Wayne Smith, previously Director of Regulatory Affairs at the British Coatings Federation, has been awarded the coatings industry’s highest honour, the Silver Medal.

This award was instigated by a member, Leslie Silver, on his retirement as President of the Association in 1980. It was created to recognise outstanding individual service to the paint industry in the UK and those who have contributed to its growth, health and reputation. The Silver Medal is not normally awarded to BCF staff members, but the BCF Board of Directors unanimously agreed Wayne’s was a special and exceptional case.  Having worked at the Paintmakers Association and the BCF for 29 years, he has dedicated his working life to the coatings industry.

Tom Bowtell, CEO of the BCF commented “Wayne has without doubt been the most valuable member of staff in my 8 years at the BCF, and for many years before that. Technical and regulatory knowledge is the backbone of this organisation, and Wayne is that spine. His experience and commitment to the coatings industry has been invaluable to both the BCF team and our members, so I am delighted that Wayne will still be part of the BCF team in a limited consultancy capacity.”

John Falder, a long serving BCF Board member summed up the exceptional impact Wayne has had on the BCF’s members, “Wayne has the practically unique characteristics of brilliant and extensive technical knowledge combined with complete approachability. He has been a font of knowledge, patience, research and advice to our company HMG Paints over many years.

So, thank you Wayne. Thank you for 30 years of loyal service to BCF, thank you for your skill, expertise, guidance and for all of our discussions and chats over the years.”

We would like to wish Wayne all the best in his retirement, and we hope to formally present Wayne with his Silver Medal at the BCF conference in May next year.