BFA Secretariat and Address Change

After almost three years Victoria Willsone (Vikki) the BFA Secretariat is leaving the British Florist Association. Vikki has been the voice that hundreds of callers have spoken to over the last three years. Vikki joined the BFA from Flowergram in 2007 and has handled not just hundreds of calls from members and consumers but the press too. In fact Vikki has had such a variety of jobs to do during a time of great growth for the BFA she probably needs a medal, but pictured she is receiving a beautiful Cross Pen from BFA President, Mark Ward at her last board meeting before she jets off to her native, New Zealand to start a new career. 

Vikki said "I have enjoyed working for the BFA so much this last three years. It's been incredible to work with such a great group of people and speak to so many members" Vikki went on to say "I have ben involved at a time when the BFA was going through huge changes and growth and I am sure with the continued determination of the BFA board that will continue, I have subscribed to the BFA Enews myself now so that I can keep up to date with events from over in New Zealand".
 
Mark Ward President of the BFA said "Vikki has been a very valuable member of the BFA team, nothing has ever been too much trouble for her and we will be forever grateful to her for all the hard work and dedication she has given to us and our members" Mark went on to say "We wish Vikki all the very best when she embarks on her new life back in New Zealand and look forward to welcoming her back as a visitor to the UK when ever she is able".

Victoria added, "One of the saddest parts of leaving the UK is leaving my post with the BFA. They have been fabulous to work for - that isn't to say it was an easy role, I have certainly never been bored, and have become accustomed to being in two places at once and juggling deadlines! Although the entire BFA Board have been brilliant over the past 3 years, I would in particular like to thank Mark Ward for his constant and unwavering support. I often comment that I do not know how Mark manages to cope with everything that is thrown his way: in addition to his BFA commitments he serves on the Board of FLORINT, and also runs his own florist shop. Could you run your business and squeeze in 10-30 hours on BFA commitments? If ever anyone tells you that men cannot multitask, I would point them in Marks direction, because he can and does! I can tell you now, the BFA Board are certainly not in it for the money, they give vast amount of their time, because they want to give back to the industry. I do wish members could see everything that goes on behind the scenes, to appreciate exactly how much work goes into the Association. I wish Carl all the best in the Secretariat role, I am sure it will be a challenge, but also very rewarding." 

Following the departure of Vikki, the BFA board have appointed Carl Hodgkinson as the new General Secretary of the assocaition. Carl comes from an accountancy back ground having worked within the automotive industry and more recently a number of SME's.
 
Carl will take on his new full time position with the BFA on Monday 24th May. Commenting on the appointment President of the BFA, Mark Ward said "I have know Carl for a number of years and I am confident with his background he will bring a great deal of expertise to the BFA and our members" Mark went on to say "Carl will be the new voice of the BFA when callers contact us and will also work with the board of BFA to develop the new stratagey of the association over the coming months, there are very exciting times ahead and Carl will play a major role in assiting the board to achieve their targets for the good of our members and the industry as a whole".
 
Of his appointment Carl said "I am very much looking forward to working with the BFA helping them to drive the association forward and to assist them with the development of their strategic business plan".

Due to the change in Secretariat, the BFA post and telephone details have also changed. Any mail sent to the old PO Box address will be redirected.