Stephen Falder: A Visionary Leader in the UK Coatings Industry
Stephen Falder is a renowned figure in the UK’s coatings and paint manufacturing industry. With decades of experience and a deep passion for science and technology, Stephen has played a pivotal role in shaping one of the largest privately owned coatings businesses in the United Kingdom. As Secretary General of the Nova Paint Club and Chairman of several prominent companies, his influence extends beyond his family business to the broader coatings sector. This article explores Stephen Falder’s education, career journey, and contributions to the industry, revealing the qualities that make him a respected leader.
Early Life and Education
Academic Foundations at King’s College London
Stephen Falder’s journey to success began with a strong educational foundation. He studied at King’s College London, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Chemistry between 1978 and 1981. This scientific background equipped him with a thorough understanding of chemical processes, which would later become instrumental in his career in coatings and paints.
The rigorous academic training at King’s College London not only provided him with technical knowledge but also nurtured analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. These competencies allowed Stephen to innovate within the coatings industry, blending scientific principles with business acumen.
Early Influences and Schooling
Before his university education, Stephen attended Sale Boys Grammar School, where he developed an early interest in science. His formative years were marked by a curiosity about the natural world and a desire to understand the chemistry behind everyday products. This curiosity laid the groundwork for his future innovations in antimicrobial technology and paint manufacturing.
Career and Professional Experience
Joining the Family Business: H. Marcel Guest Limited
Upon graduating from university, Stephen joined the family business, H. Marcel Guest Limited. Established in 1930, the company specialises in manufacturing paints and lacquers and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading private coatings companies. Under Stephen’s leadership, the business has flourished, reaching the status of the number one private coatings firm in the country.
His role as Chairman of the Board since July 2018 demonstrates his long-standing commitment and strategic vision. Stephen’s involvement in day-to-day operations, innovation initiatives, and business development has driven sustained growth and competitive advantage.
Leading HMG Paints Ltd: The UK’s Leading Privately Owned Coatings Company
Parallel to his work with H. Marcel Guest Limited, Stephen is also Director and Owner of HMG Paints Ltd. Since 1981, he has nurtured this family business into the UK’s top privately owned specialty coatings company. Known for producing innovative and compliant coatings for various sectors—including commercial transport, industrial applications, and automotive finishes—HMG Paints Ltd embodies Stephen’s passion for quality and technical excellence.
Stephen’s role transcends mere management; he is a passionate advocate for the coatings industry as a whole, frequently contributing to discussions about innovation, regulation, and industry standards.
Innovating with Byotrol: Inventor and Founder Director
A notable highlight of Stephen’s career is his invention and development of the Byotrol antimicrobial technology. Byotrol Plc, which he founded and directed, specialises in products that inhibit microbial growth. The technology has broad applications in healthcare, consumer goods, and other industries requiring hygienic environments.
Stephen played a vital role in patenting the technology, raising funds, and floating the company on the AIM stock market in 2005. His ability to bridge scientific discovery with commercialisation underscores his entrepreneurial spirit and technical expertise.
Championing Collaboration: Secretary General of the Nova Paint Club
Since April 2014, Stephen has served as Secretary General of the Nova Paint Club, an international network of leading independent paint manufacturers. The organisation facilitates the exchange of technical information, expertise, and innovation strategies among members worldwide.
Under Stephen’s leadership, the Nova Paint Club has entered a new era, fostering stronger collaboration and driving research and development. His role requires diplomatic skills, industry knowledge, and a forward-thinking approach, helping independent companies compete effectively on a global stage.
Other Leadership Roles and Commitments
Stephen’s professional portfolio is diverse. He is Chairman and Inventor at Aspira Aerial Applications Ltd, a company focused on aerial services, reflecting his interest in emerging technologies. As Director of Higham View Consultancy Services, he supports ambitious companies in exploiting science and technology for growth.
His former chairmanship of Ecospray Limited highlights his dedication to sustainability, overseeing products based on natural crop protection methods. He also held leadership roles in community forestry initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship by supporting the planting of millions of trees in North West England.
Stephen Falder’s Leadership Philosophy
Stephen’s career is defined by a balance of technical innovation, strategic business growth, and industry collaboration. His scientific background gives him a unique edge in understanding product development from concept to commercial success. Yet, he never loses sight of the human aspect—valuing family, teamwork, and long-term relationships.
Stephen believes that the coatings industry must adapt continuously to new technologies and market demands while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. His advocacy for skills development and government support for smaller companies reflects his awareness of the sector’s challenges and the importance of nurturing future talent.
Contributions to the UK Coatings Industry
Driving Innovation and Standards
Through his work with Byotrol and HMG Paints, Stephen has contributed to raising standards in product quality and safety. His developments in antimicrobial coatings respond to modern concerns around hygiene and sustainability, showing how the industry can address public health needs.
Building Networks and Sharing Knowledge
As Secretary General of the Nova Paint Club, Stephen fosters an international community of independent manufacturers. This network helps companies share best practices, collaborate on research, and collectively enhance their competitive positions.
Supporting Skills and Community
Stephen’s tenure as Chairman of Proskills and involvement with community forestry demonstrate his commitment to social responsibility. He advocates for better training and government recognition of smaller businesses’ needs, ensuring the sector remains vibrant and sustainable.
Personal Life and Legacy
Stephen Falder resides in Knutsford, Cheshire, where he continues to steer his family businesses and support industry initiatives. His leadership spans nearly five decades, during which he has earned respect for his integrity, innovation, and dedication.
His legacy includes pioneering antimicrobial technology, championing independent businesses, and promoting environmental causes. Stephen’s holistic approach to leadership—combining science, business, and community—offers a model for future leaders in the coatings and chemical industries.
Conclusion
Stephen Falder stands out as a visionary leader whose education in microbiology and chemistry laid the foundation for an illustrious career in coatings innovation and business leadership. From leading family businesses to spearheading international industry collaboration, his impact on the UK’s coatings sector is profound. His commitment to innovation, skills development, and sustainability ensures that his influence will endure, inspiring new generations of entrepreneurs and scientists.
Stephen Falder’s story exemplifies how expertise, passion, and strategic vision can drive industry transformation while staying true to core values of quality, collaboration, and community.
