The BESA Membership Year in Review

As we close in on the end of the financial year, we want to reflect on what we’ve achieved together as part of the BESA community. Your membership is at the heart of BESA, and over the past 12 months, we have worked hard to support and champion member suppliers in the sector. 

The year marked a transition, with Caroline stepping back from the role of Director General for special leave. During this period, BESA ensured continuity in our advocacy and support for members. The BESA team has worked tirelessly to uphold our mission, and we remain committed to delivering the highest standards of service for you. 

Representing the sector 
In December, the Department for Education (DfE) launched a review into Oak National Academy, something BESA has long advocated for. We pushed for a full market impact assessment, and we are pleased that members had the opportunity to demonstrate the impact the ALB is having on the EdTech and curriculum sector. 

Throughout this, we have continued to work together with the DfE positively on key sector developments including generative AI in schools, digital and technology standards, procurement policy for physical goods, and trade policy and international opportunities. Members like yourself had the opportunity to contribute through related consultations and our Special Interest Groups.  

In the lead-up to the General Election, we provided campaign support, ensuring educational suppliers’ voices were heard. We continue working with the new Government to drive positive change and keep members at the heart of discussions. 

We represented your interests in other critical settings, including: 

• Curriculum and Assessment Review to shape discussions on national education priorities 
• Challenging anti-competitive practices, including successfully campaigning to stop a poorly scoped in-class curriculum resources procurement and challenging the DfE’s proposal to allocate free Amazon Prime accounts to every English school. 
• Chairing the All Party Parliamentary Group for Education on benefits of outdoor learning 
• Organising a townhall for members with new Bett Director Duncan Verry, allowing them to shape the future of the world’s biggest education event 
• We continue to act as a conduit between the sector, the Government, and key stakeholders, ensuring members uphold fair and responsible trading practices through our Code of Practice.

Insights to support decision-making
BESA provides you exclusive access to valuable market intelligence. Last year, we published 11 industry reports, offering insights on school spending, policy shifts, and growth opportunities. Key reports included: 

• The State of the Estate – Examining the condition of school infrastructure
• BESA Barometer (four editions) – Tracking sector sentiment and sales/marketing activity
• Compass Report (three editions) – Key market trends and opportunities
• ICT in Schools – Technology trends shaping today’s classroom
• Fiscal Landscape in English Schools Report – Understanding school funding and budgets
• Export Report – Tracking international business growth and opportunities

These insights continue to be one of the most valued benefits of membership. Click the report titles to explore in more detail.

Bringing the sector together
Networking and collaboration are at the core of our mission. Over the past year, we:

• Hosted 32 free webinars, engaging and providing training to over 1,300 attendees
• Held 27 Special Interest Group meetings, bringing together sector leaders to work through issues within their sector
• Organised 7 CEO roundtables, facilitating higher-level discussions on key industry issues
• Delivered 5 conferences, including on AI, selling to schools, future of the curriculum and hosted the prestigious BESA Awards 

From flagship events like the Winter Business Insight Day to trade shows such as Bett 2025 (where 93 BESA members exhibited with a 5% stand discount!), we created valuable opportunities for members to connect and collaborate.

        

Supporting international growth
BESA has played a crucial role in helping members break into new markets and drive their export growth. Key initiatives included:

• International delegations to connect you with overseas partners
• Contributing to the consultation on the International Education Strategy and hosting a town hall between members and the Department of Business and Trade on the same 
• Participation in global trade shows to strengthen members’ export potential, with fringe events and additional opportunities at Bett Asia, Gess Dubai, ISPN Middle East, EduTech Australia, Didac India, Bett Brasil and through trade missions to South Africa. 

Looking ahead
We launched our 5-year strategy last August, and to drive this forward, we have updated internal systems and unveiled a new BESA website. These developments will enhance the way we support, connect, and represent you.

Thank you for being part of BESA. We are proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to continuing to advocate for you. 

Best wishes,

Caroline Wright
Director General, BESA
 
Julia Garvey
Deputy Director General, BESA