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5 REASONS TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE PURDY MENTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2026 --- Painting and Decorating Show 2026 set to bring innovation, skills and community together --- PDA’s search for top apprentice arrives in Wales --- Dulux marks 65 years of its iconic brand ambassador with new television advert --- Painters receive prison sentence for drug dealing --- Story Decorating Group donates leftover paint to community --- The Wooster Brush Company celebrates 175th anniversary --- London painter features in sustainability campaign --- 2026 marks 30 years of the Dulux Select Decorators scheme --- PaintCare UK will be trialled in the West Midlands from March 2026 --- Purdy’s Mentor of the Year competition open for entries --- UK-wide search for top painting and decorating apprentice goes to Belfast --- Okarno donates products for Band of Builders project helping retired builder --- Bradite partners on mural project --- Cardo Group acquires Trident Maintenance Services ---

April 1, 2026

5 REASONS TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE PURDY MENTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2026

Now in its sixth year, the Purdy Mentor of the Year competition is back – and nominations are open now. Great mentorship can be transformative, and the competition recognises those who go over and above to support the next generation as they build careers in the trade. Has someone had a positive impact on your decorating journey? Here are five reasons to nominate them.

1. Because good mentors deserve to be celebrated

Behind every skilled painter and decorator, there’s usually someone who showed them the ropes. These people rarely shout about what they do. The Purdy Mentor of the Year award exists precisely to shine a spotlight on those unsung heroes of the trade, make sure yours gets the recognition they deserve.

2. Because it inspires the next generation

As 2025 winner Maureen Turner put it: without teachers and mentors, the industry cannot progress. When experienced professionals are publicly recognised for their guidance, it sends a powerful message that craftsmanship and knowledge-sharing are worth investing in. A nomination doesn’t just reward one person; it strengthens a culture of learning across the whole trade.

3. Because it’s open to everyone in the trade

The competition welcomes nominees from right across the industry, whether they run their own decorating business, lecture at a college, or train decorators within a larger firm. Two separate categories (professional painter and decorator, and college lecturer) mean there’s a place for whoever you have in mind.

4. Because there are real prizes at stake

Winners in each category receive £1,000, with runners-up taking home £500. And everyone who submits a nomination will receive a special Purdy goodie bag. Nominating is a win for your mentor and a little something for you too.

5. Because it only takes a few minutes

Simply head to the Purdy website, tell them why your nominee should win, and submit. That’s it! Someone invested their time in you or someone you know, now it’s your turn to give something back.

How to nominate

Nominations open 1st March 2026 and close 31st August 2026. 

Visit www.purdy.co.uk/the-purdy-difference/mentor-of-the-year/ to nominate and view full terms and conditions.

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