When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Wise words drilled into me as a child. Taking a moment to reflect on the state of the coatings industry and where it was two years ago, I believe the time to get going has arrived. To uplift the coatings industry, we will have to do it. To ensure better manufacturing conditions and a stronger coatings economy and policies that benefit the industry – we as members of this industry will have to be the writers of these policies. The days of complaining about the industry is over. The finger pointing has to stop. Our industry as at a critical juncture and sitting idle will only result in one thing – the demise of our industry. For the coatings industry to flourish and grow, more has to be done. We have to take ownership and to take back control of our destiny. Whatever your focus may be, ensure you create an environment conducive to your success and take the steps needed to create an environment for your business to achieve – even if it means engaging with government -because not acting might have far more dire consequences. The Coatings Industry offers opportunities for workers from a wide range of backgrounds. So let’s ensure that it remains a strong and thriving industry – we owe it to our dedicated employees and to our valued customers.