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I sat down with painter and decorator Gail Howes for a really relatable chat about something I think loads of us struggle with. You can be bloody good at decorating, have plenty of work coming in and still find the actual business side difficult. Gail has been decorating professionally for around eight years, after getting an opportunity to help another decorator on a job. What started with helping with prep eventually led to her building her own busy decorating business. We get into loads in this one: 🎨 Getting started in the trade💷 Pricing and knowing your worth📝 Putting off those bloody quotes💰 Deposits and protecting your diary😂 The dreaded “could you just…”👨‍👩‍👧 Balancing work and family life🤝 Having other decorators around you📈 Growing beyond simply creating yourself a job One thing I really enjoyed about this conversation was how open Gail was. She admits she can end up with six or seven quotes waiting to be typed up simply because she hates doing them — something I reckon plenty of decorators will relate to! We also talk about Gail's ambition to eventually build a team, have a few vans on the road and take a step back herself. A proper conversation about decorating, business and working for yourself. Grab a brew and have a listen. 🎙️

How do you go from selling a couple of paint brushes from a staircase to building one of the best-known online businesses in the decorating trade? This week I'm joined by Megan from My Paintbrush for the story behind the business. My Paintbrush took its first order in 2012 after Megan's dad, Andy, had the idea of importing brushes from America. Megan was at university, knew her way around a computer and joined him. What followed wasn't some overnight success story. They went from packing orders by a staircase, to a garage, then a freezing cold shed where Megan remembers questioning whether the whole thing was actually sustainable. They reinvested what little they made, took some big gambles, gradually expanded the range and eventually moved into proper premises. We talk about the sacrifices behind building a family business, tiny margins, working with your dad, customer service, social media and why showing the people behind a business matters. We also get into: 🖌️ How My Paintbrush started📦 Growing an online decorating business🟡 Why masking tape has become absolutely massive🛠️ Mirka, Arroworthy, Repair Care and other products decorators are buying🍫 The story behind putting a Freddo in every order🤯 Why they're now getting through around 60,000 Freddos a year⚽ Megan's football background and what it taught her about business👩 Women coming into the decorating industry👷 The next generation of painters and decorators📱 Why social media is changing how decorators market themselves👨‍👩‍👧 The realities of running a family business I really enjoyed this one because we all see My Paintbrush online, at shows and through the boxes arriving at our doors — but we don't necessarily see the years of graft behind it. A proper family-business story. 🎙️ Brush Wizards Podcast with Gary Proctor.

Why can a colour look amazing on a colour card… and completely wrong once it's on the wall? This week on the Brush Wizards Podcast, I'm joined by qualified colour consultant Jane Holland for a fascinating conversation about something most of us decorators deal with every day — colour. Jane didn't start her colour consultancy business until she was 55, after spending 37 years working in accounts. After studying interior design, she discovered that colour was the part she really loved and went on to specialise in it. We talk about why choosing the right colour involves far more than simply finding one you like. Light, the direction a room faces, flooring, furniture, fabrics, adjoining rooms and even the undertones hidden within a colour can completely change how a finished room feels. We also get into Farrow & Ball, Dulux Heritage, Tikkurila, COAT, Little Greene, colour matching, different paint finishes and some of the mistakes decorators and homeowners can make when choosing colours. Jane also explains why she would never recommend a paint colour in isolation — and why decorators might benefit from working alongside a colour consultant rather than being expected to have all the answers themselves. Plus, we talk about starting a completely new career later in life, working for yourself and the importance of having a community around you. If you've ever painted a room and thought, “Why the hell doesn't that look like it did on the colour card?” — this one's worth a listen. 🎙️ Brush Wizards Podcast with Gary Proctor.

Why can you be brilliant at your job and still spend Sunday worrying about Monday? In this episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, I sit down with cognitive hypnotherapist Sarah Ariss for a really interesting conversation about anxiety, overthinking and why our brains sometimes react to danger that isn't actually there. We talk about where anxiety can come from, how experiences from years ago can still affect us today, why self-employed people can struggle to switch off, and why even decorators who've never had a complaint can still convince themselves the next job is going to go wrong. We also get into boundaries, burnout, self-care, changing careers, side hustles, community and the importance of actually having a life outside work. And Sarah gives some simple ideas you can start using to notice what's going right rather than constantly looking for what might go wrong. A proper conversation about understanding yourself a little better — particularly if you're self-employed and your brain never seems to switch off.

