British Jewellers' Association

The British Allied Trades Federation

The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) formerly The British Jewellery, Giftware and Finishing Federation (BJGF) is a Federation of trade associations, representing companies in the design, manufacture and supply of giftware, travel goods and finishing industries. The trade associations represented at Federation House are: Surface Engineering Association, The Giftware Association, The British Jewellers’ Association, Jewellery Distributors’ Association and The British Travelgoods and Accessories Association. The offices are conveniently located in the Jewellery Quarter area of Birmingham, where many BJA members’ businesses are located.

The BATF represents the interests of more than 2,600 member companies employing between them 46,000 people. Collectively, the industries represented by the BATF are estimated to be worth £22 billion.

A Brief History
In 1887 Birmingham Jewellers & Silversmiths Associations (BJSA) was founded, formed by local companies concerned with various problems in the Jewellery Trade, including crime, training and poor state of business. In 1949 BJSA becomes involved with organising exhibitions, with the Fancy Goods Association organising a trade fair at Harrogate. This fair grew to take over the whole town and so was subsequently moved to Blackpool. In 1970, the name changes to British Jewellery & Giftware Federation and in 1991 the Federation moved to purpose built headquarters at 10 Vyse Street. Another name change followed in 2004 to the British Jewellery Giftware and Finishing Federation. A further name change was made in 2011 to The British Allied Trades Federation which is what it is know as today.

Mission Statement
It is the mission of the The British Allied Trades Federation is to provide professional central services to the five Trade Associations operating within it.

Aims and Objectives

• To provide a range of central support services to the Member Trade Associations including office accommodation, accounting, IT, Company Secretarial and personnel services.
• To promote and facilitate co-operation between the Federated Trade Associations.
• To safeguard and manage return from the assets.
• To promote the Federation’s profile and maximize influence with appropriate business organisations and government bodies.
• To enhance Members trade development opportunities in all markets and provide a wide range of import and export related services.
• To be supportive of the BATF Benevolent Society. 
• To encourage other appropriate Trade Associations to join the Federation.

Benevolent Society
The Benevolent Society is a registered charity which provides assistance and support in many ways to those who once worked in the industry sectors the BATF represents who may have fallen on hard times. BATF hold annual events to raise money for the charity which includes the 5-a-side Football Tournament and the Benevolent Society Ball. There is also a Beneficiaries Outing that takes place each summer as a treat for those the charities assist.