The Decorator – February-March 2023

THEDECORATOR

Dear Members,

I trust my letter finds you in good health and your work diaries are in good shape. Speaking to members around the country recently, the consensus is that order books are buoyant, with many being booked up until late spring.

You will 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 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 improved Markel Business Hub – this Member benefit alone would cost £190 per annum were it to be purchased individually.

For those who pay their subscriptions in full by the end of February, we are giving away two, Mirka Deros sanders with storage case in our prize draw. This is a really valuable piece of kit for any painting and decorating business. We also have two runners-up prizes, a £100 One4all Multi-Store Gift Card, and a £100 Amazon Shopping Voucher.

Finally, for any Member who may be having difficulty in paying their subscriptions due to possible financial constraints, please call our head office and speak with our Membership Services Manager, Denice Harper, who is happy to advise you on our alternative payment methods. She can be reached on 024 7635 3776, or email denice@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

We recently welcomed our team of nine judges from the Institute of Clerks of Works to shortlist the entries received this year across the seven categories for the PDA Premier Trophy Awards. There were 83 entries received in total, one of the highest numbers received for several years. The judges’ site visits will begin in February and will take them right across the country to meet the individual shortlisted companies. To those who didn’t make this year’s shortlist, please accept our commiserations. We hope you will consider submitting entries for the 2024 awards. For those who reached did, we look forward to seeing you joining us for the celebrations at Plasterers’ Hall in London on Thursday 6 July 2023.

Our four regional Apprentice of the Year competitions are now arranged, and we look forward to seeing the up-and-coming talent showcased at these events. This year we will be visiting Accrington and Rosendale, South & City Birmingham, North Kent, and finally to Glasgow for our first ever Scottish heat.

A grand final will see eight winners from the four regional heats attend Doncaster College on 11 May. The application form for the competition is available to download on the homepage of our website. If your Apprentices want to demonstrate their talents and be one of the winners joining me on stage in London on 6 July, then please submit the entry form to head office by 17 February

In February, you will be receiving a Member survey which aims to gather your thoughts and opinions of the services, benefits and activities currently offered by PDA. We really would welcome your suggestions as to what you like or dislike, along with other suggestions for new benefits and activities you would like to see. Please take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey

Finally, we will be sending out details of the main launch of the Paint Green initiative which commences in March. If you wish to look at the details of how this initiative will work, simply click on the Paint Green tab in the Members hub of our website. Further information also appears on page 6 of this magazine.

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

February-March 2023 — Volume 92 No 1

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

PDA Editorial

Neil Ogilvie

Telephone: 07864 300 688

e-mail: neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Advertising and Editorial

Catherine Saint Publicity

Telephone: 07941 590 183

e-mail: catherine.saint@yahoo.co.uk

Artworking and Design empathicVisions

Telephone: 07789 725 074

e-mail: info@empathicvisions.co.uk

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

@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 away two Mirka DEROS

5650CV 125/150 230V Orbit 5.0 Sanders with Case!

Simply choose to pay your 2023 PDA Membership renewal in full (excluding Direct Debits, Premium Credit and part payments) by 28 February 2023, and you could snag one of these fantastic machines. To renew your membership, contact us on 02476 353776 or email denice@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk Thank you to all who have already paid your renewal, you have automatically been entered into the prize draw!

PDA GALA DINNER 2023

We have a new confirmed date for the National Gala Dinner and Networking Event! It has now been confirmed that the event will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023, at the Principal Hotel in York. We’ll have more details of what will be on offer, along with prices and how to book in a future magazine, and of course the PDA e-newsletter!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Keep an eye on your inbox over the next couple of weeks, as we’ll be sending all Members an online survey to help us understand what you want from the Association. The PDA is a Member owned organisation

The CIJC Holiday Entitlement for 2023 can be found in the Employment Support section of the Members’ area of our website at https://tinyurl.com/PDASupport – Here are the key details in brief:

• The annual industry entitlement is 22 days each year. Plus 8 days of Public/Bank holidays making an annual total of 30 days.

• The holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Those days of the winter holiday that fall into the next calendar year will normally be taken from holidays earned in the previous year.

• The concept of Easter (spring) and Summer holidays has been discontinued in favour of ‘Other Holidays’ WR.18.2 now states: The remaining 15 days of Industry holidays may be taken at any time by agreement with the employer.

OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS FOR 2023

Annual & Public/Bank holidays 2023 Scotland

Early

e Our alderwood handles ar experience.

xper ted by e ft e handcr dy brushes ar Pur . ted for lasting quality ft tly cr rtExper af af able - and able and manoeuvr dur light, many with decades of ers, t brush mak rt r

the brush. e life of the entir

ds. ted to achieving the highest quality standar dy® — dedica Pur

dy.co pur

WELCOME TO THE ASSOCIATION!

Iwould like to warmly welcome all new Members who joined the PDA in 2022 from the many different regions across the country. Our strength is based on the membership of the many firms like you, and we look forward to seeing you over the coming months at our regional and national events.

Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive

Array of Colour, West Yorkshire

Ballard Consulting Ltd, Avon

Bedwell & Cox Painting, Gloucestershire

C & D Decorating Services, Derbyshire

Simon Copson Painting & Decorating, West Midlands

Darcy Decoration Design, Oxfordshire

DNA Painting & Building Maintenance, Staffordshire

Hollybush Painting and Decorating, Cornwall

Robert Jennison, Dorset

LMA Decorators Ltd, Nottinghamshire

Metricus Ltd, Wales

Mittens Decorating Ltd, Gloucestershire

Uilliam Morris Painting & Decorating, Oxfordshire

MRW Painting & Decorating Ltd, West Midlands

Northamptonshire Painting & Decorating, Northamptonshire

Pegasus Interiors, Wiltshire

Prestige, Derbyshire

PTP Painting & Decorating, Wiltshire

SD Painting & Decorating Ltd, Nottinghamshire

Seabright & Co, Herefordshire

T.O.L. Decorators Ltd, West Midlands

Warrens Decorating, Guernsey

The Dundee Decorating Company, Scotland

Homes by Hamilton, Tyne & Wear

MG Decor, Scotland

Pro Touch Decorators Limited, Scotland

Ross & Co (Painters & Decorators), Scotland

Stockbridge Decorators Ltd, Scotland

Brush Magic York Ltd, Yorkshire

CP Spraying & Decorating, Doncaster

CWB Decorators, North Yorkshire

ICD Painting & Decorating, North Yorkshire

Richard Meek Professional Decorator, North Yorkshire

P.A.R. Site Services Ltd, South Yorkshire

Jack Tighe Ltd, Lincolnshire

M S Painting & Decorating, Northern Ireland

A+ Painting & Decorating, Cheshire

DM Decorating Services, Lancashire

Finest Finish Professional P&D, Merseyside

I C Painting & Decorating, Cheshire

Juma Decorations & Coatings, Lancashire

MJH Decor, Staffordshire

Newlook Services, Greater Manchester

Phoenix Decorating Contractors, Merseyside

Refresh Decor, Cheshire

Royal Home Improvements, Greater Manchester

Allan G Services Painting & Decorating, Hertfordshire

Paul Allies Painting Services, Hampshire

NEW MEMBERS JOINING

The London Association of Master Decorators

Bowers Decorations, Surrey

Philip J Eglese, London

Industry Decorators, London

PNG Decorators Limited, London

SW19 Painter, London

Britain & Co Ltd, London

Cade Roofing & Building, Hampshire

The Colour House Of Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Aron John Cook Painter & Decorator, Hertfordshire

Decorare Ltd, Buckinghamshire

Diamond Finishers UK Ltd, Cambridgeshire

Finishing Touch Painting & Decorating, Hertfordshire

Galway Hynes Ltd, London

JDA Decorators, Essex

Keylon Interiors Limited, Kent

Lewis Decorators Group Ltd, Berkshire

The Mayplace Co Pvt Ltd, Kent

Millennium Contracts Ltd, London

MJL Decorating Services, Hampshire

Darren Nunn Painting & Decorating, Suffolk

Scott Oliver Decorating, Dorset

A Parsons Decorating Ltd, Hampshire

PDS Decorators, Kent

Pictorem Ltd, London

Portdecor, Dorset

Premier Decorating Services, Kent

Prime Finish Decorating, Dorset

Shreeve & Sons Decorating, London

Sorrell Decorating Ltd, Kent

Spartakus Group Ltd, London

Sussex Furniture & Kitchen, West Sussex

Swale Dec, Kent

System Property Services Ltd, London

T D Decorating & Design Ltd, East Sussex

J White Decorating Services, Norfolk

IT IS EASY BEING GREEN!

LAUNCHED AT THE National Painting and Decorating Show in 2022, the Painting and Decorating Association is set to begin the first full year of record-keeping for its new Paint Green scheme.

Paint Green encourages Mmembers to commit to reducing, reusing or recycling excess paint and paint containers as a first step on a sustainability journey.

Some PDA Members have already taken the Paint Green Pledge ahead of 20 March when recording keeping kicks off, to improve their efforts in driving down waste.

As the UK’s largest trade body dedicated to the painting and decorating sector, the PDA is encouraging all Members to take these first steps and consider other changes they can make to help protect the planet.

PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said, “PDA Members who take the Paint Green pledge are making a commitment to drive down waste.

“We’re encouraging our Members to look at ways to reduce the amount of waste produced, and either recycle left over paint, or find a way to reuse it.

“To support our Members in this, we are collating a database of organisations that either recycle excess paint, or community projects that can make use of it.

“The scheme is designed to dovetail with existing sustainability and waste reduction schemes within the industry, encouraging PDA Members to utilise the initiatives already on offer and help members find suitable schemes near to them.”

PDA Members who take the Paint Green Pledge will be able to display the initiative’s logo on their website, vehicles and stationery, showcasing to customers that they are actively working to tackle waste.

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

Mirka D DEOS ® elta

FIRST GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT PUBLISHED

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING TO AN EV?

