About BAFD
Where we came from
Although its name has changed the BAFD has represented the interests of British fastener distributors for nearly seventy years. Formed originally in the early 1940s, as a national association of bolt and nut stockists, its early aims were to balance the post-war domination of British fastener manufacturers.As the landscape of British fastener manufacturing and distribution evolved, at some points radically, the Association sought to adapt its role. Renamed for several years the National Association of Fastener Stockists, we became the British Association of Fastener Distributors in the late 1990s. In the last five years we have carefully reviewed our role and restructured our activities to bring our membership relevant and timely information and support in an often fast changing global fastener market. In July 2009 the Association became a non-profit making company limited by guarantee - British Association of Fastener Distributors Ltd.
Our membership
BAFD encompasses a wide and varied membership, ranging from the largest fastener wholesalers and importers in the UK, through to fastener distributors, from multinational corporations to smaller family-owned local business, serving virtually every kind of fastener consumption in the manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, construction and building sectors.There are three categories of membership:
General membership is open to any UK company, in which fastener distribution comprises a significant proportion of their business activities.Executive membership is open to similar companies but provides additional meeting opportunities, information and support.
Associate membership is open to service providers to the UK fastener distribution sector, including systems suppliers and media.
What we do now
Representation: BAFD represents the interests of its membership with the UK Government and institutions, with the media and, through founding membership of the European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA), with the European Union and European organisations. In particular BAFD has been energetic in opposing the imposition of protectionist measures such as antidumping duties, in the firm belief that open and uninhibited world trade of fasteners ultimately presents the best value to its members and their customers.Worldwide links: Through EFDA, BAFD's links extend to fastener distribution and manufacturing organisations throughout the world, including major consumption and supply markets like the United States, Taiwan and China.
Products & Standards: BAFD contributes to the development of fastener standards and specifications through involvement with the British Standards Institute.
Meetings & Analysis: BAFD holds meetings throughout the year focused on issues directly related to the UK and worldwide fastener industry, including raw material and supply chain trends, legislation and regulation, and product development. Executive members receive frequent online industry-related news updates and all members receive regular briefings on key and breaking issues.
Training & Support: BAFD has developed CD-Rom based training and technical reference resources for its members and is currently looking to develop new training options, designed to further enhance knowledge in the UK fastener industry.
Networking: BAFD provides a unique forum in which fastener distribution businesses of all shapes and sizes can meet, share knowledge, and work together to achieve greater levels of professionalism in the UK fastener market.
To learn more about BAFD activities and current fastener related issues, or to find out more about our members and their service capabilities, please explore our website.
If you would like to know more about membership of the BAFD please use our Contact page to get in touch with the Secretary of the Association who will be pleased to assist you.
