Press release – Finalists revealed for the British Coatings Federation’s 2025 Awards

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) are pleased to announce the shortlisted entries for the 2025 Awards. Following a series of judging days conducted by an independent panel of judges in each category, they have reached a carefully selected shortlist from a wide variety of high-quality entries. 

BCF CEO Tom Bowtell commented: “The competition was incredibly strong again this year, perhaps one of the most impressive showings we've ever seen, with over 70 submissions from across the industry. Each shortlisted company should be proud of their achievements. It was especially encouraging to see such strong entries across all 13 categories, highlighting the sector’s diversity, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.

As usual, there has been a large number of entries for our individual awards, with the Apprentice, Student and Young Leader of the Year categories. As part of our continued commitment to nurturing future leaders through the Coatings NextGen Council, it’s great to see the quality of emerging talent coming through in the industry.

This year, we’re also proud to introduce a new category, Rising Star, in memory of our young colleague, Callum Plummer, whose passion and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on all of us. This award will shine a light on promising individuals who are already making a mark and inspire the next generation to follow in his footsteps.”

The shortlist for the BCF Coatings Care Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.

The winners will be announced at the Awards dinner on Wednesday 12th November 2025 at Carden Park in Chester.

 
 
Image: BCF 2024 Award winners on stage at the ceremony at The Milner in York
 
Bookings are now open. Information on the Award categories and how to book can be found here.
 
The BCF would like to thank everyone who has submitted entries for this year’s Awards, and also the judges and this year’s sponsors: Stort Group, BASF,  Verlingue, Xyntra, Fenton Packaging, Tronox Pigments, PALEUS Acrylics, Dacrylate Paints and Lisam for their support.
 
Sustainable Innovation Award shortlist:
Alberdingk Boley
PPG Architectural Coatings UK
Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands
Sun Chemical
Venator
 
Race to Net Zero Award shortlist:
Becker Industrial Coatings
Crown Paints
Inktech
 
Customer Service Award shortlist:
AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings
Crown Paints
H2 Compliance
 
Excellence in Training Award shortlist:
Belzona
Crown Paints

Diversity and Inclusion Award shortlist:
AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
Becker Industrial Coatings
PPG Architectural Coatings UK
Venator
 
Young Leader of the Year Award shortlist:
Connor Knowles, PPG Architectural Coatings UK
Danielle Wheeler, PPG Architectural Coatings UK
Elizabeth Nierop, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
Jack Harrison, Venator
Steven Hughes, Azelis
 
Corporate Social Responsibility Award shortlist:
AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
Crown Paints
HMG Paints
 
Marketing Campaign of the Year Award shortlist:
AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
AkzoNobel Decorative Paints - Dulux Decorator Centre
Crown Paints
Inktech
PPG Architectural Coatings UK
 
Apprentice of the Year Award shortlist:
Ethan Burns, Becker Industrial Coatings
Jack Starkie, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
Luis Beaumont, HMG Paints
Lisa Figueira-Cartwright, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
 
Student of the Year Award shortlist:
Marcus Wheatley, Indestructible Paints
Violaine Mendez, Indestructible Paints
Oliver Williams, Thermaset    
 
NEW FOR 2025 - Rising Star Award shortlist:
Chris Richardson, PPG Architectural Coatings UK
Emily Clarkson, PPG Architectural Coatings UK
James Lund, Venator
Luke Czarnobay, HMG Paints
Luke Chadbourne, Inktech
 
 
 
ENDS