

with the shared project timeline, at their own convenience.

are unrealistic, this can avoid upset later on down the line. By providing detailed estimates which show exactly where money is

Be transparent

being spent and an up-to-date project timeline, homeowners will feel like they are involved in the project and better understand the process.

Transparency has always been an important part of building trust in relationships, but when large sums of money are involved, it’s even more vital. Talking about budgets with clients can sometimes be challenging, but it’s important to

Respect each other’s time Being available for your clients shows them you value them, but

discuss this early on and be upfront about all costs involved. that doesn’t mean you are expected to drop everything the moment With professional-looking financial documents easily they contact you. You and your client are both busy, so being created within Houzz Pro, both parties know exactly what

respectful of each other’s time will go a long way to building a

to expect, plus the financial clarity that comes from clear trusting relationship. estimates and invoices greatly enhances the homeowners' You can let your client know when you are available with the experience. Your client will appreciate the effort you put into offering a simple and easy-to-understand financial

personalised booking link within Houzz Pro. When connected to your calendar, this will show the homeowner your availability, and

picture of the project. make it easy to book a time to speak. You will also both receive confirmation emails, an event on your calendars, and it’s easy for either party to reschedule.

Surpass their expectations Developing a reputation as a professional who always delivers exceptional customer service and results is one of the best ways to build strong relationships with clients. This doesn’t mean overselling your services or promising unrealistic results but instead setting clear and achievable expectations which you are able to deliver efficiently. Going above and beyond their expectations, being proactive and adding extra value to the service you are providing will solidify your integrity and commitment to the project.

www.houzz.co.uk/pro

SECTOR NEWS

P&Dnews BY YOUR SIDE FOR 100 YEARS CELEBRATING A CENTURY IN THE INDUSTRY LEYLAND IS CELEBRATING its 100th birthday this year, marking a century of being by the side of tradespeople and DIY consumers to help them get decorating jobs done with its range of trusted, quality paints. Starting in 1922 as Leyland Paints, the brand was one of the first manufacturers to pioneer the development of emulsion paints for the homeowner. The journey began with the launch of Leytex Water Paint, marking a major advance in paint technology which was quickly adopted by the trade and remains a bestseller today in the form of Super Leytex Matt. Throughout the century, the brand has grown to become a staple for decorating. In the 1960s it was awarded the prestigious By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen accreditation, and in 2009 was recognised as one of the UK’s leading business brands by the Superbrands organisation. Today, Leyland’s products are renowned for making decorating easy, with simple-to-understand products and packaging, and no-jargon marketing. From Leyland Trade Smart Matt, which makes use of the latest technologies to help tradespeople deliver a quality finish every

time, to the much-loved smooth masonry range Granocryl, for DIYers looking to spruce up their home exterior surfaces, there’s a product to make every decorating job a breeze. To celebrate this milestone achievement, Leyland will be launching a variety of unmissable promotions and initiatives for customers throughout the year via its stockists, as well as hosting a special birthday party in the summer with a chance to look back at everything the brand has achieved over the last century. Natasha Ram from Leyland said, “There’s no doubt that marking 100 years is an astonishing achievement for any brand, so we couldn’t be prouder, but it’s all down to the incredible support our customers have shown us throughout the years. We’re dedicated to making things easier by keeping our product ranges focused and simple, putting quality before quantity, and we’re grateful for the loyalty our customers have shown us in return over the past century. We look forward to celebrating with them throughout 2022, and here’s to the next 100 years!” To find out more about Leyland Trade or find your nearest stockist, visit www.leylandtrade.com

£4.4M INVESTMENT BRINGS NEW WAREHOUSE TO HULL

CROWN PAINTS HAS opened a new state-of-the-art raw material and packaging warehouse facility at its Hull manufacturing base. The warehouse, located at Crown Paints’ Sculcoates Lane site, is the result of a £4.4million investment by Crown Paints and creates an additional 4,265 square metres of storage space for raw materials and packaging. Members of Hull City Council joined Crown Paint’s manufacturing director Ellis Mudd at the official opening of the warehouse earlier this month. Crown Paints’ operation in Hull is the company’s major UK water-based paint production site. The new facility

enables the paint manufacturer to consolidate its operations from several older buildings into one modern facility, and in doing so allows Crown to repurpose the existing buildings to accommodate future growth. The building of the new warehouse underlines Crown’s commitment to its UK production operations, both at this site in Hull and its headquarters in Darwen, Lancashire. Councillor Daren Hale from Hull City Council said, “Crown Paints can trace its origins in the city to the early 19th century, it is therefore gratifying to see the continued investment in the site and in a business that continues to be a major employer in the city.”

