About BCF

About the British Coatings Federation

Who we are

The British Coatings Federation is the Trade Association representing the interests of the decorative paints, industrial and powder coatings, printing inks, and wallcovering manufacturers in the UK. We have over 140 Full manufacturer members and another over 100 Associate/supplier companies in membership. In all, BCF's members represent 95% of all the UK sales of paints, coatings, printing inks and wallcoverings, making us the authoritative voice of the sector.

Contact the team (Members Only)

Contact the team (Non-members)

The BCF sets out to:

Increase knowledge, and publicise the contribution, of the coatings sector to UK manufacturing andthe wider UK economy.
Represent the needs and concerns of the coatings sector to Government to create a better business environment for members to operate in.
Offer leadership on issues of importance to the sector, from sustainability to skills.
Provide technical and regulatory advice and training, and produce industry-wide statistics.
Act as an interface between the industry and the Government, other industry and non-industry
organisations, the media and the general public.
Promote the industry, and conduct outreach, to attract the next generation of young, skilled talent
from a more diverse section of society.

History

The National Federation of Associated Paint, Colour and Varnish Manufacturers of the United Kingdom was incorporated on 20th November 1911, which fifty years later became the Paintmakers Association of Great Britain Limited. After merging with the Society of British Printing Ink Manufacturers in 1993, the British Coatings Federation came into existence and was expanded to include the Wallcovering Manufacturers Association in 2005.

Regulation

Lobbying

Statistics

Recognition

Networking

About the sector

The UK coatings industry directly contributes £4 billion a year to the UK economy, employing 15,000 people: plus our sector is a net-exporter. In turn our members’ products are used downstream across various other industries, supplying the construction, home improvement, health, medical devices, agriculture and food, printing, automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing sectors, collectively worth nearly £300 billion per annum to UK plc. 300,000 people are directly involved in manufacturing, applying or using our members’ products.

Our Sectors

Awards

Publication of the Year 2024

Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards

Good Governance Award 2023