The British Footwear Association is the body for UK-based suppliers of footwear. Members can take advantage of a wide range of benefits which are continuously being updated. These are described in more detail on this site but they include:

• Marketing services and detailed practical advice on exporting. Representation at key overseas fairs and access to UK grants for overseas shows


• Access to a wide range of professional partners enabling members to raise sales, cut costs and generally act more effectively


• Industry statistics, contacts and experience to help market research into the British and overseas footwear markets


• Free legal advice including employment relations and legislation, health and safety and environmental issues as well as commercial and contractual matters.


• Negotiations on employment terms and conditions in British footwear factories with the Community Union - (www.community-tu.org)


• Networking opportunities with like-minded footwear and fashion business people


• Representation to Government of members' views in the UK, and through the BFA membership of the European confederation, in Brussels


• Close links with Skillfast-UK - the Sector Skills Council for the footwear, leather, clothing and textiles sectors - to tackle the skill needs of the British footwear industry


• Excellent connections with Britain's world-leading design and technical colleges


• A close relationship with the trade press here and abroad to ensure appropriate publicity for the sector. The BFA acts as the ears and eyes of the industry.


• A one-stop-shop for information on anything related to running a footwear business, whether manufacturing or designing, importing or exporting