EDITORIAL
Welcome to our first issue of 2026 – I want to wish all our members the very best for the new year, in an economy which continues to be a challenging environment for our sector.
Despite this, support for the BCF remains strong, and I want to thank all those members who have already renewed their subscriptions.
Looking back on 2025, we can be proud of reducing the significant burden of regulation on members. The titanium dioxide classification was overturned in the EU, where BCF had been part of the court action; we led lobbying to reduce UK REACH bureaucracy, and secured an extension of registration deadlines to 2031; we secured changes to the recyclability methodology under Packaging EPR, to support future use of printing inks by brand owners and GB versions of CLP and BPR regulations will be brought more in line with EU decision making processes, which will simplify things for BCF members.
Beyond our regulatory work, we have made good progress with our careers outreach and paint recycling ambitions. We engaged with over 27,000 students at UK university events in 2025, promoting our ‘Coat Your Future’ resources. In 2026, we will utilise our NextGen Council to continue to support our careers outreach efforts, including helping make the sector more diverse and inclusive.
On paint recycling, we are running a Spring trial in the West Midlands for three months, which will help give confidence ahead of a planned launch in January 2027. PaintCare will bring a step change in paint and packaging recycling in the UK, and also significantly reduce Packaging EPR fees for members.
BY TOM BOWTELL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BCF
2026 also sees our PaintSafe initiative extend to online sales of industrial coatings. There are still too many examples of companies selling professional-useonly products to the general public, or to professional users without the correct health and safety warnings.
We celebrated the success of BCF members at our 2025 Awards in this issue – so congratulations again to all our winners. It will soon be time to start thinking about your 2026 entries. At time of print, we will also be imminently opening ticket sales for our 2026 Annual Conference, which is in June, so keep an eye out for our programme announcement on BCF’s channels.
January saw the BCF Presidential handover, from Sharon Harte of Dacrylate Paints, our first ever female President, to Jane Ryder, from Sherwin-Williams, who becomes our second. My huge thanks go to Sharon for her leadership and support over the last two and a half years, and I am also very much looking forward to working with Jane, particularly on PaintCare, which I know is a project she is very keen to progress within her tenure.
There are also some staff changes at BCF – Emma Scott-Hendy has rightly been promoted to Head of Operations, and we welcome Ben Delaney as our new Head of Membership. We also welcome Dena Purcell to the team, who joins as Executive Support Assistant.
Finally, as part of World Paint and Coatings Week, we will be having a Parliamentary reception on March 24th to celebrate the contribution our sector brings to sustainability and growth, so I hope to see many of you there.
LOOKING BACK TO LOOK AHEAD: POLICY, POLITICS AND PRIORITIES FOR 2026
LOOKING BACK – Q4 2025
The last few months of 2025 were packed with various policy initiatives, responses, and announcements, all requiring various degrees of lobbying input.
The major event was, of course, Chancellor Reeve’s second Budget. Here, we generally work with and through larger organisations like Make UK and the CBI to amplify generic industry asks. This year felt like a defensive battle, trying to prevent business being particularly targeted, as it was the Budget before with, for example, increases to ERs NIC contributions and thresholds. Despite talk of ‘growth’ being the priority for Government, the reality has been increased borrowing and taxation to fund increases in welfare spending and public sector wage rises. Taxes will increase by around £70 billion, representing some 38.3% of GDP by 2031, and the minimum wage climbs ever upwards. There are possibly helpful moves to deregulate – especially in the planning sector – and to change skills and apprenticeship funding, although the latter need working out properly. And as a sector that supplies construction and major infrastructure projects, at least the pipeline of capital spending was not cut; hopefully those projects will lead to business for many members.
Some welcome news, just before Christmas, was that the Government has partially changed its plans for Inheritance Tax Business and Agricultural Property Reliefs. This affects a number of smaller BCF member companies which are family-owned. We have therefore been working closely with Family Business UK (PBUK) to press for a reversal of a poorly thought-out policy, one which has clogged up investment and brought into question the future viability of many businesses. The concessions made were important but we know more needs to be done.
Also welcome was the Government’s watering down of its Employment Rights Act legislation, something the whole business community had been lobbying hard against. Although most of the measures are still in place, ‘day one rights’ for unfair dismissal have been dropped and the minimum time they kick in extended six months. Beyond this, though, little was changed and there are a raft of
costly new measures that will be introduced, albeit after consultation with businesses and phased in over the next couple of years. We will keep members updated.
Conversely, released on 22nd December the Government’s response to the consultation on extending transitional REACH registration deadlines was not what we wanted to hear. The Government is having to extend the deadlines once again as they still have not decided on the system to be used for UK REACH. BCF – and it turns out over 70% of all respondents to the consultation, and near unanimity amongst business respondees – had urged a two-year gap between each of the three registration bands. This was because that was what was legislated for before, and because, of course, we do not know what system is going to be in place: erring on the side of caution is surely sensible! However, in their wisdom, Defra has determined on just oneyear between the registration bands. We now need to work to ensure that the registration model is made as simple and cheap as possible for business, and we eagerly await the outcome of that consultation early in 2026.
It is strange and, indeed, worrying that nearly 10 years on from the Brexit vote, and six years since the UK actually left the EU, that UK REACH is not the only area of chemical regulation still unresolved. As a result, last year saw other post Brexit measures consulted on around the future of UK/GB Biocides and CLP regulations. These were hefty consultations and so thank you to the many members who helped us draw up the BCF response.
2025 was also the year that Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (EPRp) settled its Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), which involved BCF lobbying intensely on behalf of our printing ink members. In November, EPR invoices were actually issued to companies. While lobbying over the past couple of years had led to a minor change to ensure at least some types of paint packaging that was obviously professional or industrial use only – e.g. aerospace – was ruled out of scope, we are still fighting a battle to exempt legitimate trade waste from Defra’s definition of household waste. That is a battle that will continue into 2026 as well.
LOOKING AHEAD - 2026
So, what does 2026 look like from a political and policy point of view? Politics first.
In the UK the Government will be looking at damage limitation in the Scottish, Welsh and Local Government elections due in May. The polls do not look good for them: the SNP is once again polling high in Scotland; either Reform or Plaid Cymru look likely to win most seats in an expanded Welsh Senedd; and Labour are under attack from all sides locally in England, especially from Reform in northern metropolitan areas and the Greens in London. If it is a bad night for the PM, we could see a leadership challenge. (Cue up the ‘oh no, not another one meme). Jockeying for position is already going on and it is not even that subtle. Andy Burnham might not even be an MP but he doesn’t seem to be letting that stop his supporters from talking him up. Angela Rayner wants back in the Cabinet one way or another, and there is even talk of Ed Miliband wanting to make a comeback: he consistently scores highest on the Labour List website poll of Labour members (by more than 20%). From more centre and right positions would be Wes Streeting, Darren Jones, and Shabana Mahmood. We shall have to wait and see what happens. But any leadership election, let alone a successful challenge and a new PM, would just add further instability to UK politics.
Globally, we are already seeing instability and unpredictability, even compared to a tempestuous past few years. January saw the US intervention in Venezuela and an uprising in Iran. The situation in Gaza remains volatile. President Trump has upped the intensity of his rhetoric about ‘acquiring’ Greenland, and has made similar noises about Panama and the Canal. To the east, China continues military exercises around Taiwan, and Russia shows little sign of letting up its war on Ukraine. Panama, the Gulf, and South China Sea are all major routes for shipping of raw materials: we must hope that further conflicts will be avoided.
Our relationship with the EU will also, undoubtedly, be discussed again, with the Government wanting to see a much closer relationship than we have at the moment. We are told it will not involve rejoining the Customs Union or Single Market but that particular elements may be pursued, presumably in exchange for payment to access certain services and agreements to abide by European Court of Justice rulings. That seems to be what would be preferred for chemicals policy. How far the EU would want to go though in reversing its ‘no cherry-picking’ policy, is yet to be seen, and it seems to be that which has held back any such deal on chemicals so far.
Beyond the UK-EU trade agreement, the EU is itself continuing to reform, with an EU REACH revision, delayed from last year, expected to be detailed very soon in 2026. And how far might those internal reforms intended to make it easier to do business proceed? The chemicals omnibus is something that CEPE have been feeding into already, with some notable degrees of success on some key issues.
Domestic policy wise, the BCF will be focussing on trying to finally bring an end to the uncertainty about UK chemical regulations. We should have sight of the Government’s amended preferred way forward for UK REACH in early 2026 and we will then work with others to try to make it as pragmatic and as workable as possible over the rest of the year or so. We will also have a better idea of what we are dealing with vis-à-vis Biocides policy and CLP.
We also need to leverage our lobbying to ensure that the coatings sector is able to benefit from the Government’s industrial strategy. While we are not selected as a specific ‘growth’ sector in the document, our members clearly are part of critical supply chains for those sectors that are, including aerospace, defence and green energy. We need to see that recognised also in any schemes like the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) which aims to lower energy bills for a select group of industries deemed both essential and energy intensive. However, in and of itself BICS is a mere sticking plaster for much wider policy problems that mean UK businesses pay much more for energy than others around the world. This, too, will be a major plank of our lobbying efforts in conjunction with Make UK and the CBI.
At a much more granular level, we will be working to help members through pushing for a level playing field across a range of areas. Our work on countering spurious green claims will ramp up and we will also be looking to ensure that there is proper compliance with the selling of industrial and vehicle refinish paints online. Our members play by the rules and we need to make sure others do too. We will also continue to push for a solution to non-compliance of rules in the vehicle refinish sector, with many bodyshops exploiting loopholes to sell solvent-based paints when they should not be doing so. Oh, and with a regional trial of BCF’s PaintCare initiative now definitely taking place, there will be a myriad of various regulations that we will need to try to get revised or revoked in order to get the scheme to work as well as it can.
All of this will be underpinned by an evolution of our Essential Coatings campaign in Parliament. The more politicians and policy-makers understand what coatings are and why they are so important, the easier it becomes for us to ask for and achieve positive regulatory outcomes. We will be holding a reception in Parliament in March as part of the now annual World Paint and Coatings Week in order to evangelise more loudly. Keep an eye out for details.
These are, of course, just some of the known knowns and known unknowns. Unknown unknowns will inevitably crop up too!
DAVID PARK Public Affairs Manager
BUILDING THE PIPELINE: A YEAR OF CAREERS PROGRESS AND WHAT’S COMING NEXT
BCF Administrator and Careers Coordinator
REVIEW OF 2025
2025 has been a landmark year for careers activity at the BCF, building momentum behind our long-term careers strategy 2025-2030 and the industry-wide ambition to raise visibility, attract new talent and strengthen our future skills pipeline. This year we saw the launch of new initiatives as well as expanding partnerships and increasing engagement across our membership.
June saw the launch of our new ‘Coat Your Future’ careers campaign at the BCF annual conference, a major milestone in positioning the coatings industry as a vibrant, diverse and rewarding career destination for young people and mid-career talent alike.
We also relaunched the Coatings Careers Hub with improved functionality, allowing members to post and manage vacancies directly to increase visibility of roles available within the sector whilst also improving the user journey and overall experiences for jobseekers exploring their next career move.
To further support awareness, our digital strategy started to take form, developing new careers-focused social channels and a suite of case studies and insights to shine a light on the breadth of opportunities within coatings.
This year delivered a record level of outreach activity. From university and STEM fairs to specialist industry shows, BCF attended or supported numerous events across the UK. Across 2025, our programme reached 14 universities and several national fairs, engaging with more than 27,000 students and attendees. A significant expansion designed to address the ongoing challenge of industry visibility.
During National Apprenticeship Week, we spotlighted apprentice stories, shared member vacancies and encouraged members to promote their apprenticeship pathways through our channels.
We also strengthened our partnership with Tiro, whose science-based apprenticeship programmes already integrates BCF training materials, supporting consistency and quality across industry entry routes.
VISIT THE CAREERS HUB
TO SUPPORT THIS SHIFT, WE ARE:
• Developing new member toolkits to help companies build relationships with their local universities and education providers
• Providing templates, resources and messaging aligned to the Coat Your Future brand
• Focusing BCF’s physical presence on highimpact national events where central representation adds the most value
WHAT’S NEXT?
2026 will be a transformative year; we want to build on everything we have learned throughout 2025, from our expanded outreach, direct feedback from students and universities, and the foundations set by the NextGen Council. We’ve refined and strengthened our approach for 2026. This year is all about enhancing what worked well, addressing gaps with targeted solutions and delivering even greater impact through a smarter and more collaborative careers strategy.
One of our clearest insights from 2025 is that local university and college careers fairs are most effective when attended directly by our member companies, rather than centrally by the BCF. Students at these fairs want face to face conversations with employers offering real roles, work experience and local opportunities, areas where members are perfectly placed to respond.
Alongside this, 2026 will see a significant uplift in our digital presence. With £100,000 of annual digital marketing investment. Through close collaboration with Freshwater, we will strengthen our online visibility across student, graduate and mid-career channels. This enhanced digital engagement will support targeted campaigns reaching key audiences, increased promotion of member vacancies via the coatings careers hub on sites like Gradcracker and Prospect and improved SEO and analytics.
Together, these changes ensure our 2026 approach is more targeted, more modern and more aligned with how the next generation explores career options today, combining high-impact digital reach with locally led employer engagement.
