Ivor Macklin wins Dulux Select Decorator of the Year at Dulux Trade Winter Ball

Dulux Select Decorator, Ivor Macklin, is celebrating after being announced as the 2009 Dulux Select Decorator of the Year. The awards ceremony took place at the annual Dulux Trade Winter Ball at the luxury Windmill Village Hotel in Coventry.

The event began with a trade show at which Dulux Trade as well as exhibitors from leading brush manufacturers, sanding companies and others gathered to showcase their products. It concluded with the Winter Ball, where Dulux Select Decorator members and their partners were treated to a three course dinner, live entertainment from the UK's top Motown tribute band Mission Blue, a charity raffle with some fantastic prizes, a complimentary portrait picture and a disco to round off the evening. Decorators were also presented with specially engraved business card holders to help them look even more professional when going out on jobs.

The Dulux Select Decorator scheme is an elite network of professional decorators who are approved by Dulux and whose workmanship is guaranteed for twelve months by ICI Paints AkzoNobel. The scheme was re-launched in 2009 with even more exclusive member benefits, strengthened training packages and increased support for members, helping them to 'brush away the competition' and win more business. The Dulux Select Decorator of the Year Awards is now in its second year, and there was stiff competition for the coveted first prize.

Ivor Macklin, the owner of Surrey's Quality Décor, who has over 25 years' decorating experience, picked up first place, with Leicester's Chris Foster from CF Painting & Decorating scooping second, followed by the Isle of Man's Peter Clark in third. This is Peter Clark's third prestigious award this year, and will sit alongside his Best Business Guide Award for highly commended service and quality, and his Best of Isle of Man Award.

Speaking about his win, Ivor says: "What a fantastic end to 2009! I'm looking forward to starting 2010 with this accolade! I was one of the very first decorators to become a member of the Dulux Select Decorator programme back in 1997, a year after the scheme was established in 1996. The support we've had from the Dulux Select Decorators over the years has been invaluable."

Marketing Executive for Dulux Trade, Naeem Hafeez and Dulux Select Decorators, Wayne de Wet and Sean Kelly formed the Dulux Select Social committee, and all worked tirelessly in the run up to the Winter Ball to ensure the decorators had a memorable evening. As well as a charity raffle that raised over £3000 for Cancer Research UK, the evening also raised over £500 for Help for Heroes. Naeem said: "The theme of the event was very much 'for the members by the members.' The invaluable input from both Wayne de Wet and Sean Kelly ensured that we put on an extra special event for the decorators and their partners. I'm looking forward to hosting the 2010 Winter Ball.

"My congratulations go out to: Ivor Macklin, Chris Foster and Peter Clark on their success in the Dulux Select Decorator Of The Year Award. I would also like to personally thank Dulux Select Decorators, Wayne de Wet and Sean Kelly, for all their dedication and support with the Winter Ball."