As CFA president, Alan encourages members to make the most of networking opportunities. In an era where virtual meetings have become the norm, there’s still no substitute for meeting people face-to-face.
PEOPLE do business with people, and that’s why I’m passionate about the CFA AGM and Day at the Races on 17 July at Leicester Racecourse. Richard Catt, CFA CEO, has already shared the details in his CFJ article this month, and I can only reinforce his message: this is an event you don’t want to miss.
Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards, it’s about building trust, strengthening relationships, and having conversations that lead to real opportunities. I’ve been in technical sales for many years, and I know that the strongest business partnerships are formed in person. You can’t replicate the same engagement over a screen. Virtual meetings have their place, but let’s be honest, many of us have seen how their effectiveness has declined. During the coronavirus pandemic, everyone was glued to their screens. Then we moved to “camera on but distracted.” Now, we’re at the stage where some people register for meetings but don’t even log in!
That’s why, during my presidency, I’m actively encouraging as many CFA meetings as possible to have an in-person element. CFA events provide the perfect platform for this. They aren’t just about socialising; they create real business opportunities. They help connect manufacturers, distributor contractors, and clients in a way that benefits everyone involved. Whether it’s a technical update, an industry exhibition, a golf day, or a race day, these events give members the chance to build relationships, share knowledge, and ultimately grow their businesses.
That’s why F. Ball & Co. Ltd. and I personally support CFA events and the many we attend, and I encourage all members to do the same. If you’re serious about growing your business, expanding your network, and staying ahead of industry trends, these events are for you. I’ve included the whole of this year’s calendar below so that you can see all the events run or supported by the CFA.
All CFA members should also keep an eye on the CFA newsletter for further details on upcoming events. I’ll be attending many of them, so if you want to chat about the industry, share ideas, or simply enjoy a great networking event — there’s a good chance you’ll see me there! Let’s make the most of every opportunity to meet, connect, and do business together.
CFA’s 2025 Events Calendar – Make the most of your membership
- 28th January: CFA Members Meeting – Technical update on moisture measurement and anhydrite screeds
- 24th April: CFA Golf Day – The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands (fully booked).
- 20th-22nd May: Clerkenwell Design Week, London.
- 18th June: CFA Day at the Races – Hamilton Park Racecourse, Scotland (book now!).
- 24-26th June: InstallerSHOW 2025, NEC Birmingham.
- 27th June: The Big Construction Diversity Challenge, Newark Showground.
- 9th July: CFA Members Meeting at FITA Loughborough – Naturals theory and installation (Details TBC).
- 17th July: CFA Day at the Races, Leicester Racecourse – book now!
- 28th August: CFA Scotland Networking Lunch & Golf – Kinross Golf Courses (bookings launch May 2025).
- 21st-23rd September: The Flooring Show, Harrogate.
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