HOW MEMBERS CAN GET INVOLVED IN 2026
1. LEAD LOCAL UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT
Use our upcoming member toolkits to connect with universities and colleges in your region to help students discover real career pathways into your business.
2. POST YOUR VACANCIES ON THE COATINGS CAREERS HUB
Ensure your jobs, placements and apprenticeships feature in our expanded digital marketing campaigns
3. SHARE STORIES FOR DIGITAL CAMPAIGNS
Submit success stories, videos and case studies to support our enhanced digital presence with Freshwater
4. JOIN BCF AT KEY NATIONAL EVENTS (E.G. NEW SCIENTIST LIVE)
Register interest in participating alongside us at major high-impact events in 2026
5. NOMINATE EARLY-CAREER COLLEAGUES TO THE NEXTGEN COUNCIL
Help shape future industry leaders by putting forward emerging talent to our refreshed programme
6. SHARE APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAYS
Let us know about your live programmes and upcoming recruitment so we can promote them through campaigns and the Careers Hub
7. COLLABORATE ON COAT YOUR FUTURE CONTENT
Partner with us on real-world stories and examples that inspire the next generation to choose a career in coatings
BCF CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
EMMA SCOTT-HENDY Head of Operations
The past year has marked an important milestone for the British Coatings Federation as we continue to strengthen our governance and enhance the way we serve our members and the wider industry. A central pillar of this work has been the modernisation of our constitutional framework, culminating in the adoption of BCF’s new Articles of Association at the AGM in June. These updated Articles replace documents dating back to the 1960s and ensure that the Federation operates with clarity, consistency and full compliance with the Companies Act 2006. They are simpler, more accessible, and better reflect the way our organisation works today, modern governance for a modern federation.
Under the BCF’s newly adopted Articles of Association, the Board is now structured to ensure strong, balanced, and modern governance. The updated framework provides for up to 35 Directors in total, comprising a maximum of 13 Elected Directors, 12 Appointed Directors drawn from the members with the largest turnover, and up to 10 Co opted Directors whose expertise strengthens the Board’s overall capability. These changes create a clearer, more robust governance model, ensuring that elected representation always exceeds appointed seats and that no single member company can hold more than three seats thereby helping the BCF to remain transparent, wellbalanced, and operationally excellent as it moves into its next chapter.
To further strengthen our governance framework, the Board approved the creation of a new governance layer at its meeting on 4th June 2025 creating the role of Head of Governance and Audit (HoGaA). We are pleased that Patrick Smith, one of our long-standing BCF Directors, has been appointed to this post. As HoGaA, Patrick will provide dedicated oversight of governance and audit processes, ensuring even greater rigour, transparency, and assurance across the Federation’s activities. This new role represents a significant step forward in embedding best practice throughout the organisation.
This model preserves continuity while ensuring we maintain the breadth of insight, governance and industry knowledge needed to steer the BCF effectively. The simplified process to send an alternate/proxy, introduced under the new Articles, also reduces administrative burden and provides greater flexibility thereby helping
us modernise without losing the collaborative spirit that defines the BCF.
Alongside governance reform, we remain committed to delivering the highest possible value to our members whether through regulatory support, technical expertise, sustainability leadership or our expanding programme of resources and industry guidance. These structural improvements position us strongly for the future, enabling the Board to work with even greater efficiency and accountability as we navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the coatings sector.
This year also marks an important leadership transition for the BCF. Our current President, Sharon Harte of Dacrylate Paints, has recently concluded her successful term of office. We are delighted to welcome our President-Elect, Jane Ryder of Sherwin-Williams, with whom we look forward to working closely as she leads the BCF into its next chapter. Jane’s industry insight and long-standing support for the BCF will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our influence and impact.
On a personal note, I am proud to have recently stepped into a new role within the organisation, Head of Operations, where I am continuing to support the Board and our senior leadership as we embed these governance enhancements. It is a privilege to contribute to this next chapter of the BCF, working alongside colleagues and directors who share a strong commitment to best practice and continuous improvement.
As we move forward, our focus remains clear, operational excellence which delivers meaningful value for members, strengthens our industry’s voice, and ensures BCF remains a trusted, efficient, and forward-thinking organisation.
THREE YEARS OF PRESIDENCY
WITH SHARON HARTE
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS: INTRODUCING BEN DELANEY
From championing member success to driving industry-wide innovation, BCF’s new Head of Membership sets his sights on a brighter, more collaborative future
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU JOIN THE BCF?
I joined the BCF at the end of January. Prior to this I spent several years at a national law firm but most of my career has been spent with various membership organisations in business development and account management roles.
I’m delighted to be joining the BCF as I genuinely enjoy working for trade associations. Mainly because the best ones provide a fantastic level of support for their members and I think we all want to feel like our jobs are having a positive impact.
Over the past few years, I’ve seen first-hand how businesses have benefitted from membership of their trade associations. When you consider all the headwinds facing businesses today, from the ever changing technical and regulatory requirements through to the chaotic political and economic environment that businesses have to operate in, it’s easy to see why many businesses lean on their
industry association for specialist support. To be part of a team that can make a real difference is very rewarding.
Also, I’ve seen that most businesses are very focused on the short term and can’t always take the time to focus on influencing the big, sometime global, issues that will have a long term impact. Trade associations are brilliant at bringing businesses together to collaborate. Think of net zero, international regulations or influencing the next generation of industry leaders – none of those things can be tackled by individual businesses doing their own thing, so trade associations have a big role to play and I’m excited to be part of a very successful one.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?
There are various elements to my role as Head of Membership but my top priority is looking after our members. This means listening to what members have to say and making sure they are getting the best possible service and value
from everything the BCF has to offer.
There is also a strong commercial aspect to my role. If we want to see the BCF continue to grow in the same way as it has done in recent years, then we need to continually develop the membership proposition in order to meet the growing demand from members and associate members.
Enhancing our range of advisory services will not only improve the membership proposition but mean that we can do even more for a greater number of businesses across the industry. We know that BCF membership can add value to multiple job roles within a business so reviewing how we communicate the benefits of membership is very important.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN 2026 FOR THE MEMBERS?
That’s a hard one to answer definitively as costs are rising everywhere but there are various strategic threats and opportunities
that members should be considering and preparing for.
Aside from tariffs and disruption to international supply chains, AI is obviously the topic of the moment. The potential for reducing costs and increasing efficiency through greater automation, digital transformation and adoption of technology is certainly very interesting. However, one of the most severe threats is possibly cyber security. Of course increases in taxation or changing employment laws isn’t helpful, and new regulations or spikes in energy costs can be really damaging but the one thing that can shut down a business within minutes is a cyber attack. It doesn’t just affect big businesses either and it is something every member needs to take action on.
