BFA BECOMES FULLY INDEPENDENT BODY

The British Federation of Audio
PO Box 365
Farnham
GU10 2BD
Phone: + 44 (0) 1428 714616
Fax: + 44 (0) 1428 717599

e-mail:
chrisc@british-audio.org.uk

The British Federation of Audio (BFA), formed in 1994, has now become fully independent. Having recently relocated - and with membership at an all-time high - the Federation is even more firmly placed to continue its position as an impartial central identifying authority around which the industry can rally.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee held on September 4th 2001 it was also considered that it was appropriate for the BFA to become a Limited Company. Registration has now been completed and the BFA became Incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee on 14 August 2001. Members liability, should the BFA be wound up, will not exceed £1. Arrangements are in hand to change the Federation's stationery following which members will be sent a Certificate of Membership together with copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The BFA is now an Affiliate Member of the Federation of the Electronics Industry (FEI).

The BFA is to maintain and improve its industry statistics service to members and will continue to expand its UK Sales Group and Export Group. Membership of the Federation is open to any company, organisation, magazine or individual working in the UK, in the field of consumer audio-video.

It has now been confirmed by British Trade International financial support that, for the third year in succession, BFA sponsorship for the annual International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has been approved. Companies can claim and qualify for reimbursement of 60% of their exhibiting expenses at the Show - to a maximum of £2,300. Although not all companies will necessarily receive the maximum, the potential savings to the UK audio industry – thanks to the BFA – can be substantial. This year's savings (for CES 2001) amounted to almost £50,000! Companies wishing to take advantage of this agreement must contact Chris Cowan at the BFA today. The grant is available to all complying UK audio exporters (including non-BFA members) for an exhibition stand or exhibition room.

Further Aims and Objectives of the British Federation Of Audio

• Broaden membership to be more representative of the entire specialist industry.
• Present a unified voice for the industry.
• Establish an open forum for communications between manufacturers and distributors
• Establish an open forum for communications with dealers.
• Improve the promotion of quality consumer audio.
• Promote high standards of quality, design and workmanship.
• Promote and improve industry training.
• Provide assistance with the collection, collation and dissemination of meaningful industry statistics.
• Monitor and lobby government regarding UK and EC legislation.
• Monitor new trends in the industry.
• Work on obtaining DTI aid and support for UK exporters.
• Create an open forum for exporting members to share information.