John Falder, managing director of Manchester-based HMG Paints, has been appointed the new president of the British Coatings Federation.

HMG Paints — the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of industrial paints — also received two awards at the Trafford College Business Training Awards in May. It won the Commitment to Training Award for Science and Pharmacy, while Joe Di Bartolo (21) received the award for Advanced Apprentice of the Year for Lab Technology.

He said: “I am thrilled to have my hard work and academic achievements recognised by Trafford College. The training provided by the college has been excellent.”