In particular, the industry has a more positive outlook for paints, coatings, and printing ink sales for the coming year, which has improved from the information collected in 2016 when Brexit was voted for.

The BCF collected the information by asking companies to detail their predictions on investment, employment, and sales forecasts for 2018 compared to 2016. The statistics also shine a more positive light on gross profit margins, with 80 percent of firms predicting an improvement throughout 2018.

However, the BCF are warning the industry not to get its hopes up when it comes to weathering the storm of Brexit. With the negotiations in full force, with seemingly more setbacks than not, 2019 seems to be edging closer without many positives.

Tom Bowtell, chief executive for BCF, explains: “Heading into the new year with a renewed confidence is great for the industry, however, there are potential headwinds if we don’t get the Brexit deal right. The BCF is going to do everything we can to get the best deal for the coatings industry, to continue as close to frictionless trade with the EU as possible.”

Compared to June 2016, where 63.7 percent of the industry felt confident about Brexit and what it may bring, in November 2017 the industry was experiencing a more upbeat attitude. At the end of last year, 77 percent of the industry felt more confident about leaving the European Union.

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