Staff

Victor Wilkinson

In the mid 1950's, a young Victor Wilkinson left Guard Street School and began employment at the Rayon Mill factory.  Despite the fact that he was being trained in every aspect of the factory, and would eventually be management material, he had other ideas. 

Every lunchtime, Victor would cycle round local painting and decoration firms looking for an apprenticeship, until he finally gained an interview, and was taken on that evening - satisfied, he went home to tell his mother, but neglected to mention that it was only for a 3 month trial period!

Victor passed his trial period and began his apprenticeship.  He learned to watch the old tradesmen carefully, as they guarded their skills, gaining different skills from all of them until he discovered the skills which suited him best.  Over 5 years of his apprenticeship, he honed his skills and attended college and night school. 

Victor stayed with the firm for several years, gaining experience from the work he did for them, and little jobs for family and friends at nights.  His reputation for quality grew, and in 1968, he and his wife Edith decided to go it alone and started Victor Wilkinson, Painters and Decorators.

Sean Wilkinson

Sean, Victor's son, entered the business in 1983, serving his apprenticeship and attending college like his father before him.  Victor was quite strict to maintain the reputation he had built up, calling into the college to ensure that even the tutors met his high standards!  Sean was asked to sit on the panel of decorators of the Dulux Select Decorators scheme in 1997 to ensure that the scheme is running to the benefit of discerning customers and to maintain professionalism by its members.

Mark Duddy

Mark went through college with Sean, then carried on in decorating, serving his time and then working with a few other businesses until a chance meeting with Sean, who was on the look-out for an employee.  Following a successful interview and the recommendation of his previous employer (who was based in Penrith, hence travelling was becoming too much), Mark was asked to join the firm, where he has been an asset.

Scott Davis

Scott was 1 of 14 applicants for the role of apprentice decorator, and after interviewing our shortlist, Scott was the candidate who impressed us the most.  Over his first 12 months, he has been a willing student, and in September 2006 began attending The Lakes College West Cumbria in association with the CITB to work towards his NVQ in Painting and Decorating.  Coincidentally, Scott's Mum used to live next door to Vic's Sister!

Michelle Wilkinson

Michelle Wilkinson is a professional soft-furnishings manufacturer, and has assisted Sean on a number of occasions when customers require matching wallcoverings and curtains, Michelle has been able to design, make and hang them, another great asset to the business.