Covered Spring 2024

Raising the UK coatings industry profile: BCF’s Essential Coatings campaign

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In the first edition of BCF’s Covered magazine in 2024, we’re beginning to emerge from the cold, dark winter months into spring – with (hopefully) sunnier skies and lifted spirits!

In the spirit of positivity, there are some great recent achievements here at BCF to reflect on. In February, the BCF team travelled to London for the coveted Trade Association Forum Awards, where we were shortlisted for four categories and managed to secure the win in the Publication of the Year category. This was for the team’s work on the UK coatings industry’s first-ever Net Zero Roadmap, the brainchild of BCF’s Sustainability Manager Patricia Durany-Fernandez and brought to life with the creativity of BCF’s Marketing team. You can read more about the win on page 26, and our future plans to support members on their Net Zero journeys following our hugely successful Road to Net Zero seminar last November.

I’m delighted that BCF were also Highly Commended in TAF’s Diversity and Inclusion Award category, for the work BCF’s ED&I Committee have been doing behind the scenes. A key part of this strategy has just been launched – the BCF’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter, a public commitment for our members to sign up to and agree to set principles in ED&I in their companies, with the aim of getting as many companies as possible to become signatories. To find out more, please go to page 16.

By Tom Bowtell Chief Executive Officer of the BCF

I’m also pleased to announce that at the most recent BCF Board meeting in March, our Board of Directors gave the green light for us to move forward with PaintCare, and I’m delighted to share that we have appointed PaintCare’s Project Manager, who will be joining us in April. Find out the latest progress updates on the scheme from Steve Snaith on page eight.

In more good news, our President Sharon Harte was recognised for her outstanding contribution on the TAF Women in Trade Associations Powerlist. She’s driven several projects key projects since taking over as President last May. Read more on her nomination on page 14.

Following our parliamentary reception held at the House of Commons in December, we have been continuing to promote the narrative of the Essential Coatings report with our latest campaign activity, reported on by David Park on page six.

We’ve got lots of events coming up where you can get involved with the BCF. In April you can sign up to join the growing band of Coatings Ambassadors and learn the skills and tools you’ll need to engage with local schools and colleges. It’s free to take part, so do get involved – see page 19. We have partnered with Cogent Skills not only on our Coatings Ambassadors workshops but also a new initiative to work with those early in their careers within the

industry to help us attract the next generation of talent – join our Early Careers Group and find out more information on page 18.

We have also just opened the BCF 2024 Awards – members have until late May to enter. You’ll see on page 24 that we have up to five awards that will have dedicated SME entry categories, provided we get enough SME entries. This is to help make a more level playing field, given SMEs cannot always compete with the resources of the major global players.

Our conference on May 23rd is selling out fast, so hurry to secure your place – our key topics for this year’s conference will be the future of the industry with the next generation of leaders and cuttingedge technology coming through the sector (see page 20).

We’ve also got our charity bike ride on June 28th, raising money for the Community Heartbeat Trust, our phone box defibrillator charity partner – read all about it on page 22, and get training – the ride is a fantastic team-building event, and I’m hoping we can hit 100 riders joining us this year! I hope to see you during at least one of these great events this year and do consider entering our awards if you haven’t before.

ECO PAI NTS DEMYSTIFYING CAMPAIGN

Ciara Dempsey, Regulatory Affairs Manager

BCF launched our Green Claims Guide for Decorative paints in March 2022 in order to debunk and factcheck claims being made by companies, which may be misleading consumers with unsubstantiated environmental statements about their products. This also helps to create a level playing field for our members and the industry as a whole.

The BCF Green Claims Guide has been well-received by industry and consumers alike, being referenced across many home and interior news outlets and even national press.

Following this success, BCF now aims to broaden the Green Claims Guide with a new resource for consumers – to demystify the ‘eco paint’ label that is often misused.

To read our Green Claims Guide on the BCF website, please visit:

With this in mind, we will be looking at:

• What are paints made of?

• Are decorative paints harmful or toxic?

• Why do paints contain preservatives?

• Do paints contain VOCs?

• Is paint a sustainable product?

• What is the carbon footprint of paint?

• Is there plastic in paint?

• What are ‘natural’ paints?

• Is paint breathable?

Through this new guide, BCF aims to clarify to consumers what characteristics and raw materials are essential in paint manufacturing to make paint formulations perform to suit their needs, and what to look out for when choosing which paint to purchase based on what factors matter most to them.

The new guide will be launched in the coming months following an agreement with BCF member companies.

World Coatings Council re-elects Tom Bowtell for second term as President and recognises outstanding contribution of Andy Doyle

At the World Coatings Council’s annual meeting in March 2024, Tom Bowtell, Chief Executive of the British Coatings Federation, was re-elected as President for a second two-year term of office. The event was hosted by the China National Coatings Industry Association (CNCIA) in Shanghai, China.

The Council, which provides a forum for exchange and cooperation on major issues and priorities facing the industry, has established itself as a global voice with the United Nations, Governments and NGOs for over 30 years.

Tom Bowtell said of his re-election “The World Coatings Council plays an important role to represent the global coatings industry to help create a successful and sustainable future for the sector. We will continue to lead on the themes of sustainability and essentiality in our work in the coming years. I’m incredibly honoured to have the trust of my industry colleagues from across the world to serve a second term as President on behalf of the global coatings industry”.

