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SECTION BCF Annual Conference & Gala Dinner Thursday 3 May 2018 DeVere Oxford Thames, Oxford Lead sponsor Our sponsors The BCF Annual Conference is the premier networking event for the coatings industry. With inspiration and insightful talks from a host of speakers, this year’s programme will take a look at the political and economic position of the coatings industry, and cover the topics that matter most to your businesses including recruiting and retaining talent, apprenticeships, cyber security, and sustainability. The programme will be followed by a black tie reception and Gala Dinner. KEYNOTE ADDRESS Covert operations and industrial espionage in the private sector - John Mercer Advances in technology from the last 40 years now provide everyone including private intelligence gathering organisations, criminals and the man in street with the capability to covertly gather intelligence on individuals and organisations. The intelligence that is obtained is often used to the detriment of the individual or organisation, influencing decisions and outcomes and in some cases defining policy. Who is doing this, how are they doing it, what are they after and what do they have to gain? How does that affect you, your business and your employees? What can you do to protect yourself and your business particularly in a post Brexit world? OUR SPEAKERS Expanding horizons globally for the UK coatings industry Dan Murad, Chemquest BCF Apprenticeships Plus - your one stop shop for all your apprenticeship needs John Henry, Coatings Skills Plus An NGO perspective on global chemicals management, and implications for the UK Dr Melissa Wang, Greenpeace Sustainability, innovation, digital disruption Matt Sexton, Futerra Q & A Panel discussion - creating the next generation of talent for the coatings industry Moderated by Steve Bennett, TransitionPlus and featuring panellists Alison Henshaw, Fine Decor Wallcoverings and BCF’s Young Leader of the Year Award 2017 winner; Jenny Clucas, Cogent Skills; John Henry, Coatings Skills Plus Innovative print often starts with a picture Clive Booth, Canon Cyber Security Dr Paul Hunton, Digital Investigation Specialist FEATURING This year we welcome comedian and jazz singer Charlie Baker, who will perform at the event’s Gala Dinner. Charlie is a popular face on TV panel shows, having appeared as team captain on A Short History Of Everything Else (Channel 4), two series of Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC2), Rob Brydon’s Christmas Special (BBC1), Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live 2012 & 2013 (BBC3) and The Comedy Store (Comedy Central). His versatile talent as a stand-up comedian and highly acclaimed jazz-singer and actor saw his critically acclaimed show Baker’s Dozen have a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival last summer. Book your place at www.coatings.org.uk/bcfconference Covered Spring 2018 17