07/11/11 First For Northern Ireland As County Down Businessman Is Elected National President Of Trade Body

A County Down painter and decorator has secured a first for Northern Ireland after being appointed national president of one of the largest trade bodies operating in the painting and decorating sector.

Mr Tom Nelson is the first man from Northern Ireland to take up the national president’s chain of office at the Painting and Decorating Association, (PDA) which represents the interests of decorators across the country, as well as England and Wales.

Tom is the director of TJ Nelson & Sons, which is based in Co Down and he has worked across the country carrying out private, domestic and commercial projects.

The firm was founded by Tom’s late father, Thomas, in 1946.

Tom started out as a teenage apprentice in the early 1960s and took over the family business in 1970. During his term of office as PDA national president his top priority is to promote training opportunities for young people within the painting and decorating industry.

The father of four will be joined by his wife, Anella, for the ceremonial duties associated with the national president’s role, which runs for 12 months.

Tom, who lives on the outskirts of Downpatrick, said: “During my time as national president I will be calling for more to be done to support the work of apprentices.

“Universities and colleges are great, but for many youngsters the experience of starting work out on-site cannot be beaten.

“Times are hard and it costs employers to provide apprenticeship places, but it is important that the Government provides access to funding to ensure the industry can continue to train young people.

“Apprenticeships give people an essential grounding, where they are not only taught the skills of a trade, but social skills such as punctuality and consideration of appearance on-site.  This is training that they will carry with them through the rest of their working lives.

 “When the upturn in the economy comes, we will need skilled people in place and if the climate were to improve tomorrow we would struggle to find enough people trained in the industry to fill the jobs that would be created.”

Tom takes over the role from outgoing national president, Mr Nigel Deamer of York.

www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

ENDS

Notes To Editors

The Painting and Decorating Association was established in July 2002, following a merger of the British Decorators’ Association and the Painting & Decorating Federation. The British Decorators’ Association was originally founded in 1894.

This organisation is Britain's largest trade body, dedicated to the painting and decorating trade. Members include sole traders through to large-scale national contractors employing hundreds of operatives.

Decorators looking to become members of the PDA are rigorously vetted prior to admission. Members are committed to the highest standards in health and safety practice, as well as training development.

The PDA is proud of its long history and high standards, and a registered member can be relied upon to do a good professional job at a fair price.

Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR.

Tel 01538 308685, mobile 07985 129315.

Email jane@shepherd-pr.com