Ellis Mudd, Manufacturing Director at Crown Paints, added, “The new Hull warehouse creates much needed additional storage space for raw materials and packaging, allowing us to increase our manufacturing output and improve efficiencies. The new modern infrastructure also includes over 500 solar panels and contributes significantly to our sustainability strategy. We will continue to make significant investments in our manufacturing capability as part of a commitment to the long-term future of our facilities.” Hull-based Hobson & Porter was the main contractor on the building and oversaw the construction project.

SECTOR NEWS

TRAINING SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN

BRANCHING INTO YORK

THE RECENT TRAINING survey conducted by The Painting and Decorating Association has highlighted demand for courses on wallpaper murals and spraying techniques. The results of the survey will be analysed in due course, but initial findings indicate smaller operatives would welcome a range of training courses delivered by the PDA, while larger contractors would access specific application techniques. Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive at the PDA said, “We regularly conduct surveys among our Members, as it helps us to identify issues such as training needs and consider how we can either provide training courses to meet those needs, or signpost our Members to suitable training providers. “We welcome the initial findings of the survey, which indicate an appetite across the sector for improving the range of products and services they offer and meeting demand from the consumer” www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Brewers have announced the highly anticipated Decorator Centre in York is now open! Located on the Clifton Moor Shopping Park, it stocks the finest brands and high-quality paint, wallpaper and woodcare products. Branch manager Sandra Holmes, and her team all look forward to welcoming you into store! In addition to the finest brands the store will also have in-store tinting facilities including Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Sanderson, Tor, Crown, Albany, Dulux, PPG and brand new to Brewers, Benjamin Moore. With thousands of colours to choose from including our bespoke colour matching service, choosing the perfect colour has never been easier. Brewers York will also feature a simple and secure lock box system that has been purposefully designed for the busy decorator. When ordering your goods, you'll be sent a code (unique to your order) by SMS so that you can access the box at a time that suits you. The store also delivers in and around York and Harrogate, which is free for account holders!

HEALTH AND SAFETY

CHAS, the supply chain risk management expert, highlights the issues that will affect construction supply chains in 2022.

issues affecting supply chains in

2022

The Building Safety Bill The Building Safety Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, is set to change how certain buildings are constructed, maintained and made safe. It will include regulatory reforms on fire safety and quality of construction products and will introduce a developer levy. Virtually everyone involved in the design, construction and management of higher-risk buildings will be affected.

New framework for Environmental protection

It is expected that the Bill will receive Royal Assent

The Environment Bill became the Environment Act 2021 when it received Royal Assent

between April and June 2022 with the provisions

on 9th November 2021, introducing a post-Brexit framework for environmental

coming into force in stages. The HSE will oversee the

governance, primarily in England. The Act paves the way for further laws and guidelines

new building safety regime and is already urging

such as legally binding targets around air pollution, biodiversity, water quality and waste

affected parties such as designers to prepare. For more

which will be defined in due course.

information, subscribe to the HSE’s free BSR eBulletin at https://tinyurl.com/HSEBSR

Businesses of all sizes can prepare by reviewing how they currently monitor and manage processes and ensuring environmental management remains high on their agenda.

Net Zero targets From October 2021, it became mandatory for all companies bidding for government contracts worth more than £5million pounds a year to commit to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Under the new rules, set out in Public Policy Note 06/21, in-scope organisations need to produce a carbon reduction plan detailing where their emissions come from and what environmental

Focus on Diversity & Inclusion

management measures they have in place.