FLEETMAXX SOLUTIONS LTD are an independent vehicle and fleet services provider who are proud to offer MaxxEV, complete electric vehicle solutions that can help with all stages of the EV journey:

• Sourcing and purchasing EV vehicles (cars and vans)

• Installing charge points at a fixed rate anywhere in the UK

• On the road charging – covering 15 networks on one card

• Home charging – Fleetmaxx Solutions pay the utility provider, then reinvoice this back to the business

• Recharge rescue solution for anyone who runs out of charge anywhere in the UK

• Exclusively for PDA Members – Get a FREE three month subscription to the road charging card, which gives you access to thousands of public charging points across the UK.

If you'd like to hear how Fleetmaxx Solutions can help you and your business on its electric journey, call the Ipswich office on 01473 937037 quoting PDA, for a no obligation chat. Download a brochure and find out more at www.fleetmaxxsolutions.co.uk

FREE WELLBEING SUPPORT

BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL has re-opened its offer to SMEs and micro-sized employers to apply to attend a free threehour workshop to help them develop a wellbeing strategy.

In the face of pressures following Covid and in light of the current economic challenges, the health, safety and wellbeing charity has said that employers can apply to get free support to improve the wellbeing of their workplace, through its campaign on workplace wellbeing, Keep Thriving.

The sessions, delivered by experts from British Safety Council’s Being Well Together programme, help employers explore why wellbeing matters to them, their people and their business, and ways they can improve their wellbeing. The workshop helps small, medium, and micro-sized employers to develop a strategy which works and to track and evaluate their progress.

On the re-opening of the charitable offer, Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council said, “Employers tell us

they have found it useful to meet other like-minded organisations to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and best ways of developing a wellbeing strategy. We know that improving wellbeing not only boosts organisational performance it reduces the likelihood of accidents and ill-health among staff.”

As well as the free workshops, British Safety Council is offering all employers who attend the opportunity to apply for a cash award to fund activity they decide to do as a result. The charity wants to make up to £10,000 available to one or more organisations.

Every employer who attends the workshops will also get additional follow up and written materials from the Being Well Together programme.

Any employer with up to 500 staff can apply, applications are currently open until 1 March. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/BritSafeWorkshop

THE WORLD COATINGS Council is pleased to announce the publication of its inaugural report, Sustainability in the Global Paint & Coatings Industry. The report highlights the global industry’s ongoing sustainability efforts to advance technologies in coating science and manufacturing, while minimising impacts on human health and the environment.

The report emphasises the critical role coatings and the global industry play in contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as framed by nine specific SDGs where industry can have the greatest impact:

• Good Health and Well-being (SDG #3)

• Quality Education (SDG #4)

• Clean Water & Sanitation (SDG #6)

• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG #8)

• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG #9)

• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG #11)

• Responsible Consumption and Production (USDG #12)

• Climate Action (SDG #13)

• Life Below Water (SDG #14).

Featuring examples that support the World Coatings Council’s Sustainability charter, the global report underscores that coatings are essential to making products and our built infrastructure more sustainable by providing resistance and durability, providing critical performance properties for safe and healthy communities, and serving a critical role for applications in the health and food sectors, among many others.

The report also highlights the industry’s efforts to achieve resource efficiency in production processes, consideration of raw material consumption, and implementation of health and safety measures to ensure decent work and economic growth.

Read or download the full report at www.worldcoatingscouncil.org

Member Discounts and Offers

Don’t forget to check out the Discounts and Offers tab in the Member Resources area at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk for exclusive benefits from all these companies and more!

FREE TENDERING TOOLKIT FROM HS DIRECT

CONTAINING CHERRY-PICKED resources for PDA Members, get set for 2023 and read HS Direct’s top tips on how to grow from completing largely domestic work to winning more commercial contracts!

Whether you’re completely new to tendering or your applications just need a bit of fine-tuning, they’ve put everything you need to know about tendering in one handy free toolkit containing must-have guides and resources, including:

• Tendering 101 guide – perfect for beginners or those wanting a refresh

• Top tips for tendering – how to improve your success rate

• Common tendering mistakes and specific considerations for SMEs

• H&S policy template – to ensure you’re meeting tender requirements

• Subcontractor management checklist – make sure everyone is covered

Simply complete the form on the HS Website to download the toolkit https://bit.ly/3ZFk91B Up to 40% off

PDA MEMBERS! 20% discount 30% off training Save £s on fuel 15% discount 30% discount Up to 50% off 30% off

ADVICE for our Members

EMAIL MARKETING NOW PART OF HOUZZ PRO

Email Marketing Best Practice

1

Have a reason for emailing

You should always have a clear call to action (for example to write a review, secure a discount or get in contact)

2 Simple subject lines

Keep the subject line to eight words or less

3 Timing is key

4

5

Be strategic about the day of the week and the time you send it to maximise open rates

Keep the main message and call to action above the fold

The ‘fold’ is before a recipient has to scroll down to read the rest of the message

Include photos and videos

We are visual people and recipients respond better when there are interesting photos or videos

6 Do a 10-second test

7

HOUZZ RECENTLY ANNOUNCED the launch of Email Marketing within Houzz Pro, the all-in-one business management and marketing software for residential construction and design professionals. With the new tool, pros can quickly and easily create, send and track analytics for newsletters, company updates and other communications using customisable pre-built templates.

With Houzz Pro Email Marketing, home building, renovation and design professionals can select a pre-designed email template with themes like newsletters, thank you notes, holiday greetings, promotions and more, or create an email design of their own.

Once a template is selected, you can personalise it by dragging and dropping content including photos, company logo, text and social media links. Email Marketing is part of the Houzz Pro CRM suite of tools, so you can build target email lists from the lead and client contacts already in the Houzz Pro lead manager, then send the email directly through Houzz Pro. You can then view performance analytics including opens, clicks and unsubscribes to help optimise future campaigns.

You should be able to understand what the email is about and what the call to action is in that time

Keep emails skimmable and easy to read

Use bullet points, headlines, lists, and the preheader text to state your main message clearly and quickly. Avoid big blocks of text

8 Proofread

Reread the content at least twice before hitting send. Don’t be afraid to read it out loud to yourself

9 Test all links and ensure images display correctly Send a test to yourself to make sure the images and links work

10 Remember quality over frequency

You don’t have to send an email every week, make sure you are engaging your recipients with something interesting and aren’t sending an email just to send an email. You don’t want to become background noise

The all-in-one tool for marketing, project and client management explicitly built for renovation and design professionals that helps you: Manage leads — Get a beautifully designed website built for you Stay connected with clients — Plus many other features!

Exclusively for PDA Members, Houzz is offering up to 50% off your first three months of any Houzz Pro package as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

https://info.houzz.com/PDA-offer

Disposable liners set of 5

Integrated, sloped rolling surface

Strong handle for stable carrying

Max. 15”

15L

in Holland

Public procurement is set for development, with the new Procurement Bill currently making its way through parliament. The post-Brexit reforms focus on creating a single regime for all public procurement, aiming for more accountability, stimulating supplier resilience, and offering wider socio-economic benefits. Alex Minett, Head of Products and Markets at CHAS, looks at five key factors to understand...

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROCUREMENT BILL 5

Public procurement will be streamlined and more transparent

One of the key goals of the bill is to create a fully transparent procurement system via a single digital platform. The new platform will build upon the current Find a Tender service and will ensure there is transparency across the five key stages of procurement: planning, tender, award, contract and implementation

The platform will offer a breadth of information, including details on current and future public sector opportunities and ‘pipeline’ work. Users can access additional information, such as performance data on how finished projects completed, with the publication of final schedules and budgets against original proposals.

Most helpful for suppliers, a single ‘tell us once’ register means multiple bids can be made without starting from scratch for each application.

There will be more opportunities for SMEs

Recent government figures show record spending through SMEs, either directly or through their supply chains, and the bill aims to accelerate this growth. Efforts to simplify the application process combines with the new procurement platform will help smaller companies who are inexperienced in tendering for public contracts.

The focus on SMEs can be linked to the government’s ‘levelling up’ initiative, which aims to spread opportunity more equally. It also taps into the social value, equality and climate change agendas with the drive to ‘buy local’ impacting communities through local economic growth, employment, and reduced carbon emissions.

Demonstrating that they are paying attention to these issues within their own companies and their supply chains will be advantageous to suppliers who want to boost their chances of bid success.

Expect stricter regulation

The drive to eliminate fraud and corruption from public procurement inevitably calls for tight regulation. This will include supplier KPIs at the start of contracts to measure performance and ensure suppliers are held accountable for their promises.

There will also be greater due diligence required for supply chains and a public name and shame register for contractors who have failures, particularly regarding issues such as modern slavery, poor performance and insolvency. The criteria for removal from the ‘debarment list’ is still to be clarified but will likely require significant evidence of change. Contractors will need to look at all their risks to ensure they don’t meet any exclusion grounds.

A move from MEAT to MAT

The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012  has made great strides since its inception, with public spending increasingly looking towards the importance of issues such as quality and sustainability, as opposed to cost and price alone. However, under the  Public Contracts Regulations 2015, tender evaluation is still based on the position of MEAT (the most economically advantageous tender), with a cost-effectiveness approach as the main driver.

The new Procurement Bill will signal a move to MAT (most advantageous tender). While this doesn’t significantly change the reasoning behind tender evaluations, financial cost is always going to be a big factor when it comes to public money, it does reinforce the message around the wider benefits a bid can have on the environment, local community and society. The implication being there should be even more weighty consideration to these issues during the decision-making process than there has been previously.

A framework to apply financial proxies to various social value factors aligned to best practice has been developed to standardise the tricky issue of how social value is measured. Companies will soon be able to take advantage of CHAS’s social value assessment to evidence accreditation in this area to support their tender proposals.

