04.02.25
In another record high for the association, the latest British Coatings Federation (BCF) survey has revealed a 98% level of satisfaction amongst its members. Reported satisfaction levels in 2025 were up 2% from the 2023 survey score of 96%, which was also 2% ahead of the 2021 edition.
The biennial survey provides a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of how the BCF supports its members, encouraging feedback across the full range of member benefits. Those completing the survey are requested to comment on the value of benefits provided and assess the BCF’s performance in providing those benefits.
As in previous years, respondents continued to place greatest emphasis on the federation’s communications with members, closely followed by regulatory support, lobbying efforts, engagement work with European coatings association CEPE and statistics programmes. The survey also confirms that companies continue to value BCF’s provision of seminars, webinars and workshops along with the numerous committees and groups that meet during each year. Reassuringly members also continue to rank BCF’s highest levels of performance against these most valued services and highlight very few weaknesses in the current offer.
2025’s survey is particularly important as it was timed to coincide with the creation of the BCF’s next 5 year ‘Roadmap’ strategy document. This is where a series of forward-looking questions probing for views and suggestions about how the organisation should change for the future proved to be important parts of the survey. Moreover, the freeform answers – generated by asking for feedback on a SWOT-style basis – have proven a rich mine of information to help generate strategy for the coming years.
Existing priorities such as driving a sustainable industry, careers outreach to attract new talent to the industry and continued lobbying in the face of an ever-complex legislative environment, were all appreciated throughout the survey. Members also identified opportunities for BCF to lead the coatings sectors’ approach to emerging markets, especially online trading, and the embracing of technological enhancement opportunities such as those provided by AI.
The potential for further consolidation in the industry, or globalisation trends leading to offshore manufacturing and more product being imported into the UK, were both cited as threats along with general current geopolitical and economic conditions and ongoing availability of key raw materials.
The biennial survey provides a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of how the BCF supports its members, encouraging feedback across the full range of member benefits. Those completing the survey are requested to comment on the value of benefits provided and assess the BCF’s performance in providing those benefits.
As in previous years, respondents continued to place greatest emphasis on the federation’s communications with members, closely followed by regulatory support, lobbying efforts, engagement work with European coatings association CEPE and statistics programmes. The survey also confirms that companies continue to value BCF’s provision of seminars, webinars and workshops along with the numerous committees and groups that meet during each year. Reassuringly members also continue to rank BCF’s highest levels of performance against these most valued services and highlight very few weaknesses in the current offer.
2025’s survey is particularly important as it was timed to coincide with the creation of the BCF’s next 5 year ‘Roadmap’ strategy document. This is where a series of forward-looking questions probing for views and suggestions about how the organisation should change for the future proved to be important parts of the survey. Moreover, the freeform answers – generated by asking for feedback on a SWOT-style basis – have proven a rich mine of information to help generate strategy for the coming years.
Existing priorities such as driving a sustainable industry, careers outreach to attract new talent to the industry and continued lobbying in the face of an ever-complex legislative environment, were all appreciated throughout the survey. Members also identified opportunities for BCF to lead the coatings sectors’ approach to emerging markets, especially online trading, and the embracing of technological enhancement opportunities such as those provided by AI.
The potential for further consolidation in the industry, or globalisation trends leading to offshore manufacturing and more product being imported into the UK, were both cited as threats along with general current geopolitical and economic conditions and ongoing availability of key raw materials.
