The British Coatings Federation (BCF) welcomed over 140 senior decision-makers to its 2025 Annual Conference on June 5 in Warwickshire. The event featured sessions on the UK economic outlook, the impact of AI and automation, and evolving sustainability strategies within the coatings sector.

BCF launched its new Careers Strategy during the opening session, led by Coatings NextGen Council Co-Chairs Helen Anderton of INX International and Andrew Roser of AkzoNobel. Keynotes from Bank of England’s Graeme Chaplin and global economic commentator Dr. Daniel Thorniley provided a macroeconomic perspective for members.

Environmental sessions focused on bio-based manufacturing and product stewardship. Presentations from B&Q’s Rebecca Diamond, Aston University researchers, and PaintCare’s Marjaneh Zarrehparvar highlighted both consumer expectations and global policy learnings.

An afternoon panel, chaired by BCF CEO Tom Bowtell, explored the role of AI in manufacturing, with contributions from Go-Autonomous, AkzoNobel, Innovate UK and Warwick Manufacturing Group.

The event raised more than £2,600 for Teenage Cancer Trust and The Myton Hospice in memory of BCF colleague Callum Plummer.