With construction clients increasingly looking for evidence that

While some large companies already self-report Scope 1 (direct) and

contractors are proactive in this area, a progressive Diversity & Inclusion

Scope 2 (indirect owned) carbon emissions under the Streamlined

strategy will look to create a positive workplace environment where

Energy and Carbon Reporting regulations, the new targets require

everyone feels valued and people are treated as individuals according

them to go further. This includes committing to achieving Net Zero

to their needs. This may, for example, include making reasonable

by 2050 and reporting Scope 3 emissions such as business travel,

workplace adjustments to accommodate those with disabilities or those

employee commuting, transportation, distribution and waste.

that have different work/life commitments. To help companies improve their approach to Diversity & Inclusion, The Supply Chain Sustainability School offers a free Fairness,

The requirements currently only apply to government contracts, but they could become an advisory part of the Common Assessment Standard in 2022.

Inclusion & Respect toolkit at www.supplychainschool.co.uk/topics/fir/

The increase in digitalisation Digitalisation has been a slow burner for the construction industry, but according to McKinsey, Covid-19 was a turning point with 50% of companies surveyed saying they have increased investment in digital transformation to meet the demands of the next normal. Central to the construction industry’s digital transformation is Building Information Modelling (BIM), which offers digital modelling for all components of the construction process from tools, people and materials to mapping work areas, reducing defects and identifying health and safety hotspots. The ability to move the planning of build projects online allows a more collaborative way of working with stakeholders having access to data and documents from anywhere and at any time. Guidance on implementing BIM is available at www.ukbimframework.org

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The standardisation of Social Value The concept of social value has been around for a while but it is set to become more defined in 2022. Within construction, social value usually covers how a build can add value in terms of its wider social, economic, and environmental benefits, but there is growing demand for more consistent measurement of social value.

The skills shortage Figures from the Office for National Statistics show a record leap in job vacancies, estimated to be 1.2 million in September 2021, across all industries. The skills shortage has been a growing concern within construction due to workers reaching retirement age and not enough people entering the industry to replace them. Furthermore, the industry has seen a 42% decline in EU workers.

The Social Value Portal’s National Social Value Measurement Framework, also known as the National TOMS, provides a consistent method of reporting and measuring social value. Construction companies can find out more about how they can implement it in their business practices at

The skills shortage makes it even more critical that efforts to diversify the industry, and attract a wider range of people to construction roles pay off. It also reinforces the importance of looking after existing staff and contractors. In recent months CHAS has seen record use of the CHAS Jobs Board, a free resource that allows construction clients to quickly and easily find local accredited contractors. Find out more at www.chas.co.uk/blog/jobs-board-now-live/

www.socialvalueportal.com/national-toms/

Materials shortages The Department for Business and Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Monthly Statistic of Building and Components consistently showed month-on-month price rises throughout 2021. The Construction Leadership Council reported improvements in product supply in some areas, and the Timber Trade Federation are now receiving record-breaking timber imports; however, supplies are still likely to be under strain in 2022. A shortage of HGV drivers to deliver materials remains an issue, with take-up low for the government’s 10,500 visas for overseas lorry drivers. An FMB survey shows jobs are still being delayed as a result.

COVID-19 COVID-19 is still circulating, with outbreaks and the impact of new variants

difficult

predict.

Businesses will therefore need to remain COVID-secure and continue to manage the risks of the virus in 2022. Anyone who regularly employs contractors can access a database of companies who have completed a COVID-secure Statement of Best Practice for no charge via CHAS’s free Client Portal.

About CHAS CHAS is the UK’s leading provider of risk prevention,

Mental health

compliance and supply chain management services for

According to HSE, stress, depression, and anxiety remains the second highest

clients and contractors.

cause of work-related ill health within the construction industry. This can be

CHAS is an authority and trusted advisor on health and

driven by working environments that are pressured or dangerous, and embedded

safety compliance and responsible for setting industry

cultures that can struggle to promote openness. The potential for 2022 to foster

benchmarks. Their aims are to:

a job-seekers market means it’s more important than ever to look after staff and

• standardise and simplify health and safety assessment

their wellbeing, with careful consideration given to individual needs and

• support efficiently in managing supply chains

requirements to look after a potentially more diverse workforce. Something like

• deliver a full suite of supply chain management tools

a positive, flexible working strategy can offer workers a better work/life balance, impacting positive mental wellbeing and making businesses more attractive to potential employees. Construction-specific mental health training is available