Greater emphasis on accreditation

While the new bill is designed to stimulate a wealth of opportunities for businesses large and small, the stricter regulations and increased transparency means it will be crucial for companies to get it right first time to avoid a potential public blacklisting.  Beneficially, the bill is set to mandate the use of procurement policy notes (PPNs) and an imminent update to PPN 08/16 may even obligate undertaking the Common Assessment Standard for all contractors bidding for public sector works. As an industry-led pre-qualification system covering a range of compliance topics from health and safety to modern slavery and corruption, the Common Assessment Standard accreditation will help mitigate many risks that could lead to a company ending up on the debarment register.

For companies looking to further align themselves with some of the core themes of focus in the bill, additional accreditation in areas such as Social Value and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, such as the CHAS Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) accreditation, will demonstrate a robust commitment to these issues and may bolster chances of bid success.

ASUSTAINABLE APPROACHTO PROFESSIONALQUALITY PAINTINGTOOLS

BRUSHANDROLLERHANDLESMADEWITH BAMBOOCOMPOSITES

ROLLERFABRICMADEWITHSUSTAINABLEBAMBOOFIBRE

ROLLERCORESMADEWITHRECYCLEDPLASTIC TRAYSMADEFROMRECYCLEDPAPERPULP,LINERSFROM RECYCLEDPLASTIC

BIODEGRADABLEDUSTSHEETSMADEFROMCORNSTARCH

ALLMANUFACTUREDTOTRADEQUALITY RECYCLEDPAPERPACKAGING

RUNNING A BUSINESS IN TURBULENT TIMES

Whether we call it a ‘cost of living crisis’ or a recession, clearly the current economic situation is having a huge impact on both individuals and businesses alike. Whilst the law cannot, of itself, directly help a business that is struggling to pay its bills, there are of course certain things that could and perhaps should be considered which might help improve the situation.

BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN experiencing sharp rises in the costs of raw materials, goods and services, rising borrowing costs due to recent hikes in interest rates, the return of normal levels of business rates following the ending of Government COVID schemes and reduced demand for some goods and services due to a fall in UK consumer confidence.

Businesses and individuals are differently impacted by these new challenges, but of course all business are owned or staffed by individuals, so there is a substantial overlap. If you are an employer, you may wish to consider how you can help support employees’ general and financial wellbeing during the cost-of-living crisis. Doing so may boost staff morale and productivity, creating a happier workforce which will assist with staff retention.

Put the axe away

In terms of your staff, you may need to make workplace changes that result in changes to employees’ contractual terms and conditions of employment, which are either set out in their employment contract, or contractual policies set out in an employee handbook or elsewhere; or which are verbally agreed or implied contractual terms arising through custom and practice.

Before embarking on any redundancy exercise and losing employees who may be difficult or costly to replace when business improves, employers will need to consider whether there are any viable alternatives to redundancy, such as short-time working, temporary lay-offs, reducing pay or reducing employees’ working hours.

If you do need to carry out redundancies, there are numerous resources on the Markel Business Hub (PDA Members get free access), alongside taking legal advice from our employment solicitors, will help you to ensure you comply with employment law and carry out a fair redundancy process, to reduce the risk of employment tribunal claims.

With pay levels rising slower than prices and cost of living expenses for UK households, some employers, including employers in the private sector, may experience strike action taken by workers in response to cost-of-living challenges. The Business Hub provides further advice and guidance in this area.

Reducing other costs

You should also look at your energy costs if you haven’t already. Of course, businesses, as with individuals, will have been looking at ways to reduce their energy consumption during these difficult times. Whilst many businesses are still paying much higher costs for energy than previously, businesses have received Government help with a cap applying on non-domestic energy bills until April 2023.

Again, the Business Hub has guidance on energy contracts which summarises the Government schemes to assist both individuals and businesses.

Staying solvent

Last year saw a rise in business insolvencies, which are likely to rise further due to the current economic downturn. Our advice line can provide guidance and templates in this area for individuals, employers and other businesses who are impacted by their own or others’ insolvencies.

Businesses will need to consider the prospects of successfully recovering debts and enforcing court judgments before pursuing litigation to avoid wasting both legal and court fees, as well as management time where debtors may also be at risk of insolvency leaving the creditor potentially unable to enforce any judgment.

Reducing your risks

In times of economic slowdown there is an increased risk of disputes. These disputes may or may not result in litigation through the UK courts and tribunals resulting in businesses making or defending court claims. There is also a greater risk that customers and suppliers may be unable to meet their contractual obligations and may look to amend or re-negotiate contracts or may face insolvency themselves.

You may find your contract with a customer is no longer commercially viable and may wish to try to terminate or re-negotiate it. If you have any questions in relation to what you can or can't do, give the Markel

solicitors a call to discuss your options. Being on top of recovering money owed to you is of course the best way to make sure that your cashflow is as healthy as possible. An economic slowdown is, unfortunately, often a factor that results in an increase in frauds and scams in various guises, with people keen to exploit the situation. Businesses should be alert to these. It’s an unfortunate reality that these are becoming not only more and more prevalent but also more convincing and difficult to spot. If in doubt, do not be pressurised or rushed into agreeing to anything, you should always be given and take as much time as you need before committing to anything.

Government support

From a tax perspective companies affected by a recession are likely to experience a reduction in taxable profits or incur losses for tax purposes. If losses arise, they can be carried back to reduce the company's taxable profits in earlier years (resulting in a refund of tax paid) or they can also be carried forward to set against future profits. Companies in a group may be able to use other group company losses to again reduce their taxable profits. Where companies are financially struggling there may be restructuring activity, a change of company ownership or sales of the business. As well as the company law implications, businesses will need to take tax advice around this. If you think you will struggle to pay HMRC by the due date, you should call HMRC’s normal helpline for that type of tax in question, in advance, to explain the issue and potentially agree a Time To Pay facility with the HMRC Business Payment Support team.

If a business’s VATable UK turnover is expected to fall below the deregistration threshold in the coming 12-month period, it may be beneficial to cancel its VAT registration, especially if customers are unable to recover VAT charged to them. Alternatively, the business may benefit from some of the easement schemes available to smaller businesses, namely the Cash Accounting and Flat Rate Schemes.

We’re here to help

To reiterate, there is plenty of advice out there and you are not alone. All PDA Members have free access to the Markel legal advice line, that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. In addition, their Business Hub is full of useful guides, documents, and precedents, and you should make sure you access these services whenever the need arises.

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

NO DARK SARCASM IN THE CLASSROOM

By Jop Timmers, Go!Paint

Teachers have my deepest respect. I was one myself, though part-time only, and I know how hard it is to keep up to date. Luckily there are rare but precious moments, that a student comes to the rescue and shares relevant new knowledge out of the blue. Let me share one of those rare moments...

AT THE LAST National Painting and Decorating Show I was explaining our natural Store and Go gel to a student decorator, and I could see he fully understood the benefits. To my surprise, he rushed off to get some of his teachers. He showed them how to store paint brushes in the gel and explained to them that this helps to prevent washing brushes under a running tap.

It was evident that this clever student was a bit ahead of his teachers. They asked him, “Why not clean a paintbrush in the sink, it was water-based paint after all?” He explained that water-based paints are a cause of microplastics in surface water. I jumped in with some more details, learned from reading reports of recent international research, and surely the two of us convinced the teachers why it is far from a good idea to run paint down the drain.

When they walked on, one of the teachers turned around and said to me, “I am sure you are right, but all the pros do it in the sink anyway, and won’t change their behaviour, because it is so quick and cheap to do it like this.”

The student sighed and explained to me that this was the same reaction he got when he raised questions at his school about cleaning paint tools with water. He was told to wash his tools in the dedicated sink anyway, though it was connected to the same drainpipe as the other sinks.

This misunderstanding, that it’s fine to wash water-based paints down the drain, is very common and frankly, I didn’t know any better myself for many years. Ask 10 people, and at least eight or nine will proudly tell you they always clean their paint tools in the sink with water to reuse them another day.

Sure, wet water-based paints come off easily under a running tap, no argument there, and I love it when people care about their tools. However, while paints, stains and lacquers are the perfect products to protect wood, metal, bricks and more, recent studies show that these well-balanced mixes of chemicals should not enter the water system as they don’t break down, but dilute and end up as microplastics in rivers, lakes and oceans.

I hope the teachers appreciate this important lesson learnt from their own student, and share it with their other students, so they will grow to become the caring tradesmen and women that we all need for a clean and healthy future. This student surely will become one.

Jop explains to students that there are alternative ways to look after your tools, and the environment too.

Tell us more about Chemfix, and what is Timbabuild?

Chemfix are a manufacturer of chemical products for the building industry, particularly in speciality and high-end niche sectors. The expertise of Chemfix is in both developing specialist chemical formulations and cartridge and packaging components, many of which are patented by us. Timbabuild epoxy wood repair is very typical of the type of product we manufacture, an innovative cartridge based two-component system specially designed for large and extensive repairs to areas of damaged and rot affected timber.

What made you want to bring the product to market?

It was originally developed for Leeds City Council as a cost-effective way to renovate their housing stocks. It was a huge success. Many things have changed since then, but the basic premise is the same. Timbabuild is a product which saves a huge amount of time, effort and money in replacement works, and allows original features to be retained.

What’s the innovation in the product or its USP?

I am often surprised by the amount of people that we meet, working in the decorating sector, that still don’t realise the specific benefits of using an epoxy based two-part filler, compared with using ‘two-pack’ polyester fillers, or even completely inappropriate products such as car body filler. Timbabuild allows large scale repairs to wooden structures to be carried out, together with a 50-year guarantee. This is something you will not find anywhere else in this sector.

When I refer to ‘large scale’, I mean repairs that people would normally not realise were possible. It is always satisfying to see the looks on people faces when we show them the repairs we have made using Timbabuild, they are always in disbelief and often say they would have walked away from the job.

So for us, it is just a case of getting the word out there. This is why we offer the free training courses, as we want people to be happy and confident to use our product.

