More and more painting and decorating firms are joining the FMB, for the same reasons traditional building firms become members and to differentiate themselves from rogue traders. There are some amazing painting firms in the UK and Martin Goddard from Ultimate Décor is no exception. FMB London Director Sam Eden caught up with Martin to ask him some questions about his industry and how he sees it evolving in the coming years.
Q1 – What kind of work does you company complete and whereabouts in London?
Well, let me take you on a little journey. Picture this: a former Royal Marines Commando craving a new challenge. What does he do? He decides to trade his rifle for a spray gun. Twenty years ago I launched Ultimate Décor. We're not your average painting and decorating company, we are spray-painting specialists. From kitchen cabinets to walls, ceilings to metalwork, even architectural steel, and uPVC, we can spray pretty much anything. Originally from Kingston, we now operate from Cheam, Surrey. Our places of work cover London and Surrey. We may have started with traditional brushes and rollers, but we quickly embraced the spray-painting revolution.
Q2 – What are some of the myths you hear about the painting and decorating industry?
There is so much more to this industry than meets the eye. Painting and decorating isn’t just about picking up a brush and slapping on some colour. It's a craft honed through years of formal training and apprenticeships. Painters don't just paint; they're craftsmen, continually updating their skills to keep pace with industry changes. And let me tell you, they work harder than most, often under tight deadlines. Let's talk about DIY painting misconceptions. Sure, it might look easy on those home improvement shows, I should know I worked on 25 episodes of Dial A Mum aired on ITV, but achieving professional-grade results? That's a whole different ball game. It’s important to research your materials, and eco-friendly disposal methods because safety and environmental consciousness matter. Next time you think painting and decorating is a breeze, think again. It's a skill, an art, and a commitment to quality.
Q3 – Where do you see the painting and decorating sector changing over the next 5 years?
It will be all about the spray finish revolution! It's like stepping into a whole new world of top-tier finishes without breaking the bank and we can move so much faster. Due to advancements in both systems and paints, we can complete a high-quality job easier and greener than ever before. As someone deeply involved in mentoring spray companies across the UK, I can attest to the booming growth of this sector. Spray painting is not just a trend; it's becoming the cornerstone of the painting and decorating industry. Looking ahead, I see even more exciting transformations on the horizon. From eco-friendly materials to cutting-edge virtual reality tools, the future of painting and decorating is all about sustainability and innovation, a whole new level of beauty and precision is on its way.
Q4 – What advice would give to someone starting out?
Every day, take a moment to breathe, smile, and remember manners cost nothing, trust me, it works wonders. Get yourself industry qualified and keep evolving; stay up to date with the latest developments and be flexible to adapt where necessary. Be that person everyone has a good relationship with, love your work, and wear your pride like a badge of honour. The same way you do with your FMB badge. Let your personality shine; people love a bit of character. Research evolving technologies, don’t get left behind! Set your goals, find that sweet spot between work and play. For anyone considering stepping into this industry, master the basics, soak up all the experience you can, and don't shy away from seeking guidance from others. Building a solid skill set will set you apart from crowd, allowing you to deliver fantastic results and earn the trust of your clients.
Q5 – If you could bring in one change to improve this sector what would it be?
Give painter and decorators the credit they deserve. It's time to change that perception. Champion the advancements in technology and seamlessly integrate them into the workplace, the future enhancements in tech [aren’t] just a novelty but a game-changer that can revolutionise the industry while delivering superior results. One thing I would improve in our sector, is establishing industry-wide standards and certifications. By standardising qualifications and accreditation processes, we can ensure consistency and quality across the board. This not only boosts professionalism but also instils confidence in consumers and enhances overall satisfaction. We need to improve communication; a Regimental Sergeant Major said to me one day ‘Communication is Paramount’ and it has never left me, so important. More collaboration among contractors, clients, and decorating teams. Clear project specifications and better coordination mean fewer hiccups and smoother processes, resulting in happier clients and far superior outcomes for everyone involved. Let's raise the bar and create a more unified, efficient, and respected painting and decorating sector within the construction industry.