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

from www.lighthouseclub.org

PDA Members get 20% off new CHAS Membership and 10% off renewals – For more information visit www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk/associate/chas 29

A restoration of pure folly

CASE STUDY

ainswick Rococo Garden is the UK’s only complete surviving rococo garden, a flamboyant 18th-century creation surrounding Painswick House. As part of the continuous restoration of the historical gardens, Barrington Decorators were asked to repair and restore The Eagle House. Aimée Hateley tells us all about this unusual project...

The first stage of this project was to survey the building in

Once all woodwork repairs had been completed and replacement

detail, so we could understand the extent of the works required.

sections installed, it was all primed with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus,

This included taking some sections away to be analysed in our workshop.

and then painted with HMG C71 Speedline in lime white, inside and out.

Once we felt we had a good understanding of the building, we then

This was selected for its durability properties, as the positioning of the

began to reproduce any sections that needed to be replaced. Although we would always aim to conserve rather than replace,

building is very exposed to the elements.

unfortunately four of the six turreted sections were completely unrepairable. These sections were remade to the exacting profiles (pictured on the next page), in both design and material, in advance of on-site works. Once scaffolding was erected, we were able to fully inspect the high spires and uncovered wide spread rot, which was completely removed and treated. Repairs were carried out using a combination of Repair Care Resin products and like-for-like splicing-in of replacement timber.

The distinctive red colour was based on this painting of the garden by Thomas Reading from 1748. Eagle House can be seen just to the right of Painswick House in the image above.

CASE STUDY

The six spires were all completely rotten (above left), so new ones were made off-site (right), along with new ornate facia boards (top right).

Repair and preparation works were carried out to the arch and leaded

The final outcome was just as hoped, and this important folly is now

windows, before our focus turned to the Lime render exterior and interior

restored so that people can visit and enjoy it for many more years to come.

walls. We adopted the approach of a ‘delicate and sympathetic touch’, as

We have since received such fantastic feedback, that we are so grateful

to not disturb the natural heritage charm of the building. Repairs were

for as it’s a treasured part of our English heritage, and discussions

carried out only where necessary, identifying loose and cracked sections.

are taking place to work on other restoration projects in the area.

Painting of the exterior render was applied by hand, requiring a total of eight coats, using pure bristle brushes in random fashion to create a natural and authentic finish. We mixed limewash with a combination of natural pigments onsite to create the distinctive red colour. This was based, as is the entire garden restoration, on the only surviving painting of the garden by Thomas Reading from 1748, thus keeping it historically accurate. After removing the previous coats of paint from the interior, a light shade of Teal was selected from the Auro emulsion range, based on what we uncovered during the preparation process. This means the lime rendered walls are now coated on both sides with a fully breathable paint system. It was vitally important that any works carried out, some of which were discovered mid-project and required a lot of reactive solutions, were done sympathetically and authentically to the original. The Garden was also open to the paying public whilst the works were being carried out, so we were fully on display. This meant a lot of chatting with people who were interested in the work going on at such a principle building, which we were more than happy to do, sharing our passion for this type of project and answering any questions that came our way. Due to the nature of these delicate restoration works, timescales were kept understandably open, however, the works in total took five weeks to complete, not including the decorative research and analysis we carried out prior to starting on-site.

Barrington Decorators Ltd are Members of the PDA based in Cheltenham. You can get in touch with them by calling 01242 460104 or visit their website at www.barringtondecorators.com

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Little Giant

Conquest All-Terrain Multi-Purpose Ladder @littlegiantladdersuk

www.littlegiantladders.co.uk

I have said this so many times, and I will repeat it... Investing in quality ladders is one of the best investments I’ve ever made. Feeling safe allows me to be more productive in my work, and of course, they last longer. The Little Giant Conquest All-Terrain Multi-Purpose Ladder is incredible. It takes ladder innovation to the next level... Manufactured using aircraft-grade aluminium, the ladder is incredibly tough and lightweight at 16.2kg with a maximum load of 150kg. You can use the ladder as a step ladder, staircase, extension, 90° plus trestle and plank scaffolding – even turn it into a pair of trestles with the optional brackets. The multi-swivel rubber feet (pictured left) are great on everyday flat surfaces, but you can simply flip them over to use the claw option with teeth that provide additional grip in all weather conditions and on soft ground. The orange stabiliser legs keep you safe on any terrain, providing excellent levelling features with adjustments to each side as they work independently. To use them, you simply squeeze the black adjusters to disengage the locking pins, and slide the bars to the level required. There are 12 preset locking pinholes and a parking dock hole to keep the stabilisers rigid to the ladder’s sides when not needed, transporting or storing. These orange stabiliser bars also act like outriggers providing additional safety and stability. It is easy to re-configure the ladder between modes with a press of the palm buttons, and the two black quick locks allow the stiles of the ladder to be adjusted to your chosen length. As a step ladder, it has an open depth of 1-1.6m and a height of 1.4-2.3m, to give an approximate working height of 3m. As an extension ladder, the extended length is 2.7m-4.6m, for an approximate working height of 5.1m. Although this ladder is light, moving it about is made even easier with the factory fitted tip and glide wheels. I really like how safely it locks together when transporting or in storage mode. This makes it very compact at only 23 x 61cm.

Features & Benefits

‘ Side-mounted levellers for use on uneven ground ‘ Rubber swivel feet with claw feature

‘ Rapid-Locks™ make adjustment quick and easy ‘ Heavy-wall military grade construction ‘ Tip & Glide wheels for easy transport

‘ 150kg work load capacity, EN131-4 compliant

RCCB Solutions Ltd

Back Box Repair Clip @backboxrepairclip

www.backboxrepairclip.co.uk

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve loosened electrical sockets and switches to enable me to paint or wallpaper, only to find right at the last moment when re-fixing them, the metal back box threaded lug is broken or cross threaded – it’s such a pain. Back Box Repair Clip provides the exact solution to the problem. Remove a small amount of plaster on the outside edge of the metal box, along with the affected part of the metal back box and clip in the replacement. Make sure you always turn electric off when loosening electrical fittings!!!

Features & Benefits

‘ Saves replacing metal back box

‘ Metal replacement threaded clip/lug ‘ Five pack

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

tool TALK

Products independently tested and reviewed by Award Winning Decorator, Wayne de Wet

Go!Paint

Bucket 38 @go_paint

www.go-paint.com

I’ve been a fan of Go!Paint innovative painting accessories for years, so I am pleased to share the news of their latest

Features & Benefits

offering, the Bucket 38 (scuttle).

‘ Flexible when dry

this version with all the smaller models’ benefits, but bigger!

It’s fantastic that they listened to feedback and produced

‘ Breathable

The bucket and pre-shaped liners are manufactured using

‘ 5mm filling max

100% recycled plastics, which is a positive step to looking

‘ Fine skim coating

after the planet. Not washing the bucket saves an incredible amount of water and reduces pollution. As the name suggests, Bucket 38 is suitable for rollers up

Toupret

Skim-Flex @toupretUK

www.toupret.co.uk

It’s said you’re only as good as your last job, the devil is in the detail! Preparation is essential for every job, so choosing the right products

to 38cm (15”) wide, so you can now use bigger frames and get the job finished faster, producing a bigger profit. The metal handle can latch into an upright position whilst carrying paint inside. A grab handle on the bucket edge also provides additional control when emptying paint, and a pouring lip directs flow easily in to the paint can or a kettle. The roll-off area has the perfect grid pattern which

that can be trusted and relied on is very important. Toupret manufacture exceptional quality products I have used for many years, so on the recent restoration of an art deco apartment, I specified Toupret

eliminates the normal buildup of paint you can get on other buckets, and the angle allows a complete roll of my roller.

