Trades That Transform: How Fresh Colours & Genuine Futures Are Changing Young Lives in the UK

Posted on: 23rd June 2025 | 6 min

From Brushes to Brighter Futures: How Genuine Futures and Fresh Colours Decorating Are Changing Lives in Bolton and Salford

Sometimes, the most powerful partnerships begin with a conversation — no agenda, no script, just shared values and a vision for change.

That’s exactly how it started between Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures, and Philip Richards, Founder of Fresh Colours Decorating. They first met at a networking event in Birmingham over a year ago, and what began as a casual chat over an afternoon meal quickly became something much more.

“We got talking about trades, purpose, and young people,” Sam recalls.
“Phil just got it. Straight away. Since then, he’s been following our journey, backing what we do, and now, he’s stepped forward in a big way.”

Fast forward to 2025, and that initial connection has grown into a powerful collaboration — one that took centre stage at this year’s Trade Decorator LIVE event at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

Building Futures at Trade Decorator LIVE

Trade Decorator LIVE is a national hub for the painting and decorating industry, bringing together businesses, suppliers, professionals, and change-makers. It’s also where Genuine Futures brought its mission: to support young people aged 15–24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

The energy at the event was incredible, and the support from the trade community was even better.

One of the highlights came when Philip Richards introduced the team to Paula McIntosh, the founder of DecoratorLIVE. Her response to what we’re doing was immediate and authentic — she offered her support and expressed a clear willingness to get involved.

“It was really kind of Phil to make that introduction,” said Sam.
“Paula took time to understand what we’re doing and genuinely wanted to help. That kind of leadership is what the industry needs.”

The Power of a Trade: Fresh Colours x Genuine Futures

At the heart of this growing partnership is a shared belief in the power of skilled trades, not just as jobs, but as life-changing opportunities.

Following their reconnection at Trade Decorator LIVE, Philip, Sam, and Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures, sat down for a filmed interview to talk about the future of the partnership — and why trades like painting and decorating offer so much more than just a wage.

“I’m really impressed with the way Genuine Futures reacts and makes a positive impact statement to the young people of Bolton and young adults,” said Phil.
“With Fresh Colours — and the painting community in general — we want to assist Genuine Futures in helping young people go down a path of learning a new trade, going into skilled work, even starting their own business and moving forward from that. It’s a win-win.”

Together, Genuine Futures and Fresh Colours Decorating will now:

Offer work placements and hands-on training opportunities
Provide mentorship from experienced tradespeople
Support young people in gaining certification and qualifications
Help them explore routes into self-employment or business ownership

Supporting the Youth of Salford: Boss Your Future

While Bolton is at the heart of our work, we’re equally proud to support young people in Salford, particularly those who have come through our Boss Your Future programme — an initiative that provides structure, support, and skills to those who’ve been excluded, forgotten, or left behind.

“The young people in Salford have shown real strength and commitment,” said Mike.
“Our job now is to make sure that effort leads to real outcomes — and partnerships like this make that possible.”

Thanks to Fresh Colours and growing support from the trade community, we’re now connecting Boss Your Future graduates with real-world opportunities — turning learning into employment and ambition into action.

Why Trades Still Matter

In today’s fast-paced world, trades can get overlooked. But painting, decorating, plumbing, electrics, and other skilled roles offer something incredibly valuable — stability, creativity, pride, and a tangible sense of achievement.

“It’s not just about getting a job — it’s about building a life,” said Sam.
“When a young person picks up a tool and creates something, it changes how they see themselves. That’s what a trade gives you.”

Skilled work doesn’t just pay the bills — it builds confidence, community, and long-term careers.

Mentorship Matters: Mike & Phil’s Interview

The conversation between Mike Alleyne and Philip Richards, filmed live at Trade Decorator LIVE, captured the heart of this partnership. More than just trades and tools — they talked about belief, resilience, and the importance of someone simply showing up.

“We’ve got to show young people what’s possible — and then walk with them on that journey,” said Mike.
“That’s why partnerships matter. We can’t do this alone.”

“This is personal for me,” Phil added.
“Because I know what it’s like to struggle. I want to be part of something that gives young people a real chance to succeed.”

Be a Guest Speaker: Inspire a New Generation

As we grow our Meet & Motivate programme, we’re calling on people with real-life experience and a heart for community to join us as guest speakers.

Whether you’re a:

Business owner
Skilled tradesperson
Entrepreneur
Or someone who has turned challenge into purpose

…your story could help change someone else’s.

Share your journey.
Talk about your trade.
Inspire the next step.

Get in touch to speak at one of our upcoming events in Bolton or Salford.

A Message from Mike: We Need You

We’ll end with a powerful call to action from Mike Alleyne — one that speaks directly to the people who have the power to make a difference:

“So if you’re in the trade — whatever trade you’re in: electrical, plumbing, whatever it is — we need people like you to help support Genuine Futures. Help us collaborate and get that message out there so we can help more young people — not just in Bolton, but across all our failing communities across the UK.”

Join the Movement

This partnership with Fresh Colours Decorating, the support from DecoratorLIVE, and the momentum behind Boss Your Future are just the beginning.

If you believe in young people…
If you want to see skills passed on and lives rebuilt…
If you’re ready to do more than just watch from the sidelines…

Connect with the Genuine Futures team
Attend or speak at our next Meet & Motivate event
Watch the full interview with Mike & Phil — coming soon
Be the reason a young person gets their first real opportunity