About Us
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 European
Federation of Florist Associations, 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 we rely on our membership subscriptions for funding.
BFA has been around for over 50 years, originally called the "British Retail Florist Association", and started by a handful of florists who needed to lobby government regarding plans to tax funeral flowers. At the time there was no appropriate trade body to do so, and the BRFA was born. We've got a slightly shorter name now, but lobbying government on behalf of the industry is still an important part of our service. Recent issues include bans on flower deliveries to hospitals, and increases in business rates.
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 West Midlands based 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. This year, Conference has expanded to include a Trade Fair, branded as "FleurEx" - including an international demonstrator, hands on masterclasses, 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. This year we are holding the competition for the BFA Young Florist of the Year, who will go on to compete with young florists from all over Europe at Eurofleurs - which is to be held in England in July 2010. Next year, we will be looking for the BFA Florist of the Year, who will in turn go on to compete at the next Europa Cup, against many experienced florists from throughout Europe. 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.
