Covered Covered Spring 2018 | Page 14

BCF NEWS BCF HQ to move to Coventry BCF’s new premises in Coventry In November last year, the BCF Board gave the go ahead to the BCF team to start looking for a new home in the Midlands. Having steadily built a reserve of almost £1m in the past 5 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. 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. 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. 14 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.” Tom Bowtell added: “I’m also thrilled, but sadly the move will mean losing several key members of the team at the end of May, and I’d like to personally thank Ulla Read, Karen Traies, Jackie Lennard and Tina Abbas for all their support and energy in helping the BCF be such a fantastic association, and I wish them all the best in the future.”   Covered Spring 2018