If you’ve been reading this column since John Austen & I took over the reins from our friends Richard and Debbie Schwarz, you’ll already be aware that I’m a big advocate of industry associations – not only from a consumer’s point of view but also for anyone in the trade; be they fitters, craftspeople, suppliers/retailers or the manufacturers themselves.
 

As a consumer, you’ll know that (generally) your service provider or supplier will have had to meet specific and often strict criteria to be able to join the trade body in the first place and that with some associations, members will have had to virtually jump through hoops for access to that all important membership card.
 

If anything goes wrong with your job or your new furniture or equipment, you’ll know that you’re not on your own and will be able to contact the relevant trade body for advice or conciliation – and in some cases, some real help.
 

And as someone in the trade, your membership means that you’ll attract custom you might otherwise not have enjoyed, from people who’ll only do business with a member of a reputable organisation. And if the worst comes to the worst, you’ll be able to call on the association for support over issues you may face with regard to your customers.
 

What better way to illustrate some aspects of what I’m saying than with the statement issued this week by The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, pledging support for members who may be worried about their livelihoods as a result of Betta Living having to call in the administrators this week (see below for more information).
 

What makes it even better is that this support is being offered to non-members too…
 

There are a lot of ‘one man bands’ working in this industry, who have families to feed and mortgages and bills to pay. The comfort provided by such an offer must be invaluable under the circumstances, so well done BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters and the team for offering to get involved.
 

I understand that Betta Living’s administrators are already talking to people who may be willing to invest in the company, so let’s hope we can bring you some better news on that in next week’s issue.