That same incentive might also spur into action any professional painters and decorators who are actively considering joining the association but who need an extra push in the right direction. The inducement? A luxury holiday for two in the Caribbean, the prize in a special prize draw sponsored entirely by Crown Trade.

Every decorator and contractor member of the Association attending the three day event will be invited to enter the draw. The winner will be revealed during the Gala Dinner on the 20th October and he or she will be offered a wide selection of hot and exotic Caribbean holidays to choose from, including flights and seven days accommodation for two people, all paid for and arranged by Crown Trade.

Newly appointed Managing Director of Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings Limited, Howard Luft, said the company wanted to promote its market leading Crown Trade brand within the association and at the same time demonstrate its longstanding support of the PDA in a highly visible way.

He said: “We’ve had strong mutually beneficial links with the Association since its inception, and for many years previously with its fore-runners, the PDF and the BDA. We wholeheartedly support the development of strong proactive trade associations that represent professional painters and decorators and strive to raise standards across the industry. Indeed we share most of the association’s long term aims and objectives.”

“Nowhere is this alignment of objectives more obvious than in the field of training and development and in the promotion of the painting and decorating as a worthwhile and rewarding career. The PDA’s recent decision to officially endorse the Crown Trade Young Decorator of the Year Competition is extremely welcome and is just one example of how we can all work together for the good of the industry as a whole.”

“By offering the prize of a luxury Caribbean holiday we want to attract as many existing members to come along to the conference and take full advantage of the networking opportunities and the specialist advice available. There’ll be invited expert speakers discussing a range of business topics and even a motivational speaker to encourage and inspire you!

“We also want to help the PDA to attract new recruits, perhaps tipping the balance for any non-members who need a little extra incentive to join. Someone attending WILL win this super prize, and we will do everything we can to ensure they have a dream holiday to remember.”