More recently we have also had the resin accredited with the VOC A+ and LEED certifications for indoor air comfort. We are also the only company to supply two-part fillers in a foil bag system. It means they are easy to extrude and cost effective.

Free Training Course Dates

Below are the dates for free Timbabuild training courses. Places are limited, so if you would like to participate, email andrew@chemfix.co.uk as soon as possible, with your name and contact number or call 01924 453886

Milton Keynes – Thursday 2 March 2023

Newcastle – Thursday 13 April 2023

Manchester – Thursday 29 June 2023

Bristol – Tuesday 22 August 2023

Insights

Where are your products made?

They are manufactured in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, which is a huge source of pride to our organisation. There has been chemical manufacturing at the Dewsbury site for over 100 years, which is something very rare to be found these days.

Sourcing materials locally is also a big focus for us now and in the future. We are a member of the Made in Britain organisation, and I think people are seeing and taking notice of this logo more and more. It is surprising and saddening to see many of the well-known brands move manufacture far overseas in an effort to reduce costs.

What do decorators need to know about Timbabuild?

If in doubt – Ask! There is always someone available to speak to or help on the end of our phones during business hours. My main message however for new users would be to get on our free training course, or contact us for a one-to-one session at a time and place of your convenience.

Where can decorators get their hands on the product?

Any of your favourite distributors nationwide Johnstone’s, Leyland SDM, Dortech Direct, Paintshack, Reddiseals, Ryalls, Builder Depot, Fixings Warehouse, Sealants Online, Mighton Products, Gedbra and many more.

Andrew Stewart

Marketing Manager

Chemfix Products Ltd

I have worked for Chemfix since 2005, starting in sales, where we export to over 70 countries. I’ve also worked on the development of the Timbabuild and Metolux brands for the past 17 years.

The company has enjoyed so much organic growth by following the philosophy of ‘Total Service’, putting the customer first and developing products in tandem with their needs and the changing landscape of the sector. Being part of the success of Timbabuild is a great honour for me, and certainly a passion.

PDA APPRENTICE COMPETITION HEATS GET UNDERWAY IN MARCH

IN 2022 THE PDA received the highest number of entries ever for this prestigious Apprentice competition that has been held since 1996. We’re hoping to surpass the number this year and have added an additional venue to take in apprentices from Scotland. The objectives for the competition are:

(i) to give greater emphasis to the importance of training and quality workmanship

(ii) to encourage the demonstration of a high degree of aptitude and knowledge of the Apprentice’s Craft in any of the categories of the Trophy Competition.

Each student entering the competition will produce a test piece to demonstrate their skills, reflecting work of a professional Painter and Decorator. The areas under scrutiny for judging are:

• planning

• accurate measuring and setting out

• sharp and accurate cutting-in

• good colour opacity

• stencil cutting

• personal interpretation for the application of the stencil and sponge stipple

• maintaining throughout a clean and clear work area and observing all health, safety and environmental requirements

• time management

DIGI-PAINT DIGITAL TOOLS FOR EDUCATORS

TECHNOLOGY, AS WE know, is constantly evolving, and we must evolve with it to stay relevent. For this reason, the DIGI-Paint project is intended to provide, with the support of teachers, trainers and developers, more digital instruments to enable educators to keep up with the times and improve distance learning.

This project proposes the creation of several products which teachers, trainers and company tutors will have free access to:

Video Tutorials: These videos creatively show the concepts expressed in the Educational Guidelines for Instructors created within the project.

Interactive real-life situations: The aim is to give the student opportunities, through VR and AR, to dynamically and engagingly learn how to deal with a specific painting and decorating scenarios.

Database of digital tools: This database will collect existing digital tools used by teachers, trainers and tutors throughout Europe to enhance digital resources used in the trade.

DIGI-PAINTNet: This hub will promote sharing information and good practice among educators. It will be an innovative resource in the field of painting and decorating.

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

(NAW ) takes place from 6 to 12 February 2023 and is an opportunity for the education and skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy.

This year the competitions get going in March with the Northern heat taking place on 2 March at Accrington and Rossendale College, and the Scottish heat on 16 March at City of Glasgow College

These will be followed in April by a further two heats for students in the Midlands and then the South, with the final taking place at Doncaster Hub on 11 May.

https://tinyurl.com/pdaayc

Are you interested in contributing to the creation of the database?

Do you have digital tools that you want to share?

Find out how at https://digipaint.eu/

NAW is calling on individuals, employers, training providers and communities to get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help to provide #SkillsForLife

From virtual career fairs, myth busting talks, graduation ceremonies through to factory tours, The Week has something for everyone. You will hear personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences and why apprenticeships provide #SkillsForLife NAW are keen to celebrate the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England.

It is hoped that The Week will be used as a platform to come together and celebrate apprenticeship success, and say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who makes them possible.

www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

CONTINUING TO INSPIRE

This month, Purdy is launching its latest Inspiring the Next Generation campaign. A series of 15 videos aimed at offering advice and more to those starting a career in the industry, episodes will be released gradually, week by week on Purdy’s social media channels. This year, the series features YouTube decorator and handyman Justin Bailly. Justin is also joined by the PDA’s 2022 Apprentice of the Year junior champions, Winner Harry Davies from LDC Decorating Contractors, and joint Junior Runners Up, Katie White from Ian Williams Ltd, and Jade Oakes of Sodecor Decorators Ltd who was also recently crowned Apprentice Decorator of the Year at the SkillBuild National Finals. In each video, Justin and one of the three apprentices will talk through what makes a good quality brush or roller, highlight the importance of using the right product for the job and provide a few hints and tips to help fellow apprentices achieve the perfect finish.

Ahead of the launch we asked the Inspiring the Next Generation team for a few of their top tips. Here’s what they had to say...

“When switching roller sleeve size, make sure you maintain the same material and nap size to ensure a consistent, uniform finish. Matching the nap size to the surface texture is also crucial.” – Jade

“If you’re looking to invest in a new set of brushes, I’d recommend ones with self-flagging filaments for long-term durability. Low quality brushes will come with split filaments at first, but these will wear down, making laying off paint more difficult.”

– Katie

“Making sure you match up the paint you are using with the right brush couldn’t be more important. Thicker filaments work best for thicker paints while thinner filaments deliver thinner paints more effectively. It’s not just about the shape and size of the brush itself!” – Justin

“If you tend to use knitted roller sleeves, try a denser woven sleeve for a smoother finish. The level of stippling on the surface will be greatly reduced.” – Harry

To check out the series, make sure you are following Purdy Brushes on Facebook and @purdybrushesuk on Instagram. For more content with Justin Bailly, visit www.youtube.com/@JBTV

A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AT BAGNALLS ACADEMY

IN DECEMBER, THE Decorator visited Bagnalls Academy in Doncaster to meet with the apprentices and trainers. The Academy opened its doors in 2004 and has been the route for many apprentices who joined the Bagnalls team around the different regions.

Each year apprentices from around the country get the opportunity to come to the Academy to focus on specific aspects of painting and decorating. Year one focuses on a basic introduction to decorating, followed by papering skills in year two, and year three spray equipment and specialist papers.

It’s also the time to improve certain areas and brush up on specific skills, and as apprentices come from different branches it’s an excellent way for them to meet each other, foster camaraderie, and set up future working relationships.

In December, the lead trainer, Barry Caple, handed over the reins to Joel Mortlock as the apprentice tutor. Barry has been the trainer for eight years but plans to retire in 2023, Joel worked at the Doncaster branch for several years and will now take the lead in developing the skills of others.

The apprentices attending the Academy were enthusiastic about the work and enjoyed meeting up with others from around the regions. Ella Matthews from Walsall College, and Bagnalls Wolverhampton Branch, really looked forward to the week of training with others. Leo Morse from Dudley saw it as a great way to improve and brush up on skills.

The artwork on display at the Academy certainly captures the enthusiasm and shows the skills and ability of those attending. It’s great to see the nurturing of talent for those entering the profession and the world of work.

New Apprentice Tutor Joel Mortlock (left) has now taken over from Barry Caple (right) as he moves into retirement this year.

Thank you to the Bagnalls Academy for opening the doors and to Joanne Gualda, Group Marketing Director for Bagnalls, for the warm welcome and introductions.

Nathan Crosbie (top) and Ella Matthews (bottom) with the pieces they created whilst at the Academy

Apprentices are able to practice on commonly found pieces, such as these doors, and hone their skills under close supervision.

Left to right, Bagnalls apprentices Sam Bamber and Nathan Crosbie from Ellesmere Port, Leo Morse and Ella Matthews from Wolverhampton, and Brandon Sharp also from Ellesmere Port.

inyl ade V r alspar T oducing V Intr eal game changer

tt– l Ma

. s a r it’

ailable in ttisnowav yl Ma radeVin alspar T V

e-selectedcolours 000 pr n 2,

olou o 2.2 million c ch t t olour ma e can c or w

ormswhereitcounts, t perf formulationtha

ater ed w anc ith an adv urs. W

radeV alspar T testsshowV

tt yl Ma in r-based s,

or easie et edge time f ended open w anext

overag or c ands f ade br als the leading tr riv tion. r applica

ers e and finish. It also off

tus quo ta e disrupting the s We’r

This beautiful former YMCA required plenty of preparation work. The high standard of finish was achieved using Little Greene Intelligent ASP, followed by two top coats of Intelligent Exterior Eggshell in Basalt.

For

EA

Completed just before Christmas, ceilings are Macpherson Trade Eclipse Matt, Crown Trade Clean Xtreme Scrubbable Matt on walls, Bedec MSP Satin on Woodwork, and Zinsser AllCoat on the spindles. CDS

This standard brick home has been transformed with the addition of K-Rend to the walls, and a new oak canopy over the entrance.

