We are delighted to share an insightful conversation with Andrew Cleaver, National Sector Manager for Healthcare at AkzoNobel. As a premier supplier of specialist coatings and paints, AkzoNobel has been a trusted partner of Goss Coatings Ltd for many years.
Together, we have collaborated on a diverse range of projects across various sectors, from large-scale developments to smaller bespoke initiatives. This enduring partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in delivering tailored solutions for our clients.
How did you first get involved in the world of paint?
Working for Cuprinol when it was owned by ICI Paints. We had just launched a blue paint, Garden Shades, into the garden market for fences which was revolutionary at that time.
Whose career has inspired your journey?
My father! He was quite an entrepreneur and was responsible for bringing the first brush chippers to the UK. He was always so positive even when things weren’t going to plan,
What life-changing lessons have you picked up on the way?
No matter what you do, it’s important to have fun and you enjoy what you’re doing.
What sets your paint products apart from those of your competitors?
The R&D that goes behind them, which enables us to bring innovative products to market first.
What current trends are you seeing in the paint industry?
A move to virtually no VOCs, whilst maintaining and improving the durability of the paint.
You have recently discussed the Biodex system with us, can you outline the key advantages of Biodex in aseptic environments.
The Biodex system incorporates these advantages:
- Unique dual action in-film protection combined with silver chloride technology.
- Independently tested against a wide range of challenging micro-organisms.
- Totally non-toxic, non-leaching and non-tainting formulation.
- Vapour permeable to allow substrate moisture to escape.
- High build matt finish coating with very high tensile elongation.
- Permanently elastomeric and ideally suited for overall reinforcement.
- Safe, water-based, low odour, minimal VOC coating – wash equipment in water.
- Durable, low maintenance coating, easy to maintain and refurbish.
- High opacity gives excellent obliteration to cover underlying colours.
How do you approach the development of eco-friendly paint products?
We have a large sustainability and R&D team, and I leave it to them to do this😊
What’s a colour you think is underrated and deserves more attention?
Magnolia! It’s one of those colours that’s been around forever and with so many colours to choose from today it’s considered boring. However, it’s a really warm colour and goes with most colour schemes!
What’s the most unusual or creative use of paint you’ve ever seen?
AkzoNobel painted a whole town in Turkey. Take a look here.
What do you find most rewarding about working in the industry?
As I work in the Healthcare sector, it’s making sure every NHS Hospital or Care home we supply paint to is making that environment more enriching through amazing products and colour.
What has been your memorable moment throughout your career?
When I was working in Customer Marketing and had to help manage our Hammerite brand. We sponsored the Classic Touring cars, and I had to go to every race circuit in the UK.
What do you most like to do in your downtime?
Relax, meet with friends and go out for nice meal… …or just watching F1!
If you had to choose a paint colour to represent your personality, what would it be?
I like bright colours, yellow is my favourite this coming year, 2025, as we have this as our Dulux Colour Of The year, True Joy.
If you could paint any historical landmark a new colour, which one would it be and why?
The Great Wall of China as it would be a great project to supply paint too😊
What constitutes as a perfect day for you?
Clearing all my emails and crossing off items on my to do list😊
If you could trade places with someone for one day, who would it be and why?
Any F1 driver, but only if I had their driving skills as well for the day.
What can’t you do without?
Multiple cups of tea during the day.
Thank You Andrew
We extend our sincere thanks to Andrew for sharing his expertise and insights. Goss Coatings Ltd greatly values our long-standing partnership with AkzoNobel and looks forward to continuing our successful collaboration on future commercial painting projects.
