PRESS RELEASE - BCF 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS COLLABORATION ACROSS THE SUPPLY CHAIN TO TACKLE INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
16 JUNE 2026
The British Coatings Federation (BCF) 2026 Annual Conference brought senior figures from across the UK coatings industry together around a clear message: collaboration across the supply chain is essential to tackling the sector’s biggest challenges. Speakers explored how businesses can respond collectively to market pressure, regulatory change, sustainability demands, supply disruption, digital risk and the need for strong leadership.
Held on Thursday 4th June at Whittlebury Park in Towcester, the conference brought together expert speakers from across the coatings value chain and beyond, underlining BCF’s role in convening the conversations and partnerships needed to address shared challenges. From raw materials and chemicals to sustainability, packaging, cybersecurity and leadership, the programme showed how joined-up thinking will be critical to the industry’s future success.
The conference opened with remarks from BCF President Jane Ryder, before turning to the wider market and political context shaping the sector. Dan Murad of ChemQuest shared insight into global coatings industry performance, forecasts and the drivers likely to influence future growth, while David Park’s political update helped delegates better understand the evolving UK political landscape and consider how BCF is navigating this to effectively communicate with decision-makers.
The second session focused on supply chain and sustainability challenges and opportunities. Mais Haddadin and Jane Smith of FGENexantECA explored the future of the European chemicals supply chain and the balance between growth and sustainability. Reg Adams of Artikol then provided a primer on TiO2 for the coatings industry, before Sam Reeve of Resource Futures discussed circularity for packaging in the UK.
In the afternoon, delegates heard from keynote speaker Guillermo Christensen on good cybersecurity and AI governance, offering a timely perspective on risk, resilience and responsible innovation as digital technologies become more embedded in business operations. The final keynote came from Dee Caffari, whose talk, ‘Going against the tide’, closed the main speaker programme with reflections on endurance, leadership and navigating uncertainty.
BCF CEO Tom Bowtell also reviewed the year and outlined the future challenges facing the sector, before BCF President Jane Ryder closed the conference. The event concluded with the annual drinks reception, industry dinner and entertainment from comedian Dominic Holland, giving delegates further opportunity to connect with industry peers and continue the day’s discussions. During the evening, a charity raffle was held to fundraise for BCF’s charity partner, The Myton Hospices, raising over £2,000.
Commenting after the event, BCF CEO Tom Bowtell said: “A strong theme running through this year’s conference was the importance of collaboration. The challenges facing our industry, whether around supply chains, sustainability, regulation, digital risk or future growth, cannot be tackled in isolation. BCF’s role is to bring the industry together, connect different parts of the sector, and lead collaborative action on the issues that matter most.”
The BCF Annual Conference remains one of the federation’s flagship events, bringing together decision-makers from across the paints, coatings, printing inks and wallcoverings sectors to share insight, strengthen networks and support collaborative progress on the key issues shaping the industry’s future.
The BCF would like to thank lead sponsor Terrafend, and sponsors The Rakem Group, IMCD and Orr & Boss for their support.
ENDS