National painting contractor, Bagnalls, has triumphed at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025, winning The Aptem Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award.

Having previously been named as the regional winner of this accolade for the Yorkshire and Humber area, Bagnalls has come out on top again, this time as the overall national winner.

The awards themselves, organised by the Department of Education, receive over 1,100 entries every single year. These submissions come from both companies and individuals across a range of sectors, including construction, IT, science, healthcare and many more.

This placed Bagnalls in direct competition with various household names, including supermarket giant, Tesco and construction heavyweight, Kier Group, both of which were Highly Commended within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award category.

Designed to champion and reward the achievements of exceptionally talented and dedicated apprentices and T Level students, the awards also recognise the support and efforts of apprenticeship and T Level employers.

Stephen Bagnall, Group Managing Director at Bagnalls, commented:

“We are honoured to have been named National Winner of The Aptem Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award, especially as the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards celebrates its 22nd anniversary!"

“EDI is incredibly important to us as a company, gifting us with a varied team that has the skills and experience to tackle whatever comes our way! Plus, with a significant number of our management team beginning their careers with us as apprentices, our apprenticeship scheme remains one of our most important and rewarding assets.”

Bagnalls’ Group People Director, Ellie Jobes, said of the win:

“This award is a wonderful recognition that all of our Bagnalls branches are working together to promote apprenticeships across a diverse audience."

“We have seen a particular impact in increasing number of female painters, as well as supporting those joining the industry from low-income backgrounds. I want to say a huge thank you to all of our colleagues who work tirelessly every day to make sure that our apprentices have a positive experience working for Bagnalls.”

Find out more about Bagnalls’ apprenticeship scheme and why the company is so passionate about supporting the next generation of young talent entering the painting and decorating industry.