Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The British Home Enhancement Trade Association and the British Jewellery, Giftware & Finishing Federation are coming together to create a “super federation”.
The move follows a 95% vote in favour of the collaboration from BHETA members.
The new federation will provide the industries concerned with a united and substantial lobbying voice, stronger representation at the highest levels of government and an upgraded membership offer.
A merging of facilities will also help control administrative costs: the new entity will see the executive team at BHETA’s Northampton offices relocate to the BJGF Federation’s headquarters at Federation House in Birmingham.
Commenting on the move, BHETA chief executive David French said: “With 2008 proving to be one of the most testing economic environments in the 50 years since our association was formed, this initiative will create a strong and resilient super federation that will represent all our industries powerfully and decisively into the next decade and beyond.
“Whilst many other companies and organisations are facing down-sizing or even closure, we’re making this move from a position of strength and we’ll continue to operate with a well-funded financial base. This new super federation will allow each sector association within it to retain its own voice and control its own destiny, but allow us, as a group, to fund a more comprehensive range of benefits and services to all our members.”
The new federation will be renamed in due course; details of future branding and strategy will be announced shortly.
The assets and interests of both associations will be ring fenced and protected for the first two years of the new union.