Decorative Spray Solutions

This unique raw pine table was knotted, primed, then sprayed with Benjamin Moore Fresh Start and finished with Aura Eggshell.

lery On the Cover

Joel Endersby

Thompson Decorating Services @thompsondecoratingservices

MDE Painting

a lot of work with painted furniture, especially kitchens like this one at a private home in Essex. The newly fitted units have been finished immaculately using Tikkurila Helmi 30 tinted to Little Greene colours, French Grey 113 on cupboards, Vulcan on the island unit.

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

The cob front of this shop had weathered over many years, a mixture of repairs using clay, hotmix lime mortar and Best of Lime Warmcote were finished with Brouns & Co Linseed Oil Paint.

The rear extension at Shoreham Baptist Church was first filled where needed, sealed, then finished with two coats of Dulux Trade Weathershield, all applied by brush and roller.

LAMD Member Barrie Thompson does

P&Dnews

HAMILTON SCOOPS SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

CROWN DECORATING CENTRES named Hamilton as their supplier of the year for 2022, at their annual conference in January. Naiem Wafa, Managing Director of Crown Decorating Centres, presented the prestigious award to Hamilton National Account Manager Zak Pickens, and Sarah Coussens, Head of Trade Marketing, at the event in Leicester. Naiem commented, “This award is voted on by 800 CDC colleagues nationally in Ireland and the UK, and recognises that Hamilton’s support has been awesome. The team from Hamilton have been proactive, agile and completely supportive. Well done and congratulations”

This award comes after over twelve months of continuously developing the relationship between CDC and Hamilton, assisting with merchandising, and the strong launch of the Hamilton For The Trade range into stores, a range that has seen ongoing success and has been very well-received by store staff across the UK and Ireland.

For more on Hamilton’s range visit www.hamiltondecoratingtools.co.uk or follow them on social media. Check out their TikTok channel @hamiltondecoratingtools

AKZONOBEL STILL A TOP EMPLOYER

IN THE LATEST benchmark review by the Top Employers Institute, AkzoNobel has been recognized in eight countries – Brazil, China, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the US – all of them repeat certifications. The parent company of Dulux Trade qualifies as a European Top Employer because five of the certified countries are in Europe.

“In a year when many external developments impacted our focus, achieving eight certifications shows that we’re on the right track,” says Jöelle Boxus, AkzoNobel’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “It’s something to be proud of and we’re all keen to maintain this momentum going forward.”

Each year, the Top Employers Institute certifies organisations who are focused on putting people first through their HR policies. The survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, diversity and inclusion, and well-being.

The latest 2023 rating marks the second certification in a row for AkzoNobel in France, Germany and Sweden, the fourth for the Netherlands and the US, the seventh for Brazil, the tenth for China and the eleventh for the UK

To learn more about working for AkzoNobel, visit www.akzonobel.com/en/careers

SUPPORTING WOMEN’S SAFE SPACES IN BRIGHTON

BREWERS HAVE BEEN proud supporters of the incredible Off The Fence charity for a number of years. To help with their most recent refurbishment project, they have donated £10,000 of decorating supplies to help them continue their crucial work.

For over 20 years, Off The Fence’s vision has been to see an end to social and spiritual poverty in Brighton and Hove. In 1993, CEO Paul Young responded to the question, “When are Christians going to get off the fence and do something about social poverty?”

This was when he and his wife, Wendy, made the decision to go out into the streets of Brighton and Hove to help the most marginalised and vulnerable in the city. Paul started out with one friend, speaking with the homeless, guiding them to areas and services in the city where they could receive help.

This team of two soon turned into a team of four, and eventually, seventy volunteers from across a range of

local churches and different denominations joined them, all with the goal of caring for, and saving the lives of those who were falling through the cracks of society.

Gateway Women’s Centre Appeal

As a part of Off The Fence, Gateway Women’s Centre provides a welcoming, safe space for women going through a time of crisis or emotional difficulty.

The building Station Road, Portslade, has been put up for sale by its owners which will influence their ability to provide the core services that are currently provided to more than 100 women.

Therefore, Off The Fence have launched a capital appeal to enable them to secure the Gateway Project for the future. £83,000 is required for the renovations of the building so Brewers were honoured to be able to contribute towards this.

Find out more at www.offthefence.org.uk/gateway

ALLEZ, FLOOR-IT

THE NEW LONDON headquarters of cycling accessories manufacturer Rapha has an eye catching reception area, thanks to specialist coatings from Bradite Paints

Visitors to the building will walk a path covered in painted slogans, in a nod to the DIY signage that cycling fans use to decorate the routes of their favourite road races, such as the Tour de France. A brightly painted Citroën Type-H van provides another reference to the home of this iconic race.

London-based designers Many Hands Studio worked in collaboration with graphic design and branding agency BCMH, to produce the new HQ’s interior.

Luke James from Many Hands explains, “The Type-H van was broken down into panels, with each showcasing one of Rapha’s legendary jerseys. We didn’t want to spray the van as we felt that would be at odds with the artisan approach we wanted to adhere to.”

REFURBISHED POWER TOOL RANGE EXPANDS

Screwfix have extended their range of refurbished power tools, supporting even tradespeople and serious DIYers to get their job done quickly and affordably, with responsibly manufactured products made to last.

Last year, the retailer launched a successful trial on their website, with the trade showing how it values the opportunity to give tools a second and longer life. Initially set up with 12 units, the range now offers over 700 products, with over 75,000 items successfully refurbished in 2022.

When products are returned, they are fully PAT and functionality tested. All components and instructions are checked, cleaned, and refurbished so contractors have everything they need to get the job done. The refurbished tools are also supplied with all accessories and benefit from a one-year guarantee.

Where it is not possible to repair and refurbish a faulty product, Screwfix recover spare parts and recycle in line with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, with zero waste to landfill.

Keeping products in use for longer forms a key part of Screwfix’s environmental strategy, other commitments are eliminating carbon emissions, reducing and recycling waste, sourcing responsibly, selling sustainable products, and providing sustainable packaging.

With its new campaign ‘Let’s Fix Tomorrow Today’, Screwfix aims to become a sector leader in sustainability, encouraging other retailers to take action to tackle climate change and secure a greener future for the next generations.

To find out more about Screwfix’s bold strategy visit www.screwfix.com/landingpage/screwfix-sustainability

www.bradite.com

For the ‘painted road’, the designers recreated the fan slogans applied throughout the thousands of kilometres of the Tour. “We used Bradite’s Floor-It for the lettering”, says Luke, “It had a lovely flow and is extremely hard-wearing, which was ideal for an area with heavy footfall. It also dried quickly which was important as they needed to use the area soon after installation.”

NUMBER OF DECORATORS CONTINUES TO DECLINE

PAINTERS AND DECORATORS are amongst the most declining jobs in the skilled trades, new analysis of workforce data has revealed. Having taken an in-depth look at 15 years worth of data from the Office for National Statistics, electrical training provider Electrician Courses 4U discovered the number of people working as painters and decorators has dropped by a staggering 40.41% since 2006.

The research which aims to shine a light on the evolution of the trades over the past three decades discovered that in 2006 there were 141,800 people working as painters and decorators.

By 2021 this number had dropped by a whopping 57,300 to 84,500. On average this means that over the last 15 years, the total number of workers in the sector has dropped by 3,820 per year.

Looking at the overall picture, painters and decorators ranked 15th when it comes to the jobs which have suffered the biggest decline in workers over the past 15 years.

Commenting on the research, Nigel Best, director of Electrician Courses 4U said, “We’ve been able to unearth a number of fascinating findings. Our analysis highlights how a number of industries have been directly impacted by digital advancements which have reduced the need for specific job roles such as welders or printers.

“In contrast, other sectors are booming as they benefit from behavioural changes such as an increase in travel, whether that be at home or abroad.

“What is glaringly obvious from our research though is that a number of industries, including the painting and decorating and electrical industry, must do more in order to replace and revamp an increasingly ageing workforce.”

A full breakdown of the trades experiencing the biggest rise and decline of workers over the past 15 years can be found in the Useful Resources section at www.electriciancourses4u.co.uk

INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

LAST SEPTEMBER FORD Pro introduced the van that small businesses across Europe have been waiting for, the allnew E-Transit Custom. The all-electric version of Europe’s best-selling van, is designed from the ground up.

However, Ford Pro ’s research that found over half of van drivers across the UK think that current charging infrastructure is not ready to support electric commercial vehicles – one of the biggest drawbacks to EV adoption.

Ford Pro ’s survey found clear enthusiasm to make the switch and awareness of electrification’s benefits, as 56% of respondents agreed that EVs could improve productivity via lower running costs.

The survey found three further current barriers to widespread electric van adoption:

• Difficulty finding parking, loading bays or depots with charging facilities (over 75%)

• Insufficient fast-charging options available (30%)

• Lack of appropriate charging stations negatively impacting productivity and profitability (29%)

Ford is calling on the UK government and local councils to increase their spending on electric vehicle infrastructure, as more businesses and consumers make the switch ahead of the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales in 2030.

Supporting small and medium-sized businesses on the journey towards an electric future is not only important for the environment, but also for the economy. Small businesses contribute more than £2 trillion in turnover to the economy and employ 44% of the British workforce.

The E-Transit is exempt from London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and congestion charge payments, which could save traders £27.50 per day compared to running a diesel van, and is also exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty until April 2025.

Energy management is a key consideration for businesses – even more so for smaller operations that may not have access to full-time fleet managers, or depots for overnight charging. Electricity prices can differ markedly, so using Ford Pro ’s Charging software, drivers can make sure they schedule charging during cheaper overnight rates where available to help further reduce cost of ownership and ease operating stress.

E-Transit Custom ’s 11kW AC three-phase onboard charger is capable of fully recharging the battery in under eight hours, so customers will be able recharge overnight after a shift. During busy days, they can track current charge state on-the-go using the FordPass Pro smartphone app. www.ford.co.uk/vans-and-pickups/e-transit

CELEBRATING COLOUR IN CA MBRI DGE

BREWERS WERE THRILLED to be able to support the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, a part of Cambridge University, with 60 litres of Albany paint donated to the museum for their latest exhibition, COLOUR: Art, Science & Power.

