Pronto Industrial Paints’ David Beckford was installed as British Coatings Federation president at the organization’s May 2018 Annual Conference and Gala Dinner, which took place in Oxford.
 
Beckford suceeds Vincent O’Sullivan of PPG Architectural Coatings.
 
“The coatings industry faces a number of challenges, including the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the defense of TiO2 and continued pressure on raw material prices,” Beckford said. “It’s in times like these we need our trade associations, and I know the BCF will continue to work hard on our behalf to ensure that we have the support and knowledge to be able to adapt accordingly, so that we continue to grow and prosper as an association and industry.”
 
In thanking the BCF team, O’Sullivan said it was an “honor and a privilege” to serve as the organization’s president and he was “incredibly proud” of BCF’s achievements during his term.
 
The Gala Dinner followed a day long business conference, with topics ranging from the political and economic position of the coatings industry, recruiting and retaining talent, to apprenticeships and sustainability. The afternoon focused on cybersecurity and how to protect your business online, and a review of the last 12 months from BCF completed the program.
 
“[O’Sullivan] challenged myself and the team to take things to the next level, and I look forward to working with David Beckford as we continue working on Brexit and other challenges, to support the future prosperity of the U.K .coatings industry,” said Tom Bowtell, BCF’s chief executive.