Skim-Flex as this project had many re-appearing cracks, it was the perfect choice. The easy to apply, ready mixed, skim coat filler remains flexible when dry and is easy to sand. Skim-Flex has exceptional adhesion to old painted substrates, plus others such as tiles, glass plasterboard, cement, polystyrene, cork, gypsum and plaster. I used it to level and flatten all the walls and ceilings. These ceilings didn’t have any

Features & Benefits

‘ Recycled plastic pre-shaped disposable liners ‘ Angled roller grid for rollers up to 38cm (15’’) ‘ Tough & stable with metal carry handle

corners as they had sweeping curves from the walls in the art deco style! A short blast with my Cyklone mixing paddle made the product even easier to apply. It is over paintable with most paints except mineral paint - check if unsure!

ion One of each item reviewed in this edit le ilab of Tooltalk are ava to one lucky PDA Member! il to tooltalk@the-decorator.co.uk For your chance to win, send an ema orating. e Edwards of MDE Painting and Dec Well done to our most recent winner, Mik

Win it all! You can find Wayne on...

@ToolTalk1

@ToolTalk1 35

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

.co.uk www.brewers

off the shelf Benjamin Moore paint is now available online at Brewers. Every product has been designed with a specific purpose in mind, to serve a specific role, and deliver specific benefits, which is the secret to a wide range of products that deliver longevity, durability, and superior application properties. Ultra Spec Scuff-X is a revolutionary interior paint which has been specifically engineered to resist scuffing in the most demanding high traffic areas. Offering superior durability with easy application, Scuff-X is also available in a wide range of finishes to be able to achieve the desired look of your choice ranging from Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. Aura perfectly demonstrates Benjamin Moore’s commitment to colour and durability performance, providing the most advanced way to bring colour to life using their exclusive Colour Lock technology, bringing you a richer, truer colour. Aura paint also provides superlative coverage, even in the deepest shades and is available in Matte, Bath & Spa Matte and Eggshell finishes.

tool

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

Star prise www.paintcanopener.co.uk Open your paint cans easily, and much more, with these high-quality paint can openers made in Solingen, Germany. Offering up to eight functions, including ruler, spanner, and bottle opener, they should not be missing on any construction site or in a decorator’s pocket. They are exceptionally durable and long-lasting, and even come with the option to personalise them and make them unique.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

No such thing as a problem surface /toupretuk

@toupretuk

www.toupret.co.uk

Toupret has improved its Problem Surfaces collection with two versatile anti-damp products that can be applied on both interior and exterior walls. These two products further strengthen the choice of any professional for treating problem surfaces. Both are highly technical fillers that have the Toupret stamp of approval from painters, decorators, builders, and construction workers up and down the country. The class-leading Anti-Damp Render is a filler coating perfect for covering damp, porous and untreated masonry. The filler has been designed to prevent the deterioration of decorative coatings applied over it. It is moisture vapour permeable, so it provides a breathable skimcoat barrier. When used on exterior surfaces it acts as a damp-proof filler, blocking water from penetrating the substrate surface. When applied to interior walls it acts as a water barrier while still allowing water vapour to pass, letting substrates breathe. This makes it ideal for basements and garages where damp might be a problem. Anti-Damp Render is available in powder form in a 6kg bag. It can be applied as a skim-coat, with a trowel or a brush. Plus, it has a 1cm depth limit and a working time of three to four hours. It is ready to paint 24 to 48 hours after application. Also part of the anti-damp family is the Anti-Damp Treatment. Available in a 1kg tin, this solution acts as a moisture barrier that seals the substrate and blocks localised liquid in the wall. It comes as a loose ready-mixed filler and can be applied with either a brush or roller. Covering micro-cracks whilst targeting the damp, this Problem Surfaces product is also ready to paint in 24 hours and is versatile enough to be applied to both exterior and interior walls.

