Member Services
Export Group
Full members may send representatives to quarterly Export Group meetings. This is a forum where issues relating to the ebb and flow of international distribution of Members' products are discussed and useful information exchanged.
Topics discussed at its regular meetings include: market statistics; forthcoming shows and their relevance; and conditions in specific overseas markets. Newer members can gain a valuable insight into the process of selling successfully in foreign markets.
The Export Group also handles the BFA sponsorship applications for UK Trade and Investment-SESA financial support for overseas exhibitions.
UK Group
A packed agenda includes such issues as UK exhibitions, WEEE Directive, ROHS Directives, market matters such as Trading Standards issues, joint activities with BADA [British Audio Dealers Association] , the BFA Awards and Dinner, and contentious subjects such as international music & video software/hardware Standards.
The UK Group is given reports on BFA Public Relations and BFA Operations
activities, plus UK-relevant input from the BFA Statistics Service.
Funding for Overseas Exhibitions
The BFA continues to retain sponsorship from the UK Trade and Investment-SESA, which provides financial support for audio and video industry companies taking part in overseas exhibitions. BFA members and other qualifying companies can obtain a grant towards the cost of stand/room hire and other allowable expenses to a maximum of between £2,000 - £2500.
Currently, the BFA has been awarded sponsorship for CES, Munich, and Moscow. Bids for China and CEDIA USA have also been lodged.
Technical Sub-committee
Working closely with the Intellect Technical Committee, the BFA sub committee tackles burning technical issues that directly affect audio manufacturers. One significant success was to design and develop a loudspeaker connector capable of satisfying stringent new EU regulations that came into force in 1997.
Statistics Service
Members submit confidential UK and export sales information each month, which is processed independently. Because the BFA's membership represents over 75% of UK hi-fi loudspeaker production and a large proportion of UK electronics manufacture, the statistics distilled from Members' input gives arguably the most accurate and authoritative picture possible of the UK hi-fi industry.
Members find these statistics invaluable in determining trends and helping predict future sales patterns. Statistics are free to Members who consistently submit figures.
Public Relations, Operations and Secretariat
The BFA employs experienced professionals to provide Public Relations, Operations Management and Secretariat services. Our World Wide Web Site offers up-to-date information on Members, their products and services. Members with their own sites are linked to the BFA site to provide additional valuable exposure on this increasingly dynamic network.
Board of Directors
The board presides over the activities of the BFA in general, the various groups and sub-committees and the relationship with Government [Department of Trade & Industry] Trading Standards and Intellect. Through our affiliation with Intellect we enjoy access to vital British Standards information and contact with the Confederation of British Industry and EU organisations.