How Anthony Took a 50-Year-Old Decorating Firm and Gave It a Fresh Coat

When Anthony Mulligan acquired CML Decorators in October 2024, he inherited nearly 50 years of reputation and trust. Here's how he modernised operations while preserving the legacy.

Why CML Decorators?

When you speak to Anthony Mulligan, you realise pretty quickly he doesn't muck about. Already running the successful Qualpaint, he went and bought CML Decorators in October 2024 — a company with nearly five decades of graft and a reputation everyone in the trade knows.

So why'd he do it?

CML's reputation is second-to-none… it was a no-brainer.

After a year of legals and back-and-forth, he finally got the keys. Then came the real work: earning trust.

Building Trust from Day One

Anthony didn't hide in an office — he got stuck in. Visible. Available. Accountable. Day one.

And the surprise?

We expected a solid team… but didn't realise just how trustworthy and consistent they'd be.

Modernising the Operation

Since taking over, he's modernised systems, tightened up processes, and pushed training hard — NVQs, traineeships, the lot. Six newcomers already on the books. That's how you build a future-proof firm.

And quietly in the background? PaperDrop helping him run the day-to-day without the faff.

PaperDrop has been front and centre of the changes.

No spreadsheets. No lost jobsheets. Just a clean, tidy operation — the way Anthony likes it.

Where PaperDrop Fits In

With PaperDrop, the CML team now has:

• Proper job planning & tracking
• Clear schedules and timesheets with team management
• Smarter purchasing and invoicing using financial tools
• On-site jobsheets with photos & sign-off

The result? A business that feels organised, compliant, and ready to scale — without adding admin bloat.

Developing People, Building the Future

Anthony's big on training and growing internal talent. Six team members already on NVQs and traineeships. More investment coming.

We want CML to be the supplier and employer of choice. Consistency is everything.

Proudest Moment So Far

He's not shouting about revenue or expansion. He's proudest of something simpler:

If the CML brand flourishes like it did under Kevin & Chris — that's something to be proud of.

A man who respects the legacy he's inherited. That's leadership you don't teach.

The Road Ahead

CML is already seeing more organic enquiries than ever and Anthony's just getting started. Focused marketing, pro-active sales, and a modernised backend should only push things further.

We're excited by the enquiries coming in… and know we can add to it.

With a strong team, clear values, and the right tools, CML Decorators is set up for another fifty years of getting the job done properly. If you're looking to modernise your contracting business like Anthony did, get in touch with PaperDrop.