Finalists revealed for the British Coatings Federation’s 2026 Awards

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) is pleased to announce the shortlisted entries for the 2026 Awards. Following a series of judging days conducted by an independent panel for each category, the judges have selected a carefully considered shortlist from a wide range of high-quality entries.

BCF CEO Tom Bowtell commented: “The competition was incredibly strong again this year, with one of the most impressive fields we have seen from across the industry. Every shortlisted company should be proud of its achievement. It was particularly encouraging to receive such strong entries across all 12 categories, showcasing the sector’s innovation, excellence in customer service, commitment to corporate social responsibility and continued focus on sustainability.

The Apprentice, Student, Young Leader and Rising Star categories provide an important opportunity to celebrate the emerging talent shaping the future of our industry. As part of our continued commitment to nurturing future leaders through our careers strategy, it is fantastic to see the quality, ambition and potential demonstrated by this year’s finalists.”

The winners will be announced at the Awards dinner on Thursday 12th November 2026 at The Queens Hotel in Leeds.

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: Verlingue, Invopak, Fenton Packaging, PALEUS Acrylics and Lisamfor their support.

Sustainable Innovation Award shortlist:

AkzoNobel Coil & Extrusion Coatings

Flint Group

Ingevity UK

Race to Net Zero Award shortlist:

AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings

AkzoNobel Decorative Paints

Crown Paints

Coatings Care Overall Best Performer shortlist:

AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, Ashington

Farrow and Ball, Wimborne

Pulse Printing Products, Bristol

Pronto Industrial Paints, Chesterfield

Teal & Mackrill, Hull

Coatings Care Progress shortlist:

Dacrylate Paints, Kirkby-in-Ashfield

HMG Powder Coatings, Belfast

Jotun Paints, Scunthorpe

Steyport, Blackburn

Tor Coatings, Gateshead

Customer Service Award shortlist:

AkzoNobel Decorative Paints

Pulse Printing Products

Crown Paints

Excellence in Training Award shortlist:

Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands

HMG Paints

AkzoNobel Decorative Paints – Dulux Academy

Corporate Social Responsibility Award shortlist:

AkzoNobel Decorative Paints

PPG Architectural Coatings

Seagulls Reuse

Marketing Campaign of the Year Award shortlist:

PPG Architectural Coatings – Leyland Trade

PPG Architectural Coatings – Johnstones Trade

Polyvine

Young Leader of the Year Award shortlist:

Lizzie Tillotson, PPG Architectural Coatings

Gracienne Ikin, HMG Paints

Danny Ashburner, Rakem Group

Apprentice of the Year Award shortlist:

Simon Burke, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints

Kyle Murray, HMG Paints

Ana Sanséau-Blanchard, AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings

Student of the Year Award shortlist:

Francesca Ashby, Tremco CPG

Jon Sharpe, Fujichem Sonneborn

Rising Star Award shortlist:

Natalie Stokes, PPG Architectural Coatings

Harrison Taylor, Thermaset

Isobel Horrobin, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints

Ankita Biswas, HMG Paints

Zac Jepson, AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings