Hello, name is Hugh and I am the manager of Sussex Painters. I left school at 16 and undertook a City & Guilds course in Painting and Decorating at West Kent College. I actually won an award for apprentice of the year in 1989! I worked for a company in Crowborough for the duration of the course where I learnt to hang wallpaper and apply all types of finishes. I then went on to work in London for a couple of years where I learned to hang industrial vinyl (1 meter wide wallpaper!) and got up to speed with my painting skills. During my career I have painted the hull of a 500 tonne ship with epoxy paint and managed painting gangs of over 30 people. I have been lucky enough to work all over the world with my trade skills. This year I am to start work as a lecturer in painting and decorating and will start studying for my teaching qualifications. I feel strongly that it is very important to pass on our skills and knowledge to the younger generation. Teaching will run alongside Sussex Painters and hopefully I will be able to recruit the best apprentices from the college to work for me! I enjoy painting and decorating and have very high standards. I like to see my customers faces when they see the transformation in their home.