The association for your business

The British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA) is the business association for the British contract furnishing industry. Our members are leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of furnishing services to the office, hospitality, education and healthcare industry.

Who we are and what we do

Established in 1970 The BCFA is the only business association dedicated to serving the UK contract furnishing market. Members furnish buildings throughout the UK and many operate on a worldwide basis. The potential applications are extensive and include; hotels, restaurants, offices, schools & universities, hospitals, carehomes, cruise ships , outdoor spaces, sporting and leisure venues - in fact anywhere outside the domestic housing market.

The aim of the BCFA is to encourage and maintain levels of excellence in design, innovation, product quality and in particular in customer service.

Promoting designers, manufacturers and suppliers of contract furnishings the BCFA takes a strong commercial stance to improve the business prospects of its members. Key activities include active networking forums, a government lobby, exhibitions, publications and professional development. This is in addition to providing independent and authoritative advice on key industry issues.

The BCFA has a range of activities to support members in their quest to turn opportunities into valuable new business. This support platform allows them to take advantage of the ever changing global economy in ways that they could not do alone.

How do we help our members...

• In depth research on the market, news & business opportunities
• Bringing the member's products and services to the attention of the market via the web, members' directory and relationships with the industry press
• Networking events facilitating opportunities to meet buyers and to build relationships with existing customers
• Channelling members’ views to government & regulatory bodies and ensuringtheir interests are protected.
• Providing knowledge through our education programme
• Appointed representative by the Government to provide guidance to UK companies on promotion overseas including access to government funding.
• Agreeing preferential rates with service companies that may be used by members.
• Product & project endorsement through BCFA accreditation & awards schemes.
• Membership of the industry trade association endorses your status in the industry.

‘Over 4 decades many companies have used membership of the BCFA to create successful businesses. In this highly competitive industry membership of the BCFA gives tangible benefits and provides a vital marketing advantage. Customers can expect a commitment to excellence from BCFA members.’ Carolyn Mitchell, BCFA Director, Contract Sales Director Walker Greenbank.

Specific benefits include:

• ACAS – Advisory Conciliation & Arbitration Service.
• ACID – Anti Copying in Design – 20% discount on membership for new members
• BCFA Fuelcard - potential substantial savings on diesel fuel
• BCFA Library - an extensive literature reference point for members
• BCFA Solutions - managed by RHG – unique commercial insurance cover specifically for the contract furnishing industry
• BCFA Web portal – free entry in members listing and products/services listing
• Blandy & Blandy Legal Services - discount available
• Creditlook - a specialist service that can help you to reduce your exposure to bad debt
• Employment Law & Health & Safety Backup with Citation plc
• Envirowise – free practical environmental advice for business
• Exhibition Rates Discount - members receive discounts on space at specific exhibitions
• Independant Buyers Ltd - benefit from discounts on a wide range of products and services that are offset by a savings guarantee
• Legal Lawcare help line - free to members
• Management Skils Training with Cosensa - BCFA member discount.
• PHP Private Medical Health Care Scheme & Travel Insurance - specially arranged BCFA package.
• Sales leads with Emap Glenigan – 25% group discount available
• British Standards Service - copies of standards held for reference. Beneficial discounts on purchase available to members.
• Recruitment portal - Free to members

Click here to view BCFA brochure