Polyvine has a major new product hitting the trade – 2K-POLY86, its new professional two-pack water-based polyurethane varnish. Gary is joined by Ian Wells from Polyvine to find out exactly what it is, why it has taken around three years to develop and where painters, decorators and contractors are likely to use it. They talk about the increased impact and chemical resistance offered by 2K-POLY86, its 4-hour working time, 72-hour full cure, UV protection and the choice of gloss, satin and dead flat finishes. Ian also explains why the product is particularly suited to demanding and high-traffic environments such as sports halls, village halls and commercial spaces, and how it compares with Polyvine’s existing single-pack polyurethane varnishes. They also discuss two more new Polyvine launches – FLOORCLEAN PRO and SURFACECLEAN PRO – as well as Polyvine’s history as an independent British manufacturer and the company’s approach to developing new products. A really useful listen for anyone working with floors, interior timber or protective coatings.

When Birmingham Children’s Hospital saved Kevin Jackson's grandson Ted's life, Kevin decided he wanted to give something back. In this special episode of the Brush Wizards Podcast, Kevin and his son-in-law Matt join Gary Proctor to share the story behind an extraordinary fundraising journey. From climbing Snowdon at night and walking 100 miles across Scotland to trekking 70 miles through the Sahara, Kevin and his family have pushed themselves to their limits to raise money for the hospital. One Sahara fundraising event involving their group and another group raised approximately £120,000. Kevin also talks about bringing his fundraising into the painting and decorating industry, the generosity of manufacturers and suppliers at the Painting & Decorating Show, and his upcoming project to refurbish facilities used by critical-care staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. It's an inspiring conversation about family, the decorating community and what can happen when people come together for a good cause.

Can simply being yourself help you win more decorating work? Gary Proctor is joined by John Paul Gowland, known to thousands online as "Slap It On Bosch!" John explains how social media has transformed his decorating business, why customers buy into personality just as much as workmanship, and how creating content has helped him stay consistently busy. We also chat about pricing, paints, brushes, customer relationships, the future of the decorating trade and why authenticity is one of the biggest advantages any self-employed decorator can have. A brilliant conversation full of humour, honesty and practical advice for painters and decorators.

Why do so many painters and decorators work incredibly hard but still struggle to get ahead? In this episode, business coach and bestselling author Robin Waite joins Gary Proctor to discuss pricing, profitability, confidence and why working harder isn't always the answer. They explore: Why most decorators underchargeHow to build a profitable businessPricing based on value instead of day ratesCreating a better customer experienceBuilding confidence to charge what you're worthWhy cash flow is kingGrowing a business without burning outWhether you're just starting out or you've been decorating for years, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build a stronger, more profitable business.

After serving in the Army, working in recruitment and running his own gym, Steven Macfarlane found his passion in painting and decorating. Just two and a half years later, he's built a thriving decorating business with a team of 12 decorators, specialising in heritage restoration, spraying and high-end residential projects. In this episode we discuss: • Building and growing a decorating business• Heritage restoration and listed buildings• Airless spraying and modern decorating techniques• Pricing confidently and profitably• Managing a growing team• Cash flow and client payments• Mental health in the decorating trade• Living with bipolar disorder• Creating a supportive culture for your team• Steven's incredible fundraising challenge for The Lost City Project The conversation finishes with a powerful discussion about mental health in construction and why simply checking in on someone can make a bigger difference than you realise. If you'd like to support Steven as he takes on Everest Base Camp, Mera Peak, Lobuche East and Island Peak, raising money for The Lost City Project, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/steve-macfarlane-3?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL If you enjoy the podcast, please follow the show and leave a rating. It really helps us reach more painters, decorators and tradespeople across the UK.

What if many of the challenges you face today actually started in childhood? In this episode, I sit down with Jackie Cooper to explore how our early experiences shape the way we think, feel and behave as adults. We discuss limiting beliefs, emotional health, relationships, people pleasing, boundaries, personal transformation and why understanding yourself is the first step towards lasting change. We also talk about something rarely discussed in the decorating trade: andropause, testosterone and men's hormonal health. If you've ever wondered why you react the way you do or felt like you're repeating the same patterns, this conversation is well worth a listen. Topics include: • Childhood conditioning• Limiting beliefs• Emotional resilience• Relationships• Self awareness• Energy and transformation• Andropause• Testosterone• Mental wellbeing Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:52 Childhood conditioning06:05 Perfectionism08:56 People pleasing11:56 Parenting styles15:04 Growth mindset18:08 Personal transformation21:07 Relationships25:11 Breaking unhealthy patterns30:58 Healing the inner child33:11 Self care35:45 Andropause and testosterone Home - Cooper Transformations

