Peter Clark, from Port Erin, has won in the ‘Apprentice Mentor’ category at the Dulux Select Decorator Awards 2022.

After putting himself forward for the award, Peter, trading as Peter Clark Painting Services, was chosen by judges at Dulux to win for his work as an apprentice mentor.

The Dulux Select Decorator awards are held each year in recognition and celebration of the skills of Dulux Select Decorators, a group of the country’s top independent decorators that have been assessed and accredited by Dulux.

Peter was a college lecturer for 17 years, and is the only Dulux Select Decorator on the Isle of Man, specialising on interior and exterior projects at domestic and commercial properties.

He was previously highly commended at the 2019 awards ceremony in the Scheme Supporter category for his commitment to the programme.

Peter has been a Dulux Select Decorator since 2006, but has 42 years of experience in the trade behind him.

This year’s black-tie ceremony was held at Coventry Building Society Arena, marking the 26th anniversary of the prestigious awards.

As his prize, Peter will receive a professional on-site photoshoot, a £500 Dulux Decorator Centre voucher and a bundle of Dulux goodies, alongside a glass trophy and framed certificate.

Peter Clark said: ‘I’m so proud to have won this award, but it also goes out to my amazing apprentices, who make every job a joy to be on.

‘I cannot express how much being a Select member has helped me with my decorating business. I have made so many friends and contacts over the last 10 years and get full support from the Dulux Select Decorators team.

‘It’s a wonderful community to be a part of, and the accreditation just gives that extra peace of mind to my clients, who know only the best of the best get this kind of label.’

Vickie Mather, Dulux Select Decorators Lead at AkzoNobel, who presented Peter with his award, said: ‘These are challenging times for many within the industry against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, so we’re delighted to be able to recognise the achievements of our Dulux Select Decorators, showcasing the best of the best.

‘Peter is a worthy recipient of the Apprentice Mentor prize thanks to his well-considered approach to recruiting, training and supporting three young apprentices, all of whom are women, which is great to see as currently just 4.8% of professional painters and decorators in the UK are women.’