The British Coatings Federation

The British Coatings Federation is the sole Trade Association representing the interests of the decorative, industrial, powder, printing ink and wallcovering industries - Britain's most visible industry ! The BCF's prime functions are: •to promote and to protect the interests of its members. •to encourage the prosperity of the industry. •to improve the business climate in which the industry operate. •to provide an interface between the industry and the Government, other industry and non-industry organisations, the media and the general public. The BCF: •provides a forum for coatings and wallcovering manufacturers to discuss issues. •agrees industry priorities and positions on commercial and regulatory matters. •encourages industry best practice through the establishment of voluntary standards. •monitors and anticipates legislative developments and other focuses on the coatings and wallcoverings industry. •lobbies UK, EC and international authorities to influence legislation and other controls. •develops and provides guidance and information to manufacturers and to their suppliers and customers on legislation and other requirements. •provides industry training programmes and materials and awards qualifications. •promotes the benefits of the use of coatings and wallcoverings. •ensures value for money for its entire membership. Activities are carried out by a team of professional, permanent staff well experienced in the industry. This is complemented by the enthusiastic and voluntary support and contribution of individuals and companies in membership, through the BCF’s extensive committee and communication networks.

Benefits of membership for Coatings manufacturers

Regulatory affairs Update seminars and early alerts on legislation affecting both your own and your customers’ businesses, with a quarterly technical digest and quarterly newsletter. Opportunity to directly input to industry policies and lobbying positions to influence the outcome of legislative proposals. Access to senior government officials at

business functions gives the ability to influence their policies. Advice and guidance on regulatory affairs for improved legal compliance, including labelling, health, safety, environment and transport. A ‘Help-Line’ is available for

individual problems. Participation in CEPE and EuPIA, the paint, powder and printing ink European Federations, which represent members’ interests opposite EU legislation.

Media representation

Front-line media contact and representation on industry issues in the UK

Business Improvement Regular seminars and workshops designed to enhance the competiveness of the UK coatings sector through the sharing of functional management best practice. Buyer Group for indirect spend items

Insurance services

Source of legal advice

Showcase area on BCF’s website for your press releases and other news

Product listing on BCF’s website Directory Entry in BCF’s Annual Handbook Links to sources of industry training including the Federation’s own distance learning module programme together with guidance on funding programmes and the

Coatings Operations Apprenticeship training programme in England Building a sustainable supply chain

Coatings Care, a worldwide sustainability programme for improving health, safety and environmental performance. A tool to assist in site auditing is also available. Trade opportunity alerts

Performance measurement Timely and accurate statistics to improve your market awareness and regular industry sales reports for different market sectors and monthly raw material cost data. Annual profitability studies and benchmarking surveys, allowing you to compare your business performance with other similar companies. Access to a comprehensive database of information on the members-only section of our website www.coatings.org.uk, including access to Coatings Care Guidance

Online, a portal to all relevant safety, health and environmental legislation and guidance.

Industry and issue management Over 40 committees designed to address the impact of regulatory and technology change on industry sectors. Networking opportunities through conferences, seminars and committees devoted to market sectors and key issues of common interest.

Benefits of membership for suppliers to the coatings industry

Business Improvement Networking opportunities through conferences, seminars and committees devoted to market sectors and key issues of common interest.

Showcase area on new BCF website for your Press Releases and other news NEW ! Your Products and Services added to our Product Finder An individual annual mailing on your behalf to our Members Directory entry in BCF’s Annual Handbook Attendance at certain Sector Council meetings Insurance services A welcome paragraph and contact details in BCF’s newsletter “Covered”, sent to 1,000 contacts in the industry. Regular seminars and workshops designed to enhance the competitiveness of the UK coatings sector through the sharing of functional management best practice. Source of legal advice

Links to sources of industry training including the Federation’s own distance learning module programme together with guidance on funding programmes and the Coatings Operations Apprenticeship training programme in England

Coatings Care, a worldwide sustainability programme for improving health, safety and environmental performance. A tool to assist in site auditing is also available. Trade opportunity alerts

Regulatory affairs Update seminars and early alerts on legislation, with a quarterly technical digest and quarterly newsletter. Opportunity to directly input to industry policies and lobbying positions to influence the outcome of legislative proposals. Access to senior government officials at

business functions gives the ability to influence their policies. Advice and guidance on sustainability for improved legal compliance, including labelling, health, safety, environment and transport. A ‘Help-Line’ is available for

individual problems.

Media representation Front-line media contact and main response body for industry issues in the UK

Performance measurement Timely and accurate statistics to improve your market awareness and regular industry sales reports for different market sectors and monthly raw material cost data. Access to a comprehensive database of information on the members-only section of our website www.coatings.org.uk, including access to Coatings Care Guidance

Online, a portal to all relevant safety, health and environmental legislation and guidance.

Industry and issue management Over 40 committees designed to address the impact of regulatory and technology change on industry sectors.