We really value feedback from our members and regularly monitor which benefits are most used and which benefits members find the most helpful.
Ranging from industry-specific training, access to international markets, increased marketing opportunities and exclusive discounts, there are many different ways organisations use their membership.
To help you and your business leverage your BESA membership, we’ve put together a list of 10 benefits of being a BESA member.
1. Gain valuable market insight with regular research
In the ever-changing world of education, it’s essential to understand the market, buying behaviour and budgets and how they might impact your business.Â
BESA produces over 20 reports a year for members showing snapshots into certain sectors as well as in-depth research including our thematic research reports, Barometers and the Compass Research series.
2. Get the latest advice and training from industry experts
BESA’s schedule of events is always popular amongst members, providing timely and high-quality training and insight. Popular topics have included selling to schools, effective marketing and exporting and we’re always adding more based on changes in the market.Â
Offered either free of charge or at a discounted member rate, the events give you access to industry-specific training and insight that can be shared with your whole team.
3. Keep connected and informed with Special Interest Groups and Working Groups
With such a diverse market, BESA recognises the importance of bringing together members with common interests to share ideas and information.
Covering exporting, furniture, Early Years, SEN and more, these groups give members the opportunity to discuss their areas of special interest and keep their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the industry.
4. Share your content
Did you know you can share press releases, product case studies and news articles directly to the BESA blog? You can publish a 600-word article every two weeks, giving your organisation the chance to showcase your content to a wider audience and improve your SEO with valuable backlinks.
5. Influence lobbying and decision makingÂ
BESA works closely with the government on behalf of all members and we are committed to lobbying for all necessary support to help our companies thrive.
We are the secretariat of the Education All-Party Parliamentary Group, the Ed-Tech All-Party Parliamentary Group, as well as holding the seat of Deputy chair EdTech Leadership Group.Â
If you have an issue you would like to raise, please contact our Policy Manager Peter Doyle.
6. Explore International markets
BESA can work with you to maximise export opportunities by providing training, business leads, notification of tenders and market reports.
In light of travel restrictions, we have worked with the Department for Business and Trade to run virtual trade missions to enable you to explore new markets without the need to travel.
7. Save money with exclusive discounts
BESA members are entitled to exclusive discounts and benefits from a range of high-quality provides to the education sector including advertising, training, recruitment, events and Quest Business Support Services.
8. Be seen by more teachers
Reach more teachers with the DfE-supported online platform LendED.Â
Offering schools the opportunity to search, select and trial EdTech resources for free, it’s recommended by the DfE for remote learning and is exclusively available to BESA members at no extra charge.
9. Stay in the loop with weekly updates
Every Friday BESA circulates a full and thorough newsletter to all members. Each edition includes Policy Updates from across the education and government sectors and the latest events schedule covering conferences, webinars and training opportunities.
For potential business development ideas, Tender Updates provide links to the latest UK and international opportunities. The latest industry news is broken down for you, helping you to keep on top of key stories. And all of this is topped off by crucial BESA updates from Director General Caroline Wright.
If you’re a member and are not already receiving these updates, email besa@besa.org.uk to add your name to the circulation.
10. Gain industry recognition
There is nothing quite like the recognition and respect of your peers or customers when it comes to industry accolades. And BESA is involved with several prestigious industry awards to help members.
The Education Resources Awards highlight quality and diversity of educational products and resources, excellent educational establishments and the most dedicated members of the teaching profession and supplies industry, all working together to encourage the very best in education. BESA members are eligible for a discount for entering.
We hope this gives you a snapshot into the wealth of resources and benefits available to you as a BESA member.
Do you have new members in your team? Remind them to create a BESA account on the website and share with them this page so they can get their most out of your company membership.
If you have any questions about your membership, please don’t hesitate to contact our Membership Manager, Sam Butter who will be happy to help.
