Bagnalls Receives Royal DEI Commendation!
17 February 2026
The Bagnalls team was honoured to receive a Princess Royal Training Award in 2025, in recognition of our Apprenticeship Scheme and Management Trainee Programme.
It was truly incredible to attend the ceremony at Fishmonger’s Hall in London and be presented with the award by HRH Princess Anne.
The event was made even more special by the fact that we also received a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Commendation, rewarding our significant commitment to DEI as a business.
As one of only seven companies to receive this special DEI Commendation, out of the total 57 award recipients, Bagnalls is thrilled to have our efforts recognised with such an honour.
In order to receive this commendation, Bagnalls had to show that we consider DEI at every point of our training programmes, ensuring that our schemes are accessible to all and make everyone feel included and valued.
The commendation is given to those companies that have recognised the importance of differences within the workplace and beyond, providing everyone with the resources they need in order to achieve and supporting those who might be otherwise marginalised or excluded to not only achieve, but thrive in their chosen field.
Bagnalls is incredibly proud of our training schemes and the young talent that we see come through our doors every single year. We value our company-wide policy of allowing apprentices to ‘earn while they learn’, enabling young people to gain a fair and steady income while completing their training.
Thanks to our supportive work culture, almost 40% of our current colleagues chose to stay with us after completing their painting and decorating apprenticeship. 15% of our current leadership team also began their career journey as apprentices, while two members of our Board of Directors initially joined us as apprentice painters.
We’re thrilled that our commitment to DEI has been recognised at such a prestigious level. We will continue to support young people from all walks of life and different backgrounds to achieve their full potential, whether that is in a painting and decorating role, a management position, admin, sustainability or beyond!
Our Group Marketing Director, Joanne Gualda, said of the Princess Royal Training Awards ceremony: “It felt incredibly special to be a guest at such a wonderful event – especially as this ceremony marked a decade of events for the Princess Royal Training Awards!
“The positive energy in the room was palpable and made even more special by the presence of HRH Princess Anne.”
A huge well done to the whole of team Bagnalls for your dedication and talent. Our people make our company the success it is, and these special commendations mean all the more when we can share them with everyone involved! A special thank you goes to the sponsor of this event, City and Guilds.