HMG Paints, Manchester-based paint manufacturer, is delighted to announce that the company has been shortlisted for four awards at the British Coatings Federation (BCF) Awards 2026, recognising the achievements of its people and continued commitment to excellence across the coatings industry.

The shortlist, which was announced on 11th September 2026, was compiled following a series of independent judging sessions, with entries submitted by businesses from across the UK coatings industry. With a strong history of success at the BCF Awards, including winning both the Marketing Campaign of the Year Award and Excellence in Training Award in 2023, HMG continues to build on its previous achievements for both the company and its people.

Firstly, the business was proudly nominated for the Excellence in Training award, recognising its continued investment into the employee development within the business and training opportunities available throughout the company.

The nomination highlights the range of training initiatives developed across HMG, including improvements to internal training systems, the Swarm of Change Programme and the continued development of the businesses dedicated Spray Training and Brush Application Centre. These initiatives aim to provide HMG’s employees with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to develop skills within their roles.

This commitment to developing the people within HMG is further reflected in three individual nominations, with QMS Coordinator Ankita Biswas shortlisted for the Rising Star award, Purchasing Assistant Kyle Murray for Apprentice of the Year and Brand Development & Communications Manager Gracienne Ikin for Young Leader of the Year. Each nomination recognises their individual achievements, contributions to the business and continued professional development within the coatings industry.

Firstly, Ankita’s nomination for the Rising Star award recognises the impact she has made since joining HMG in 2024, particularly her contribution to the company’s quality and environmental standards. Her involvement in achieving HMG’s ISO 14001 certification in 2025 has highlighted her commitment to continuous improvement across the business.

In addition to this, Kyle’s nomination for Apprentice of the Year showcases his professional development during his time at HMG, having achieved a Distinction in his Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship. His progression from production into purchasing has seen him contribute to improvements the in HMG’s continued supplier partnerships.

Finally, Grace’s nomination for Young Leader of the Year recognises her continued growth and leadership throughout almost 13 years at HMG. Her contributions to business development, employee wellbeing and charitable initiatives have made a lasting impact across the company.

In summary, the four nominations reflect HMG’s continued commitment to investing in its people, supporting professional development and recognising the achievements of employees across the business. From individual contributions to company-wide training initiatives, the nominations highlight the importance of people in HMG’s continued success.

The winners of the 2026 BCF Awards will be announced on Thursday 12th November 2026, at The Queens Hotel in Leeds. With various awards up for grabs, HMG are looking forward to celebrating their achievements with industry peers. See below for the full list of BCF’s nominated entrees:

Rising Star
• Natalie Stokes – PPG Architectural Coatings
• Harrison Taylor – Thermaset
• Isobel Horrobin – AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
• Ankita Biswas – HMG Paints
• Zac Jepson – AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings

Excellence in Training
• Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands
• HMG Paints
• AkzoNobel Decorative Paints – Dulux Academy

Apprentice of the Year
• Simon Burke – AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
• Kyle Murray – HMG Paints
• Ana Sanséau-Blanchard – AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings

Young Leader of the Year
• Lizzie Tillotson – PPG Architectural Coatings
• Gracienne Ikin – HMG Paints
• Danny Ashburner – Rakem Group

Other Awards on the night include:

Sustainable Innovation
• AkzoNobel Coil & Extrusion Coatings
• Flint Group
• Ingevity UK

Race to Net Zero
• AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings
• AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
• Crown Paints

Corporate Social Responsibility
• AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
• PPG Architectural Coatings
• Seagulls Reuse

Coatings Care Progress
• Dacrylate Paints – Kirkby-in-Ashfield
• HMG Powder Coatings – Belfast
• Jotun Paints – Scunthorpe
• Steyport – Blackburn
• Tor Coatings – Gateshead

Coatings Care Overall Best Performer
• AkzoNobel Decorative Paints – Ashington
• Farrow & Ball – Wimborne
• Pronto Industrial Paints – Chesterfield
• Pulse Printing Products – Bristol
• Teal & Mackrill – Hull

Marketing Campaign of the Year
• PPG Architectural Coatings – Leyland Trade
• PPG Architectural Coatings – Johnstone's Trade
• Polyvine

Customer Service
• AkzoNobel Decorative Paints
• Pulse Printing Products
• Crown Paints

Student of the Year
• Francesca Ashby – Tremco CPG
• Jon Sharpe – Fujichem Sonneborn

If you require further information on the press release, please contact:
Josh Hibbert
HMG Paints
joshhibbert@hmgpaint.com or marketing@hmgpaint.com
www.hmgpaint.com
0161 205 7631
HMG Paints Ltd is the UK’s leading independent Paint Manufacturer and a proud, family-owned business situated in Manchester. Working alongside new and long-term customers, HMG are committed to sustainability, innovation and customer satisfaction. With over 95 years’ experience in developing innovative coatings, HMG’s portfolio of wet paint and aerosols cover virtually every type of surface imaginable across a whole host of industries including industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, automotive, protective coatings, defence, toll manufacturing, wood finish and arts & craft. HMG have a drive to set the standards for the industry not just meet them.
For more information, please visit www.hmgpaint.com or visit shop.hmgpaint.com to discover decorative paint and inspiration.
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