The meeting also re-elected Monica Alcala-Saavedra of the Mexican Paint and Printing Ink Manufacturers’ Association as Vice President of the Council.

This year’s event was also the last for Andy Doyle, former President and founder of the World Coatings Council in 1992, who is retiring from the American Coatings Association later this year. Andy was recognised for his significant contribution to the global coatings industry with gifts and speeches from his World Coatings Council colleagues.

Commenting on Andy’s contribution, Tom Bowtell commented “Andy was the driving force behind setting up the World Coatings Council over thirty years ago, with founder members Japan, Europe and the USA. It is through his ability to bring people together, and to create an environment of trust and cooperation that has led to the World Coatings Council to become such a vibrant, proactive and successful global organisation it is today, now with over 15 countries in membership. The Council owes a huge debt to Andy Doyle, who can

be hugely proud of what he has achieved”.

Andy Doyle, President of the World Coatings Council and CEO of the American Coatings Association, commented: “In my time with the World Coatings Council, formerly IPPIC, I’ve made so many friends around the world whilst helping to tackle some major challenges on behalf of our wonderful industry. I’m so proud of how the Council has developed over the years, and while I will of course miss not being part of it anymore, I feel confident that I’m leaving it in good hands. I’d like to thank all my colleagues for making my time in the paint industry so fulfilling and rewarding”.

The World Coatings Council is made up of members representing associations from the United States, China, European Union, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Andy Doyle, Founder and Former President of the World Coatings Council, Tom Bowtell, President of the World Coatings Council and Vice President Monica Alcala-Saavedra.

David Park, Public Affairs Manager

Following the launch of our Essential Coatings report at the House of Commons in December, we have been working hard to spread the message of just how important coatings are to a growing number of key stakeholders. In particular, we have been more active in and around Westminster, dealing with MPs one-on-one or at small events where we can explain about members’ products and the variety of applications they have across the UK economy and wider society.

One of the ways we are doing this is through organisations such as the Industry and Parliament Trust; the AllParty Parliamentary Group on Manufacturing; The Enterprise Forum; and the Industry Forum. These all groups arrange roundtables between Businesses and Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and backbench MPs with relevant interests to allow industry the chance to contribute to policy debates. So far this year BCF has attended meetings on topics such as retrofitting, green energy, and raw material supply – as well as with sessions attended by Ministers for, variously, Trade, Chemicals, and Regulationmaking sure our sector’s voice in these areas is well heard.

We have also effectively relaunched the report on

social media – mainly Twitter and LinkedIn – using the hashtag #EssentialCoatings. We supplied suggested text, graphics and video content members could use themselves, or take inspiration from, and followed a different report theme each week, namely Essential Coatings, Liveable Coatings, Valuable Coatings (to coincide with Budget week), and Sustainable Coatings. Thank you to all member companies that took part. Hopefully your participation not only enabled us as a sector to expand our reach on a key topic but also gave you the chance to say how your own products were essential to the UK.

We will be looking to carry out a similar exercise, cutting the report in different ways, in the near future. So please do keep and eye out for how to get involved.

Finally, with a General Election looming, we have an opportunity to reach out not just to MPs but also to Parliamentary Candidates across the country. BCF will be updating its ‘How to Engage with MPs’ guide so it includes advice on approaching local candidates to invite them for site visits and to brief them on your business and the sector more widely, as well as giving them a copy of the Essential Coatings report. It is vital to build up the number of MPs who know about the importance of the coatings industry in the next parliament. Again, keep your eyes peeled for emails over the next few weeks.

Dr Stephen Snaith, BCF PaintCare Consultant

OTHER NEWS

Q4 2023 saw the completion of the PaintCare strategy work incorporating the requirements identified at the Decorative Coatings Committee Meeting in April 2023 and decorative member consultations in October 2023. The completed strategy work was discussed with individual decorative company members in January 2024 followed by a PaintCare strategy meeting on 24th January 2024 where all the input was reviewed by decorative company BCF Board members and other relevant BCF Directors. Actions were agreed to take PaintCare forward. Strategic options were again reviewed and the desire to have a national industry-led scheme to collect back leftover decorative paint and empty packaging was confirmed as the desired way forward. A governance model for PaintCare Ltd and a funding model for the next phase of work were also discussed at the meeting.

There was unanimous agreement at the meeting that the next phase of work would need to delve much more into the details and develop an operational plan for launch before signing the project off for launch. This work would include worst- and best-case scenarios for cost and environmental impacts and a detailed plan for launch.

A full BCF Board meeting was held on 5th March which reviewed the PaintCare strategy, the action plan and next steps. The focus of the meeting was on PaintCare governance and funding for the next stage. The Board supported the strategy, governance model and agreed funding from BCF reserves subject to the details being finalised.

It was recognised that the current capacity within the BCF and its consultants was insufficient to deliver this and that there was a need for additional expertise in the areas of waste management and local authority/HWRC management and processes. Recruitment of a full-time PaintCare project manager to deliver this next stage is now complete.

This is a major milestone for the project setting us on a trajectory for launch in 2026 subject to the outcome of the detailed work proposed for 2024. At the PaintCare Board meeting in December 2024, a decision will be made on whether or not to move the project onto the implementation and launch phases, when finalisation of the levy amount and the timing of the launch will be made.

1. The PaintCare collection and processing trial running on two HWRC sites in Dorset has now come to an end. Valuable data on quantities, types and quality of material being collected together with efficiency of collection and sorting has been obtained as well as processing yields, together with learnings for improvement. Our thanks go to Tony and Jason at W&S, Lee and Sara at Paint 360 and Phil at 360 Environmental for the trial.

