Meet Guy Lehan & Son, a professional painting, decorating and plastering company serving South Woodham Ferrers and the surrounding areas since 1989. A family business with a personal touch to meet our clients individual needs. From smaller projects to larger projects including Heritage & commissioned Charity work with many established clients.
What made you decide to start your own business in South Woodham Ferrers?
I moved to South Woodham in 1993 and soon realised that there were only two other professional decorating companies in the Dengie/Woodham area, so I saw a good opportunity.
How many years of experience do you have as a painter?
I have been a decorator since I left school and served my apprenticeship back in the 80’s, so just over 40 years experience.
How much of your work comes from advertising and how much would you say word of mouth?
In the early days, being new to the area compelled me to invest heavily in advertising. However, over the years, we have established an excellent reputation, and now an impressive 70% of our work comes from recommendations.
What sort of hours do you work and is it the sort of job that you need to work irregular hours.
We do some commercial work( estate agents and shops but 90% is residential work, so we work any hours that are required to get the job done.
As a painter, what steps do you take before painting a room and how important is it to prep a room before you start?
As everyone knows, preparation is key to a successful job. However, many clients have specific requests regarding access, pet welfare, or simply accommodating their unique needs. With more people working from home and often attending virtual meetings, it’s crucial to minimise noise and disruptions during our work.
Is it important to use quality branded paints, and does that determine how many coats of paint you use?
Absolutely, using quality branded paints is important, but it’s primarily about ensuring the protection of the work environment—specifically, the clients’ homes. The right paint can influence the durability and finish, which ultimately affects how many coats are needed for a flawless result.
What do you think is the most challenging issues that painters face?
Customers—really it is usually managing people’s expectations. You can’t make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear, but I always try to make the best job out of what I am presented with. Being honest with a client goes a long way.
What do you do that sets you apart from others in your trade?
I’m exceptionally good at what I do, and the decorating that I produce is outstanding. But just as important is the customer service. I treat clients and their homes the same way I would expect to be treated, and my own standards are extremely high.
Do you have any projects you have worked on that you are proud of?
I have been quite fortunate in my decorating career, having worked on some truly remarkable projects. I’ve decorated hotels for the Hilton and Marriott groups all over the world, and I had the honor of decorating the athletes’ village at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Additionally, I undertook a two-year contract at Claridge’s in London, where I decorated the hotel suites—an experience that was both traditional and fascinating. Locally, I was commissioned to work on Edwins Hall in Woodham Ferrers, which we fully decorated top to bottom over a six-year period. More recently, I completed an extensive project at Old Riffhams in Little Baddow.
What relevant training and painting certifications do you have?
I am a time-served decorator and used to be a Dulux Select Trader. Over the last couple of years, I have completed courses at the Dulux Academy to keep abreast of new technology, trends, and techniques in the field of decorating.
What skills do you think are important for painters and which do you have?
I believe that patience and diplomacy are crucial skills for painters. Patience is essential when working on a piece, as it takes time to achieve the desired result. Diplomacy comes into play when collaborating with clients or other artists, ensuring that communication is smooth and constructive. I possess both of these skills, which I believe enhance my work as a painter.
What is it you like about South Woodham as a community and what do you do in your spare time?
South Woodham Ferrers is a lovely community with some good people living here.
Examples of work completed by G.Lehan & Son:
