AWARDS
Another award winning year for the BCF
BCF continues to be recognised for its efforts as, for the second year in a row, they were crowned ‘Trade
Association of the Year’ at the Trade Association Forum’s (TAF’s) 2018 Best Practice Awards. In the event’s 16-
year history, there has only been one other occasion in which an organisation received the same award two years
in a row.
Vision - BCF were named winners of the award due to various
successes throughout the year, including the work achieved
to represent the sector, grow the Federation and innovate
as a membership body. The BCF’s vision for the future, is
encompassed in the BCF’s roadmap 2018-2023, which was
launched in February 2018. The roadmap sets out a vision and
mission for the Federation, and how the Federation plans to
continue to develop over
the next five years and the
priorities for the future, given
the needs of the sector. As
well as a set of values for the
Federation, the plan includes
ambitious targets for growth
in revenue, membership,
delivery of events and of
other commercial activities,
projecting total income
growth from £1.4m to
£1.6m over the five-year
period.
Membership growth – Membership growth has grown
tremendously in the last five years in particular, with Full
members of the Federation now accounting for 95% of paint,
ink, and wallpaper sold in the UK. With 143 Full members and
93 Associate members currently, BCF has 50% more members
than in 2012. This increase can be attributed to a strong
key account management approach, with 99% Full member
retention, combined with a proactive member acquisition
programme. In April 2018, BCF received record-high results
from the Annual Membership Satisfaction Survey. Not only did
it report an 8% rise in satisfaction from the 2016 survey but
an impressive 98% of BCF members reported that they were
satisfied.
Spectra House, BCF’s new HQ – The BCF board had
identified an opportunity, with growing reserves, to invest in a
dedicated new home for the Federation, closer to the majority
of BCF members. ‘Spectra House’ in Coventry successfully
opened as BCF’s new headquarters in June 2018. With
three meeting rooms and first-class facilities, BCF can better
coordinate meetings and workshops by having them all under
one roof. Combined with a member lounge and state of the art
touch screen technology, ‘Spectra House’ is a fantastic new base
for members to meet, and interact with the BCF team.
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Marketing - BCF strives to extend reach and influence of the
sector, by maintaining and broadening communication. BCF
had 413 articles in the press; a 45% rise on the preceding year.
Website traffic had a notable total of 300,000 visits while our
social media saw significant growth in outreach. From 399
tweets, a total of 227k impressions was recorded.
Brexit activity - One of
BCF’s most notable activities
has been surrounding Brexit
and the work done to fight
the corner of the industry
on the matter. BCF led a
chemical industry supply
chain survey which was
later used as a reference
by government when
considering chemicals policy
post-Brexit. After arguing
strongly on the subject,
Associate membership of the
European Chemicals Agency was highlighted by Prime Minister
Theresa May as critical to the future of the UK’s trade with the
EU.
Financial performance - The Federation’s reserves at the end
of 2018 were three times higher than 2010. BCF’s assets now
stand at almost £1 million, and exceeds the pension deficit of
£791,000 for the first time. Turnover has grown from £1.1m in
2012 to almost £1.5m in 2018. ‘Spectra House’ was purchased
for £400,000 in cash and bodes significantly lower running costs
than the previous offices in Leatherhead, creating an asset for the
Federation, as well as a stunning new home for members and
staff to enjoy.
BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2019/20