PURDY MENTORS OF THE YEAR
Professional painting tools manufacturer Purdy has crowned the two winners of this year’s Mentor of the Year competition. Glen Galbraith from Doncaster College was awarded the College Lecturer Mentor of the Year, while James Reeve of Royal Spa Decoration, based in Leamington Spa, was awarded the Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year.
Now in its third year, Purdy’s Mentor of the Year recognises those in the industry who inspire the next generation of professional painters and decorators to be the best that they can be. Those learning the trade were asked to nominate a professional who is having a positive impact on their learning. This year, Purdy received its highest number of entries to date, with the three judges, Neil Ogilvie CEO of the Painting and Decorating Association, Phil Warrick of CITB and Rob Davis of Purdy having their work cut out choosing the eventual winners.
The runners up were Joe Love, from North Kent College Gravesend for the College Lecturer Mentor of the Year, and Ben Byrne, from Plymouth-based BLKC Decorators for Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year. The winners received £1,000 each and the runners-up were both awarded £500. This year, Megan Talbot, a mentor at Accrington and Rossendale College also received a Special Recognition of Achievement Award, winning a Purdy backpack filled with Purdy products. Those that nominated the winners also received Purdy goodies.
Rob Davies of Purdy, said: “We are delighted that Purdy’s Mentor of the Year is going from strength to strength, with the number of entries rising year on year. It’s so great to see so many trainees taking the time to nominate a professional who they feel is making a real contribution to their development, and our honour to recognise them with these well-deserved awards.”
Entries for the Purdy Mentor of the Year 2024 competition will open on 1st April 2024, with a deadline for entry on 30th September 2024.