My life in paint

Ivor Macklin - Quality Decor - Kenley, Surrey

What was your route into the trade - was it an early interest?

No. I left school at 18 and went to work for Barclays Bank. Two years later I realised that I wanted something else and they told me they wanted someone else.

What led you to set up your company 25 years ago?

I was 21, unemployed, no skills, so became a self-employed window cleaner and general handyman.

Did you serve an apprenticeship - where was your training?

It was a year later that I made a decision to concentrate on decorating, but I was too old to get an apprenticeship. No college would take me on block release without an employer, so I lied and told them that I worked for my girlfriend. She thought it was funny that my college reports were sent to her home address! Three years later I left Lewisham College with an Advanced City & Guilds Distinction and a huge debt from being at college for 48 weeks. I was ready to expand the business, but the following month was 'Black Monday' and we were all in recession.

When did you begin to specialise in restoration?

There was a trend in the 80s for wealthy housewives to set up as Interior Designers, their only training being that they had decorated their own home! I became sick of seeing good architecture destroyed in favour of marble wall paper and festoon blinds. I find that most clients love their home but don't realise that you can put a contemporary slant into a Victorian home without removing its character. Reinstating a picture rail can often make a room feel right.

What have been the highlights in the company's history?

Our biggest break came when a friend I had met at college who was then a Foreman with his company, told me they were looking for a company to sub-contract alongside their own workforce. The job was for the Sultan of Brunei on Park Lane. It was a drop in salary for us, but we arrived thinking we could paint -18 months later, we knew we could decorate.

How has the business arena changed over the last quarter century - e.g. is there more/less demand for particular skills and materials?

It has to be the mobile phone. Everything was done by letter and when you went to work, you were completely cut off. Now it's all email and everyone expects you to be available 24/7.

Speaking of materials, have modern products made life easier - which ones?

Today all our tools and equipment are lighter and easy to use, 25 years ago steps were wooden and my first steamer had a thick rubber hose and an iron plate which got really hot and heavy to hold. It used to drip boiling water on us when we were stripping ceilings! If you were to tell an apprentice how easy it is now they would call you Grandad! Also, when Dulux Colour Dimensions came out it changed everything. Before, you had a choice of eight standard colours. Anything else had to be ordered on three day delivery. We would often hand mix colours rather than wait. Then suddenly the merchant went from stocking 8 colours to 1800!

How do you see the future of your business?

This is our 25th year in business. Winning the PDA Trophy as a small contractor really is an amazing boost to our team. Using this achievement, we would like to consolidate our firm around our loyal hard working team in this uncertain economic future.

Is there a dream commission you'd love to tackle?

I would love to gild the Throne of England... Well you did say dream!!!

Have you any advice for anyone thinking of entering the trade today?

Find the best company you can to train with and don't chase the money. Concentrate on your skills and the money will follow.

Any tips for running a successful decorating business?

Being a decorator and running a business are two very separate entities and require different skills. Train in them both!