Working from a shed in their back garden, the company was founded in 1975 by Robert Cousins and his father Ernest. By 1981 the company had won its first major commission at Westminster Tower in London, and by 1989 were trusted with redecorations at Windsor Castle. When the devastating fire struck in 1992, our team helped save valuable historical artefacts and were commended by the Queen for their bravery in a highly dangerous situation. This lead to further major works at the castle and across London, including Whitehall, Horseguards, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and The Palace of Westminster.

The mid 1990s marked rapid growth in the business. We became a founding member of the Dulux Contractor Partnership Scheme, opened our first London office, and later welcomed Campbell Smith & Co into the group. In 2006, the company secured its first three year framework with NHBC, and in 2019 expanded again with a new office in Chichester.

In October 2024 we transitioned to an EOT (Employee Ownership Trust) and in July 2025 we celebrated 50 years in the industry. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a trusted name in painting and decorating across the UK.