Leading 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 Warwick 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 Davis 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 1 April 2024, with a deadline for entry on 30 September 2024.
Glen Galbraith, Doncaster College – winner of College Lecturer Mentor of the Year 2023
Impressively, Glen was nominated by eight of his students, who see his long career in the industry running his own business as a real inspiration. His ability to clearly explain a task, and make it relatable to working on site, helps to instil high standards in his students. There was also a strong consensus that Glen goes above and beyond in his teaching duties to help his students both at college and on site, with his approachable nature key to getting the very best out of them all.
“It means so much to me to win Purdy Mentor of the Year, it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and graft, a lot of it unpaid, that we do to help people learn.”
James Reeve, Royal Spa Decoration – winner of the Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year 2023
Nominated by two of his employees, James’ strong work ethic and obvious desire to be the very best is incredibly inspiring. His apprentices showed an immense pride in the company and the quality of its work and attributed its award-winning success to James’ passion and high standards, which in turn motivates them. Both apprentices feel they are top of their class at college, due to James’ influence.
“It’s really great to get any recognition in this line of work, I feel on top of the world so thank you to everyone who nominated me for the award and thanks to the organisers and judges.”
Joe Love, North Kent College Gravesend – runner-up of the College Lecturer Mentor of the Year 2023
Joe’s positive attitude shone through and within just three years it is obvious he has had a huge impact on his students due to his relatable personality, which makes learning fun. Joe was nominated by six of his students, with his strong work ethic an inspiration to them all.
Ben Byrne BLKC Decorators- runner-up of the Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year 2023
Ben was nominated by Sophie Graham, who during her apprenticeship won Ron Simmons’ Apprentice of the Year, Johnstones Apprentice of the Year and Student of the Year at City College in Construction, all of which she said wouldn’t have been possible without Ben’s unwavering support and technical guidance. His passion is infectious, motivating his staff to achieve the high quality standards he sets.
Megan Talbot, Accrington & Rossendale College – Special Recognition of Achievement Award 2023
Megan is a mentor at the college where she was once a student. With seven nominations, it is clear that Megan is a real asset to the teaching team, working closely with students to hone their painting and decorating skills.
Photograph shows (left to right): Rob Davis from Purdy, Glen Galbraith, Neil Ogilvie from the PDA and James Reeve.
To find out more about Purdy visit: www.purdy.co.uk/