The British Florist Association is the only trade association in the florist industry that is recognised by Government both here and in Brussels. As the exclusive UK member of Florint, the International Florist Organisation, the BFA is recognised as the ‘voice of the industry’ representing nearly 6,500 florists. Although recognised by the Government, the BFA is not government funded, and rely on membership subscriptions for funding.
While commercial matters are top of the list in terms of activity, training is an essential ingredient of the BFA service mix. In 2009 we launched the management workshops "Managing through the downturn in the UK floristry industry", in association with CBG Learning. These workshops, worth £500 per delegate are fully funded by Train 2 Gain and therefore free to our members.
HelpLine
The most important part of the BFA service is our manned help line which operates from our secretariat. Whatever the question our team of advisors and members will aim to give an instant answer … be it a question of salary structures or legal issues. And if we don’t know the answer (unlikely but not impossible!) we’ll find a man or woman who does and get back to you.
Hub Meetings
Free to BFA members these regional hub meetings are an opportunity for florists to chat and network with others in their area. Evenings are held approximately once a month in different parts of the country and include both a business and design element, with guest demonstrators. Hub meetings also host heats for the RHS Chelsea Florist and Young Florist of the Year (qualifying entrants compete at RHS Chelsea in May for the title).
Conference
Our annual conference is a chance for florists to mix, mingle and share ideas that can help both their businesses and their customers. This is always held on the last weekend in October. The Conference has expanded in recent years to include a Trade Fair, branded as "FleurEx" - including an international demonstrator, hands on master classes, business seminars, and the final of the BFA Young Florist of the Year Competition.
Competitions
As the only UK trade association for florists recognised in Europe, the BFA is responsible for finding contestants for all the major European design competitions. We also find the finalists for the RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year, and Young Florist of the Year, with heats held at our regional Hub Meetings.
Membership
Belonging to the British Florist Association should be part of every professional florists business portfolio. Not only does it give you a sign of professionalism to hang in your shop but could save and make you money as well with a host of member benefits including FREE monthly Professional Florist magazine, FREE HR Employment service (worth £120 per annum), LloydsTSB Cardnet Credit/Debit card processing deal exclusive to BFA members – currently the ‘best deal’ within our sector saving you from tens to hundreds of pounds with Visa Credit Card processing from a little over 1% (T&C’s apply), Yellow Pages/BFA ‘Exclusive’ member advertising programme, discounted shop & van insurance with Floriguard, and access to our Free helpline. Member benefits are a focus in 2010, and we look forward to giving our members many more exclusive deals.
FloriGuard and BFA
Bridge Insurance Brokers Ltd, the providers of FloriGuard are the only insurance provider endorsed by the BFA and offer exclusive discounts to BFA members. BFA FloriGuard Insurance is the official insurance brand for insurance for BFA members.
If you would like a quotation for the BFA FloriGuard Insurance Scheme, click here