One Can “brilliant“ says pro decorator @braditepaints

www.bradite.com

FOLLOWING HIS FIRST use of Bradite’s One Can all-purpose primer and finisher, “I was gob-smacked,” admits professional decorator Tim Lane., “I used it on a plastic front door and frame. That was three years ago. And it looks like I’ve only just done it.” Boss of Northampton-based Tim Lane Decorating, Tim has been in the business for 24 years with a customer base of top-end private residences. He was first introduced to the Bradite product by local decorators’ merchants ADS soon after the new coating was launched. “I was looking for an alternative product. I had been using another leading brand for years but they changed the formulation of the primer and it didn’t work for me so I stopped using it for outside jobs.” He was always concerned that a product should demonstrate durability and, although admitting that One Can has only been available for a few years, he says that everything painted with it to date has lived up to Bradite’s claims for its toughness. “I was asked by a client to paint on old pair of gates”, he explains, “They hadn’t been touched for ten years, had a number of woodwork repairs and I thought ‘I don’t know if this will work’. But it has, the new paint could have been welded on, the adhesion is that good.” Tim adds, “The secret of decorating is all in the preparation. I’m an oil-based paint man myself, but water-based One Can, is brilliant. It rubs down like oil, it doesn’t roll, it flows nicely and there are no brush marks, which was a problem I noticed with a competitor’s product.” Tim has been using One Can Eggshell both internally and externally. The paint is also quick drying with a 30-minute drying time and is re-coatable in one hour. It covers a multitude of surfaces from uPVC, timber, concrete, fibreglass, ceramics and aged gloss paint, and has the ability to block and lock in stains. It is also available in a full range of NCS, BS and RAL colours. “I’m a person who takes an awful lot of convincing,” says Tim, but with Bradite One Can, he’s convinced!

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Level up to Lick Pro Home-decor brand, Lick, have launched a range designed for professional use /lickhome

@lick

www.lick.com/uk/pro

Lick has launched Lick Pro, a made-to-order model, designed with

decorators, to enjoy our high-quality paints, so entering the trade

professional decorators, designers and property experts in mind. The

market was a natural next step for us. We understand the necessary

high-quality paint, which is available at an exclusive trade price, has

differences when catering to this audience, so conducted extensive

been created by the brand following extensive research into what the

research and worked closely with our professional community to

trade community want and need.

develop a platform and product that worked specifically for the needs of

The designer paint is available in the same range of pigment-rich

professional decorators, architects, interior designers and developers.”

shades, with a matt or eggshell finish. It is low VOC, wipeable and

Lick Pro’s expert decorator Alex Glover says, “The quality and service

water based as the brand continues with its eco-friendly mission of

offered by Lick Pro is incomparable to other trade offerings. Its modern,

doing good for both the consumer and the planet.

enjoyable user experience, and streamlined colour offering simplifies the

Lick Pro is manufactured to order and mixed by machines to minimise

ordering process. In addition to paints, professionals can purchase all

waste. Following feedback from Lick’s trade community, the brand has

the necessary decorating tools from the same place, and trust that the

updated the Lick Pro packaging to a shape and size preferred by

materials they receive are top quality and sustainably sourced. Next day

professionals, helping to further reduce unnecessary paint waste.

delivery provides decorators with a fast turnaround and prevents

Co-founder Lucas London comments, “Launching a professional focussed arm to Lick has always been a goal of ours. We want all

unnecessary delays to a job, furthermore, the high-quality, pigment-rich colours guarantee a beautiful finish in just two coats.”

Go Pro now! To access Lick Pro, simply register at www.lick.com/uk/pro to receive a welcome pack, which includes a 250ml sample pot and Lick’s 2” bamboo paint brush, enabling them to experience the quality of both the paints and tools, first hand. In addition to this, professionals will receive a colour fan that showcases the full range of Lick’s Pro’s shades, a colour chip brochure and a peel and stick sample of Lick’s best-selling hue.

WHEN YOU NEED ALL OF YOUR TOOLS WITH YOU. WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK.

The Purdy Painter’s Backpack Durable, functional and suprisingly compact with a host of smart features. 7KH ƓUVW EDFNSDFN GHVLJQHG IRU SURV E\ SURV

purdy.co.uk

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

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

To find your local store today visit duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk We promise our paint will give you the perfect colour with a uniform finish and the coverage stated, or we’ll replace it. Visit dulux.co.uk/promise Terms and conditions apply. Claims must be made within 6 months of purchase. Proof of purchase required. Colour claims limited to 10L per customer. Manufacturer’s tips and instructions must have been followed. UK purchases only.

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

The Decorator – February-March 2022

Articles inside

The value and costs of outsourcing

Claiming mileage when you're self-employed

Champions of Quality

Letter from the PDA CEO