BCF Annual Handbook & Membership Directory BCF Annual Handbook 2018/2019 | Page 16

FEDERATION STRATEGY Award winning year for the BCF 2017 was a year to remember for the BCF in terms of awards. It all started back in July at the Trade Association Forum’s (TAF) Best Practice Awards when the BCF scooped up a highly-commended nod for the Covered magazine, a win in the ‘Marketing Initiative of the Year’ category and were presented with the ultimate accolade for Trade Associations in the UK – ‘Trade Association of the Year’. The TAF Best Practice Awards is the flagship awards ceremony for trade associations in the UK, and serves to recognise, promote and celebrate best practice amongst 300 trade associations across the country. The top honour at the event is the Trade Association of the Year Award and the win recognises the BCF’s outstanding work to make it the best in class amongst trade associations across the UK. THE JUDGES’ FEEDBACK – WHY THE BCF? Achieving record levels of growth: 2017 took a drastically different outlook on BCF membership in comparison to 2012, when the BCF was losing members. The BCF now consists of 143 full members and 74 associate members, encompassing 95% of businesses within the coatings sector. Impactful initiatives addressing key industry challenges: Back in 2015 the BCF welcomed Ellen Daniels to the team as the first ever Head of Public Affairs & Policy, which saw a substantial increase in lobbying efforts. The TAF judges described the BCF’s lobbying campaigns as proactive and effective. Addressing members’ needs: The BCF’s 2016 membership survey reported record levels of membership satisfaction with 90% saying BCF were meeting their needs. Lobbying efforts and communications, and technical and regulatory advice were rated as the most valuable services to members. BCF strengths - member survey April 2016 Networking REGULATORY LEADERSHIP Organised PROACTIVE Legislation DYNAMIC Technical Lobbying forward thinking Meetings FOCUSED TRAINING knowledgeable staff Expertise COMMUNICATION “BCF have had another outstanding year, growing from strength to strength addressing their members’ needs, undertaking some great lobbying activity and achieving record levels of growth. Their high level of professionalism and great effectiveness as an organisation has meant that this year, the judges had no difficulty in declaring BCF the very worthy winner of the TAF Best Practice Awards Trade Association of the Year for 2017.” - Linda Cavender, Chief Executive of the Trade Association Forum 16 BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2018/19