About PRA World

Catalysing innovation & growth since 1926

The world's most complete surface coatings advisor

Championing advances in paint and coatings research, the Paint Research Association was founded in 1926 to promote academic, scientific and technological work in the paint, colour and allied industries. Based in Leicestershire, we provide independent knowledge-based services, product development, training and market intelligence that have positioned us a vital partner for our members throughout their journey from R&D to commercialisation.

With a unique combination of market and technical expertise, we help our clients optimise business processes, differentiate their products and services, expand their access to global markets, and accelerate their project goals, catalysing growth and innovation. Connecting the global surface coatings community across the supply chain as one of the world’s most complete paint and coatings specialists, we’re here to help you solve our industry’s most pressing challenges, in order to create the solutions of tomorrow.

Since our foundation, the aim of PRA has been to:

Helping you to shape the future of our industry

The surface coatings sector has never been more dynamic. As the pace of technological change continues to accelerate, the need for innovation is higher than ever before. From our array of technical services to our renowned membership programme and extensive training offerings, at PRA World we’re here to help you navigate this ever-shifting landscape with expert knowledge, technical expertise, and a thorough understanding of your business.

Membership

With access to exclusive benefits which support them to innovate, improve and grow, our thriving membership community amalgamates the entire coating value chain, from raw material suppliers and coating producers to end users.

Services

With comprehensive testing facilities and industry-leading UKAS accredited coating development laboratories, we offer research and development, independent testing, paint analysis, and Ecolabel accreditation services.

Training

We provide expert-led face-to-face training and an extensive list of over 60 specialised distance learning modules, giving industry professionals at all levels of scientific expertise the tools & knowledge to succeed.

Our history & heritage

1926
1926
Establishment of the “Research Association of British Paint, Colour and Varnish Manufacturers”
1926
1926
Dr L A Jordan appointed as Director
1927
1927
First technical report: Tung oil
1931
1931
First commissioned research contract: Lithopone
1944
1944
Construction of electron microscope
1954
1954
First in-house symposium
1956
1956
First training course
1960
1960
Second Director: Dr Leslie Valentine
1963
1963
Extension of membership to overseas firms
1965
1965
Extension of membership to paint users
1968
1968
Third Director: Dr G Anderson
1970
1970
Conductive paint invention
1971
1971
Change of name to “Paint Research Association”
1977
1977
Opening of PRA Council to overseas Members
1981
1981
World Surface Coatings Abstracts (WSCA) goes on-line
1986
1986
Fourth Managing Director: John Bernie
1986
1986
First overseas conference (Brussels)
1988
1988
First EU contract (Self-Stratifying Coatings)
1993
1993
Launch of business journal Coatings COMET
1994
1994
First PRA Research Symposium
1995
1995
PRA on Internet
1996
1996
Purchase of Atomic Force Microscope
1999
1999
Fifth Managing Director: Chris Storey
2001
2001
75 years of service to the coatings industry
2001
2001
Sixth Managing Director: John Marshall
2005
2005
PRA relocated from Teddington to the Coatings Technology Centre in Hampton
2006
2006
Seventh Managing Director: Jonathan Bourne
2009
2009
Merger with Pera International
2012
2012
PRA becomes a Pera Technology company
2015
2015
PRA relocated to Pera Business Park, Melton Mowbray
2016
2016
PRA becomes PRA World Ltd
2016
2016
Eighth Managing Director: Ian Hay

Our expert team

Your expert partner in the surface coatings sector

Get in touch with PRA today

At the forefront of paint & coatings research, we’re committed to supporting your project goals. Our expert team have the knowledge and experience to identify the right solution for your needs. If you have any questions, or would like more information about our products and services, get in touch today.