2. Environmental modelling has shown that the launch of PaintCare will save up to 100,000 tonnes of C02 equivalent per year by 2030, which is almost FOUR TIMES the total of the scope 1 and 2 emissions per year for the TOTAL UK paint industry today (26,000 tonnes).

A MAJOR MILESTONE: MOVING TO IMPLEMENTATION

Introducing Michael Pye: PaintCare Project Manager

I’m from Leicester, most of my career has been spent in customer services working in retail, private medical insurance, and environmental regulations. From 2010 I have been working with the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations (EPR) at Compliance Schemes and more recently for one of UK’s biggest supermarkets LIDL GB. My work has given me insight into the regulations from both a business and regulator perspective, allowing to better understand how government initiatives can impact businesses. Throughout my career I’ve always put the customer journey and experience at the centre of everything.

I’ve always strived to be the best I can be and I like to think that reflects in my work and how I approach things. One of my bucket lists for work was to be able to look back and say to my son ‘Look at this great thing, daddy helped create that’. Bringing PaintCare to the UK offers me just that and more! I am very excited about bringing this project into being.

NEXT STEPS

1. Set up PaintCare Ltd company and boardQ2 2024

2. Hire PaintCare Project Manager, staff and consultants for this phase – April 2024

3. Set up PaintCare Implementation Task Force from membersQ2 2024

4. Start retailer/distributor consultations - Q2 2024

5. Develop detail model and implementation plan - Q2-Q4 2024

6. Propose final model to PaintCare Board of Directors for decision to move to implementation/launch phase (or not) - Dec 2024

How leftover decorative paint and packaging will be collected and recycled

WHAT ARE WE DOING IN 2024?

Patricia DuranyFernandez, Sustainability Manager

The BCF proudly launched our Net Zero Roadmap for the coatings sector as a whole in November last year. The launch took place as part of a Net Zero themed seminar in Nottingham, which was attended by over 100 delegates from across BCF’s member companies and their wider supply chains. The roadmap’s publication is a step towards delivering on the BCF Board’s pledge of two years ago that the sector will meet Net Zero by 2050. So, what’s next?

The BCF will aim to publish an updated Net Zero Roadmap in 2025, and periodically thereafter, giving members updates on progress. The next edition of the roadmap could also cover relevant topics such as biodiversity and explore other areas in more detail, for example carbon offsetting.

Our plan for this year is to promote the BCF Net Zero Roadmap and to support our members on their individual Net Zero journeys. The roadmap (and associated ‘Quick Start Guide’) were very wellreceived, and this was not just recognised by our members but also by other external organisations such as the CPA and Innovate UK. The BCF are extremely privileged to have delivered this important document for our industry, which has recently received the TAF award ‘Publication of the Year 2024’.

We want to encourage our members to use the BCF Net Zero Roadmap and Quick Start Guide to take meaningful actions (rather than let it sit on a shelf!). For example, members can start calculating their carbon emissions and develop a carbon reduction plan for the first time, or they can refer to the sector’s waypoint targets towards Net Zero and compare with their internal targets to track progress. Small or large, the roadmap aims to support all BCF members and to strive for a more sustainable coatings industry.

The BCF will continue to organise webinars and seminars to assist members make the Net Zero journey. In February, we hosted a webinar on ‘Innovation funding for Net Zero Goals’ with one of our Associate members (Think Incentives), which explored the Government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) programme in detail, as well as other relevant grant funding opportunities for members. In March, we ran a webinar on Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) with Tunley Environmental, which attracted over 60 attendees. Finally, colleagues from BASF will deliver a ‘Carbon Literacy’ training session for our members in April, which has been very popular and it could form the basis for the BCF to develop an industry-specific course in the future.

Also, the BCF team has started to complete a number of member visits to support those who are struggling to make progress and to explore scope 3 emissions reductions, and we will continue to do so in the coming months. Of course, BCF members are welcome to get in touch with our Sustainability Manager Patricia Durany-Fernandez (patricia.durany@bcf.co.uk) at any point of their journeys if they need support.

Beyond the responsibilities and actions required of BCF members, there is also action required from Government if the sector – and the country as a whole – is to ever truly meet its obligations. To this end, our Public Affairs Manager David Park (david.park@bcf. co.uk)will continue his lobbying work to ensure that at least some of the seven recommendations that are included at the end of the Net Zero Roadmap are followed up. As part of our engagement campaign with Government, the BCF launched its Essential Coatings report at the end of last year at a parliamentary reception held at the House of Commons. This report highlights how coatings are essential to consumers and industry alike, and how they play an essential role in the transition to a sustainable future.

PACKAGING EPR UPDATE

David Park, Public Affairs Manager

Whilst the deadlines for payment of fees and registration of data for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging scheme have not changed since the Covered Autumn 2023 edition, there have been some developments in other areas of the scheme over the last few months.

Firstly, Defra announced the appointment of the Head for the EPR Scheme Administrator (SA) in January: Dr Margaret Bates, who was the Managing Director of OPRL (On-Pack Recycling Label). BCF welcomed this decision, as it placed someone from industry in the leadership of the EPR scheme. More information about base fee levels for 2025, and which materials will be subject to modulated fees from 2026, should emerge soon and we will share these with you as soon as possible.

