New Forest retailer wins Dulux Trade makeover competition

The competition was launched earlier this year to give independent retailers the chance to win a grand prize of a Dulux Trade makeover worth £2000 for their shop.

Roger Hutchings, owner of New Forest Post Office and Newsagents in Burley, Hampshire, which also serves as a National Park Local Information Point, won the grand prize.

As part of the prize, Mr Hutchings will receive a consultation visit from a Dulux Trade Specification Account Manager, who will advise on the best products and colours to use for the makeover.

The prize also includes up to £1000 worth of Dulux Trade coatings and the provision of a decorator to carry out the makeover.

Commenting on his prize win, Mr Hutchings said: “My family built the shop in the 1920s and have run it ever since.

“It has been years since it was properly decorated and has started to look very run down, inside and out, so the Dulux Trade Woodcare Ultimate Makeover is the perfect prize for us.”

A local decorator will now be sought to carry out the makeover work which can include improvements to both the interior and exterior of the shop.

Peter Lloyd, owner of Wortham Post office and Tea Shop, in Diss, claimed second prize and has won £500 worth of Dulux Trade products along with expert colour and paint advice from a Dulux Trade specialist.

Third place went to Mark Wilson, who runs Bransdale Road shop in Clifton, Nottingham, will receive £100 of Dulux Trade coatings.

Richard Bradley, Dulux Trade Marketing Manager for Trade Woodcare, said: “The competition was judged on originality, merit and the benefits the makeover would bring to the shop and the local community.

“The winning entry from Mr Hutchings stood out to us because of its creativity as well as the service business offers to the local community, not only as a post office and shop for villagers, but also as a National Park Information Point.”