Press release - BCF members report record-breaking satisfaction levels in 2025 survey

• Member satisfaction levels hit 98% in 2025
• Survey confirms numerous strengths and very few weaknesses in the current BCF offer
• Feedback now forms basis of 2025-2030 ‘Roadmap’ document 
  
  

In another record high for the association, the latest British Coatings Federation (BCF) survey has revealed a 98% level of satisfaction amongst its members. Reported satisfaction levels in 2025 were up 2% from the 2023 survey score of 96%, which was also 2% ahead of the 2021 edition.  

The biennial survey provides a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of how the BCF supports its members, encouraging feedback across the full range of member benefits. Those completing the survey are requested to comment on the value of benefits provided and assess the BCF’s performance in providing those benefits. 

As in previous years, respondents continued to place greatest emphasis on the federation’s communications with members, closely followed by regulatory support, lobbying efforts, engagement work with European coatings association CEPE  and statistics programmes. The survey also confirms that companies  continue to value BCF’s provision of seminars, webinars and workshops along with the numerous committees and groups that meet during each year. Reassuringly members also continue to rank BCF’s highest levels of performance against these most valued services and highlight very few weaknesses in the current offer.

2025’s survey is particularly important as it was timed to coincide with the creation of the BCF’s next 5 year ‘Roadmap’ strategy document.  This is where a series of forward-looking questions probing for views and suggestions about how the organisation should change for the future proved to be important parts of the survey. Moreover, the freeform answers – generated by asking for feedback on a SWOT-style basis – have proven a rich mine of information to help generate strategy for the coming years. 

Existing priorities such as driving a sustainable industry, careers outreach to attract new talent to the industry and continued lobbying in the face of an ever-complex legislative environment, were all appreciated throughout the survey. Members also identified opportunities for BCF to lead the coatings sectors’ approach to emerging markets, especially online trading, and the embracing of technological enhancement opportunities such as those provided by AI. 
The potential for further consolidation in the industry, or globalisation trends leading to offshore manufacturing and more product being imported into the UK, were both cited as threats along with general current geopolitical and economic conditions and ongoing availability of key raw materials.

For more information on the benefits of BCF membership, please visit https://coatings.org.uk/page/WhyjointheBCF or contact info@bcf.co.uk. 

ENDS 

Notes to editors:

About the BCF

The British Coatings Federation is the trade association for the UK’s coatings industry. It represents 148 manufacturers of paint, specialist coatings, printing inks, and wallcoverings in the UK – who are its Full members - as well as over 120 Associate members, made up of the many businesses who supply raw materials and services to the sector. 

The BCF helps its members to better understand the new rules and regulations emerging from Government and lobbies on various issues of concern to the businesses working in this area. It also shows leadership across the sector, pushing for and supporting modernisation and change in areas such as sustainability and Diversity and Inclusion. Some of its campaigning is also focussed on informing consumers, as they often have a role to play in making sure products are used or disposed of in a safe and appropriate way.

Topline findings from the survey:

• 98% of respondents report BCF is meeting their needs well or very well  
• Communications to members is rated the highest scoring service from BCF for 3 surveys in succession at 8.7 out of 10
• Lobbying, sustainability and regulatory support remain the main priority areas for members over the next few years
• New initiatives favourably received with more than two thirds of respondents rating BCF’s sustainability programme either valuable or very valuable
• Member identified opportunities for future BCF initiatives include talent management, additional business/trading support and embracing new technology and innovation

Details of upcoming events can be found here.

The BCF’s 2025-2030 roadmap will be launched at the 2025 BCF Annual Conference, taking place on Thursday 5th June at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire.