Doing exactly what it says on the tin is standard practice for Sidmouth’s professional decorator Luke Hutchings.

Born and bred in the popular seaside town of Sidmouth, the likeable 33-year-old has won Apprentice Decorator of the Year twice and in representing Exeter College in the national finals nine years ago made it clear he knows a little bit more than just how to wave a paint brush about.

With fifteen years of experience in the trade, he has been self-employed for the last three years building a very substantial client base in Sidmouth and the surrounding area and with a wealth of talent at his disposal he is able to put his mark on every job he undertakes with a high degree of passion.

Sidmouth Herald: Professional decorator Luke Hutchings at workProfessional decorator Luke Hutchings at work (Image: Luke Hutchings)
His mind set on carpentry when leaving school, he quickly realised it wasn’t for him and, not wanting to sit around waiting for a job to come and fall in his lap, he took the initiative when on the off-chance he was asked to paint some new facia boards. 15 years later and he now caters for internal and external decorations, specialist wallpapering, and has more recently employed the process of airless spraying, with his van a familiar site around town.

Having carried out decorating works for the Saudi Arabian Royal family in one of their London residences his credibility goes before him, his attention to detail and ability to work to an impeccable standard is very obvious. Speaking earlier this week Luke said: “It comes as a bit of a surprise to some that I enjoy my job so much, I think it’s the job satisfaction I get on a daily basis, it’s a real sense of achievement.”

In such uncertain times and with caution a by-word, the trade is still thriving albeit working under strict Government guidelines. People still want their homes to look good and Luke is keen to encourage more school leavers to venture into the trade. With such a strong network of support for apprentices and job satisfaction on offer, a fresh lick of paint could be just the answer.