A letter from our CEO

Dear Members,

It’s started to feel very autumnal over these past couple of weeks and I hope the majority of your external work is now completed. The clocks will be going back on 30 October and it makes all the difference to outside working when it is dark by 3.30pm.

Now that foreign travel is starting to resemble some form of normality, I’ve been out and about these past few weeks visiting European organisations in Germany and Switzerland. The first visit was to attend the Painting Skills Academy update meeting with which our Association has been involved over the past two years. The aim of the project is to implement vocational training for the European painting trade based on the challenges and requirements of the European market. Vocational training needs to be seen as more attractive for young people so that they can be won over to the craft. Inadequate knowledge, skills and competencies can inevitably lead to difficulties in future life. My second visit was to the UNIEP General Assembly, held this year in Zurich at which they asked me to act as the Moderator for their AGM and Conference. Our Association, along with European Sector-related Trade Associations are long standing members of this organisation. The International Association of Painting Contractors (UNIEP) represents over 60,000 businesses through its 22 members in 15 European countries and employs 280,000 professional Painters and Decorators. Closer to home, we hope to see some of you at both our Annual AGM and on Stand Number 96 at this year’s National Painting Decorating Show at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 22 and 23 November. The last face-to-face AGM was held pre-pandemic in 2019, so it will be good to get back to seeing people in person. Full details are on page 6 of this magazine, and on the e-newsletters you will have received by email. Those attending the AGM will have their names added to a prize draw with the chance of winning a Graco Hand Held Spray machine.

I hope you have seen the adverts for new PDA Management Board Members in recent correspondence. If you feel you can contribute in helping to shape the future of Association, please see page 8.

The 2023 PDA Premier Trophy Awards application form is now available on our website’s homepage. Completed applications need to be back at HQ by 13 January 2023. For those of you who haven’t yet signed up for the Take Time Lifestyle Club yet, simply call us and speak with Samantha who will set your free access code worth £60 per year if it were purchased individually. You can request the free voucher codes for ALL of your employees too! This club gives our Members exclusive access to fantastic deals and offers at restaurants, hotels, gyms and spas. PLUS, a huge range of entertainment, leisure experiences, and travel deals to help you take time out of your busy schedule. So why wait, call now and start saving! Finally, I hope to see some of you at our Networking Gala Dinner & Apprentice Awards on 5 November (see page 17) at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford upon Avon. It promises to be fabulous evening, so please do try and make effort to attend, you can meet the office team, fellow Members and some of our Associate Partners. Catch up with us over a drink, a three course meal and great entertainment live on stage.

Neil Ogilvie

Chief Executive

neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk