The UK surface coatings industry - forward into the 21st century

This Hothersall Memorial Award Lecture delivered at the 2013 Transfair conference, reviews the changes, driven by both end user demands and legislation, that have occurred over the author's 45 year career in the surface finishing industry. Forthcoming regulation and the international variation in legislative regimes provide major challenges for the future. In meeting these challenges, collaborative action to develop new products, lobby government and raise awareness of the industry will be critical.