My painting and decorating career started on a Youth Training Scheme, and after 20 years in the trade I entered the training side as a Further Education lecturer and assessor. On completion of my teacher training I undertook an MA in Conservation at London Metropolitan University.  

After a spell in an FE College as a senior curriculum manager, my wife and I combined the trade and educational experience and upgraded Dec-Assess Ltd from a consultancy to an On Site Assessment and Training provider specialising in decorative finishing. Since then we have worked with many talented individuals and companies including Heritage England and the King’s Foundation. I also undertake site French polishing and cosmetic repairs, and write under the pen name Andy Onyx, but that is a whole other story.