We love hearing from our previous students here at Able Skills to find out what they’ve been up to since their training. So, we were delighted to hear that Katie Corkill, owner of Katie Corkill Decorating, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Trades & Construction category in the Best Business Women Awards for 2022.
Katie did a City & Guilds Decorating Course with us back in 2019, then went on to launch her business later that year, which now operates across South London, with recent projects in Wimbledon, Greenwich, Fulham, Streatham and Sydenham.
She said: “The thing I love most about my business is the clients’ happiness and excitement once we complete the job.
“To transform a room or house and know that I have added to someone’s enjoyment and comfort in their own home is just wonderful.”
Corkill believes working in a male-dominated industry has actually had a positive impact on her business.
“I do believe being female has helped, even subconsciously clients tend to perhaps feel safer or more trustworthy from the off,” she said.
However, the businesswoman emphasised that the main reason for her clients’ satisfaction is the level of service she insists upon.
Corkill said, "It means a huge amount to be singled out in a competitive industry on being recognised as a successful female business owner.
“As much as I am proud to be a finalist at these awards, I am equally as excited and happy for talented women to be recognised, specifically within trades which have been previously male-dominated industries. Awards like this help to inspire and promote women of all ages to get on the tools.”
She added: “I actively encourage women to join me in the manual trade industry because it is such rewarding work and also because being a female does not limit you in this line of work.”
About the Best Business Women Awards
The Best Business Women Awards were set up by multi-award-winning entrepreneur Debbie Gilbert in 2015 to recognise the achievements of the UK’s best entrepreneurial women across various business categories.
“Our judging panel, all business experts, were blown away by the quality of the entrants. All our finalists are all shining examples of being successful entrepreneurs who have proved their success to our judges.”
The Gala Final will be held at the Hilton Wembley on 30th September 2022, where the Gold Winners of each category will be announced.
Best of luck, Katie!