PRA Membership

PRA Membership brings many benefits. Membership of PRA is open to all surface coatings related businesses including paint, ink, adhesive and sealant manufacturers, chemical raw material suppliers, other research associations, instrument equipment manufacturers, end users of coatings and consultants.

You can view a list of our current members.

The Paint Research Association (PRA) was founded in 1926 as an independent association of member companies to support innovation and growth in the surface coatings sector. PRA is a non-profit making company limited by guarantee and has no shareholders. It was founded by the industry, for the industry and is sustained by involvement in the membership, as well as the continued use of its services.

At the beginning of 2009, PRA merged with another research & technology association, Pera which has similar aims & objectives right across manufacturing industry. PRA now operates as a business unit within Pera and is governed by a management team with the support of an Advisory Board of Member Representatives, which meets quarterly. Each year there is an Annual General Meeting of Members, open to all member companies.

You do not have to be a member to benefit from PRA services but membership is recommended. Members receive a selection of free services, discounts on all other services and priority attention from PRA staff, as well as certain member only events.

Benefits of Membership

Membership of PRA will enable you to:

  • Efficiently keep track of market & regulatory data, trends and developments
  • Stimulate creativity, vital to innovation and growth
  • Bring new products to market faster with independent test results and reference to standards
  • Solve technical problems and disputes quicker
  • Get access to R&D grants and reduce investment risks
  • Develop knowledge and learning
  • Meet key people and develop business.

Membership entitles you to the following services free of charge:

  • Preferential service from PRA staff to support your business
  • Paint Titles, a weekly summary of commercial and technical news
  • PRA News of the Month - a monthly information newsletter for the Coatings industry
  • Website listing and links
  • Attendance at the Members' Annual General Meeting with entitlement to join the PRA Council
  • Access to the facilities at the Coatings Technology Centre, including the Library

Members also benefit from discounts, typically 10% to 25% on our range of services.

Applying for PRA Membership

If you would like to apply for membership, please download and complete our Membership Application Form. Return the signed form by post or by fax.

Fees are determined in relation to scale of business and extent of use of PRA services. Discounts on consultancy services are also available – contact the Membership Secretary for details.