I met Iain Black through mutual friends, at a dinner party where we discussed our respective business backgrounds. I have a history of business development in construction related industries, so Iain asked if I could suggest ways by which he might promote his company.

Two things particularly intrigued me about Iain; his successful reliance upon recommendation for future work, and his years of experience working in the USA where standards for decoration work are higher than those generally found in the UK.

Iain took me to see work he was doing in Charlotte Square in Edinburgh’s New Town for a very large legal concern where lawyers often worked 24/7. This demands a highly flexible approach from any contractor, particularly decorators. Such an approach would be beneficial in my own residence (also in the New Town). Therefore, when my neighbours agreed to redecorate our substantial stairwell I invited Iain to advise us, knowing there would be changes and additions, requirements to get agreement quickly on colour choices/finishes, something that often requires patience where more than one decision-maker is involved.

It was very important to me that The Decorating Company site operatives would adapt to accommodate the needs of my neighbours. We were after all, going to be sharing a working site for a few weeks and I’m delighted to report that all has gone smoothly and Iain’s guys were well liked by my neighbours.

The work has been done very successfully, such that Iain has attracted other clients since, people who are aware of the project. Our building is over 150 years old, with all the implications that carries, such as movement in structure, changes in plans throughout the years when transformed from single dwelling to individual flats, old doorways, cupboards etc, showing age-old cracked plasterwork. As a result of Iain and his team working diligently to overcome such matters, the place looks considerably younger and fresher again.

I subsequently elected to employ the firm to paint my own sash & case windows, again with considerable success. I can only sum up my thoughts on Iain’s business by using that old adage, ‘They did exactly what it says on the tin.’

Gordon Watson, Drumseugh Gardens, Edinburgh