Press release – UK Coatings industry unites for future-ready strategy at 2025 BCF Annual Conference

• BCF launched its new Careers Strategy to raise awareness of the value proposition for the coatings industry to the next generation of young talent 
• Delegates were shown how they can create opportunities by utilising AI and automation in their business operations
• Sustainability continues to be a key theme, with paint recycling and biobased raw materials in focus
• Delegates supported BCF’s fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust and The Myton Hospice, raising over £2,600 in memory of BCF colleague Callum Plummer

Over 140 senior decision-makers from the UK's paints, coatings, printing ink and wallcoverings sectors gathered in Warwickshire for the British Coatings Federation (BCF) Annual Conference on Thursday 5th June.

The opening session covered the UK and global outlook, hearing from Dr Daniel Thorniley, global political and economic commentator, Graeme Chaplin of Bank of England, who provided insights into the future economic outlook. The first session closed with the launch of BCF’s Careers Strategy, the key actions of which were outlined by Co-Chairs of BCF’s Coatings NextGen Council, Helen Anderton of INX International and Andrew Roser of AkzoNobel.

The day's proceedings took an environmental focus, hearing from Rebecca Diamond, Senior Sustainability Manager at B&Q (Kingfisher Group), on the customers’ view of sustainability in the DIY sector. She was followed by Professor Patricia Thornley and Dr Jude Onwudili of Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute at Aston University, who shared how bio-based materials in manufacturing can contribute to sustainability. The morning sessions closed with Marjaneh Zarrehparvar, President of PaintCare Inc., who shared how the product stewardship scheme has had success across the US in the last 15 years, and learnings for how the BCF can carry this across to the UK.

The afternoon session opened with an interactive panel discussion, chaired by BCF CEO Tom Bowtell. He was joined by Nikita Smagin, co-founder of Go-Autonomous, who also provided a presentation on opportunities that AI can create for business operations, and other participants Jeff Hope, Manufacturing Director of AkzoNobel, Professor Robert Harrison, Professor of Automation Systems at Warwick Manufacturing Group (University of Warwick), and Christopher Pilgrim, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Materials at Innovate UK Business Connect. They all provided valuable perceptions on how BCF and the wider chemical supply chain can look to harness AI and automation in the industry. 

IMAGE: Discussion panel on innovation, automation and AI in the coatings industry. From left to right: Nikita Smagin, Go Autonomous; Professor Robert Harrison, Warwick Manufacturing Group; Jeff Hope, AkzoNobel; Christopher Pilgrim, Innovate UK; Tom Bowtell, BCF

This theme of politics was also followed by second keynote speaker Nick Ferrari, award-winning journalist and radio host. The day's proceedings were closed by BCF CEO Tom Bowtell, taking to the stage to outline BCF’s highlights of the last year, and the challenges facing the sector.

IMAGE: Conference delegates singing along with evening entertainers Incognito Artists at the evening dinner

After a fantastic day of networking with industry colleagues, the delegates attended the annual industry dinner followed by entertainment, West End Theatre stars from Incognito Artists.

The event also raised over £2,600 for the event’s charity partners, Teenage Cancer Trust and The Myton Hospice, contributing vital funds to both charities in memory of BCF colleague Callum Plummer. 

BCF CEO Tom Bowtell commented: 

“It is vital that we, as the trade association for the coatings sector, always look ahead and assist our members in their own planning for the future. With the growth of AI, broader digitisation and innovation across the industry, we are keen to highlight and debate how coatings businesses can benefit, or not be caught out by change. It was fantastic that the conference was so supportive of our vision for promoting the industry to the next generation through our Coatings NextGen Council, and that there was a clear message to keep driving the sustainability and diversity agenda.”

BCF President Sharon Harte closed the Conference by thanking sponsors Orr and Boss, IMCD Group, Lisam Systems and Synthomer for their generous support.

ENDS