December 3, 2025
Purdy reveals Mentor of the Year winners
Professional painting tools manufacturer Purdy has announced the winners of its Mentor of the Year competition, at an awards ceremony held in central London on Friday 28th November.
Maureen Turner from UHI Inverness was crowned College Lecturer Mentor of the Year, while Sharon Norton-Marshall of Obsessed Decorating and Trade Health Coach, based in Milton Keynes, was crowned Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year.
Now in its fifth 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 a huge number of entries, so the four judges, Neil Ogilvie CEO of the Painting and Decorating Association, Phil Warrick of CITB, Glen Galbraith of Doncaster College and previous Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and Rob Davies of Purdy, had their work cut out choosing the eventual winners.
The runners up were Graeme Roberts, from Colchester College for the College Lecturer Mentor of the Year, and Greenock-based Henry Fulton for Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year. The winners each received £1,000 and the runners-up were both awarded £500.
Clara Dursent, Brand Manager at Purdy, said: “The standard of entries we received this year has been extremely positive. It was a really difficult task to select our winners, but the judges have chosen some excellent individuals who don’t just add value to their colleges or mentees, they add value to the industry and provide a crucial support system to their students.”
Entries for the Purdy Mentor of the Year 2026 competition will open on the 1st April 2026, with a deadline for entry of the 31st August 2026.
Maureen Turner, UHI Inverness – winner of College Lecturer Mentor of the Year 2025
Maureen’s nominators spoke of her exceptional communication skills, her energy, and her deep passion for the craft. She is described as patient, precise, and endlessly supportive, someone who adapts her teaching to every learner, offers clear guidance, and gives constructive criticism that builds confidence rather than diminishing it. Mo’s mentees credit her with shaping their careers, instilling high standards, and inspiring them to strive for perfection.
“It’s an absolutely amazing feeling,” explains Maureen. “I didn’t get into teaching to win any awards but after 37 years of being in the industry. I am so delighted!
“Mentoring is an integral part of what we bring to the industry; we are there to help progress the future generations of our trade. Without teachers, mentors, lecturers, the industry cannot progress.”
Sharon Norton-Marshall – winner of the Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year 2025
Sharon’s mentoring style was described as selfless, generous, and deeply human. Her nominator credits her with providing unwavering support in both professional and personal moments: offering advice, free skills days, and guidance shaped by real experience. She asks questions before giving direction, never judges, and focuses on growth, wellbeing, and confidence. Sharon’s mentee expressed profound gratitude, describing her support as the reason they were able to keep going when things felt overwhelming. Her kindness and positivity have been truly transformative.
Sharon commented on her win: “I was very emotional when it was announced; for me, mentoring is a lifestyle helping others to develop and achieve their potential. To think that after 30 years of decorating and the struggles that entailed, from being a no-knowledge decorator, to stepping out on my own now, to be awarded this prize is truly amazing.”
Graeme Roberts, Colchester College – runner-up of the College Lecturer Mentor of the Year 2025
Graeme’s impact on learners and colleagues alike is profound. His nominators described him as enthusiastic, dedicated, and deeply passionate about good practice. His students achieve at the highest level, including reaching SkillBuild competition finals, because Graeme instils accuracy, pride, and belief.
Henry Fulton – runner-up of the Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year 2025
Henry’s nominators, his children, spoke with warmth and admiration about the way he has mentored them throughout their lives and careers. With more than 40 years of experience, his mentorship helped his sons build successful businesses of their own, grounded in hard work, pride, and the high standards he taught them. They credit him with not only their skills, but their confidence, resilience, and careers.
