James Mercer
Lead contact
Calm, methodical, and picky about prep. James is usually the one who visits first, scopes the work, and lines up a realistic schedule.
About
A small team that treats your home like we live there too.
Ridgecoat came together after years of crossing paths on larger Bristol refurbishments — two lead decorators who preferred straight answers, tidy sites, and finishes that still look right six months later.
Our story
We formalised the partnership in 2019 after running parallel crews for different contractors — same city, same standards, and a shared dislike of vague quotes. Between us there’s over 20 years of combined decorating experience, mostly in period terraces, flats, and busy family homes around Bristol.
Work has come from referrals, repeat customers, and the usual trade directories — not because we’re the loudest name online, but because we keep the basics solid: clear pricing, realistic schedules, and a site that stays livable while we’re in it.
Meet the team
Real people, on the tools — not a faceless outfit.
Tom Ellis
Co-owner
Looks after estimates, materials, and day-to-day coordination — the person making sure the right products hit the wall at the right time.
Alex Reed
Decorator
Quick hands and a quiet footprint — efficient on big wash-ups, fussy where it shows, and careful around furniture and floors.
What people notice
Tidy by default
We protect properly and clean up after ourselves — every day, not just at the end.
Reliable
We turn up when we say we will and keep you updated if anything changes.
Fair pricing
We’re not here to upsell — we’re here to do a proper job for a fair price.
Happy to help
If something small makes the job better, we’ll sort it (and we’ll tell you first).
CSCS
Registered · Site Safe
Fully Insured
Public liability cover
£2m
£2m
NVQ LEVEL 2 & 3
Painting & Decorating
FIRST AID
Qualified · On-Site Ready
“Tell us what you’re aiming for — we’ll survey it properly, price it plainly, and get the prep right before the first coat.”
Tell us what you’ve got in mind
One room or the whole place — we’ll talk it through and give you a clear quote.
Demo site note: calls and form submissions are blocked — use the contact form to send your details.