BFM membership
We can support you.
Our mission is to be the voice of our industry. Furniture trade association membership provides effective representation and a range of appropriate services that embrace the needs and add value for our members.
BFM Membership is designed to enhance your business and your business interests as part of a collective body supporting your industry. As a member of BFM, we are Stronger Together.
BFM membership will give you access to a wide range of benefits and services that will help your company grow.
Benefits of BFM membership include:
Promote your business
Benefit from your own company profile page, detailing the services and products that you offer within the member directory section of our website.
Improve your profitability
We help you control your costs with commodity pricing data for foam chemicals, upholstery fibres, feathers, steel, wire, springs, fabrics, leather, timber and packaging. We conduct regular wage surveys and management of the BFM/ GMB National Labour Agreement.
Employment law
You will get 24-7 access to BFM’s online guidance, handbooks and downloadable templates related to Employment law. We will support your company with free, up to date advice through our telephone helpline and discounted rates with our employment solicitor.
Technical and legislative guidance
Members benefit from dedicated specialists who keep you up to date on technical developments and legislative changes crucial to the industry. Access
to online technical standards, resources and advice on subjects including EUTR and Chain of Custody.
Commercial legal advice
Before hiring solicitor – try our free legal advice help line with lawyers to assist with legal questions. This service covers commercial legal support on subjects including commercial contracts, data protection, intellectual property and insolvency.
Discounts on a range of services
BFM members get preferential rates at the January Furniture Show. The BFM’s wider network includes energy consultants, productivity consultants, ACID, financial services and more. As a member you receive special discounts to all of these.
Benchmarking and trade data
Receive market intelligence support with regular reports on industry performance and online trackers of economic, trade, production and consumer
indicators. Dedicated industry state of trade, wages and price trends surveys with full exclusive reports.
Industry news and alerts
You will be kept up to date with the latest news in the world of furniture. Our newsletters and bulletins, supplied exclusively to members provide up to date coverage on important industry matters – direct to your inbox.
Education, skills and learning
To combat the threat of a widening skills gap, trade associations from across the UK furniture and interiors industries have united under a single banner – the Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (FIESTA). BFM is part of this.
Suppliers directories
Be part of BFM’s comprehensive supplier directory. An A-Z online hyperlinked list of suppliers to the trade, covering a huge range of categories and services. Includes a selection of leading independent furniture retailers. Available free
to members.
Export services
Accredited as a DIT Trade Challenge Partner and members of Export Partners UK. Our trade portal offers an online source to help with your export plans.
Codes of Practice
Manufacturers:
To become an Approved member a company should demonstrate that at least 50%, by output of its sales volume, is UK manufactured.
Retailers:
To qualify as a ‘BFM Approved Retailer’ you must sell products made by British furniture manufacturers in the UK, although not exclusively.
Approved members can use the Approved Member logos to add value. For manufacturers it is a sign that you are a British Furniture Manufacturer and an Approved member of the BFM Trade Association. For Retailers it is a sign you stock British-made furniture in store. The logos can be used on websites, letterheads, marketing and promotional materials, social media etc.
Lobbying and representation
The BFM is part of the British Furniture Confederation and is in constant dialogue with all key government departments. Get your voice heard through our wide network of committees that work to improve the industry and benefit your business.
Health, safety and environment
Let us help to keep your workers safe and keep your business compliant to avoid prosecutions. Members benefit from 24-7 access to BFM's online guidance, handbooks and downloadable templates. We will support your company with up to date advice through our free telephone helpline and individual on- site support at heavily discounted rates. Members received monthly EHS bulletins. Ask for full details.
Point of sale toolkit for retailers
A toolkit is available for retailers to promote British-made products in store. This includes point-of-sale information for the shop floor, on your website, letterheads, social media, vehicle livery and exhibition stands.