The displays harness the allure and power of colour to inspire reflection and creativity. Albany Durable Matt and Albany Vinyl Matt were donated to the exhibition in ‘Lauren’s Jubilee’ and colour matched grey to match specific fabric colours within the exhibition.

The exhibition integrates insights from the arts, humanities and the sciences, bringing together extraordinary objects and artworks from different times and places. COLOUR showcases remarkable and diverse collections from across the University of Cambridge museums, libraries and colleges.

Underlying the exhibition is a focus on materiality and the different ways that people use colour to make sense of the world around them. Colour influences our emotions, activities and relations with others. Colour has the power to enchant and transform both people and things.

The exhibition is running until 9 April 2023, find out more at https://maa.cam.ac.uk/whats_on

Finding the postive

Whether at work or at home there will always be things that don’t go our way. Sometimes we’ll just finish glossing a front door, and a gust of breeze will fling a few errant leaves onto it. We won’t enjoy every book we pick up, every TV show we sit down to watch, every meal we eat, every pint of beer we look forward to. It can be irritating when things like that happen. On the other hand...

It can be amazing when a job goes just right! It’s a fist pump moment when a client pays within minutes of sending an invoice. It can be a total delight when a meal is delicious, a TV show engrosses you or makes you laugh. Life can be great.

But it’s not just a question of ‘good stuff and bad stuff’, we can still get a lot out of the less amazing bits of our work day and lives. The secret is to always look for the positives.

by Charlie Budd

Where to begin?

So, is it just about having a ‘positive mental attitude?’ Does that even work? One thing’s for certain, it’s not just a case of flipping a switch and everything is rosy.

It’s a process. It’s about making a new habit. It takes time. But it’s so worth it. It’s had a surprising effect on me and on people around me.  There are three parts of the process that I’ve found useful to work on. None of them are difficult, but like any new habit they take time to become almost automatic.

Taking a bird’s eye view

When stuff is ‘happening to us’, it’s very easy to take it personally, to get wound up, even to blow it out of proportion. But there’s a useful technique to get it back into proportion, and that’s taking a bird’s eye view of the situation.

The best way to do it, is actually imagine you’re floating above wherever you are, looking down. You see yourself, you see the situation. It helps to look at things objectively, as if you’re a third person.

Say that you’re in a traffic jam, late for something, it’s easy to get annoyed or stressed. But it is what it is. Unless you have a James Bond car that transforms into a helicopter (if you do can I borrow it?) then there’s not much you can do to move faster.

So take a look out the window, observe the trees, the people walking past, enjoy the radio show or playlist you’ve got on. Stop being the centre of the universe and get a wider perspective - it really helps.

Gratitude

That nicely brings us to the second trick, and that’s feeling grateful. When I’m stuck behind a tractor on a country road, I actively thank the agricultural worker driving it for growing the food that keeps us all alive. Doing that means that I really don’t mind getting stuck behind a tractor, it actually makes me smile. And you can do that with almost any situation.

If you get to work and yesterday’s filler hasn’t gone off because it’s on a cold wall, you could get annoyed, or you could look at the positives. You’ve got a heater in the van to help it go off quicker, you can work on the other walls or the woodwork. Always look for what can be done and be grateful for that. Which takes us to...

Learning

Every single thing that doesn’t go our way is a perfect opportunity to learn from it.

Stuck in traffic? Learn to leave earlier, or find different routes, or just tell your client you’ll be there later and enjoy that time in your cosy vehicle, listening to a great podcast, song, or audio book.

Filler hasn’t gone off? Next time check with the client if it’s okay to put an extra heater in the room. Try different fillers. Learn to do filling on cold walls first, so it’s got more time to go off.

People can get intense satisfaction from learning something, it’s one of the things that makes us so human. We feel like we’re winning at life, beating the odds. So having that attitude of constant learning makes us feel progressive and gratified.

Outside of work

We can apply these three simple techniques away from work too. Annoyed by one character in a TV show? Don’t fixate on them, focus on what you are enjoying and appreciating. Your Sunday roast is great except for the overcooked carrots? Don’t moan about them, focus on what is great and make carrot soup for Monday.

One benefit of this is you’ll moan less and that’s good for the people around you too. Moaning takes energy away from people, but being positive gives out more energy. Be a radiator person, not a drain.

Broadening the positive

So ‘finding the positive’ isn’t just about switching your brain to some magical more positive mental attitude. It’s just about practising the simple acts of taking a bird’s eye view of situations, of being grateful for what is good at that moment, and of enjoying the process of learning.

Turn those acts into habits and you’ll find yourself making more of virtually every situation you’re in. You’ll feel better about life, you’ll be more solution-oriented at work and you’ll have a most positive impact on the people around you.

Soap and water-based painting

We were asked to redecorate the drawing room and conservatory at the home in Cheshire which belongs to Bill Roache, known to most for his role as Ken Barlow in Coronation Street for over 60 years.

We always take great care in our preparation work, as any quality decorator knows this is probably the most important part of the job, and we spent the first eight days of our three week schedule on this.

Our first job was to fully strip the walls and ceilings of old paper before sanding them using our Mirka Leros wall and ceiling sander. All woodwork was then fully sanded down, taking great care to make them as smooth as possible, using a Mirka Deros and Deos starting with 80 grit, and moving up to 320. We removed all doors and radiators so we could sand and spray them flat.

All the walls and ceilings then filled, sanded again, caulked, cross lined and Wallrock-ed, before fully masking all the windows and conservatory, with sheeting where required.

Once we were happy with everything we then began the spraying process using our Graco 390 with various tips.

Starting with the dado rail, we used Rainbow Chalk Antique Gold, and would definitely use this again as it was lovely to spray and a great result.

We then moved onto the other woodwork, coving, fireplace and conservatory. This was all sprayed with Akzo Nobel WP136 primer, and s satin-matt top coat, both tinted to Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White as per the customer’s instructions, leaving all the woodwork with a silky smooth flat finish.

After being impressed with some of their previous work, Verity Roache got in touch with G.BORG to explain that her father was looking for an equally high quality finish for his home. Aaron Borg explains...

Bill was incredibly impressed with the quality of the finish that G.BORG provided on his drawing room and conservatory.

The WP136 and Cetol topcoat is our go-to paint for woodwork, so much so, we recommend this paint to whoever we can, it provides a great finish, it’s fast drying and hard wearing.

The small decorative flowers on the radiator covers and columns were hand sponged using the Rainbow Chalk Antique Gold, to give a distressed look. One thing that became a slight stumbling block, were the noggins on the coving. We debated individually hand painting them, but after some thought, we decided to mask every individual noggin, drop clothes down all the walls, and then spray them in the gold finish as this was quicker and provided a better finish.

The project was then finished with papering the ceilings and walls. As we knew we would spray this job, we had already decided what paint we would be using throughout. The budget never changed, plus we did a few small extras that we didn't change for, as it made a better finish. We had great pleasure working for Bill and his family, he was over the moon with the result, saying, “I have been looking for a good decorator for some time, and now I have found him. George Borg, is indeed a high class decorator, working with his sons Lewis and Aaron. He spends a lot of time doing the preparation, and the finished work is impeccable. For me he is the perfect decorator and will always be my first to call.”

G.BORG are Members of the PDA based near Manchester. Call them on 0161 330 8840,

Grey

Ken Sives at PDA Member firm Islandmagee Painting & Decorating, was incredibly pleased to win the tender for redecorating the Construction Employers Federation building in Belfast, a sizeable property with 87 sash windows to tackle...

The exterior of the building had been neglected for some time, and was really looking quite past its best. A lot of people visit the building throughout the year to undertake various Health & Safety courses, and the Construction Employers Federation wanted it to reflect their professional organisation.

The CEF had already arranged for the entire building to be wrapped right round with scaffold for seven weeks, which made access for ourselves much easier as the chimneys in particular would have proved quite an operation without it, so this really was a blessing, but did give us a tight deadline to work to.

It had been around 15 years since the building was last painted, so there was a lot of loose paint, partly from water ingress behind previous layers of paint, which all obviously had to be removed.

Around the first week and a half was taken up with the preparation... Scraping the surfaces, treating with fungicidal wash where required, and filling the many cracks with Toupret exterior filler.

There were nearly 90 sash windows on the property too, some of which were in very poor unrepairable shape, and had to be completely replaced. The others were all scraped down, puttied where needed, filled and then sanded before priming. They were then all finished by brush with Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield in Brilliant White, by just one man!

Having the scaffolding already erected by the client was a huge bonus.

Islandmagee Painting & Decorating are Members of the PDA based north of Belfast. You can call them on 02893 441031 or visit their website at www.islandmageepainters.co.uk

For the rendered masonry we originally considered spraying, however, due to the number of windows on the property and the time which would have been involved covering these, we decided to go old school, brush and roller. Starting with Johnstone’s Stabilising Solution, followed by Multi Surface Primer, and finally Stormshield Masonry in Hurricane Grey. The pillars either side of the front door were in particularly poor shape, and many hours were spent filling, sanding and getting these to look as they should be.

Fortunately, the weather which we thought may be our main hurdle, was really good to us and we had a solid six weeks with very little rain and wind... Highly unusual for Ireland, even in summer!

Other than the joiner having issues obtaining materials for the replacement sash windows due to Brexit, which held us up on the final ‘snagging’ of the project, everything went smoothly and we finished in time and on budget.

The client was very pleased with the quality of the work, and we have now been asked to provide estimates for internal decorating to be carried out in 2023.

They have had many comments from passers by, their Members, and even telephone enquiries asking who carried out the work, so we have also secured a few other jobs off the back of this prominent and prestigious project.

The scaffolding was crucial for dealing with the chimneys.

Many window frames were in a poor state but repairable, some though needed completely replacing.

Thankfully not everything required working at height!

Some areas still required ladder access.

Great views were on offer from the top!