The issue of skills and the recruitment and retention of talent is certainly important. The BCF does great work around careers guidance and encouraging people into the industry. Young people today have a lot of options when it comes to jobs and we need to be
delivering a clear message that the coatings industry provides plenty of quality opportunities and it’s a diverse and welcoming sector that can provide a good career.
The issue of sustainability isn’t going away and members are right to keep a focus on it wherever possible, not least because consumers and shareholders expect it. It’s clearly becoming increasingly political as a topic and it does make business sense to reduce consumption of expensive energy wherever possible. However, I do think we need to keep talking to policymakers so they appreciate the real world impact of net zero policies - making it harder for manufacturers to operate in the UK only means we will lose jobs and import more from overseas where environmental standards can be lower.
OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT ARE THE MOST INTERESTING THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH BCF MEMBERS?
I’m lucky to live in a pretty part of the Staffordshire Moorlands with my wife and two daughters, 11 and 13. Their social life is far more interesting than mine but when I’m not ferrying them around I like to get away from the laptop and out for a long walk through the hills and woodlands which are right on the doorstep. Also within walking distance is a little local theme park called Alton Towers and a few great pubs, so something for everyone. Most importantly, my central Midlands location is very convenient for visiting members across the country! YOU CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH BEN
PAINTCARE PILOT: MARKING A MAJOR STEP TOWARD A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
BEN MCCLELLAND PaintCare Operations Manager
The UK’s decorative paint sector is preparing for a transformative moment as PaintCare UK moves ahead with a major regional trial. The PaintCare Board has formally approved the pilot, signalling strong confidence in the programme’s potential to reshape how leftover paint and packaging are managed nationwide. The trial will allow us to capture robust operational and market data so we can make informed decisions ahead of a proposed full roll out next year. For an industry long committed to improving sustainability, this trial represents a decisive step toward a more circular future.
The pilot is set to run across a limited number of stores in the West Midlands Combined Authority and Warwickshire area, with collections organised through participating retail partners and logistics managed by our waste management partner Biffa. The trial design will test store-based take back of leftover decorative paint and empty packaging, with appropriate handling for water-based (non-hazardous) and solvent-based (hazardous) streams and back haul to regional distribution centres for onward treatment. This structured approach ensures we gather the evidence we need on volumes, costs, materials quality and processing routes.
Getting to this point has taken time and real collaboration. Thank you to our Decorative Paint members, Board colleagues and project team, and to the retailers and partners who have leaned in to help shape the trial. With your support, we’re demonstrating industry leadership, taking responsibility for resources and moving our sector toward a more circular economy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRIAL AND TO VIEW A MAP OF PARTICIPATING STORES, VISIT:
Theme for 2026: Coatings Touch Everything to Power Our World 23RD-27TH MARCH 2026
The BCF is delighted to support the second World Paint & Coatings Week, following the strong momentum created by last year’s inaugural event. Launched by the World Coatings Council, of which BCF CEO Tom Bowtell is President, the first World Paint & Coatings Week saw all 16 national associations from around the world take part. What began as a new initiative has already grown into a truly global effort, uniting organisations across continents to highlight the essential role coatings play in everyday life.
Last year’s campaign set the tone by focusing on the fundamental value of coatings: how they protect, enhance, and enable products and infrastructure around the world. Each of the five themed days helped bring that message to life, offering a structured way for companies,
associations, and individuals to share stories, innovations, and insights.
This year, the ambition is even greater. The 2026 programme aims to broaden participation, expand outreach, and bring the conversation to new audiences. A key milestone will be an event in the UK Parliament, providing an important platform to engage policymakers and reinforce the economic and societal importance of our industry.
BCF will be sharing further communications in the coming weeks about how you and your organisation can get involved. Expect practical resources, templates, and ready-to-use materials designed to make participation simple and impactful,
whether you’re planning social media activity, internal engagement, or customer-facing initiatives.
For any questions in the meantime, please contact Amy White, BCF Marketing Manager, or David Park, BCF Public Affairs Manager, who are on hand to support the campaign.
This is a moment for the global coatings community to speak with one voice, and we’re excited to see the UK sector play a leading role once again.
AMY
Marketing Manager amy.white@bcf.co.uk
DAVID
Public Affairs Manager david.park@bcf.co.uk
WHITE
PARK
THE PAINTSAFE INITIATIVE
BCF members take their responsibilities and manufacturers and sellers very seriously, and supporting good product stewardship and industry leadership therefore forms a significant part of BCF’s purpose. One of the ways in which we have assisted members over the years has been through the creation of communication tools and campaigns that assist in sharing safety and best practice advice with both consumers and professionals.
One example, aimed at DIYers and professional decorators alike, has been the provision of guidance in booklet form, and online, about
controlling lead exposure if decorating old properties. Another, is a more multi-faceted campaign in alliance with the Royal Yachting Association and the Yacht Harbour Association. Named ‘Protect, Collect, Dispose’ it aims to provide safety and environmental advice to those using anti-fouling paints on their boats. Until this year, the various schemes ran individually, alongside a more generic ‘PaintSafe’ scheme which had offered advice largely to professional users of paints.
We have now made a decision to bring all these different pieces of guidance together, to sit under a rebranded ‘PaintSafe’ umbrella. Advice is still available for safety issues but also now encompasses additional elements such as the
BCF Green Claims Guide, and guidance to assist companies selling professional or vehicle refinish paints online to meet the various regulatory requirements.
You can visit the resources on the new Information Hub tab on the BCF website.
The aim has been to make these resources more accessible, especially via mobile devices, hence the design of the site in ‘tile’ format. However, we also have hard copy leaflets of all the downloadable pdfs should anyone wish to order some.
In 2026 we will be focussing on promoting a couple of these campaigns – especially online sales and green claims. So please keep an eye out for those and join in where you can in helping to circulate best practice throughout the industry.
We are also open to improving and expanding the PaintSafe initiative further in future. So, if you have any suggestions for new topics we should focus on for external users – be they trade or consumer – or how we can improve our reach or even the detail of the guidance, do please get in touch with david.park@bcf.co.uk.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW OUR UPDATED RESOURCES
BCF AWARDS 2025
THE 15TH ANNUAL AWARDS
SPONSORED BY:
BCF AWARDS CELEBRATE PROFESSIONALS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF COATINGS
The winners of the 2025 British Coatings Federation (BCF) Awards were announced on 12th November at Carden Park in Chester. Over 180 delegates came together at the event to celebrate the industry’s outstanding achievements.
Individuals across all sectors of the industry were recognised for their talent and accomplishments in three dedicated categories: Apprentice of the Year Award, won by Lisa FigueraCartwright from AkzoNobel; Young Leader of the Year Award, won by Connor Knowles from PPG Architectural Coatings UK&I and Student of the Year Award, which saw Oliver Williams from Thermaset win.
