Who are the Painting and Decorating Association?
The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) was formed in July 2002 following a merger of the British Decorators Association (originally founded in 1894) and the Painting & Decorating Federation (originally founded in 1942).
Our non-profit Association is the only UK-wide trade body dedicated to the painting and decorating sector. We are proud to represent traders who excel in their craft and are committed to providing quality work and service at an affordable rate—from sole traders to large national contractors. The PDA is governed by a Management Board of elected Members who are informed by the organisation’s constitution and rules.
We aim to promote the painting and decorating sector within the construction industry and on the wider national stage, as well as leading lobbying activity on behalf of the UK painting and decorating trade.
The PDA was formed from a need for painters and decorators to support each other and a desire to raise the profile of the craftsmanship within the construction industry—and both principles have remained the bedrock of the organisation since it was established.
Today, the PDA offers tailored support to painters and decorators across the industry, from skilled sole traders and growing SMEs to highly reputable national contractors.
Members of the Association must fulfil a comprehensive criterion—demonstrating their experience, workmanship and commitment to customer service—before they are allowed to display the Painting and Decorating Association’s quality marque. This emblem of professionalism demonstrates to clients a business is recognised and backed by a national trade body.
PDA Members are skilled, talented and experienced professionals, who commit to the Association’s Code of Practice, are fully insured and are backed by the organisation’s arbitration reconciliation service to give their customers peace of mind.
“Having a Code of Practice – and adhering to it – puts decorators on a different level and gives potential customers peace of mind.”
Stuart Yates
Our Members benefit from a wealth of business support, including network and training events, guidance on a range of issues from health and safety to marketing, as well as legal support and employment advice. The Association also hosts a series of Events and Awards throughout the year to celebrate excellence within the industry.
“The range of Member benefits are a major advantage when it comes to running a painting and decorating business and, in my opinion, the PDA is going from strength to strength—there has never been a better time to join!”
Stuart Yates
As a non-profit organisation, the PDA reinvests monies generated from Member commitment and Associate support to represent the industry on the national and international stage along with maintaining key relationships across the construction sector, academia, Government and the media.