UK DIY News
Finalists Revealed For The British Coatings Federations 2025 Awards

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) are pleased to announce the shortlisted entries for the 2025 Awards. Following a series of judging days conducted by an independent panel of judges in each category, they have reached a carefully selected shortlist from a wide variety of high-quality entries.
BCF CEO Tom Bowtell commented: “The competition was incredibly strong again this year, perhaps one of the most impressive showings we've ever seen, with over 70 submissions from across the industry. Each shortlisted company should be proud of their achievements. It was especially encouraging to see such strong entries across all 13 categories, highlighting the sector’s diversity, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.
"As usual, there has been a large number of entries for our individual awards, with the Apprentice, Student and Young Leader of the Year categories. As part of our continued commitment to nurturing future leaders through the Coatings NextGen Council, it’s great to see the quality of emerging talent coming through in the industry.
"This year, we’re also proud to introduce a new category, Rising Star, in memory of our young colleague, Callum Plummer, whose passion and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on all of us. This award will shine a light on promising individuals who are already making a mark and inspire the next generation to follow in his footsteps.”
The shortlist for the BCF Coatings Care Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.
The winners will be announced at the Awards dinner on Wednesday 12th November 2025 at Carden Park in Chester.
Bookings are now open. Information on the Award categories and how to book can be found here.
The BCF would like to thank everyone who has submitted entries for this year’s Awards, and also the judges and this year’s sponsors: Stort Group, BASF, Verlingue, Xyntra, Fenton Packaging, Tronox Pigments, PALEUS Acrylics, Dacrylate Paints and Lisam for their support.
Sustainable Innovation Award shortlist:
- Alberdingk Boley
- PPG Architectural Coatings UK
- Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands
- Sun Chemical
- Venator
Race to Net Zero Award shortlist:
- Becker Industrial Coatings
- Crown Paints
- Inktech
Customer Service Award shortlist:
- AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
- AkzoNobel Powder Coatings
- Crown Paints
- H2 Compliance
Excellence in Training Award shortlist:
- Belzona
- Crown Paints
Diversity and Inclusion Award shortlist:
- AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
- Becker Industrial Coatings
- PPG Architectural Coatings UK
- Venator
Young Leader of the Year Award shortlist:
- Connor Knowles, PPG Architectural Coatings UK
- Danielle Wheeler, PPG Architectural Coatings UK
- Elizabeth Nierop, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
- Jack Harrison, Venator
- Steven Hughes, Azelis
Corporate Social Responsibility Award shortlist:
- AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
- Crown Paints
- HMG Paints
Marketing Campaign of the Year Award shortlist:
- AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
- AkzoNobel Decorative Paints - Dulux Decorator Centre
- Crown Paints
- Inktech
- PPG Architectural Coatings UK
Apprentice of the Year Award shortlist:
- Ethan Burns, Becker Industrial Coatings
- Jack Starkie, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
- Luis Beaumont, HMG Paints
- Lisa Figueira-Cartwright, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
Student of the Year Award shortlist:
- Marcus Wheatley, Indestructible Paints
- Violaine Mendez, Indestructible Paints
- Oliver Williams, Thermaset
NEW FOR 2025 - Rising Star Award shortlist:
- Chris Richardson, PPG Architectural Coatings UK
- Emily Clarkson, PPG Architectural Coatings UK
- James Lund, Venator
- Luke Czarnobay, HMG Paints
- Luke Chadbourne, Inktech
Source : British Coatings Federation
Image : BCF Awards 2024

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