Becoming a member
Does it cost to join?
Yes but its worth it! You can either pay by credit or debit card and the Direct Debit mandate is also available with a 10% discount on BFA business membership which can be set up quarterly or annually.
How much does it cost?
The annual fee for BFA business membership is £120.00 including VAT. Direct debit will give 10% discount and is a 12 month commitment. The Institute of Professional florist has different levels of membership and differing prices, please see the membership application form on https://britishfloristassociation.org/the-institute-of-professional-florists/iopf-membership/
Which membership do I choose?
BFA membership is for those florists with a Florist business and Institute of Professional Florists membership is for an individual florist that is working/freelancing for other floristry businesses but also for students or tutors at accredited colleges.
When do I pay?
You pay once you’ve completed the application form. When we have verified and approved your application and happy that you are what you say! This will take approximately 5 working days and then we will process the membership. If the membership criteria are not suited to you, we will let you know and either offer an alternative membership or refund.
Do I have to have a high street bricks and mortar shop to part of the BFA?
No you don’t, event florist and studio florists can join the BFA providing your workshop/studio is a dedicated space at home, as we regrettably do not accept applications from home workers without a dedicated area for business. Also your business website must be operational and your business must comply with all the legal requirements, for example your business must have the relevant public liability insurance and must also be registered with the HMRC. Just make sure all the information is completed on the application form to save time with the approval process of your application.
What are the benefits to joining the BFA
Gosh where do we start! As well as all the corporate benefits, we have a resources centre which includes wedding contracts, risk assessments and employment contracts. We also discount member tickets for our events, you receive the quarterly magazine for members only and your opportunity to build your CV through IPF.
We do peak period posters, Instagram images, Facebook covers and website images all for free, including 36 funeral images that can be downloaded for your website. Press releases for our business members, Bloom room business seminars, Facebook group and business information is available in the members area.
Your business profile can be uploaded onto our Find a Florist website page, giving the consumer an easy way to find you and your business.
We have social media, PR, and Membership departments as well as, Training and Education Committee and Events team. When we get a call from the newspapers, television, exhibitors and consumers we can make sure that you are informed. When wedding magazines call us looking for gorgeous images of bridal bouquets we call a BFA florist. BBC TV and Radio regularly contact us and we email all our BFA florists in the area and surrounding areas that the story follows.
Do I have to be an IPF member as well as business membership when I work from a unit rather than a shop?
No you don’t. If you want to have access to the members area and a profile on Find a Florist. Belonging to the Institute of Professional Florists should be an essential part of your portfolio as it will endorse you to your customers and the public in general that the BFA are maintaining standards within our Industry and also that our members are participating and recording continuous professional development. Don’t forget you can use the relevant letters that you will be entitled to use behind your signature. (not applicable to students). The IPF membership is also discounted by 50% if you already have BFA business membership.
I would like to be an IPF member, but how do I know which category is for me?
Simply go to https://britishfloristassociation.org/the-institute-of-professional-florists/iopf-membership/ and read the levels of the IPF membership.
Renewing or changing my BFA membership
How do I renew my membership?
Click here for all renewal memberships.
https://britishfloristassociation.org/bfa-membership-renewals/
https://britishfloristassociation.org/marketplace/iopf-membership-renewals/iopf-membership-renewal/
You will not need to complete the whole application form again, simply fill in your details and ensure you use the correct email address for logging in purposes.
Can I change my membership?
Yes at any time. Email Claire in membership@britishfloristassociation.org for changes to your membership details or category. We are here to help.
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes you can. Sometimes your circumstances will change. Direct Debits must be cancelled with your bank and please inform us that you have cancelled your DD, however, quarterly direct debit are a 12 month commitment and payments will be taken till the membership expires. Direct Debit that has been cancelled, you will still be responsible for the remainder of the fees.
Find a Florist
When can I go onto the Find a Florist website and upload my business profile?
Once you have been approved then you will be sent your membership welcome pack, member number and the instructions on how to get on the Find a Florist website to upload your profile and photographs. When you log into the members area with your user name and password, this will also give you the option to update business profile.
Is the BFA and Find a Florist a relay?
No, not at all. The BFA are here to help the florist grow and promote. We are here to help you and the industry pull together. The Find a Florist website gives the consumer the opportunity to find their local florist and a florist in their preferred town for delivery. The rest is up to you.
Personal Information and Payments
Does the BFA share my personal information?
No. We do not share your personal information with any third party. Please see our privacy policy.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes. Your personal information is important to us. Please see our privacy policy.
When is my direct debit payment collected?
Your direct debit payment is collected at the end on the annual payments or every quarter, depending on your agreement with membership and direct debit set up.
How can I cancel my direct debit?
Direct Debits must be cancelled with your bank and please inform us that you have cancelled your DD.
Is it a problem if I change my bank?
No not all, but if you have a direct debit payment for your membership please inform us to ensure things run smoothly for your next payment.
How do I change my personal details?
Please send your changes of personal details to membership@britishfloristassociation.org
Are there any rules and regulations?
Yes. First read all the terms and conditions and you must uphold the ‘Code of Conduct’. This gives the consumer the reassurance that you are a professional florist and as such behave reasonably when dealing with complaints, contracts, employment etc.
