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The Golden Finish Awards

The Golden Finish Awards were born from passion, grit, and a deep respect for the craft that keeps homes, businesses, and communities looking their best. Created by two pairs of married couples who know the meaning of hard work, we’re proud to say this isn’t just another award; it's a celebration built on heart, honesty, and real industry pride.

Behind the vision are Russ, known to many as The Talking Tradesman, and Kevin, better known as The Paint Warrior, two men who live and breathe the trade, with years of experience on the tools and a mission to raise the standard for painters and decorators everywhere. Alongside them, Angie Monroe, The Female Boss Slayer and co-owner of The Female Boss Awards, brings her powerhouse expertise in running large-scale, luxury award experiences, adding professionalism, flair, and a strong female voice to the mix. Completing the team is Tash, the creative mind behind Tingles Aesthetics, who understands what it takes to build a brand, deliver quality, and make people feel valued.

Together, we’ve brought our skills, our stories, and yes, our marriages, together to create something that feels personal and premium all at once. 

The Golden Finish Awards are completely independent, which means every nomination, every recognition, and every trophy is decided with integrity and care.

We know the Painting & Decorating world can often feel overlooked, and we’re here to change that. Our mission is simple, to give the industry the spotlight it deserves, celebrate the craftsmanship behind the brush, and recognise the people whose hands quite literally build beauty.

At the Golden Finish Awards, you won’t just find competition, you’ll find community, connection, and celebration. Because this is more than an awards night, it’s a family bringing the industry together, one golden finish at a time.

Meet the Judges

Co-Founder

Russell Payne

Russell Payne, better known as The Talking Tradesman, is the voice and vision of the trades industry brought to life. With years of hands-on experience and a deep respect for craftsmanship, Russ has built a trusted reputation for being both a straight-talker and a champion for hardworking professionals.

Russ is the owner of RDP Painting & Decorating, a 3rd generation Painter and Decorator, with 25 years experience, Specialising in high end domestic and commercial work.

As co-founder of The Golden Finish Awards, Russ brings an authentic trades perspective to the table, no fluff, no ego, just a passion for recognising genuine talent. His ability to bridge the gap between industry and audience makes him an integral part of what sets the GF Awards apart: it’s real people celebrating real skill.

Working alongside his wife Angie Monroe (The Female Boss Awards), and fellow founders Kevin (Paint Warrior) and Tasha (Tingles Aesthetics), Russ has helped shape an awards experience rooted in honesty, community, and respect for the craft.

His mission is simple: to give painters, decorators, and tradespeople the platform they deserve, showing the nation the pride and professionalism that define their work every single day.

Co-Founder

Angie Monroe

Angie Monroe is a powerhouse entrepreneur known for her bold vision and unwavering passion for elevating industries that often go unseen. As the founder of The Female Boss Awards and Angie Monroe Hair Beauty Aesthetics Clinic, Angie has spent over a decade building platforms that celebrate skill, authenticity, and excellence.

With a background in beauty, aesthetics, and business leadership, she brings a fresh perspective to The Golden Finish Awards, ensuring the Painting & Decorating industry gets the recognition it deserves. Angie believes that every brushstroke tells a story, and that behind every trade professional is real talent, graft, and pride that should never go unnoticed.

As part of one of the two married couples behind the GF Awards, Angie’s partnership with Russ (known as The Talking Tradesman) adds both creative flair and real-world experience to the event. Together with Kevin (Paint Warrior) and Tash (Tingles Aesthetics), they’ve united to build an independent, honest, and truly premium awards experience—driven by care, community, and credibility.

Angie’s mission is simple: to shine a light on the people who turn everyday work into artistry, and to give tradespeople the recognition they’ve long deserved.

Co-Founder

Kevin Tingley

Kevin Tingley, widely recognised as Paint Warrior.. has carved out a unique place in the decorating world by turning his craft into a brand that he carries with pride. Over the years Kevin saw how often the trade was overlooked, despite the skill and dedication it demands. 

Kevin used his social media platforms to honour decorators and show the artistry behind the craft. Kevin’s journey has always been about more than putting paint on the walls, it’s about raising the bar of the trade, inspiring others to take pride in their work, and proving that decorators aren’t just tradespeople, but passionate individuals with vision and skill.

Through Paint Warrior, Kevin has created a lasting mark on the industry, one that represents toughness, creativity, and the warrior spirit at the heart of every decorator.

Alongside Kevin, his Wife Tasha Tingley and his co-founders Russ (The Talking Tradesman) and Angie Monroe (The Female Boss Slayer) Kevin is deeply passionate about helping his fellow decorators unlock their full potential. Kevin is dedicated to supporting their personal growth and brand development, ensuring they receive the recognition they truly deserve.

Co-Founder

Tasha Tingley

Tasha Tingley, business director at Paint Warrior alongside her husband Kevin. Tasha is also the Director at Tingles Aesthetics and one of the driving minds shaping The Golden Finish Awards. Known for her eye for detail and commitment to perfection, she brings a touch of finesse and heart to everything she’s involved in.

With years of experience as a business owner, Tasha understands what it means to build something from the ground up with passion, precision, and pride, values that mirror those found in the Painting & Decorating trade. Her journey from small business owner to respected industry name has been fuelled by authenticity and hard work, making her the perfect advocate for tradespeople who go above and beyond.

Alongside her husband Kevin (Paint Warrior), and co-founders Russ (The Talking Tradesman) and Angie Monroe (The Female Boss Slayer), Tasha’s mission is to bring integrity, excitement, and genuine appreciation to the awards world. Together, they’ve created an event that stands apart, independent, transparent, and built on real recognition for real people.

Tasha’s vision is clear: to help The Golden Finish Awards celebrate craftsmanship with class, emotion, and the respect every skilled professional deserves.

Why Enter The Golden Finish Awards?

Recognition

Show clients, peers, and partners what you stand for.

Fair & Transparent

Every entry is reviewed by professionals who get it.

National Exposure

Winners and finalists are featured across trade platforms and media.

Celebrate Together

Join us for the annual awards night... a true celebration of the industry.

Beyond the recognition, entering the awards helps build your reputation, attract new clients, and highlight your best work to the wider decorating community. Every entry is reviewed fairly and professionally, and finalists and winners receive national exposure through our marketing, media partners, and awards ceremony. Joining the Golden Finish Awards means showing the world that you take pride in your craft and are committed to excellence.

Enter the 2026 Awards

Celebrating the very best in Painting & Decorating 

Entering the Golden Finish Awards is your chance to showcase the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into every project.

Whether you’re a solo decorator, a small team, or part of a larger company, the awards give you recognition from peers and industry professionals who understand the hard work behind every brushstroke. It’s more than a competition... it’s a celebration of your talent and passion for the trade.

Think your work deserves a Golden Finish?

Entries are now open! Submit your project, share your passion, and join the UK’s biggest celebration of the Painting & Decorating trade.

Enter the 2026 Awards

Sponsor the Golden Finish Awards

Becoming a sponsor of The Golden Finish Awards means more than simply supporting an event... it’s a partnership with the very best in the UK Painting & Decorating industry.

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