Time to brush away the competition with help from Dulux Trade

Recognising the pressures decorators are under in this challenging economic climate, Dulux Trade has stepped up to the mark and re-launched its elite Dulux Select Decorators scheme. It now offers even more exclusive benefits, strengthened training packages and increased support for members, to help them brush away the competition and win more business.

Extensive research with both homeowners and decorators has shown that the Dulux brand reassures homeowners of the Dulux Select Decorators high quality workmanship and exemplary customer service. Furthermore, members' workmanship is guaranteed for 12 months *. With the new branding and a reinvigorated logo, the scheme really sets members apart from their peers.

Decorators also highlighted a need for assistance with business development, marketing and administration. Dulux Trade responded to this by creating a host of marketing support materials, including: local advertising templates, professional business templates, personalised stationary, branded work wear and site boards exclusively for Dulux Select Decorators.

Members are also listed on the Dulux website, which further increases awareness and visibility as the site currently receives a quarter of a million hits every month. Furthermore, the website offers an exclusive members area where Dulux Select Decorators can share tips and advice with their peers.

Simon Copson, a Dulux Select Decorator since 1996 says, "I have been using the new support material and have found that my business has gone from strength to strength as a result. I am especially impressed with the new quotes folder as I am winning lots more business. My customers have commented on how the support literature perfectly complements the professional image of the Dulux Select Decorators Scheme."

Dulux Select Decorators are offered free training on new decorating techniques and in areas like customer service, adding value to their business proposition and further building their credibility. A new course, 'How to Survive & Thrive during the recession', has been added and demonstrates how the new tools can help decorators coordinate an effective marketing and sales effort.

Sean Kelly, who has been a Dulux Select Decorator for 8 years and has been decorating for 26 years comments: "The scheme really does make us stand out form the competition by having the Dulux stamp of approval. The new support and training packages are just what we need to continue to reinforce customer confidence in our quality of work and to help us continue to win new business in these tough times."

Becoming a member of the Dulux Select Decorators scheme mean decorators automatically become TrustMark accredited. TrustMark is a scheme heavily supported by the Government, the building industry and consumer groups to help consumers find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make improvements and repairs inside and outside the home.

Dulux Trade is also keen to support new entrants to the decorating trade, raising professional standards and supporting the industry in general, so the Dulux Select Decorators scheme offers extra support to members who take on apprentices.

Charlotte Rose, Dulux Select Decorators Marketing Manager, explains: "Dulux Trade knows that demands on tradesmen go beyond just delivering quality workmanship. Customer service is becoming an increasingly important priority, so the scheme is committed to helping members build a strong company image and reputation, and ultimately win more work."

To become a Dulux Select Decorator, professionals must complete a robust assessment and accreditation process to ensure the high standards set by Dulux Trade are maintained.

Find out more information about becoming a Dulux Select Decorator  »

* Guarantee only applies to decoration of private residential premises using Dulux and Sikkens Trade products. Guarantee is activated by returning Job Completion form to Dulux within one month of job completion. The level of Dulux liability under guarantee is capped at 3 times the invoiced cost of work.