The BCF also launched a new individual category for 2025, in memory of our own late colleague Callum Plummer: the Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award celebrates young individuals within a BCF member company, honouring employees who demonstrate exceptional potential, outstanding performance, and a strong commitment to their professional development early in their careers. The inaugural Rising Star Award was won by James Lund of Venator.
Recognising investment in people, AkzoNobel and PPG Architectural Coatings UK&I were jointly awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Award, followed by Belzona being presented as the winner of the Excellence in Training Award.
The Sustainable Innovation Award was won by Alberdingk Boley for REN AC 8403, and the Race to Net Zero Award was won by Crown Paints.
The sustainability theme carried on through the evening with the Coatings Care Progress Award being given to winning site Becker Industrial Coatings in Liverpool, and Overall Best Performer was awarded to Teal and Mackrill in Hull. The 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Award was won by Crown Paints.
The Marketing Campaign of the Year was split into two categories and presented to PPG Architectural Coatings UK&I for Multinational, and Inktech for SME. This year’s Customer Service was also split and won by Crown Paints in the Multinational category and H2 Compliance for SME.
BCF President, Sharon Harte, Managing Director of Dacrylate Paints, commented:
“It is fantastic to see so much emerging talent in our sector, demonstrated in our Student, Apprentice and Young Leader of the Year categories. It was a particular honour for Dacrylate Paints to sponsor and to celebrate the finalists and inaugural winner of the Rising Star Award, launched in Callum’s memory. Many congratulations to all those who were shortlisted, but especially to the winners”.
The awards ceremony was hosted by magician Ben Hanlin, who thoroughly entertained delegates.
The BCF would like to thank our Award sponsors, Stort Group, BASF, Verlingue, Dacrylate Paints, Xyntra, Fenton Packaging, Tronox, Paleus Acrylics and Lisam for their support.
A charity raffle fundraiser also took place during the evening for Young Lives vs Cancer. TOTAL RAISED £3186.18
BCF AWARDS 2025
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION THE 15TH ANNUAL AWARDS
This Award recognises and celebrates commitment to the BCF Sustainability Policy through the launch of innovation sustainable products, processes or services.
WINNER ALBERDINGK BOLEY
The judges were particularly impressed by the performance of this cleverly engineered polymer system, which enables the formulation of highly effective and, importantly, lower film weight coatings enabling fuel savings for container ships.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
RACE TO NET ZERO
This Award recognises the applicants’ own contributions to achieving the coating industry’s overall pledge to reaching Net Zero by 2050, which was judged principally by the reduction demonstated, or the projected reduction of emessions which are defined by the Grennhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol using data that is no older than 2018, due to implementation of comapny policies, new standard, best practice and sustainable initiatives.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
WINNER CROWN PAINTS
For an incredible third year running Crown Paints have been the clear winners of this award. The judges were once again impressed by their persistent commitment and investment in achieving Net Zero, which is now yielding great progress with tremendous reductions in scope 1 and 2 emissions, all this whilst demonstrating strong commitment to economic and social sustainability.
BCF AWARDS 2025
COATINGS CARE PROGRESS THE 15TH ANNUAL AWARDS
Participants of the Coatings Care programme demonstrate a commitment to creating a safer, more sustainanable and efficient industry.
The Coatings Care Progress Award is presented to the company that has made the most significant year on year improvemant in its performance on the same health, safety and environmental criteria as our Coatings Care Overall Best performer Award
WINNER
BECKER INDUSTRIAL COATINGS, LIVERPOOL
Beckers was recognised for its remarkable progress in sustainability and workplace safety. Recycling rates were significantly improved and the amount of waste sent for incineration was reduced, all while maintaining a commitment to zero landfill. Energy consumption decreased compared to 2023, and there were substantial reductions in solvent use and VOC emissions.
COATINGS CARE OVERALL BEST PERFORMER
The Coatings care Overall Best Performer is presented to the company thta 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 statisics.
The site’s energy use improved to fall below the average use for its sector. Once again, waste produced by the site was entirely recycled, with none being sent to landfill or incinerated. VOC emissions for the site were below the sector average when measured per tonne of solvents purchased and per tonne of material produced. Management systems for quality control, environment and health & safety are all certified to an external standard. Employees are offered a full range of development paths. In terms of safety, there were no incidents at the site requiring reporting and no minor incidents or fires.
WINNER TEAL& MACKRILL, HULL
BCF AWARDS 2025
MARKETING CAMPAIGN - SME THE 15TH ANNUAL AWARDS
This Award will be given to a BCF member company that has produced and delivered an innovative and effective marketing campaign that clearly meets organisational goals. The judges are looking for a measurable campaign that has demonstrable impact on the target audience.
WINNER INKTECH
The judges said: “It was a very impressive and comprehensive rebranding campaign. This rebrand clearly shows the company’s brand values and is impactful, standing out from the competition. Marketing and sales collateral both online and offline is fully coordinated and extends to the delivery vans. Most impressive is the results achieved at a relatively low cost with a very good return on investment (ROI). The opportunity was taken to add new social media channels of communication in addition to their traditional communication channels. A classic piece of brand marketing based on the business strategy and values with good customer insight and superb execution.
Careful consideration of target audiences allowed the communication to have maximum impact with minimal costs.”
MARKETING CAMPAIGNMULTINATIONAL
WINNER
PPG ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS
The judges commented: “An impressive campaign that had a clear set of objectives most of which were achieved. The strategy was clear, and customer insight used to develop the campaign. The audience for snooker fits very well with the Johnstone’s target audience. The campaign creatives were first class. Stand out of the branding in the arena and other materials was high. The innovation was shown by linking a number of related elements together in paint colour and performance together with the community aspects of the STEM Challenge engaging young people ( the future of the painting industry in its widest sense) and the refurbishment of snooker halls to provide better community spaces. These elements reinforce the Johnstones brand position. A fully integrated campaign with a comprehensive set of impact measures and impressive results that showed how the campaign has worked with an ROI of 4:1.”
BCF AWARDS 2025
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THE 15TH ANNUAL AWARDS
SPONSORED BY LISAM
This Award recognises a BCF member company which has clearly demonstrated an outstanding and successful charity or CSR campaign across any aspect of social responsibility.
WINNER CROWN PAINTS
Crown Paints runs a strong, well-structured CSR programme with clear goals and measurable, widely reported benefits. It engages schools and community hubs through diverse activities such as charitable paint donations, skills training, hands-on experiences, and direct charity funding. Since launch, 55% of staff (around 600 people) have participated. The initiative is considered a model CSR programme, demonstrating consistency and impact. Future applications should show continued development with new ideas and actions. Crown Paints’ ongoing commitment is commendable and sets a high standard for the industry.