A Steering Group Committee was also appointed by Defra soon after that, which is formed of Government officials, Local Authority representatives, NGOs and a number of businesses, mainly from the food and waste management sectors.

In a related move, in February, Defra confirmed the development of a UK Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for EPR, which is a group representing obligated producers with a vision to eventually run the whole SA and packaging recycling scheme in the long term. BCF welcomes the prospect of an industry/producer-led approach and wants to be involved in helping to make it work. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) are leading on

this and are engaging with a variety of trade associations representing a range of sectors. BCF are in discussions with them to ensure the voices of sectors outside food and drink are more plugged in to future developments of the PRO approach.

Secondly, and importantly, Defra has amended the definition of ‘household waste’ in government EPR regulations. BCF, alongside many other trade organisations, had lobbied forcefully for change and the Government formally consulted on this and other problematic issues at the end of last year. Now, in addition to products sold directly to a business end-user, under the revised definition the following primary or shipment packaging can be reported as non-household where it meets both of the following:

• it is packaging for a product, where the product is designed only for use by a business or a public institution;

• and the packaging for that product is not reasonably likely to be disposed of in a household bin or a public bin.

Unfortunately, packaging that satisfies one of the tests but not both, and the so-called ‘dual packaging’ (for business use and general consumers), will be treated as household waste.

The BCF engaged with the Environment Agency and submitted a response to the consultation, which had been previously reviewed and discussed with members. We understand that paints designed only for a business use which will obviously be used in an industrial setting – e.g. presumably paint for aircraft – will now likely be exempt. However, decorative paints, even if sold through a trade centre for professional use, could still remain in scope as they can be bought and used by general consumers. There may be other case-by-case exemptions based around the size or weight of packaging, though.

If you have any queries about the EPR scheme, please contact the BCF team at david.park@bcf.co.uk or patricia.durany@bcf.co.uk.

The EA has published that guidance on the ‘household waste’ definition at the time of printing this edition of Covered. You can read the newly updated EPR guidance on the Gov.UK website under ‘Packaging data: what to collect for extended producer responsibility’. BCF will be speaking to the EA and Defra, and will be engaging with members, to clarify what these new guidelines mean in practice as soon as possible. Indeed, by the time you read this in Covered I hope you will have received a more detailed analysis via email or through attending one of our regular sub-sector committees.

Ali Brown, Head of Membership

Get involved with BCF’s Environmental Programme

BCF’s Coatings Care programme, which tracks key health, safety, environmental and performance indicators is an important part of our Sustainable Coatings Campaign and our commitment to Net Zero.

The Coatings Care programme has been running since 1996 and is a clear statement of the industry’s objectives and BCF members long standing commitment to being responsible manufacturers. For this reason, we would urge any UK manufacturing sites not currently taking part to get involved in this very worthwhile initiative.

An example of the type of data shown, taken in this case from the 2021 report, is given below where company results are ranked from lowest to highest according to energy used per tonne production.

In recent years we have made a number of improvements to the programme including a new easy to complete questionnaire. For operations in 2022, participation was up 27% meaning some 67% of the total BCF

membership by sales turnover is now included in the report.

In addition to the benefits to the industry as a whole the key advantages to companies are:

• Taking part demonstrates that firms care about health & safety, the safe operation of processes, the environment, energy consumption, etc

• All participants receive a confidential Benchmarking Report, enabling them to compare their performance against the coatings industry as a whole

• Companies can use the Benchmarking Report to confidentially identify their strengths and weaknesses by comparison and other firms in their sector

• Customers look favourably on manufacturers that take part in the programme

• An added benefit is that the report is used to shortlist companies for BCF’s prestigious Coatings Care Award and Coatings Care Progress Award

• Participation is completely confidential with all company information being handled only by our independent statistics trustee, Whittle Industry Data, who are responsible for all the data compilation.

• There is no cost to be part of the programme.

Find out more about our Coatings Care programme here:

To sign up, please email alison.brown@bcf.co.uk

The Business of Science Conference 2024

What does the future of science and innovation hold?

Now in its 8th year, this conference addresses how AI; Space; People and Place; and Skills and Talent impact the future of science and innovation.

We will discuss the role Manchester, and the region as a whole, play in the development of ground-breaking science and innovation for environmental, societal and economic benefit.

With 200+ guests, book your tickets now and be part of the debate.

For more information or to book, visit businessofscience.co.uk

Wed 22nd May 24 8am - 6pm Peel Hall, The University of Salford

£234 pp inc vat until 31st March £270 pp inc vat from 1st April 24

BOOK NOW

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BCF PRESIDENT NAMED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN 2024 WOMEN IN TRADE ASSOCIATIONS POWERLIST

BCF was delighted to learn that current President Sharon Harte was included in the Trade Association Forum’s (TAF) Women in Trade Associations Powerlist for 2024.

Sharon Harte, who became the first female President in BCF’s 111-year history when she was elected at the 2023 BCF Annual Conference, was listed under the Outstanding Member Contribution category, for which those holding voluntary positions were eligible. Those included in this list were nominated for their significant member contributions to their association and their sector.

Announced on International Women’s Day on Friday 1st March, the list was compiled from over 200 nominations by a combined panel from the Trade Association Forum (TAF), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The initiative champions the achievements of women in trade associations and aims to encourage the next generation of women into the association sector.

