Wiltshire decorator wins award for repair and revamp project
A Wiltshire painting and decorating business has won a national award for work at a Grade II listed property following extensive water damage.
Hugh Irwin Specialist Decorators Ltd, based in Swindon, has been recognised for a project at Elcombe Hall in Wroughton, at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).
The national trade body revealed company as the winner of the Small Contractor category at its prestigious Premier Trophy Awards held in London.
It’s the second time the business has received the award, having previously secured the Small Contractor title in 2023.
Hugh Irwin, who established his business in 2007, said: “I can’t believe that I have been fortunate enough to have won this award twice. I’m very grateful to the judges who gave their time to come and view the project.”
The Premier Trophy Awards is held annually by the PDA to fly the flag for excellence in the sector and the main sponsor for 2025 was Johnstone’s Trade.
Award entries are judged by a panel of experts from the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI), who examined 103 entries, visited 53 sites and scored entrants across seven categories.
Judges said: “The client has used the contractor for over 15 years. They trusted the delivery of work so much that they went on holiday and let the contractor decorate the rooms according to his design.
“Overcoming challenges of extensive water damage required removing and re-fitting part of the ceiling. The premier league work is outstanding.”
The Premier Trophy Awards are the flagship event held annually by the PDA to fly the flag for excellence in the sector and the main sponsor for 2025 was Johnstone’s Trade.
Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive of the PDA said: “As the largest trade body representing painters and decorators across the UK, the PDA stands for the highest standards of work, customer service and compliance.
“Hugh’s work at Elcombe Hall is outstanding and we congratulate him on winning a highly sought-after Premier Trophy Award.
“His work sets a benchmark for quality and is a stellar example of best practice in the sector.”
To find a PDA member near you, visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk