94. GQ Decorators

Founder: George Ovidiu Ghiuta
Founded: October 2012
Website: www.gqdecorators.co.uk

Offering high quality painting and decorating, London-based GQ (George’s Quality) Decorators has quickly established a strong reputation amongst private homeowners, landlords, and construction companies alike with its “workmanship, friendly service and value for money”. Launched in 2012 by company namesake George Ovidiu Ghiuta, in two years the service, which initially started with savings alone, has secured contracts with the L&Q London Housing Association, leading women’s charity Solace Women’s Aid, and Axis Ltd. What’s more, it has since won backing from the government Start Up Loans agency and been granted accreditation by Dulux and the Contractor Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS); an impressive feat given it has a team of just three employees.

Whilst a trades business isn’t exactly unique, the small company is already profitable and predicts a solid turnover for 2014 of £135,000. Over the next year, the painting and decorating start-up is intent on expansion and wants to secure larger contracts of over £15,000, as well as recruiting six new employees. Increased energy efficiency is also on the cards with plans to implement new, more resourceful, ways to undertake jobs as well as an aim to recycle over 80% of its waste.