Before being elected BCF President, Sharon had served for eight years as a BCF Board member, with a total of 10 years of experience in the coatings as Managing Director of Dacrylate Paints Ltd, an independently owned manufacturer of high-performance coatings in Nottinghamshire. With her experience – and a previous career working within media - Sharon has brought a huge amount of practical experience to the BCF. In addition to helping to ensure the organisation continues to deliver top-quality member engagement and services, Sharon has also been a driving force in helping to press the sector to modernise, not least in pursuing Net Zero goals as well as diversity and inclusion by continuing to work alongside members of the BCF Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) Committee, supporting members and the wider industry to embed these commitments. Sharon has been an engaged member of the Committee since its inception in 2021.

On learning of her inclusion on the TAF Women in Trade Associations Powerlist, Sharon said: ‘It is always gratifying for the coatings sector as a whole to be recognised for awards. I see this nomination as an acknowledgement of the big steps our wider industry are making to become

more diverse. We have come a long way over the past few years but there is a lot more we can do to make our organisation and the coatings sector more representative and inclusive in the near future. But this nomination speaks to all voluntary contributors to Trade Association Federations and acknowledges the impact they have. Here at the BCF, we are indebted to that contribution and proud to report the increasing number of women on both our Board and championing change through our committees.

Tom Bowtell, CEO of BCF, commented on Sharon’s recognition: ‘Sharon has proven to be a fantastic President of the BCF, making sure I, and the whole team, remain focussed on delivering exceptional services and support to BCF’s members. She thoroughly deserves to be recognised for her efforts and so we are delighted she has been named in this year’s TAF Women in Trade Associations Powerlist.’

Made in Solingen / Germany

BCF Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter

On 8th April 2024, BCF announced the launch the UK Coatings industry’s first ED&I Charter, a public commitment that recognises and celebrates companies in our sector who are committed to working towards a more balanced, fair and highperforming sector.

Through the work of BCF’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Committee and following the Board of Director’s commitment to championing ED&I principles throughout the industry, BCF are delighted to share the next stage in the journey to a more balanced, fair and highperforming sector.

BCF ED&I Charter signatories are committed to the below principles:

• To lead by example and make a difference.

• To promote positive change within our company and across the coatings industry by empowering and educating leaders.

• To make employees feel comfortable to speak out in the workplace.

• To support diverse recruitment, retention and progression.

• To collaborate and share best practice.

• To recognise that each company will have a different starting point and that progress will not look the same for every organisation.

By becoming a signatory of the Charter, companies also commit to the below actions:

• Appoint an ‘EDI Champion’ with the support from the company’s board/ senior leadership. Agree a company action plan on ED&I.

Monitor progress made, by taking part in BCF’s annual/bi-annual survey

which will be published on the BCF’s website.

• Commit to increasing awareness and knowledge of ED&I in our senior leadership team and across the organisation.

• Drive employee engagement to ensure an open culture that allows a diverse range of views to be heard.

• Create appropriate policies to make our organisation accessible and attractive to all.

• Proactively engage with BCF and relevant stakeholders and communities to share best practice, and champion ED&I in the industry.

Signatory companies recognise that an inclusive workforce is good for business. It brings diversity of thought, innovation, and a positive workforce culture as well as improved customer relationships.

Diversity and inclusion are also increasingly important to coatings industry customers, stakeholders and investors.

To see a list of the founder signatories, visit the BCF website:

We held 36 in-person meetings

27 virtual meetings were held

495 jobs posted on our jobs board

102 CTI training modules sold

62,546 views across BCF websites

9 meetings with UK Government Ministers

937 member communications

96% BCF Full membership renewal

1,509 attendees at 62 BCF committee/ board meetings and events

284 attendees attended 9 webinars

188 BCF mentions in the media

46

meetings with UK Government departments/ officials

363,733 social media impressions

9 BCF mentions in national press

92

meetings with UK-based trade assocations

ATTRACTING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE FOR THE COATINGS INDUSTRY

The British Coatings Federation has teamed up with Cogent Skills – the skills leader for the UK science and tech industries – to attract and retain the next generation of coatings talent.

We’re recruiting a group of early career professionals (individuals under the age of 35, in the first 3-5 years of thier career in the sector) from across the industry to help us understand what we can do to attract people into coatings at the start of their professional journey.

Members will also discuss how to tackle some of the barriers younger people might face and some of the perceptions of the industry which might be dissuading them from considering a career in coatings.

The first meeting of the Early Careers Group (ECG) will take place at the BCF’s headquarters in Coventry (with

some members joining remotely) on April 2nd 11:00am-13:00pm. At the first meeting, members will agree the group’s objectives over the coming year and how success will be measured. Lunch will also be provided for in-person attendees.

Members of the group will have the opportunity to shape the coatings careers strategy whilst developing their interpersonal communication and leadership skills.

For more than two decades, Cogent Skills has helped deliver the skills the science industry needs and its team will support the BCF at each stage in establishing the ECG and delivering its objectives.

Cogent has a range of experience through a number of other similar initiatives which have promoted careers across the science sector – and the ECG will benefit from best practice shared

by stakeholders in other industries who are further along their careers outreach journey.

The ECG is part of a wider effort by the BCF to attract and retain talent at all levels, to help ensure the industry has the workforce is needs to thrive in the coming years.

There’s still time to get involved – so if you’re an early careers professional working anywhere in the UK coatings industry and you’d like to help shape the workforce of the future, and make a difference, get in touch via info@bcf.co.uk.

Coatings Ambassadors Training

18th April 2024

INSPIRE the next generation!

CHALLENGE the stereotypes!

BUILD your confidence and your network

We are pleased to announce that we will once again be running our Coatings Ambassador training workshop. BCF has partnered with the Surface Coatings Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry and OCCA to create a national network of ambassadors for the coatings industry.

The coatings industry is exciting and varied, at the heart of several advanced manufacturing technologies in the UK and worldwide. Our industry contributes £200 billion to UK GDP and is essential to everyday life, from protecting our cars from rust to the paint in our homes. However, with an ageing workforce, we need to inspire the next generation to see the world of opportunities that the coatings industry can provide.

Through our programme, we hope to show the younger generation the many benefits of working in coatings and create a national network of ambassadors. The training, delivered by Cogent Skills, is designed to equip these ambassadors with the skills and materials to run their own sessions at schools and universities.

We only have 20 places available for the workshop. If you have attended one of our previous workshops and have colleagues who would also benefit from becoming an ambassador, please pass on these details and ask them to get in touch. Register

At our Annual Conference this year, we will be raising funds for The Community Heartbeat Trust, who have been working together with rural communities to turn disused telephone boxes into Community Public Access Defibrillator sites or cPADs.

View our full programme and book here:

speaker

Toni Kent is a professional speaker, compere and writer who has the rare combination of 25+ years IT sector experience and the ability to entertain audiences with honest, humorous insights into social mobility, life as a working parent and corporate culture.

Toni has worked in, and alongside the technology industry for 25 years. Today, thanks to a second chance at education, positive female role models and a career in IT, Toni finds herself in what could be described as a “middle-class bubble” and it’s not always comfortable. Using her writer’s eye and comic timing, Toni helps bring to life the challenges and opportunities that exist for organisations to advance an important and highly topical conversation.

Conference speakers

Andrea Boltho, Oxford Economics

Global political and economic outlook

Allan Matthews, Professor of Surface Engineering, University of Manchester

The cutting edge and the future coatings innovation

Roald Johannsen, CEPE President and PPG

European Coatings Association Strategy

Sherin Mathew, Founder and CEO of AI Tech UK

Impact of AI on Industry and Society

Discussion Panel - Finding future leaders for the coatings sector

Steve Bennett, Business of Science

Molly Kershaw, BCF Young Leader of the Year 2023

Andrew Roser, BCF Apprentice of the Year 2022

Tim Doggett, Chief Executive, Chemical Business Association

Evening entertainment

Manchester based, Justin Moorhouse is a talented stand-up comedian, writer & actor not lacking in self confidence, a description with which he would be the first to agree, making him a safe pair of hands for all types of corporate audiences.

Who is Justin Moorhouse?

Well here is how he describes himself, in his own words - how self assertive is that!

“He is a Comedian. Dog Walker. Parent. In that order.

He’s sometimes on your telly. But he’s best seen live.

He’s not just Young Kenny - the one with the Tiger Face from Phoenix Nights.

He’s recently appeared on Richard Osman’s House of Games, Qi, and Live At The Apollo, Justin is also a new firm favourite in Dictionary Corner on C4’s Countdown. You’ll have heard him on Radio 4’s The News Quiz and as a Champion of Champions on BBC 5Live’s Fighting Talk, as well as his weekly contributions to the Warm Up on Talk Sport with Max Rushden and Barry Glendenning guessing attendances every Sunday morning.

TBA

Nina Gryff, Head of Innovation and Digitalisation, Make UK (Made Smarter)

Innovation and digitalisation in manufacturing

Tom Bowtell, CEO, BCF BCF review and outlook for the year

Justin Moorhouse

Stand up comedian, writer and actor

BCF Charity Cycle: Ride Warwickshire

Friday 28th June 2024

Sponsored by:

BCF’s Charity Cycle is back for another year! The ride is taking place on Friday 28th June starting at the BCF’s offices in Coventry.

In support of

Our annual charity cycle is THE coatings industry event to train and get fit with your colleagues in the run-up to the big day, team-build, network and have fun, all for a great cause. Not only is the ride a fantastic activity, you will helping us to raise money for the Community Heartbeat Trust. The BCF is in partnership with the Community Heartbeat Trust and BT to promote the installation of defibrillators in BT phone boxes across the UK through our Minutes Matter campaign.

There will be three distances available - 100km, 52km & 35km. The 100km & 52km rides will require grit and endurance to get to the finish line, whilst the 35km is a nice gentle ride that will challenge the novice. We’re hopeful that with this choice of level, you and a team of colleagues will be able to participate. The event is not limited to BCF members though so please share the invite with your contacts outside of BCF membership, family and friends! Any non-members can register via Belle Lake at belle.lake@bcf.co.uk who will be pleased to help with any queries.

2023’s event raised over £19,000 and we hope this year’s event will be just as successful. Further information about how you will be able to raise money as a rider will be sent out once you have registered. You will also receive details of the routes and overnight accommodation details for those of you who would like to arrive the evening before the event. Note that secure bike storage will be available at the BCF office the night before the ride. Each registered rider will also receive a one-off BCF-branded jersey in their chosen size.

The entry fee is £50 (+VAT) per rider, which includes your cycle jersey and goodie bag. Entries are open to individuals or teams, not limited to BCF members.

Register before Friday 12th April to guarantee your jersey size!