Conceptualising the Future

INSPIRING NEW COLOUR INSIGHTS

Crown Paints has unveiled its Colour Insights for 2023/24 which will inspire architects and designers as they look ahead to the coming seasons. The company, which prides itself on being an expert in colour, is home to a team of specialists who continually research and develop future trends and themes in the world of colour, light, space and interiors.

Following an inspirational and creative selection process, Crown’s colour panel, made up of six industry experts, has announced its picks for 2023 and 2024 – Breathe, Abstract Simplicity and Joy.

The panel conducts extensive research throughout the year, from attending design shows, to considering the latest developments across the world of tech and popular culture, as well as emerging political, social and environmental factors. The group then agrees upon the key themes and trends that form Crown’s latest Colour Insights.

Bespoke colour palettes have been curated, which are tailored to each of the Insights, alongside a guide which highlights the recommended proportions of each of the colours.

Abstract Simplicity

A synonym for tranquillity, this palette builds on the cocooning concept, creating places to retreat, relax and be cosy. Warming, light and very neutral, low intensity and ranges from light to mid in tone, hints of modern art filter into Abstract Simplicity. Use on wall reliefs in a single colour or combine two subtle tones to continue the understated approach.

Breathe

The inspiration for Breathe comes from architectural designs use air ventilation for decoration as well as circulation. Air bricks, Moroccan screens, woven materials and furniture intertwine letting light and air flow freely, and give space and light to those occupying spaces. Breathe represents meditation, relaxation and letting go, light and shade can form complex patterns, geometric or more natural.

Encapsulating short magical moments of pure happiness found in everyday experiences such as bubbles, weightlessness, multiplicity and colourful displays. Embracing a sense of humour, Joy inspires an artistic flair with this collection of contrasting colours, ranging from bold to bright and subtle to subdued. Colour is plentiful and applied in abundance using stripes or block patterns on any surface – ceilings, walls, fabrics and furniture.

Joy

@Festool_GB @festool_uk

www.festool.co.uk

Whether I am sanding with one of my many Festool sanders, using my rail saw or my Kapex sliding compound mitre saw, or simply cleaning up, as a multi-skilled trade professional dust management is my number one priority.

Investing in a Festool CLEANTEC CTM MIDI 1 dust extraction machine makes good business sense, because Festool builds high-quality tools that are reliable and last! In addition, they have an exceptional warranty and after-sales/service.

This dust extractor is 230v which suits my working environment, and M Class rated (hazardous dust), however, it’s more than just any old dust extractor. This machine is crammed with so many features, including it sensing what diameter suction hose is being used and adjusting the suction automatically, which enables it to run efficiently.

I like the fact it’s portable, ergonomic and lightweight at 12.80kg. It’s also a compact (470x320x495mm), which is a bonus, especially when carrying up and downstairs.

The anti-snag/static conical high suction hose can be stowed neatly in the dedicated storage compartment on top, this also keeps it clean and protects the optional remote control Bluetooth accessory.

The 7.5m power cable is neatly organised on the rear of the extractor, where a unique folding tab releases the whole cable in one go rather than having to unwind it manually#gamechanger

tool TALK

Features & Benefits

‘ M class extractor with external filter replacement

‘ Bluetooth enabled, plus touch control panel

‘ 7.50m power cable

‘ Lightweight, ergonomic and portable

‘ 12.5 litre dust bag

‘ 36-month warranty (online registration)

The extractor turns on seamlessly and automatically from any Festool Bluetooth-enabled tool or the Bluetooth remote control, but a green on/off switch compliments a well-designed touch control panel operating the manual start, which is unfazed by the dust and dirt of a busy job site.

The Festool CLEANTEC CTM MIDI 1 lid incorporates a robust carry handle, serves as a seat and a mini-tool table top, yet also allows the Systainers SYS toolbox and SORTAINERs to be secured via the T-LOC.

Large rugged, fixed back wheels and directional smaller front wheels allow easy manoeuvring over dust sheets and cables. An optional telescopic handle is available, which helps with mobility and cleaning tool storage.

Changing the filter externally by simply pulling the drawer out without tools is a great time saver. There is also a manual de-dusting lever which enables the filter and filter bag to be cleaned during use, thus improving suction and allowing the dust to bag to fill fully before needing to be replaced, plus the blower port comes in handy.

I recommend downloading the Festool Work App, as the extractor can communicate with a smartphone for jargon-free support, and simply point your phone camera to the QR CODE on the machine to register the tool online within 30 days of purchase and benefit from a 36-month warranty!

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

One of each of the items reviewed in this edition of Tooltalk are available to one lucky PDA Member!

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

Keeping my tools and equipment tidy and organised has saved me a lot of time over the years. Everything has its place, and the secret is always putting them away. Owning multiple spirit levels of different brands and sizes was an issue regarding where to store them safely, so they are always to hand and not easily damaged.

StealthMounts have solved the issue with their Level Mounts, a really cool way to keep my levels stored and always ready to use in the van or workshop. They hold each end of the level securely, which is then released single-handed by simply pushing the tab.

Features & Benefits

‘

Level Mounts are made in Great Britain from tough injection moulded ABS plastic, and fit most (90%) of the levels out there to a maximum height of 64mm and a maximum depth of 32mm. Each Level Mount has two countersunk holes that allow easy fixing to your chosen surface. I use a MarXman pen to mark where the fixings will go, and remember never over-tighten fixings! You can position it vertically, horizontally or any other that you like, just make sure the level is not loose

OLFA BTC-1/DX Scraping & Cutting Tool

@olfa_ukie

www.olfauk.com

I’ve been using OLFA cutting tools and scrapers for 43 years, this is a trusted brand that has never let me down so I wanted to share my thoughts on the BTC -1/DX. When I first saw it I thought of Transformers from the 80s, because new OLFA tool can change from a scraper into a cutting tool, and more!

Features & Benefits

‘ Cutting and scraping

‘ Trade and crafting use

‘ Replaceable blades

‘ Acetone resistant

‘ Lifetime warranty (at participating retailers)

I’ve come to appreciate that when OLFA make tools, they use the finest materials available, and this tool is no exception. The lightweight, comfortable, yellow ABS handle with thumb and finger grip detailing, has various holes designed to allow water to drain freely.

But the biggest feature is that the black ABS head can be set to 11 different angles, you just carefully loosen the rotary thumb screw and choose one the various grooves and slots before securely locking into position. Make sure you firmly grip the handle using your index finger to guide the cutting process.

The BTB-1 high-quality carbon tool steel blade has two useable sides, sharpened only on a single bevel at 0.6mm,

thumb turn is facing up, and ensure the small white washer goes on the bolt before re-assembling. The safety blade cover has a centring pin moulded into it, which aligns to the blade's hole

PRO Caps

BrushKeeper PRO Cap is a storage pod that stores most wet round brushes, depending on their size and brand.

The aptly named BrushKeeper PRO Cap keeps the brush from going hard, so it’s ready to use for a few hours, days and even a week. It works for brushes that have been used in water- or solvent-based paints and stains.

I’ve got a few Staalmeester round brushes stored in them, and they also keep brushes clean and prevent damage to the filaments.

Centre Point

@centrepointpipe

www.centre-point.co.uk

I’ve always been drawn to innovation, anything that is made well, lasts, and improves or speeds up the job, gets a thumbs up from me. And it’s usually the simple solutions that are the best!

Centre Point slips over the end of a pipe and has an inbuilt replaceable permanent marker that marks the centre point on surfaces for accurate drilling, with a small, red, water-resistant dot.

The bright red Centre Point, are easily found in the toolbox or van, and are available in individual sizes for 15mm to 28mm copper pipe, 32mm to 50mm solvent weld pipe, and 110mm soil pipe, plus plastic and galvanised conduit in 20mm and 25mm.

Storage cases are available with bespoke foam liners laser cut to suit Centre Point. Made in Britain from 99.5% recycled PETG.

Features & Benefits

‘ Replaceable permanent fine red marker

‘ Wide range of sizes

‘ Storage cases available

‘ Made in Great Britain

Features & Benefits

‘ Translucent

‘ Reusable

‘ 5 pack, 12 pack, or individual

The BrushKeeper PRO Cap has a flared neck with a straight edge on one side, which prevents it from rolling about. Being translucent, you can see what colour paint is on the brush, and I use a Tracer permanent marker pen to write on the date and what type of paint is on the brush. For storage, keep away from sunlight and heat and place upright in a paint kettle or an old coffee mug. They can be reused over and over by washing with the correct medium or recycled at the end of their life. Purchase as a nest of five sizes, a zip bag of twelve or individually.

The devil is in the detail

www.monarchpainting.co.uk

The Monarch Detail & Finishing Brush Set has been carefully curated to ensure that each project has the right brush, every time. Designed for the advanced painter needing multiple brushes to complete the task to a high-quality finish. Each brush offers synthetic tapered filaments to provide a professional finish. The set is simple and versatile to use with slimline, ergonomic and colour-coded handles for quick brush identification together with easy to clean filaments that are suitable for water based and oil-based paints. The set offers a selection of brushes and sizes to help ensure that all aspects of the task are covered. The five brushes included are 50mm Walls, Doors & Trims brush, 50mm Cutting In & Framing brush, 22mm Windows & Doors brush, 38mm Moulding & Skirting brush, and 63mm Moulding & Skirting brush.

toolUP

Flex to get hard /barrettinepro

www.barrettinepro.co.uk

Barrettine’s Hard Wax Oil is a new addition to the Armourflex specialist high performance coating range, offering an outstanding finish with exceptional wear characteristics. Containing a blend of natural oils and waxes, suitable for protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of all interior wood including hardwood, softwood, parquet and veneer. Certified Food & Toy Safe when dry, Armourflex Hard Wax Oil complements a range of modern and classic interior styles. To celebrate the release, Barrettine is offering an opportunity to redeem 30% off the purchase price from selected stockists by leaving a review

Scan the QR code to find out more!

