A.C. Beck & Dulux
A future based on partnering

At the invitation of ICI, AC Beck became the first Dulux Trade Approved contractor in Europe.

There are now 262 companies involved with the Contract Partnership Scheme and each one has been thoroughly audited, quality assessed and approved by Dulux Trade. Partnering as a way of working is becoming a major component in developing long-term relationships between client, contractor and paint manufacturer.

From the outset Robin Beck has been instrumental in forging the relationships that underpin this partnership process. He said, "With Partnering the emphasis is on achieving quality and service and value for money within a competitive framework. It is a reliable way for specifiers to find professional painting contractors to reduce risk and save tine and cost".

Significantly, partnering represents a tide-change in the price-led culture where quality and service in the 1980's and 1990's generally started to slip. Robin said "The lowest quote does not represent value for money and AC Beck quotes the price we believe is fair and reflects the service we offer".

For ICI, the Dulux Trade Contract Partnership provides a structure that ensures the correct products used to achieve the desired results.

The scheme sets out quality workmanship and best practice guidelines to recognised industry standards, environmental compliance and statutory requirements.

Training also constitutes an important aspect of the Partnership. Robin said "Our apprentices attend courses on product, materials and Health & Safety. Our office staff, also undertake training on products and some of our senior painters have attended courses to improve skills at the Dulux Trade Training centre in Slough.

Dulux Trade Contract Partnership has recently introduced a new training programme exclusively for Contract Partners. The initial rollout is aimed at contract managers and site operatives followed by a section for directors and proprietors. The first module introduces Contract Partnership principles followed by other modules on quarterly basis, either in Slough or in-house. Each session lasts around one hour and topics cover areas such as products, legislation and health and safety. All sessions are logged, demonstrating to clients the commitment to raising industry standards.