For more information or to register your place:

Sustainable Innovation Award

Sponsored by:

The Sustainable Innovation Award recognises and celebrates commitment to the BCF Sustainability Policy through the launch of innovative and sustainable products, processes or services.

Race to Net Zero Award

Sponsored by:

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Our Race to Net Zero Award recognises applicants’ own contributions to achieving the coating industry’s overall pledge to reaching Net Zero by 2050, which will be judged principally by the reduction demonstrated, or the projected reduction, of emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3) which are defined by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol using data that is no older than 2018, due to the implementation of company policies, new standards, best practice and sustainable initiatives.

Corporate Social Responsibility Award

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award will be given to a BCF member company which, in the opinion of the judges, has clearly demonstrated an outstanding and successful charity or CSR campaign across any aspect of social responsibility.

Student of the Year Award

Sponsored by:

This award is presented to the CTI student who, in the opinion of the tutors of BCF’s Coatings Training Institute, has consistently demonstrated the highest level of understanding and achieved outstanding scores in examinations and practical work when completing their training modules. There is no entry process for these awards.

Diversity and Inclusion Award

Sponsored by:

The Diversity and Inclusion Award will be awarded to a BCF member company that best demonstrates an effective programme across a broad

Young Leader of the Year Award

Sponsored by:

Now in its seventh year, the BCF’s Young Leader of the Year Award will recognise an exceptional individual under the age of 35 working within a BCF member company who has proved to be an effective, innovative and impactful leader.

Wednesday 6th

The Principal,

The 2024 BCF Awards are

Many thanks to our sponsors, Stort Chemicals, Packaging, BioCote and Tronox who make our independent

This year’s award categories

Deadline for entries is

Friday 24th May.

To enter, please visit:

Excellence in Training Award

The BCF Excellence in Training Award is presented for a company initiative rather than individual (which is recognised through the Student of the Year Award). Now in its seventh year, entries for both BCF training and non BCF initiatives will be considered.

Marketing Campaign of the Year Award

The Marketing Campaign of the Year will be awarded to a BCF member company that has produced and delivered an innovative and effective marketing campaign that clearly meets organisational goals.

Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award

November 2024

Principal, York

are now open for entries!

Chemicals, BASF, Verlingue, Xyntra, Fenton make the event possible. Thanks also to all independent award judges.

categories are as follows:

Customer Service Award

Sponsored by:

BCF’s Customer Service Award recognises the growing importance of customer service as a differentiator in the paints, coatings, inks and wallcovering industries.

The Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award is presented to the company that has demonstrated best in class performance across a range of key performance indicators, including VOC emissions, energy consumption, waste and recycling, and accident and incident statistics.

Coatings Care Progress Award

The Coatings Care Progress Award is presented to the company that has made the most significant year on year improvement in its performance on the same health, safety and environmental criteria as above.

Apprentice of the Year Award

Sponsored by:

Apprentice of the Year will be awarded to an apprentice currently employed at a BCF member company who best demonstrates how they’ve used their apprenticeship to achieve great personal and professional development. The judges will also consider how the apprentice has added value to the workplace and to the industry through their hard work and dedication.

UK Coatings Industry’s Net Zero Roadmap awarded Publication of the Year

The BCF secured a win in the Publication of the Year category at the 2024 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards ceremony in London, in front of over 350 delegates.

The Publication of the Year Award was presented to BCF for the in-house production and design of the UK coatings industry’s first-ever edition of their Road to Net Zero document, a substantial and comprehensive report that outlines the industry’s progress so far in reducing carbon emissions, the baseline and targets, and practical information for members on how they can measure and reduce their carbon footprint. The Roadmap concludes with recommendations for Government to support the industry on this journey, and what is needed from the wider supply chain to ensure that the industry is successful.

BCF were also Highly Commended for TAF’s Diversity and Inclusion Award for their work with their members promoting a more diverse workforce in the UK coatings industry. BCF have historically recognised talent within the industry and existing initiatives through their Diversity and Inclusion, Young Leader of the Year, and Apprentice of the Year Awards at their annual BCF Awards ceremony. In 2021 BCF formed its ED&I Committee, made up of members who support work in the area, such as the BCF Board of Directors’ commitment to championing ED&I within their companies as senior representatives in the industry to build a more balanced, high-performing sector.

Tom Bowtell, Chief Executive Officer of the BCF, commented on the win: ‘I’m immensely proud of how well the team worked together to create an outstanding document which I’m delighted to see has now been given this well-earned recognition. I wanted to particularly note the contributions of Patricia Durany-Fernandez, BCF’s Sustainability Manager, for researching and writing the Roadmap and to BCF’s Marketing team for their creative output to make the publication a resounding success.’

Emily Wallace, Chief Executive of the Trade Association Forum and one of the head judges on the panel said: ‘The BCF is an excellent association going from strength to strength. The judges were particularly impressed with how they are driving the debate about sustainability in the sector with their guide to net zero, and thought that the design and practicality of this publication was more than just an informative publication; it encouraged action to be taken.’

BCF Regulatory Managers Ciara Dempsey and Kerry McLoughlin with Sustainability Manager Patricia Durany-Fernandez

BCF Marketing Manager Amy White and Marketing Executive Sophie Dunham with the Diversity and Inclusion Award Highly Commended certificate

BCF Marketing Manager Amy White, Sustainability Manager Patricia Durany-Fernandez, Marketing Executive Callum Plummer and CEO Tom Bowtell collecting the Publication of the Year Award.

