The Grand Winner of the 2021 Dulux Select Decorators Awards has been announced as Mark Hutchinson.
Mark’s triumph was announced at the Dulux Select Gala Dinner & Awards 2021, which celebrates the work of Select Decorators around the UK, on Tuesday 23 November during the National Painting and Decorating Show.
Mark, (pictured above, centre) was revealed as the Grand Winner of the awards in recognition of his wealth of experience and knowledge, and his commitment to continuously exceed customer expectations with the quality of his work across both interior and exterior projects.
Ten category winners were also presented at the gala dinner held in the 25th year of the Dulux Select scheme.
Taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena, the awards returned to an in-person format after the 2020 event was held online, bringing to life physically for the first time the Fitch & Bristle, a virtual pub created in lockdown to unite scheme members at a difficult time.
Decorators from across the country gathered at the venue for drinks, dinner and live entertainment, before Dulux Select Decorators Lead Vickie Mather, and judges Dulux Academy Skills Development Consultants Mark Rigby and Tony Pearson-Young, as well as Dulux Creative Director Marianne Shillingford, took to the stage to announce the winners.
The Category Winners were announced as:
- Apprentice Mentor: Mike Poole
- Adding Colour to People’s Lives: Nicola Lewis
- Sprayed Finish: Paul Sharpe
- Painted Interior Project to the Value of £2,499: Stuart Yates
- Painted Interior Project over £2,500: Gary Marsh
- Best Newcomer: David Lugiewicz
- Exterior Project: Mark Hutchinson
- Colour of the Year – Brave GroundTM: Carl Lesh
- Wallpaper Installation to the Value of £1,499: Mark Hutchinson
- Wallpaper Installation over £1,500: Nigel Bennett
There were seven Highly Commended finalists:
- Apprentice Mentor: Simon Thompson
- Sprayed Finish: Les Copestake
- Painted Interior Project over £2,500: Alan Jones
- Exterior Project: Morley Lane, Sam Gard, Rachel Bates
- Wallpaper Installation over £1,500: Simon Medlin
Six Judges Awards were also awarded to: Sean Wilkinson, Nikolay Hristov, Georgie Baker, Mike Katembala, Steph Howles and Emma Gill; and two 25 years service presentations were made to Sean Wilkinson and Robert Whyte in recognition of their commitment to the scheme.
Mark Hutchinson commented: “I am genuinely humbled and honoured to receive the Grand Winner award. The past year has had its ups and down for everyone due to the pandemic, so it’s great to be able to look back with pride on the projects I’ve carried out and the fantastic customer feedback, in spite of the challenges we’ve all faced.
“It’s the first time I’ve entered so it was a big surprise to win two category awards, let alone be crowned the overall winner, especially as all the Dulux Select Decorators are incredibly talented and have done such amazing work over the past year. It’s a privilege to be recognised alongside a group of dedicated and deserving people.”
Vickie Mather, Dulux Select Decorators Lead, said: “It was such an honour to hand the Grand Winner award to Mark. His professional skills and expertise make him a brilliant ambassador for Dulux Select Decorators.
“And I’d like to say a massive congratulations to the ten category winners and the recipients of the Judges Awards, who have all gone above and beyond despite the challenges and uncertainty they have faced over the past year.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, the awards offer us a great opportunity to reflect on the past year and congratulate hardworking professionals on their amazing achievements, which are especially impressive given the unprecedented circumstances.
“After last years’ awards took place online, it was wonderful to see our Dulux Select Decorators in person once again. The hard work and dedication all our Dulux Select Decorators give to the painting and decorating trade is a cause for celebration.”
A Movember competition on the night raised £540 which will be match funded by AkzoNobel and a charity raffle, generously supported by key Dulux Academy supplier partners, raised over £1,200 for the Rainy Day Trust, a vital charity partner supporting Select Decorators facing mental health challenges during lockdown.
Dulux Select Decorators undergo rigorous assessments to become members – they must have at least three years experience in the trade and have run their own business for a minimum of 12 months.
By becoming members they are entitled to use of Dulux branded assets, have access to subsidised rates on Dulux Academy courses and become part of a supportive community, with invites to social events and an exclusive forum with other Dulux Select Decorators. Members also receive monthly news updates, regular competitions and product discount vouchers.
For more information on Dulux Select Decorators, or to join the scheme, visit: duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en/services/dulux-select-decorator