Farécla Bonnet Painting Competition (2024) - Meet the Judges

Farécla is pleased to reveal our panel of judges for this year's contest ahead of the 2024 Grand Final Livestream on Friday 11th October 2024.

As with past years, our panel will be tasked with reviewing the 5 bonnets at Farécla HQ and will decide which bonnet wins the grand prize: £1000 cash, the complete G360 Super Fast polishing system and the new G Plus polishing machine.

Without further ado...this year's judges are....

Senior Technical Service Specialist in Vehicle Finishes EMEA for Akzo Nobel Coatings

Farécla is delighted to welcome Mick to our judging panel and once again thank Akzo Nobel for their ongoing support of our competition:

Mick has been with Akzo Nobel for over 20 year and has an intimate understanding of paint and refinishing from his role as a Senior Technical Service Specialist - overseeing Training, Development and Product Testing on OEM and Accident Repair.

As the 2024 chief judge, in the event of a tie Mick has the casting vote.

Skills Competition Manager for the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)

Farécla is delighted to welcome both Richard Hutchins and the IMI to the Bonnet Painting Competition:

Richard is responsible for running and overseeing the 4 Automotive Skills Competitions for World Skills UK and has been with the IMI for over 5 years.

Prior to working for the IMI, Richard served as the lead judge in the paint category since 2013.

Richard's familiarity with paint apprentices and competitions makes him an invaluable member of our panel.

Group Talent Facilitator at ZIGUP & 2017 World Skills (Abu Dhabi) Silver Medallist

Farécla is delighted to welcome back Daryl who previously judged in the 2018 competition:

Within his current role, Daryl is responsible for looking after technical apprentices in refinishing.

Daryl is no stranger to competition having been the first person in the UK to bring back Silver at the World Skills, but also serving as a judge in the IMI Automotive Refinishing UK Competition.

Graphic Design and Brand Manager for Farécla Products.

With over 16 years at Farécla - and having been instrumental in developing the appearance and collateral of the G360 and recently revamped Profile brands - Tom has an unmatched familiarity with the brand guideline and usage.

Tom will no doubt be looking for correct usage and application of the Farécla colours and logo, but also having served as a judge in the 2018 and 2019 contests - as well as working on capturing various defects for our website - has a keen eye for finer details.

David-John Cousins (Sales & Marketing Content Coordinator for Farécla) said:

“As with previous contests, our team strives to achieve the right balance with our judging panel – this year we have a refinish expert in Mick, a painter of proven talent in Daryl, an experienced judge of paint and apprentices in Richard and someone with a good eye for aesthetics and colours in Tom."

"We're incredibly grateful to Mick, Rich and Daryl - and by proxy Akzo Nobel, The IMI and ZIGUP respectively - for taking the time to judge in our content and share our desire to promote our industry to the younger generation and celebrate the talent within it"

Join Farécla on Friday 11th October at 12 Noon (BST) for a special livestream presentation as our judges announce the winner of the 2024 contest. Check out the links below for further details.

#FareclaBPC