Raising the game

www.wernerco.co.uk

Werner have launched a new and improved, extremely versatile, 3-in-1 Multi-Purpose Telescopic ladder, offering a stepladder, extension ladder and stairwell ladder all in one compact, lightweight product. Certified to the latest EN1314:2020 safety standard, this professional ladder features adjustable telescopic sections with simple to operate hinge locks, allowing for easy conversion between the three modes. Spring loaded ‘J’ locks enable the user to adjust the height of the telescopic ladder quickly and easily. The robust, high-grade aluminium multi-purpose ladder has a load capacity of 150kg, and compact folded dimensions, making it easy to handle, transport and store. Available in three sizes, the splayed base with heavy-duty slip-resistant feet is designed to provide maximum stability in any position. To protect work surfaces it has non-marring rubber foot pads, while protective edge bracing provides enhanced strength to the bottom of the ladder.

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

off the shelf

The Werner Leansafe is a professional 3-in-1 multi-purpose ladder that transforms from a leaning ladder to a step ladder or an extension ladder, providing greater versatility in just one product. The one-handed adjustment system makes the transformation simple, allowing you to choose the right ladder for the job. The unique top of the ladder has been specially designed to securely lean against a range of surfaces when using as a leaning ladder and has a safety grip wall bumper, providing firm grip for pole or corner leaning. The ladder has also been designed with a compact rear section that fits between standard framing studs when it's in step ladder mode which will allow you to get closer to the work. Changing to an extension ladder is also an easy process, the one-handed adjustment system allows you to simply flip the rear section up. The integral tool tray also keeps tools organised, allowing you to minimise your trips up and down the ladder. The Werner Leansafe is approved to the latest EN131 standard and has been designed for professional use. The lightweight and versatile 3-in-1 ladder is perfect for a wide range of jobs and is available in both aluminium and fibreglass.

Snug as a bug

www.makitauk.com

Perfection isn’t just for paint

www.hamiltondecoratingtools.co.uk

A Hamilton Perfection paint brush is usually a staple in most professionals’ toolboxes, but Hamilton also offer a ringed dusting brush and paper hanging brush. The traditional manufacturing method ensures both strength and rigidity, as well as looking great too! The Perfection Paper Hanging Brush is set with nine rings in a beautifully crafted, comfortable Beechwood handle with finger groove for easier grip. The specially designed filament mix combines both strength and softness. The Dusting Brush is set into three rings, again providing both strength and durability for dusting off debris and dust prior to redecoration, pick one up where you usually buy your Hamilton tools!

Makita has released its latest heated jacket, helping to protect wearers against the elements. Powered by the reliable 18V LXT battery, this new warm and stylish jacket is a must-have for cold, harsh jobsite environments. The DCJ205 offers maximum comfort and durability thanks to the five heating zones, users benefit from continuous warmth in the chest and back areas whilst also having control over the three heat level settings. A fully charged battery lasts from seven hours on the highest setting, to 29 hours on low when powered by the BL1850B 5.0Ah battery. The jacket’s olive coloured, polyester outer makes it waterproof and windproof, whilst the inner fleece lining helps keep the user warm and comfortable even with the power off. It is also equipped with a twoway zip, offering more flexibility when wearing a tool belt, as well as six pockets. Additionally, it is fully washable and tumble dry safe, so cleaning is easy and hassle-free without damaging its heating capabilities.

This Year, Make it Yours

Graham & Brown has added four new designs to its Custom Wallpaper collection. Each new design was hand drawn at their in-house Design Studio by the talented team of designers. The designs, Congo, Grizedale, Kimono and Bloem were all inspired by the studio’s trend predictions for 2023.

Synonymous with their sustainability pledge, these custom murals are created with the planet in mind. Each roll is digitally printed using 100% renewable electricity. The online custom design tool allows each mural to be printed in a bespoke size to fit each individual room, ensuring minimal waste in off cuts.

These murals are suitable for any room in the home and can be perfectly partnered with four of our paint colours and coordinating blinds or curtains.

James Greenwood at Graham & Brown comments on the launch, “Bespoke Murals have seen a huge increase in popularity 2022, the appetite for something unique for the home makes Graham & Brown Custom Wallpaper murals perfect. All our new murals are inspired by the beauty of nature perfectly fitting for our 2023 trend ‘why on earth’.”

All of these bespoke wallpapers are further customisable with four different finishes available, depending on the desired look. Each paper finish, Fibrous, Mica-Fibrous, Durable Smooth and Durable Fabric Effect, offers a key benefit or feature.

Bloem is re-imagined from the Graham & Brown Dutch archive, a mural that radiates opulence. A symphony of colour, scarlet, violet and cream are held together by a deep charcoal background. Use as a statement in living rooms or bedrooms, or even on a ceiling.

Grizedale is inspired by Lakeland woodland often found in the UK. This is a rich rural landscape reminiscent of the British seasons, available in Green, Dusk, Dawn and Autumn, with soft sunny intervals shining through the trees. The Grizedale custom wallpaper gives your home the breath-taking view you always wished you had.

Inspired by Japandi interiors, offering an essence of luxury into the home, Kimono is an intricate floral trail design, delicately painted in a soft pastel colour way. The Kimono Morning colourway is a mix of refreshing and relaxing, suitable for living spaces or bedrooms.

Congo Nightfall Bespoke Mural, Resistance Durable Matt Emulsion in Rhapsody

Bloem Mood Bespoke Mural Resistance Durable Matt Emulsion in Lund Grey

Kimono Morning Bespoke Mural Resistance Durable Matt Emulsion in Chinoiserie

Grizedale Green Mural Resistance Durable Matt Emulsion in So Swamped

The Congo Custom wallpaper comes from the Why on Earth trend, the design is subtle and sophisticated, depicting a picturesque jungle scene in deep and earthy hues bringing a serene sense of calm into any room.

In October 2022, Valspar Trade introduced a brand-new Vinyl Matt paint to its interior range, which rivals the leading brands in both coverage and finish. Originally only available in a Pure Brilliant White, it is now available as a tinted product. Here Charlotte Radford, Senior Product Manager from Valspar Trade tells us more...

Bringing colour back inside

When we were relaunching Valspar Trade last year, we wanted to fill any gaps that we felt we had within our range. As such, after reviewing our offering and the feedback we received from industry professionals, we decided to launch Vinyl Matt.

Our Valspar Trade Vinyl Matt is a high-opacity, water-based emulsion that’s part of our new and improved Trade Walls & Ceiling range, which also includes products such as Tough Matt, Tough Silk and Contract Matt. The new Vinyl Matt is thicker in viscosity than our other paints, allowing decorators to dilute it to their liking, for brush or spray application. The water-based emulsion applies easily, with an extended open wet edge time for a smooth and level finish. It can cover up to 16m2 per litre of paint – making for great coverage.

What’s more, it is also low splatter, making it both easy to use and clean up. It’s also quick drying, even when applied at temperatures as low as 2ºC.

Originally launched in Pure Brilliant White, Valspar Trade Vinyl Matt is now available as a tinted product. With our unrivalled colour matching service, customers can now have Vinyl Matt tinted to 2,000 pre-selected colours, or they can use our colour matching service to find their perfect match. We are able to match to 2.2 million colours from a sample the size of a fingernail, which can then be mixed in store in a matter of minutes.

Valspar Trade Vinyl Matt is a washable emulsion, perfect for those much-used rooms.

The full range is available exclusively at

By the power of Festool!

The battery-powered ExoActive exoskeleton will make light work of strenuous overhead tasks, giving users an added boost when their arms get tired and takes the load off their neck.

By reducing the stress on your body, you can work more effectively, focus more on the quality of your work, and ultimately get more enjoyment out of what you are doing. The required support level can be easily adjusted on the exoskeleton in a matter of seconds, to get targeted support precisely where it's needed.

The ExoActive is comfortable and easy to wear, just like a rucksack, and can be quickly adjusted to the user's individual body size. This new product signals a revolution for virtually all the trades in the construction industry, since unlike the systems currently available on the market, the ExoActive exoskeleton actively supports workers under their arms.

“Once you know first hand what it's like to work supported by an active exoskeleton, you won't want to work on a wall or ceiling without our ExoActive ever again. The ExoActive reduces the load on the front of users' shoulder muscles by up to 30%”, explains Dominic Ender, Product Manager.

“The ExoActive is powered by the same kind of Festool 18-volt battery pack that we use for our other tools. This makes it the perfect addition to our existing battery system.”

ExoActive provides each underarm with an added boost equivalent to reducing the load by approximately 5 kilograms. For

example, the PLANEX LHS 2 225 EQI long-reach sander weighs 4.7 kilograms, yet it feels as light as a feather when using the ExoActive.

“The level of support provided by the ExoActive can be tailored specifically to the task at hand by turning the controller. The exoskeleton has three predefined working areas for effortless control: From the waist up, from the chest up or overhead,” explains Dominic.

The Festool Work App can also be used to select additional profiles for optimal support. The ergonomically designed, easy-to-reach control element allows users to switch the ExoActive on and off as needed, set the support level to any of five settings, and select the working area.

All of the fabric and strap parts are removable and washable, so it can be worn by different people. Users can even be provided with their own harness system, making it even easier and quicker to change between them.

Unlimited power. On all substrates.

RENOFIXRG13 atr ect subs Perf

absolutely relia brushless EC-T maximum servi dust extract r, , y

RENOFIX RG 13 or

Discover our ne www.festool.co

lt. With the ,youhaveapowe , estor0ECIsurface-r

esu ect r or a perf e f erequisit ation is the pr epar e pr t ationgrinder

e a po ou hav y er 0 ECI surf ation grinder ble helper for removing old coatings and adhesive r EC motor allows you to work without interruptions, ce life. In combination with the CTM 36 AC RENOFIX you ensure healthy working – good for you and your

w products:

.uk/products/new-products

rfuland

rful and residue. The , with the X mobile r customers.