HIGHLY COMMENDED DECORATIVE PAINTS
EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING
The BCF Excellence in Training Award is presented for a company initiative rather than an individual (which is recognised through the Student of the Year Award). Now in its eighth year, entries for both BCF training and non-BCF initiatives are considered.
WINNER BELZONA
The winning entry is a comprehensive knowledge and practical training programme, that is entirely embedded in the company’s strategic aims and also fosters ongoing global networking. The programme is built on solid foundations and is being continuously improved based on participant feedback. Participant learning and commitments are followed up and a second advanced programme has been developed.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
BCF AWARDS 2025
THE 15TH ANNUAL AWARDS
CUSTOMER SERVICESME
This Award recognises the growing importance of customer service as a diffrentiator in the paints, coatings, inks and wallcovering industries.
WINNER H2 COMPLIANCE
The judges said it was a very strong entry. They liked the feel that this is embedded in culture, and the sense of risk management and avoidance is a strong, commercially minded story.
WINNER CROWN PAINTS
The judges liked this entry a lot, as it seemed to cover the spirit of customer experience in a little more depth and detail than the others. The customer experience felt more like it was deeply engrained in their culture - perhaps a little more so than the other entries They were also able to describe some clear, commercial benefits resulting from the improvements they’d made, citing a reduction in queries about ordersmore efficient for them and better for the customer too.
DECORATIVE PAINTS
THE
15TH ANNUAL
AWARDS
BCF AWARDS 2025 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SPONSORED BY BASF
The Diversity and Inclusion Award is awarded to a BCF member company that best demonstrates an effective programme across a broad range of diversity and inclusion elements.
WINNER
AKZONOBEL DECORATIVE PAINTS
AkzoNobel was commended for its sustained, locally driven and focused project that supported disabled younger people in the community, which had positive impacts on the lives of those involved in the work.
WINNER
PPG ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS
PPG was commended for the broader scope of its work, developing multiple staff networks, participating in community events, including 50 employees attending Pride and advocacy work around LGBT+ and SEND (disability) and gender in leadership.
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
SPONSORED BY PALEUS
ACRYLICS
This Award, for our Coatings Training Institute (CTI) students, is decided by our industry-respected tutors. This award is presented to the CTI student who, in the opinion of the tutors, has consistently demonstrated the highest level of understanding and achieved outstanding scores in examinations and practical work when completing their training modules.
WINNER
OLIVER WILLIAMS, THERMASET
Oliver has excelled throughout his apprenticeship, consistently achieving high grades across all completed modules. His dedication to learning, professional growth, and excellence in performance has set him apart from his peers. This award recognises not only his academic success but also his commitment to the values and standards of the industry, marking him as a standout talent with a bright future ahead.
MARCUS WHEATLEY, INDESTRUCTIBLE PAINTS
BCF AWARDS 2025
THE 15TH ANNUAL AWARDS
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
SPONSORED BY STORT GROUP
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.
WINNER
LISA FIGUEIRA-CARTWRIGHT, AKZONOBEL DECORATIVE PAINTS
The judges said: “After much deliberation we decided that Lisa Figueira Cartwright is our chosen winner of the BCF Apprentice of the Year Award. The winning margin was the finest it has ever been however Lisa’s achievements, story and ongoing development in her role and in support of her colleagues was exceptional.
Lisa is an extraordinary person – confident but self-doubting, supportive of others whilst also fully focused on the job and able to assimilate in the group but also take the lead with ease when required. She has addressed her personal doubts regarding her ability to take on an apprenticeship with sureness and style and as the worthy winner of this award Lisa can and will, we are sure, bring an extra dimension to her year as BCF Apprentice of the Year – one where she takes time to share the opportunities that an apprenticeship programme can offer and will work hard to inspire others to undertake an apprenticeship which can and will progress her career, develop her knowledge and increase her confidence.”
YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR
SPONSORED BY FENTON PACKAGING
Now in its eighth 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, innovate and impactful leader.
WINNER
CONNOR KNOWLES, PPG ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS
The judges were impressed with Connor’s commitment and achievements in term of supporting and developing his team professionally and personally, shaping the culture of the wider business, and championing the sector externally.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
DANIELLE WHEELER, PPG ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS
BCF AWARDS 2025
RISING STAR THE 15TH ANNUAL AWARDS
SPONSORED BY DACRYLATE PAINTS
Launched for 2025, the BCF Rising Star Award celebrates young individuals within a BCF member company, honouring employees who demonstrate exceptional potential, outstanding performance, and a strong commitment to their professional development early in their careers. This award acknowledges those who have made significant contributions to their teams and the organisation, inspiring others with their dedication and enthusiasm.
This Award is in memory of BCF team member Callum Plummer. Callum embodied the qualities of a rising star with his unwavering enthusiasm and passion for his field. His positive mindset and exceptional talent had a farreaching impact on BCF and the industry in a short time. The recipient of this Award will, like Callum, exhibit great promise for the future.
WINNER
JAMES LUND, VENATOR
The judges said James came across as committed to the principles represented by the Rising Star award, and is clearly a great asset to his company, both professionally and as an individual. In addition, he was clear – and impressive – about what the award would mean to him.
MALCOLM MORRIS HONOURED WITH SILVER MEDAL
The BCF Silver Medal was instigated by Leslie Silver OBE, founder of Silver Paint and Lacquer, upon his retirement in 1980. The Silver Medal recognises those who provide outstanding service and an exceptional contribution to the paints, coatings, printing ink and wallcovering industries’ growth and reputation.
The BCF has presented Malcolm Morris with the Silver Medal Award to recognise his long-standing service and technical leadership in the industry. The presentation took place at the 2025 BCF Awards ceremony on 12th November at Carden Park in Chester.
For over 25 years, Malcolm has contributed significantly to the UK and European coatings industry. He notably chaired the BCF High Performance Coatings (HPC) Group from 2007, where he facilitated close partnerships with organisations such as Highways England and Network Rail. Prior to this, Malcolm led the BCF Marine Coatings Group between 2003 and 2007, and he has consistently contributed to the progress of the Sustainability and Protective Coatings for UK Infrastructure (PCUKI) groups, actively supporting BCF’s mission and initiatives.
Malcolm has enjoyed a remarkable career in the coatings industry since 1978, progressing from a laboratory technician at W&J Leigh & Co. to leadership roles at Leighs Paints and Sherwin-Williams. With over 25 years in research and development, he managed teams responsible for pioneering coatings for major projects such as the Forth Bridge and Cutty Sark, and later provided technical support, training, and inspection expertise for more than two decades. A Chartered Scientist and AMPP Level 3 Senior Coatings Inspector, Malcolm is a Fellow of both ICorr and OCCA and has chaired numerous industry committees across CEPE and British Standards. Even after retiring
in September 2025, he remains active as chair and convenor of key standards committees and is now the lead trainer for the British Constructional Steel Association’s Responsible Coatings Professionals course, continuing to champion high standards and training within the sector.
