Decorator, artist, business graduate……

“…From an early age I always had an interest in anything creative. By the time I was a teenager my skills at using a paintbrush became apparent. My art teacher at school had secretly entered a piece of my work into the Heffer’s art gallery competition in Cambridgeshire…..and it won 1st prize. I then went on to gain an A* grade in GCSE Art & Design.

With a father in the building trade, and a mother who worked in education I knew the importance of not only a good education, but also the importance of having a skilled trade. In 1996 I left school and attended Cambridge Regional College where I successfully studied for a GNVQ in Advanced Business during the day, and a City & Guilds qualification in Painting and Decorating during the evenings.

Following this I was accepted by the London Metropolitan University, where I studied for a BA Honours in Business & Marketing. I supported myself by using my decorating qualifications to work through the holidays, working for builders gaining valuable decorating experience.

Whilst studying for my degree, the idea of running my own business always appealed to me. So after graduating in 2001, I decided to do just that, and I set up my own decorating business. The degree had taught me the all important foundations of running a business such as excellent customer service, and the work experience had given me the all important skills needed to be a successful tradesmen.

I began by sub-contracting for larger decorating firms and building contractors, working alongside other decorators from all walks of life, picking up both modern and traditional decorating techniques and skills that I still use to this day. Although I now have my own customer base, I still keep in contact with all friends and colleagues from the building trade and am able to recommend or even incorporate other tradesmen into the service I provide. So whether you need a door replaced, a radiator moved or a light switch changed, I always know someone that can help.

So, almost a decade has past since I took that first step, and I can say with confidence that I’m still really enjoying my work. Working as a painter and decorator gives me a great deal of job satisfaction, there is nothing better than seeing the delight on a customers face when a project is completed and there is nothing I enjoy more than turning an old, tired looking property into a fresh, clean, inspiring one…..”

Thanks for reading!