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We are for brighter futures and best practice.
At BESA, we’re driven by the needs of suppliers and educators. We’re a not-for-profit organisation run by an Executive Council that’s appointed by our members. Our success shows in member satisfaction and educational outcomes, rather than shareholder returns. We are backed by over 90 years of experience.
We are principled.
Every one of our members signs up to our Code of Practice. It’s a condition of joining BESA – and one of the qualities that sets us apart as an organisation. A commitment to responsible business practices and high-quality products and services, our Code of Practice brings educators trust and lasting peace of mind.
We have brought suppliers and educators together for over 90 years.
Our industry leadership is based on almost a century of sector expertise. With our origins in the Educational Exhibitors Association, we went on to launch the influential annual Bett technology exhibition (now the Bett Show) and the Education Show before becoming BESA in 1991.
We’ve played a major role in the creation of the Education World Forum, been the driver of Gess Dubai, the leading educational event in the MENA region, and are the force behind the LearnED Roadshow, which supports the Department for Education’s digital strategy.
Today, BESA is the voice of a sector that plays a key role in UK education, with our members’ combined turnovers exceeding £2billion.
1933
Educational Exhibitors Association (EEA) formed to provide UK exhibitions for teachers.
1960
Name changed to Educational Equipment Association. Industry recognised that its trade body needed to embrace an influencing role.
1970
To navigate an ever more complex political environment, first full-time Director General appointed.
1985
Bett launched as the High Technology & Computers in Education Exhibition. Director General, Dominic Savage and Timothy Collins lead launch.
1989
Worked with UK companies and banks to create the Turkish Universities Project. 33 Turkish unis re- equipped with UK equipment valued at £67million.
1991
Introduced the Education Show. Part of BESA’s promise to ministers
1993
British Educational Equipment Association rebrands as British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA).
1996
After judicial review, YPO appointed representative of public purchasing consortia. More level playing field for public and private sector suppliers created.
1999
Observed educational furniture was built based on pupil sizes in 1960s. Started EN1729: a process to
create a new European standard for educational furniture.
2002-03
Ran Digital Learning Alliance campaign against the BBC. Won judicial review, successfully challenged BBC’s proposal for a Digital Curriculum.
2005
Achieved £500 million + e-learning credits to support the ed-tech industry.
2006
Won case against BBC in European courts. BBC Jam found to represent illegal state aid.
2007
BESA starts BES Dubai. This becomes precursor to GESS Dubai, the main educational event serving
the Gulf region.
2008
With cross-party support, BESA starts the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Education. Celebrated
75th Anniversary.
2011
BESA involved in creation of the Education World Forum (EWF). In 2016, EWF attracted 82 ministers
worldwide.
2012
BESA introduced its Launchpad scheme for start-ups under two years’ old.
2015
BESA members’ recorded turnover exceeds £2billion for the first time.
2016
Caroline Wright appointed Director General in July 2016.
2017
BESA ‘s “Resource our Schools” initiative leads campaigning for a properly funded education system.
2018
BESA accompanied Prime Minister, Theresa May, to China to showcase the best of British education.
2018
BESA announced joint venture partnership with EdTech Exchange.
2019
BESA launched its LendED portal – an online platform for schools to trial EdTech products for free.
2019
BESA launched the LearnED roadshow: a series of teacher CPD events, in association with the DfE, to support the the DfE digital strategy. The roadshow won Silver Best New Association Conference or
Event at the Association Excellence Awards.
2019
BESA started BESS Vietnam, the first UK exhibition in this market.
2019
The BESA Women’s Educational Suppliers Network was launched.
2020
BESA moved offices from Canary Wharf, home to the organisation since 1988.
2021
BESA published its Diversity and Inclusion principles.
2023
BESA launched the BESA Awards, celebrating the excellence of UK educational suppliers and their contribution to raising global educational standards.
We provide free technology trials to schools.
FREE no-obligation trials of EdTech products.
We’ve worked with the Department of Education to develop LendED, a free online lending portal for EdTech products. With more than 100 BESA members – all well-known EdTech suppliers – offering more than 200 products and services, it offers educators the latest in EdTech with an assurance of quality and reliability. What’s more, every product is available to try before you buy, completely free of charge.
