Membership of the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) is becoming increasingly significant for UK contractors looking to work with procurement partners.
The implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 has seen an increase in specification of trade body membership, resulting in an uptick in enquiries from major painting and decorating contractors.
With a welcoming team on hand to provide support and assistance, access to a range of useful benefits and a long-standing tradition of providing social value through opportunities for apprentices, PDA membership represents a commitment to high standards and quality workmanship.
The PDA is a member or associate to a number of key organisations including BUILDUK, SafeContractor, CHAS, the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC), British Coatings Federation (BCF) and BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) as well as the Trade Association Forum (TAF), ensuring members have access to regulatory updates, latest industry information and key data.
The Association also has regular contact with government departments, the Cabinet Office, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), Health & Safety Executive, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), and the Education & Skills Funding Agency and is a member of the International Association of Painting Contractors (UNIEP), the European-wide trade association for the sector, with PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie appointed as First Vice President of UNIEP in 2024.
Exclusive to PDA members, the Association’s Paint Green project is a ‘first steps to sustainability’ scheme designed to dovetail with other industry initiatives but kept deliberately flexible to allow members of all sizes to adapt how they work to prioritise the planet.
Throughout the year, the PDA also holds several key events that provide highly valued opportunities for painting and decorating apprentices.
Its Apprentice of the Year competition takes place over five regional heats in England, Scotland and Wales, where participants are tasked with scaling up, planning and painting a complex design in a set time.
Top scorers from each regional heat compete in a Grand Final round with prizes presented as part of the PDA’s flagship Premier Trophy Awards which celebrate excellence in the sector each year.
The Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year is an intense day-long contest in which apprentices tackle a wallpapering challenge that tests their precision, stamina and skill.
Winners are announced at the PDA’s annual networking event Gala Dinner.
Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive at the PDA said: “Apprentices really value the competition experience. They tell us how these events improve their confidence and challenge them to excel.
“It’s a key route to promoting the sector as a world of opportunity and recruiting the talent of the future.
“For well over 30 years the PDA has also flown the flag for excellence at the Premier Trophy Awards, showcasing the incredible skill and craftsmanship which has rejuvenated historic landmarks, put the final finish on major new projects and restored beloved homes and businesses across the country.
“PDA members can demonstrate their environmental efforts by opting in to our Paint Green sustainability initiative which aims to drive down waste through reusing, reducing or recycling waste paint and containers.
“Procurement professionals see the value of PDA membership, and we’re pleased that is being reflected by an upswing in expressions of interest from painting and decorating businesses across the UK.”
For more about the PDA and details of how to join, visit: Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).