Purdy announces Mentor of the Year Winners 2025

28 November 2025

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: PURDY ANNOUNCES MENTOR OF THE YEAR 2025 WINNERS

We're thrilled to announce the winners of our prestigious Mentor of the Year 2025 competition, celebrated at an awards ceremony held in central London on Friday 28th November.

The 2025 winners

Maureen Turner from UHI Inverness has been crowned College Lecturer Mentor of the Year, while Sharon Norton-Marshall of Obsessed Decorating and Trade Health Coach, based in Milton Keynes, received the Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year award.

Now in its fifth year, Purdy's Mentor of the Year competition celebrates those who inspire the next generation of professional painters and decorators. Students and apprentices were invited to nominate professionals making a positive impact on their learning journey.

Inspiring entries

This year saw a strong number of nominations, making the selection process particularly challenging for the judging panel. The esteemed panel of judges included:

• Neil Ogilvie, CEO of the Painting and Decorating Association
• Phil Warrick of CITB
• Glen Galbraith of Doncaster College and previous Lifetime Achievement Award winner
• Rob Davies of Purdy

The runners-up

Graeme Roberts from Colchester College was runner-up for College Lecturer Mentor of the Year, while Greenock-based Henry Fulton earned runner-up in the Painter and Decorator category. Winners received £1,000 each, with runners-up awarded £500.

Clara Dursent, Brand Manager at Purdy, commented: "The standard of entries we received this year has been extremely positive. It was a really difficult task to select our winners, but the judges have chosen some excellent individuals who don't just add value to their colleges or mentees, they add value to the industry and provide a crucial support system to their students."

Judge Glen Galbraith reflected on the importance of the awards: "Mentorship is incredibly important for both the individual involved and the industry because it creates an opportunity for experienced workers to pass on their skills and knowledge.  For me, it creates an opportunity for keeping older traditions going and keeping those skills alive. Having a more experienced mentor, will mean that these talents and abilities will live on and inspire the next generation of decorators. That is why it is important that Purdy recognise the significance of being a mentor and rewarding it. Long may it continue."

Judge Neil Ogilvie comments: “Speaking each year, as we do to both lecturers and decorators, the amount of dedication, professionalism, and quality of care towards their apprentices comes across in abundance; the commitment to the sector is second to none. Their passion and charisma, shines through like a beacon of light and for them, to achieve a place in the Purdy Mentor of the Year, is without doubt, a true highlight in their career”.

 

“The Purdy Mentor of the Year competition highlights the people who quietly shape our industry from the inside out,” said Judge Phil Warrick.  “Great mentorship builds confidence, unlocks potential and passes on the skills, values and knowledge that keeps the painting and decorating sector moving forward. By recognising outstanding mentors, we celebrate the power of guidance, support and investment in people – and reinforce just how vital it is to nurture the next generation of talent.”

 

Meet the winners

Maureen Turner - College Lecturer Mentor of the Year

Maureen's nominators praised her exceptional communication skills, boundless energy, and deep passion for the craft. Described as patient, precise, and endlessly supportive, she adapts her teaching style to every learner and offers constructive criticism that builds confidence.

After 37 years in the industry, Maureen was thrilled with the recognition: "I didn't get into teaching to win any awards but I am so delighted! Mentoring is an integral part of what we bring to the industry; we are there to help progress the future generations of our trade. Without teachers, mentors, lecturers, the industry cannot progress."

Sharon Norton-Marshall - Painter and Decorator Mentor of the Year

Sharon's mentoring approach was described as selfless, generous, and deeply human. Her nominator credited her with providing unwavering support in both professional and personal moments, offering advice, free skills days, and guidance shaped by real-world experience.

Reflecting on her win, Sharon said: "I was very emotional when it was announced; for me, mentoring is a lifestyle helping others to develop and achieve their potential. To think that after 30 years of decorating and the struggles that entailed, from being a no-knowledge decorator, to stepping out on my own now, to be awarded this prize is truly amazing."

The runners-up

Graeme Roberts - College Lecturer Runner-Up

Graeme's impact extends to both learners and colleagues. His students consistently achieve at the highest level, including reaching SkillBuild competition finals, thanks to his ability to instil accuracy, pride, and self-belief.

Henry Fulton - Painter and Decorator Runner-Up

With more than 40 years of experience, Henry was nominated by his children, who spoke warmly about how his mentorship helped them build successful businesses grounded in hard work, pride, and high standards.

Looking ahead to 2026

Entries for the Purdy Mentor of the Year 2026 competition will open on 1st April 2026, with a deadline of 31st August 2026.

To find out more about Purdy and the Mentor of the Year competition, visit www.purdy.co.uk