BCF Annual Handbook & Membership Directory BCF Annual Handbook 2018/2019 | Page 11

FEDERATION STRATEGY BCF move office to Coventry Spectra House Having steadily built a reserve of almost £1m in the past five years, the board decided it was the right time to invest in a property, both as an asset for the Federation, but also as a new home in a central location, big enough to host all BCF meetings in the future. In November 2017, the BCF Board gave the go ahead to the BCF team to start looking for a new home in the Midlands. BCF’s CEO Tom Bowtell presented the pros and cons of purchasing a building in the South East, Midlands and North West, and it was felt the Midlands was the optimum choice, looking at a combination of cost and convenience for members to attend meetings. Commenting on the move, BCF President Vincent O’Sullivan said: “Moving to a dedicated building, with its own meeting rooms will allow BCF staff to interact more closely with members, and overall the move will be a significant cost saving for the Federation. This is a long term investment, and whilst a big upheaval for the BCF team, it is a fantastic milestone in our recent history to be able to afford to invest in our own building.” The new office is just south of Coventry, with excellent transport connections, and should be open early May, with the move from Leatherhead complete by the end of May. Sad farewell to four dedicated BCF staff members As a result of the BCF’s move to Coventry, the backbone of the BCF’s office team will sadly not be taking the relocation option, and will therefore will be leaving the Federation on 31 May. Many of you will know Ulla, Karen, Jackie and Tina from their emails, and they are often the unsung heroes from behind the scenes who ensure everything runs like clockwork. We’re sure members agree that they will be a real loss to the Federation, and we do wish them all the best in whatever they do in their future endeavours. Ulla Read BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2018/19 Karen Traies Jackie Lennard Tina Abbas 11