At an Awards Dinner in Liverpool on 10th July, the British Coatings Federation (BCF) was thrilled to be awarded the Trade Association Forum (TAF) “Leadership of the Year” Award.
The BCF, which represents the manufacturers of decorative and industrial paints, powder coatings, printing inks and wallcoverings, is one of over 300 TAF members. The award entry was put forward by the BCF’s Board of Directors’ Executive Committee, recognising the significant contribution made by BCF’s Chief Executive Tom Bowtell, since he took the helm at the Leatherhead based trade association in June 2012.
In the last two years, Tom has grown membership significantly, reduced overhead costs and delivered a record surplus for the BCF, allowing the Federation to have funds to manage their pension deficit. Member satisfaction has grown in all areas, and Tom has spent significant amounts of time out visiting members, listening to their needs.
Tom has brought his commercial skills to bear, with a significant growth opportunity through a new distance learning business and his networking skills have enabled the BCF to build stronger relationships with Government, and other trade associations up and down the supply chain.
His leadership style inspires others with his drive, enthusiasm and creativity and he is constantly looking for new ideas. A good example of this is a new national partnership with BT and the Community HeartBeat Trust to install defibrillators in phone boxes in rural areas, with BCF members donating red gloss paint to help renovate phone boxes being re purposed as defibrillator stations across the country.
Tom said “While I am honoured and so pleased to have been presented this award, it is really one for the team as I know full well that success only comes through empowering others. Although I may come up with the ideas for starting these new initiatives, these are delivered through the great team we have at the BCF.”
BCF President John Falder commented “Huge congratulations to Tom, and his team of course, for this award. I know that his infectious energy and passion to simply get things done led to an outstanding year in 2013, with a 30% growth in non-subscription income. I am looking forward to what else is in store!”