By David Barrett
For the last four years I have attended the Dulux Select Gala Dinner, watching fellow members celebrate a year of high standards and exceptional workmanship. Each year the quality of entries seems to rise, and I would often leave thinking I wasn’t good enough or confident enough to submit my own work. This time I promised myself that if the right job came along, I would enter — and in January it did.
Seeing other tradespeople recognised for award-winning work is humbling and motivating in equal measure. The gala is more than an evening out; it shows what is possible when preparation, technique and attention to detail come together. That combination is what inspired me to finally put my work forward.
Entering the Dulux Select awards is straightforward but strict. The first step is always to obtain the homeowner’s permission — it is their home, not a commercial project, and only domestic work is eligible. Jobs are entered into the category that best describes the work, and the homeowner completes a supporting form. You then submit eight photographs that best represent the project. A judging panel reviews the submissions and decides which entries are shortlisted.
Judges assess the quality of preparation, the finish, problem-solving on-site and overall presentation. Clear photographs and an accurate supporting statement from the homeowner significantly improve the chances of making the shortlist.
The job I chose was a living room with mainly wood-panelled walls and one large, flat ceiling. The preparation alone took several days before any paint went on. Ceiling and coving were sprayed for a smooth finish, while the walls were finished in eggshell. I documented the stages and shared images on my Instagram, and I kept my fingers crossed after submitting the entry.
Panelled walls require meticulous prep to achieve a flawless eggshell finish. That kind of work is time-consuming: sanding, filling, priming and ensuring edges and joins are perfect before topcoat application. The effort put into these preparatory stages is often what separates a shortlisted entry from the rest.
When the shortlist email arrived I was astonished and delighted. In the weeks that followed I oscillated between pride and nerves — could I really win? On the Gala night we dressed up, mingled with other members, partners and colleagues, and enjoyed food, a charity raffle and excellent entertainment (a brilliant magician and a pianist who seemed to know every tune). As the awards progressed I could feel my pulse rise. When my category was announced the judge described the job in detail — it sounded familiar — and then the winner was named. It wasn’t me.
The initial feeling of deflation was real. Despite all the anxiety beforehand, I had allowed myself to believe a win was possible, and losing felt like a knock. But after a short while my partner reminded me of how far I’d come: a year earlier I wouldn’t have entered at all. Being shortlisted was a marker of progress — a sign that I am operating at the same level as other Dulux Select members.
Shortlisting is recognition that your workmanship is being noticed by industry peers and independent judges. It builds confidence, opens doors to new clients and gives you the permission to aim higher next time. Small setbacks — whether it’s missing out on a gong or losing on Popmaster by a few points — can sting, but they also sharpen resolve and focus ambition.
There is value in the wider scheme too: the staff, judges and fellow members who support the awards help raise standards across the trade. Whether you won or just missed out, everyone involved contributes to a culture of better workmanship and professional development.
I’m proud I entered and even prouder to have been shortlisted. It proves I can compete at a high level and has given me the confidence to push for even better results in future projects. If you’re a homeowner curious about high-quality decorating or an installer considering entering your work, small steps can make a big difference.
If you want to find out more about our approach and values, visit our About Us page. To see what clients say about our workmanship, read our reviews.
Congratulations to all the winners this year and to every entrant who put their work forward. I’ll be refining my approach and aiming to go one step further next time.
