House painting advice needed

During the past year the exterior paintwork of our house has deteriorated rapidly, mostly due to poor workmanship when the house was last painted about four years ago. As the paint now comes off in flakes, it is clear that the surface was never prepared as it ought to have been prior to painting.

I'm reluctant to employ the services of one of the local casual painters again, because they lack the necessary know-how and equipment to do a professional job, no matter how much I want to help them.

Can anyone recommend a good painter who does a professional job without charging an arm and a leg?

Chris