Malcolm said of his award:
“All I can say is that I’m very honoured and flattered to receive the award and would like to thank all the many colleagues within my own employment, and the wider community, who have made my career in the coatings industry so fulfilling and enjoyable.
“We are lucky to be involved in such an important industry, and I appreciate the teamwork that helps us to face up to the many challenges that are presented to us all - we are all stronger by working together through the BCF to keep the coatings industry thriving.”
BCF CEO Tom Bowtell commented:
“Malcolm has shown outstanding dedication to our industry for many years. His commitment to excellence and collaboration has made a real difference. The Silver Medal recognises his valuable contributions, and we are pleased to celebrate his achievements.
On behalf of the BCF and the industry, I offer Malcolm our thanks and congratulations; it is hugely deserved.”
ROAD TO NET ZERO
24TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT THE SPINE, LIVERPOOL
On Tuesday 24 February 2026, industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability specialists will gather in Liverpool for the third annual Road to Net Zero Seminar, BCF’s flagship event designed to equip the entire value chain with the insight and tools needed to reduce carbon emissions and drive meaningful change towards the industry’s target of Net Zero by 2050.
BE FIRST TO SEE BCF’S LATEST NET ZERO ROADMAP
One of the most anticipated elements of the day is the launch o refreshed Net Zero Roadmap, presented during the opening sessio BCF CEO Tom Bowtell.
Every attendee will receive exclusive access to this updated publication, offering practical guidance, new data insights, an clear framework for accelerating decarbonisation across the coa supply chain.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, formulator, or downstream user, the Road to Net Zero Seminar offers:
• Actionable strategies to reduce emissions
• Networking with sustainability leaders
• Insights into emerging technologies and policy trends
• A chance to shape the industry’s collective path to Net Zero WHY ATTEND?
VENUE
ZERO ROADMAP INCLUDED FOR ALL ATTENDEES
Hosted at Spaces at the Spine, one of Liverpool’s most innovative and sustainable buildings, the event takes place in the heart of the city’s Knowledge Quarter. Known for its striking “giraffe building” architecture and wellness-focused design, the venue underscores the seminar’s forward-thinking ethos.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Session 1: Net Zero Strategy and Policy in Action
PROFESSOR JO MEEHAN Director, Centre for Sustainable Business
Session 2: Owning What We Buy – The Scope 3 Challenge in Purchased Goods & Services
ARMIN WALDSCHMIDT Chief Executive Officer, Natural Power International Sponsored by:
ANA SANSÉAU-BLANCHARD
Product Sustainability Manager, AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings
STEVEN HUGHES EMEA Sustainability Manager, Azelis
RAOUL MEYS Managing Director, Carbon Minds
ANTHONY ROWELL Sales & Customer Success Director, TradePrint
Session 3: Biobased Solutions and Life Cycle Assessments
RACHEL ROTHMAN University of Sheffield
WALKER University of Sheffield
DANISH ZAIFUL AZRI Sustainability Lead, Chemical Business Association
BECKY PENNINGTON Sustainability Data Insights & Governance Director, Synthomer
AMJU MASSESYBROOKER Programme Lead, Royal Society of Chemistry
BEN DELANEY Head of Membership, BCF
PLAY YOUR PART IN THE COATINGS INDUSTRY'S JOURNEY TO NET ZERO. SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW.
STUART
AN EXPLOSION OF OPPORTUNITY!
Exhibition | Seminar Programme | Networking
The UK’s only event dedicated to surface, paint and coatings technology returns in June and is a key opportunity to engage with BCF experts and associate member companies supplying the sector
Registration is open now for Surfex 2026, taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 9-10 June. Organised by OCCA and Step Exhibitions, this is the key meeting of the industry in the UK, where formulators, manufacturers, and suppliers converge to explore innovation, exchange knowledge, and connect with the people behind the latest materials and technologies.
BCF will once again have a major presence at Surfex, sharing key insights and updates within the programme and engaging with members on their dedicated exhibition stand.
Surfex is free to attend and features an exhibition of over 150 exhibitors from across the surface coatings supply chain, and a comprehensive programme of content balancing applicationsoriented science and incisive industry analysis.
Across two days, teams will find everything they need to deliver successful products in the surface, paint and coatings market - from novel ingredients to manufacturing solutions, packaging options to regulatory insights.
The Surfex Programmefrom cutting-edge science to industry insights
The content programme at Surfex features a diverse range of presentations and panels by leading authorities from across the sector, covering everything from corporate responsibility and regulatory change to AI, sustainability and materials innovation.
Alongside BCF, key contributors include OCCA, BASA, the Chemical Business Association, the British Association of Dangerous Goods Professionals (BADGP), the Solvents Industry Association and several leading university research groups.
New Academies for 2026
New at Surfex 2026, the Polymer Academy offers a concentrated programme of technical content, from mechanistic understanding of formulation errors to innovations in bio-derived reactive chemistries. Meanwhile, the Construction Academy provides focus on the chemistry, performance drivers and application challenges behind highspecification construction coatings and protective systems.
TechFocus
The popular TechFocus programme at Surfex showcases the latest products, advancements in technology and cutting-edge techniques from leading manufacturers and suppliers. Contributors in 2026 include BCF members Banner Chemicals, Lankem, Lisam, Paleus, and Univar Solutions UK.
The Surfex Exhibition – much more than a product showcase
The Surfex Exhibition provides a rare opportunity for professionals to assess new products and services side by side, compare technologies, and discover developments that could influence their next formulation or process improvement. Surfex offers a complete snapshot of the sector’s current and emerging capabilities – from raw-material producers and additive specialists to testing, measurement, and analytical experts.
Importantly, Surfex is not simply a product showcase. Many exhibitors will bring their technical teams –formulation chemists, materials scientists, and process engineers –all ready, willing and keen to share technical expertise and explore practical applications. Visitors can address formulation advances, explore technology-driven solutions, and gain actionable insight directly from specialists who understand the realities of product performance. Visitors can expect to:
Examine and compare the latest raw materials, additives, and testing technologies side by side. Discover new supply-chain partnerships and emerging sustainability-focused solutions. Access expert, applicationsbased guidance directly from suppliers’ technical teams.
Identify innovations set to shape coating science and manufacturing in the next few years.