New members

If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available to our members, and the support we provide, please contact Ali Brown at: alison.brown@bcf.co.uk.

Full members

Protek Products

For forty years Protek have been making waterbased timber coatings from their factory in Somerset. Protek is a small family run business that was started by Eric and Janet Thornborough in 1983. Today the business is run by their daughters Becky Rackstraw and Harriet Farquhar.

The original vision to sell water based wood stains and paints is still at the heart of the business today.

www.protekproducts.co.uk

Bulk Meter Services

The BMS Group are a leading international contractor and distributor of wet stock management solutions, and are proud to be the official distributors for Veeder-Root – Gilbarco mechanical registration & tank monitoring systems and Total Control Systems (TCS) Flow / Batch Meters.

We offer a full Repair/Breakdown and Calibration Service, to all the major brands of flow measuring equipment using our nationwide network of highly trained Service Technicians.

www.bms-ltd.com

Associate members

Sarten

Sarten is a metal and plastic packaging manufacturer based in Turkey. The company was established in 1972 as a family business. Sarten grown considerably in its 50-year long history. In 2015, SARTEN signed a shareholding agreement for transferring 15% of its shares to Mitsui, one of the world’s largest powerhouses. Today Sarten operates with 22 factories, 18 in Turkey and 4 in Europe. There are 3 main sectors that it operates: Food, Cosmetics and Industrial. Paint cans and plastic containers which are being produced in 4 factories are targeting product group of exports to UK.

www.sarten.com.tr

IPG Photonics

IPG Photonics Corporation is the world leader of fiber laser technology providing products and solutions used primarily for materials processing, including exceptionally energy efficient solutions for industrial heating and drying applications. IPG is driven to develop innovative laser solutions that make the world a better place. IPG accomplishes this mission by providing manufacturers with tools which deliver superior performance with the highest reliability and productivity at a lower total cost of ownership as compared with less efficient traditional methods.

www.ipgphotonics.com/en

Associate members

Cinkarna

With a tradition of 150 years of uninterrupted operations, Cinkarna Celje is among the most resilient companies in the Slovenian economic area. Until 1968, the company’s defining activity was metallurgy, but in 1973 titanium dioxide pigment production began and later expanded, turning Cinkarna Celje into a chemical processing company. The main focus of the company’s activities is on producing and marketing titanium dioxide. Production operates in accordance with high environmental standards.

www.cinkarna.si

Lisam Systems

Founded in 1999, Lisam is a global provider of EHS compliance, sustainability, and Chemicals Management solutions. Serving 2000+ customers from 24 worldwide offices, Lisam offers integrated solutions for Incident Management, Audits, Inspections, Sustainability Sources, and Chemical Inventory Management. Additionally, the company provides Product Stewardship solutions for Substance Volume Tracking, SDS Authoring, Distribution, and Management. We know our stuff, keep our promises, and openly guide our business with core values of Respect, Integrity, Service Excellence, and Value.

www.lisam.com

The Fuel Store

The Fuel Store provides fuel cards, energy contracts and fleet management services to UK businesses. Our fuel cards can be used at 3,900 forecourts nationwide to buy fuel at an average of 10 pence per litre cheaper than the pump price. We offer credit and pay-asyou-go cards for both new and established businesses and provide consolidated invoicing to save you time and money. We offset all our carbon emissions through our Clean Air Partnership.

www.thefuelstore..co.uk/services

BCF STAFF UPDATE

AMY WHITE PROMOTED TO MARKETING MANAGER:

Having joined BCF straight from university four years ago, Amy was named Trade Association Rising Star in 2023 and has been a fantastic contributor to BCF’s marketing output and outreach, being involved in almost all BCF projects. Amy’s personal development has led to her receiving a well earned promotion to Marketing Manager in January this year. Amy will continue to lead on all marketing activity for the BCF, together with Marketing Executives Callum Plummer (maternity cover) and Sophie Dunham, who returns from maternity leave in September.

WELCOME DARREN BUTLER, BCF’S NEW MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATOR:

We are sad to announce that BCF’s Administration and Operations Executive Jo O’Neill left the BCF for pastures new in February. We are incredibly grateful for her support and care for the team and our members over the last five years, and she will be hugely missed.

We’re pleased to introduce you to the newest member of the BCF team, Darren Butler, our new Membership Administrator. Many of you will have already seen communications being sent to you from Darren’s email as he supports Belle and Ali in the membership team.

Darren has introduced himself below:

I am Darren, the latest addition to the BCF family, and my job title is Membership Administrator. I will be looking after those coming in for meetings, plus sending a lot of the communication emails to our members. I live in Warwickshire with my partner, two rabbits and hamster. I am a member of the Leamington Round Table, where I am the social coordinator and Santa Sleigh Coordinator. I teach line dancing twice a week in Warwick and I volunteer at an Alpaca Farm in my spare time. I am known locally as Haunted House guy, as I do a huge Halloween display for charity in my street, in which I appeared on BBC Midlands Today last year and raised over £6,500 for Children in Need with over 800 trick or treaters coming by to meet Pudsey.

We’re sure you will join us in welcoming Darren to the team and you will all see him soon at upcoming BCF meetings and events.

You can get in touch with Darren at darren.butler@bcf.co.uk.

Upcoming events and meetings

All BCF meetings are now face-to-face at our offices in Coventry unless otherwise stated.

April

June

May

Visit our website to keep up to date with latest meetings, events and to register.