Impressing our judges with its stellar charity work and passion for the Trusted Trader scheme, Splash of Colour Painters & Decorators Ltd has been named Which? Trusted Trader of the Month for April 2021.
Based in Glasgow, Splash of Colour is a small family business that specialises in exterior decorating, interior decorating and painting projects.
This is yet another trophy for the cabinet – Splash of Colour won a Trader of the Month award back in 2018 and again in 2020. The team also managed to scoop top prize when it received the Which? Trusted Trader of the Year title in 2020.
We caught up with Shaun McKay, director and painter/decorator at Splash of Colour, to find out more on the company’s success.
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Customers impressed by high standards of work
Having received more than 100 customer reviews on the Which? Trusted Trader website, Splash of Colour proudly holds a five-star rating at the time of writing.
One reviewer says: ‘We have used Splash of Colour several times, so were pleased to get it to complete further work. Shaun is never happy until the job is 100% perfect. [The team] is very tidy and happy to move more furniture – even stuff that wasn’t in their way, but we wanted it put in the attic.
‘When they leave the job, the rooms are hoovered, cleaned and all of the rubbish is taken away. Having tradespeople in the house can be a nightmare as we have experienced before, But Splash of Colour is the exception. We will continue to use and recommend it.’
Another happy customer writes: ‘The team at Splash of Colour was exceptional throughout the job. The standard of work was extremely high and the attention to detail and customer service were excellent. The job turned out to require more work than initially planned, but at no point did they rush, ensuring that everything was completed to both our and their satisfaction.’
These glowing reviews don’t go unnoticed by Shaun, who told us that he’s particularly proud of the company.
He said: ‘Since winning Which? Trusted Trader of the Year, we have continued to produce high standards of work for our customers. We want to give them value for money.’
Reacting to the win, Nadia Djeebet, Which? Trusted Trader account manager, said: ‘I am so proud of Splash of Colour. It has been an exceptionally tough year for traders during lockdown.
‘Shaun and his father have shown so much resilience and positivity – adapting the business and caring for the local community. The company is a pleasure to work with.”
Dealing with coronavirus restrictions
Working through the pandemic has been tough for every trader. For Splash of Colour, the restrictions have forced the team to think outside the box.
Shaun said: ‘Unfortunately, we have been in lockdown in Scotland since November. It’s been a very tough time, but we’ve communicated clearly with our customers on our safety measures and what jobs we can and can’t commit to.
‘We’ve had to think about how we can diversify. Luckily, we have our own space, so we got to thinking about how to use it to its full potential. We listened to feedback from customers – they wanted a more bespoke service. In response to that, we’ve turned one of the rooms into a design studio as it seemed like the right direction to take.’
The Splash of Colour director told us that this design consultation studio will allow customers to be in a safe space when they meet the team.
Shaun added: ‘We have also turned part of our space into a workshop which means we can restore furniture. The restoration works mean we can adapt during these difficult times and keep the business going while we wait for lockdown restrictions to lift. We can’t wait to get back into people’s homes again.’
Splash of Colour has recently purchased another large van so that the team can be more mobile and pick up customers’ furniture without them having to leave their homes.
Lending a helping hand
Splash of Colour is clearly very passionate about its charity work, with the company having teamed up with the Dreams Come True Children's Charity.
Shaun told us: ‘We are delighted to have been given the go ahead to work with Dreams Come True. As soon as lockdown lifts, we’ll be designing rooms for children with disabilities and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
‘We’re raring to go, but the project is on hold for now while lockdown is in place. The safety of the children is vital.’
Talking on the partnership with Splash of Colour, Siobhan McGowan, head of dreams at Dreams Come True Charity, said: ‘Shaun has helped Dreams Come True enormously over the past year, providing his expertise, design and decorating skills into room and home for makeovers for our Dream recipients.
‘The room makeovers Shaun has helped with make a huge difference to our children and young adults. Shaun has not only provided creative design ideas, materials and painting expertise, but has also personally brought in other partners who have supported us with paint for projects.’
Our judging panel was impressed as well. One judge described Splash of Colours as a ‘true champion’ for its work with Dreams Come True. Another said the company’s charity work really made Splash of Colour’s Which? Trusted Trader of the Month application stand out.
Aside from its work with Dreams Come True, Splash of Colour also has plans in place to run an apprenticeship scheme once lockdown lifts.
Shaun explained to us: ‘We are now ready to give a young person a real opportunity and a chance at a career. The pandemic means there are even fewer opportunities for young people, so my father and I really want to give a young person a chance.’
Advice for other traders
We asked Shaun if he had any advice for traders thinking of signing up to the Which? Trusted Trader scheme.
‘Customers really appreciate the fact that we’re a Which? Trusted Trader – it gives them confidence and tells them that they’re in safe hands. I wanted my company to have more credibility.
‘Other traders should go for it. It’ll help your company grow The assessment was a pretty straightforward process, although it did take a bit of time to get the endorsement as Which? doesn’t just accept any company. The standards are high, which I like and so do my customers.’
Congratulations to Splash of Colour Painters & Decorators Ltd for winning the April 2021 Which? Trusted Trader of the Month award.