COVENTRY, UK — The winners of the ninth British Coatings Federation (BCF) Awards 2018 were announced on Nov. 15, 2018, at the annual BCF Awards in Cheshire, UK, across seven categories showcasing brilliance in the coatings industry.

The 2018 Awards celebrated talent in the coatings industry with wins for Young Leader of the Year, awarded to Kirsty Woodbine of AkzoNobel, and Student of the Year, awarded to Kieran Parker of Whitford. In line with the training theme, the Excellence in Training Award was presented to Crown Paints.

Two companies were declared winners for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award — to PPG for the second year, and for the first time to Seagulls Re-Use Paints.

With a spotlight on sustainability in the coatings industry, the Sustainable Innovation Award was presented to AkzoNobel/Dulux for the second year. The BCF’s long-standing Coatings Care Awards were presented to two BCF member companies participating in the program. The Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award went to Pulse Printing Products in Wick, and the Coatings Care Progress Award to Firwood Pains in Bolton.

Tom Bowtell, BCF Chief Executive, said, “At a potentially confusing and disruptive time for our industry with Brexit on the horizon, it’s wonderful for us to come together and celebrate all that’s great in coatings.”

The Sustainable Innovation Award, sponsored by Tradebe, was presented to AkzoNobel Decorative Paints. The Customer Service Award, sponsored by HermexFX, went to Dulux Decorator Centre (AkzoNobel). Crown Paints Ltd. Reeived the Excellence in Training Award, which is sponsored by Cogent Skills. AkzoNobel’s Kirsty Woodbine received the Young Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Fenton Packaging. The Corporate Social Responsibility Award, sponsored by Merck, was presented to PPG & Seagulls Re-use Paints Ltd. Kieran Parker of Whitford Ltd. received the Student of the Year Award, which was sponsored by Synthomer. Firwood Paints (Trimite Global Coatings), Bolton, UK, received the Coatings Care Progress Award, and Pulse Printing Products Ltd. of Wick, UK, received the Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award, which is sponsored by PRA.