Brackley decorator wins top national award

A Brackley painter and decorator - Tony McCawley - has been announced as the winner of the Scheme Supporter category at the national Dulux Select Decorators Awards.

Tony McCawley of MCC Painting and Decorating in Brackey, was revealed as the winner of the Scheme Supporter category in recognition of his positive can do attitude and willingness to support other members of the scheme, following a difficult year for the trade.

Tony has been a huge advocate for mental health during the pandemic, supporting other decorators and sharing his story on the Dulux Academy Podcast.

The Dulux Select Decorators scheme enrols professional decorators who undergo rigorous assessments to become members - they must have at least three years’ experience in the trade and have run their own business for a minimum of 12 months.

The win comes after Tony volunteered as a driver for charity FareShare East Midlands during the first Covid-19 lockdown, helping to distribute surplus food to community groups and food banks across the region.

Following a challenging year for decorators, the members of the scheme came together for a virtual night of celebration.

Despite the 2020 awards being virtual, it was still a night to remember with live entertainment and a prize draw, as the judges including Dulux Creative Director Marianne Shillingford, announced the deserving winners.

Tony said: “It was an honor to be named as this year's Scheme Supporter. After such a difficult year for everyone it was wonderful to be able to look back on 2020 and feel proud of everything I had achieved.

“The Dulux Select Decorators scheme is a lifeline in what can be a lonely profession and I’m passionate about helping others in the industry to enjoy the benefits it brings.”

Other categories included: Best Newcomer, Adding Colour to People’s Lives, Exterior Project, Wallpapering and Apprentice Mentor.

Vickie Mather, Dulux Select Decorators Lead said: “It was fantastic to recognise Tony for his dedication to the scheme - he’s gone above and beyond this year from getting involved in the AkzoNobel #TrueColours initiative by delivering food parcels to vulnerable members of his community during the most difficult days of lockdown to hosting a virtual cook-a-long for his Dulux Select Decorator colleagues via Zoom.

“Now more so than ever, being a professional decorator can be very isolating, so to see Tony get involved so actively in the scheme is brilliant. He often brightens the spirits of other members and he embodies why being a Dulux Select Decorator has such benefits - bringing those in the trade together so they can learn and support one another.

“The awards ceremony was a great opportunity to reflect on the hard work and dedication all our Dulux Select Decorators give the painting and decorating trade - as well as recognising those that go above and beyond in providing exceptional workmanship for their clients.”