What gives life meaning? In this episode I sit down with decorator Aaron Griffin for one of the most thought provoking conversations we've ever had on the Brush Wizards Podcast. We talk about Aaron's journey from youth worker to decorator, adopting children, finding purpose beyond work, community, faith, Christianity, mental wellbeing and why it's healthy to ask the biggest questions in life. This isn't about telling anyone what to believe. It's about having respectful conversations around subjects many of us rarely discuss. Whether you're a person of faith, a sceptic or somewhere in between, I hope this episode gets you thinking. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:30 Aaron's journey into decorating 09:00 Rookie decorating mistakes 20:00 Podcasts and lifelong learning 22:00 How faith shapes Aaron's life 31:00 Finding purpose beyond decorating 39:00 Life after death and big questions 42:00 Manifestation and scepticism 48:00 Christianity explained 55:00 Building community through Brush Wizards 57:00 Final thoughts

In this heartfelt episode, Cognitive Hypnotherapist Heather Sinfield shares how personal tragedy led her to dedicate her life to helping others navigate grief, loss and emotional trauma. Heather discusses the realities of bereavement, the importance of processing emotions rather than suppressing them, and how cognitive hypnotherapy can help people regain control of their lives. She also explains misophonia, a little understood condition where certain sounds trigger intense emotional reactions, and how therapy can make a real difference. Whether you're dealing with loss yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is full of empathy, practical insight and hope. Key takeaways: Understanding grief and bereavementWhy everyone experiences loss differentlyThe benefits of cognitive hypnotherapyCoping strategies for moving forwardInsights into misophonia and emotional triggersThis is a compassionate discussion about healing, resilience and finding light after life's darkest moments.

In this episode of The Brush Wizards Podcast, Gary Proctor is joined by Kim Searle for a fascinating conversation about mindset, anxiety, self worth and the hidden programming that shapes our lives. Together they explore how childhood experiences can influence adult behaviour, why stress and anxiety affect people differently, and how understanding the brain and nervous system can help us make positive changes. The discussion covers practical tools for personal growth, setting boundaries, building confidence and taking responsibility for creating a better future. Topics include: • Mindset and personal development• Stress and anxiety• Self worth and confidence• Childhood influences• Emotional health• The nervous system• Business and life balance• Practical strategies for change A powerful episode for anyone looking to understand themselves better and move forward with greater confidence. Holistic Business Coaching for Confidence & Success | Kim Searle

In this powerful episode of The Brush Wizards Podcast, we sit down with Steve Willicott, founder of Uncle Matt’s Hats, to talk openly about mental health, isolation, grief and why community matters more than ever. What started as a simple idea has grown into a movement helping normalise conversations around mental health through humour, honesty and human connection. Steve shares the heartbreaking story behind Uncle Matt’s Hats, the impact COVID had on people’s mental health, and why small conversations can genuinely save lives. This isn’t a corporate mental health chat. It’s a real conversation about life, struggles, community and why nobody should feel alone. We also discuss:• The story behind Uncle Matt’s Hats• Mental health in trades and everyday life• Why humour can break barriers• The importance of community support• Chasing the Stigma & Hub of Hope• Why everyone has a story worth sharing• How simple ideas can create real impact If this episode helps you, please share it with someone else who might need it. Guest: Steve Willicott Useful Links:Uncle Matt’s HatsChasing the StigmaHub of HopeQuest Institute #MentalHealth #UncleMattsHats #BrushWizards #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #Community #MentalHealthSupport #Tradespeople #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters

Gene Fulton is back on the Brush Wizards Podcast 🔥 This episode is packed with honest conversations around pricing, confidence, earning more money, client communication and building a decorating business properly. We talk about:🎯 Charging properly and valuing your work🎯 Building confidence during site visits🎯 Interior designers and higher end projects🎯 Mindset shifts that helped Gene double his income🎯 Wallpapering, paint products and lessons learned along the way Loads of practical advice and plenty of truth bombs throughout this one. Powered by Brewers Decorator Centres. Join the Brush Wizards Network:brushwizards.co.uk/join