Thorniley also ventured a bold forecast, suggesting the UK will “inevitably” rejoin the EU within the next 10 to 15 years. A live Slido poll revealed that 48% of attendees had “played around with it”, for example using ChatGPT to plan a holiday or write a speech. On the market outlook, BCF Managing Director Tom Bowtell described the UK coatings sector as “flat”, trailing behind national GDP growth. Despite facing a range of headwinds, the coatings industry reflects on a strong year and looks to the future with renewed purpose. With innovation, sustainability and digitalisation at its core, the 2025 BCF Annual Conference sent a clear message: the industry is not only adapting — it’s evolving with resilience.