BCF Associate Members exhibiting at Surfex 2026
Alberdingk UK
Azelis UK
Banner Chemicals Ltd
Blagden Specialty Chemicals Ltd
BTC Europe, a brand of BASF
BYK Gardner
Camida
Corrodere Academy
Friedheim Scientific
Grolman Ltd
ITP Packaging Ltd
Lake Coatings
Lankem Ltd
Lisam
LKAB Minerals
Nordmann U.K
Omya UK
PALEUS Acrylics
Prisma Colour
Protex Chemicals Ltd
Q-Lab Europe Ltd
Rakem Group
Richard Baker Harrison Ltd
Safic Alcan UK Ltd
Stort Group
Univar Solutions
Vibro-Mac Srl
Wilfrid Smith Ltd
Xyntra Chemicals BV
Surfex 2026 is a key opportunity to hear direct from the BCF’s regulatory, sustainability and technical experts on the hot topics for the industry, with presentations on both days. Topics due to be covered by BCF at Surfex 2026 include:
Journey to Net Zero for the Coatings Industry
Impact on Packaging EPR to the Coatings Sector
Political Landscape and How it Affects Coatings
Book early for key updates and an exclusive benefit
Register your place for Surfex today and you’ll be kept informed of key event updates between now and June. What’s more, pre-registered attendees can claim a free copy of UK Coatings Industry Facts and Figures, the annual market report prepared by BCF, when you arrive at Surfex.
And remember - everything at Surfex is free to attend, so why not register your place today, get the date in your diary and look forward to some dedicated time for gaining new ideas, perspectives and connections?
Visit: www.surfex.co.uk for the full Exhibitor List, more details of the Programme and to register your FREE place at Surfex 2026.
WE’VE BEEN SHORTLISTED
Event of the Year (Under 500 Attendees) Trade Association of the Year
The BCF has been recognised as one of the standout performers in the UK Association sector, being shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards.
BCF has been shortlisted for Trade Association of the Year, a category that celebrates organisations demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact. According to the official shortlist, BCF’s nomination acknowledges its 2025–2030 organisation roadmap strategy, a long-term plan designed to strengthen the coatings industry, enhance member value, and drive sustainability and skills development across the sector.
This recognition places BCF alongside other leading UK associations and underscores the federation’s commitment to shaping the future of the coatings and printing inks industries.
BCF has also been shortlisted in the Event of the Year (Under 500 Attendees) category for its 2025 charity bike ride, an initiative that brought together members, partners, and supporters to raise funds for an important cause while promoting wellbeing and community spirit. The 2025 event raised a record-breaking amount of funds for Warwickshire-based charity The Myton Hospices, in memory of BCF colleague Callum Plummer. The charity ride not only raised significant funds but also showcased the ability to unite our industry around shared values and positive action.
Winners will be announced at the TAF Awards ceremony on 26th February 2026, where hundreds of association leaders will gather to celebrate best practice and innovation across the sector.
BCF EVENTS 2026
ROAD TO NET ZERO 24TH FEBRUARY 2026
BCF’s third Road to Net Zero Seminar will take place at Spaces at the Spine, Liverpool, focusing on tackling Scope 3 emissions through value chain ownership, circular economy approaches, and biobased solutions. The event will feature expert insights, interactive panels, and an updated Net Zero Roadmap to support progress toward a low-carbon future.
Sponsored by:
BCF CONFERENCE
4TH JUNE 2026
The BCF Annual Conference 2026 will take place on 4 June at Whittlebury Park, bringing the coatings industry together for insight, discussion, and networking. Featuring keynote speakers and the conference will explore market trends, sustainability, supply chains, technology, and skills challenges shaping the sector.
Sponsored by:
Lead sponsor
BCF CHARITY BIKE RIDE
3RD JULY 2026
The BCF Charity Cycle: Ride Warwickshire is an annual charity bike ride starting from the BCF’s Coventry office to raise funds for Myton Hospices (and previously for the Community Heartbeat Trust). Riders can choose from 35 km, 52 km or 100 km routes through the Warwickshire countryside. The event builds teamwork, boosts fitness and supports vital care services, with participants receiving a BCF-branded jersey and fundraising to make a meaningful impact.
BCF AWARDS
12TH NOVEMBER 2026
The BCF Awards will take place at The Queens Hotel in Leeds and will celebrate excellence and innovation across the UK coatings industry, recognising outstanding companies and individuals in sustainability, customer service, training, diversity, and more. Finalists in multiple categories are judged by an independent panel, with winners announced at an annual gala dinner in November, bringing the sector together to honour achievements and leadership.
NEW MEMBERS
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available to our members, and the support we provide, please contact info@bcf.co.uk.
Full member
Emissiv Ltd
Emissiv is a UK startup offering innovative radiative cooling coatings that reflect solar radiation and emit IR heat efficiently through the earth’s atmospheric window , lowering surface temperatures passively. Our focus is on coatings that can slash cooling costs, cut emissions, and enhance asset durability - a clean, scalable solution for roofing, infrastructure and energy systems in the drive toward net-zero.
www.emissiv.co.uk
Associate members
A trusted specialist in rigid packaging for the paints and coatings industry for over 80 years. From our UK manufacturing facility in Manchester, we produce high-quality lever lid and rectangular tins, and we supply an extensive range of rigid plastic, steel, and tinplate containers. Invopak is a family-owned business that delivers quality products, a platinum service and competitive prices.
invopak.co.uk
Associate members
Artemyn UK Ltd
Artemyn is a new company but with deep industrial roots. Born in 2024, Artemyn brings together decades of mineral expertise. With 47 sites in 17 countries, 2 R&D centres (UK and US), and over 30 scientists and engineers, Artemyn combines global reach with technical excellence. Its mission is clear: to use its knowledge of kaolin, carbonates, talc, and magnesium hydroxide to deliver next-generation minerals that help industries including paint and coatings transition to more sustainable solutions.
www.artemyn.com
Since 1974, LAIEX, based in Valencia (Spain), has specialized in water-based polymerisation; we are manufacturers of base raw materials: acrylic, vinyl and veova polymers, thermoformed styrene-butadiene latexes, and their compounds. With more than 250 solutions, the emulsions we manufacture are the main binding agent in the final products of sectors such as: automotive, carpets, textile finishers, printing, paints and coatings, adhesive, asphalt, mortars, etc. We are present in over more than 40 countries.
laiex.com
Invopak
LAIEX S.L
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
All BCF meetings are now face-to-face at our offices in Coventry unless otherwise stated.
February
March
April
Visit our website to keep up to date with latest meetings, events and to register.
Crown’s latest ESG report is here!
At Crown, we believe every pot of paint is brimming with potential. It can change a space, shift a mindset — even change a life.
That’s the spirit behind our Project Possible report, our commitment to creating real, lasting impact for people and the planet.We’re proud of how far we’ve come and more inspired than ever to keep pushing what’s possible.
This year’s edition showcases how we’re turning purpose into action through five key pillars:
