Brian Widdop has been awarded the British Coatings Federation’s Silver Medal, which was presented by BCF’s Chief Executive Tom Bowtell at the end of May.

The Silver Medal recognizes outstanding individual service in the coatings industry in the UK, and it is granted to those individuals who, through their personal efforts, have contributed to the growth, health and reputation of the industry. 

Brian Widdop, recently retired from Crown Paints, previously worked for Hempel as European Technical Director, and before that AkzoNobel Decorative Paints as Technical Director.  He has been an active contributor to BCF’s Decorative Coatings Council, and a BCF Board member since 2008.

Tom Bowtell commented “Brian’s pure passion is for paint and in the last decade in particular, sustainability in the coatings business.  Indeed, as chair of BCF’s Sustainability Committee from 2008 to 2013, Brian was instrumental in driving the publication of BCF’s landmark Sustainable Development Policy in 2009.  As a result, the industry has had a basis for discussion, planning and change, and activity since then has led to the publication of an update document published earlier this year, outlining the subsequent and huge activity in this area by BCF members.  Brian has sadly had to retire early due to ill health but I was so pleased to have been able to make such a well-deserved presentation.”

Joe Devitt, Managing Director of Crown Paints said “We are all delighted Brian has been recognized with such a prestigious honor.  During his career, Brian has introduced and implemented a range of initiatives that have transformed our work at Crown Paints and the wider industry, which includes our award winning sustainability program earthbalance.  The success of this program is testimony to Brian’s vision and commitment”.

The Silver Medal was instigated by Leslie Silver on his retirement as President of the Federation in 1980, and this presentation was particularly exceptional, given Brian actually started his career with Leslie Silver’s company, Silver Paint & Lacquer, where he met his wife Verina.