BESA Industry Newsletter - February 2025
British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA)
Trade association for the UK’s trusted, quality educational suppliers dedicated to driving excellence in education.
Dear BESA community,
Welcome to this edition of BESA’s Industry Newsletter!
It’s been a busy and exciting time here at BESA, and we’re thrilled to share our latest updates and highlight upcoming opportunities for you to get involved.
BESA at Bett 2025
A hub for innovation, collaboration, and community
What an incredible three days at Bett Global 2025 at ExCeL London!
The event kicked off with a keynote speech from Bett Director Duncan Verry , Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson, followed by an address from our Director General Caroline Wright , who highlighted the crucial role of educational suppliers in driving innovation to support schools.
We were also honoured to host the Department for Business and Trade Export Minister Gareth Thomas, who joined our Deputy Director General Julia Garvey and BESA members EverybodyCounts Ltd , ACTION MATS LIMITED , The National College , TTS Resources , Wonde and White Rose Education who are successfully exporting on the stand to discuss their international trade needs. The Minister was introduced to several BESA members across the show floor to learn more about their contributions to the sector.
A huge thanks to our BESA Executive Council members - Philip Wesolowski , Matthew Koster-Marcon , Stuart Abrahams , Sven Huber , Patrick McGrath , and Dawn Hallybone - for escorting visiting international delegations from Pakistan, Mexico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Korea. Their efforts facilitated valuable connections and conversations between these global groups and exhibiting BESA members.
Our newly designed BESA Stand served as a buzzing hub for members and industry experts alike. The Presentation Zone became a space for insightful discussions, with passionate, member-led presentations offering valuable takeaways. A big thank you to presenting members who engaged audiences with their insightful sessions - Learning by Questions , IRIS Software Group , HONEYCOMB EDUCATION LIMITED , ESPO - Public Sector Procurement , 亚马逊 , NetSupport , Wonde , Teacher Tapp , Fonetti , Talk Straight Group , Britannica Education , ReadSpeaker , The Happy Confident Company , TTS Resources , Vivi , PAGS Assessment & Provision , Educake , White Rose Education , Skolon UK - digital learning for everyone , JELLYJAMES PUBLISHING LIMITED .
We held our annual Networking Reception, kindly sponsored by Pearson , where we saw companies and representatives from all over the world come together to connect and celebrate. Les Hopper kickstarted conversations with a short walk-through and Q&A on the latest?Pearson-Cebr research?on how targeted annual investment in digital transformation in schools could contribute up to ￡8.7 billion for the UK economy in 10 years.
And we can’t forget the brilliant Bett Awards, where we saw BESA members take home prizes in various categories. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees - Olex.AI, Teachmate, LGfL - SuperCloud, EdShed, NetSupport, PAGS Assessment & Provision, 2Simple (Know My School), ClickView, Learning Ladders Education, Speech & Language Link, The National College and Developing Experts.
If you're looking to exhibit at Bett 2026, secure your space now and take advantage of a 5% member discount on your stand. 72% of the Bett 2026 floorplan is already booked out, so do get in touch with us at [email protected] as soon as you can or find out more at besa.org.uk/join-us.
Policy Activity
Evidence of Impact - Tradeshow Access Programme
BESA has committed to providing positive evidence of the impact of the Department for Business and Trade’s Tradeshow Access Programme, to build a case for reinstating funding to help suppliers access international tradeshows and export opportunities. If you are an educational supplier (members and non-members) who has received a TAP grant or other DBT financial support to grow internationally, we’d like to hear from you. Please fill out this?form by Friday, 20 February to help strengthen our submission to the Treasury ahead of the next financial year.
Parliamentary Inquiry - Solving the SEND Crisis
The Education Select Committee sought evidence on short term actions to stabilise the SEND system which is currently experiencing increased demand, protracted waiting times and increased pressure on schools and local authorities. The Committee will be looking at how, beyond stability, long term sustainability of the SEND system can be achieved to support and improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
BESA formulated?a response on behalf of members to the Education Select Committee’s inquiry into SEND.
Market Impact Assessment - Oak National Academy?
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 negative impact the ALB is having on the EdTech and curriculum sector.?
BESA has now formulated a response to the Department for Education’s Market Impact Assessment of Oak National Academy, with contribution from members that have seen their commercial operations impacted by the ALB to contribute. We are awaiting the publication of the results to see what steps, if any, will be required. To find out more about the consultation, get in touch at [email protected].
Curriculum Conference 2025
Shaping the future of the curriculum
To facilitate a sector-wide contribution to the Curriculum and Assessment Review last year, BESA invited members working in the curriculum sector to for their thoughts on the existing curriculum, what it does well and not so well, over a series of roundtable discussions. We have now submitted a comprehensive response which covers the curriculum and assessment regime from Key Stage 1 all the way through to Post-16.??
As the government progresses with the review, our Curriculum Conference 2025, taking place on 13 March at No 11 Cavendish Square in London, will bring together policy experts, educators, and industry leaders to explore how these changes will affect schools and suppliers.
Key topics include:
Member, non-member and group tickets are now available – learn more and secure your spot here.
BESA Awards 2025
Celebrating excellence in the educational suppliers’ sector
The BESA Awards return this year with an expanded ceremony and awards event, bringing together the UK’s top educational suppliers to celebrate innovation, excellence, and impact.
Following last year’s success, the 2025 event is set to be even bigger and better, supported by Headline Partner Wonde , Supporting Partner The Education Company and Category Sponsor Freeths .
Welcoming the exciting new format, our Deputy Director General Julia Garvey said, ‘BESA has a long heritage of supporting and championing those companies who provide goods and services to schools. As the industry body we wanted to establish a set of awards to really shine a light on the excellent people, teams and initiatives in our sector. To win a BESA award is to be recognised by the foremost body in the industry for your outstanding contribution.’
This year’s awards will take place on 10 July 2025 at the iconic Armoury House, a new dedicated venue for an afternoon of celebration, networking, and recognition of the best in the sector.
Beyond the ceremony, you can expect:
Learn more and submit your intention to enter today! The deadline for entries is Friday, 21 March 2025.
For inspiration and advice on completing your entry, join us for a session on Tuesday, 18 February with Martin Bailey to find out more on what catches the judges’ eyes, how to differentiate yourself from the competition, and the critical dos and don’ts of a successful application. Register here.
Bett Brasil 2025
Connecting global education leaders
Looking to expand your presence in Latin America? Bett Brasil is the region’s largest education and technology event, attracting over 28,000 professionals and 270+ exhibitors annually.
Exhibiting at Bett Brasil is an opportunity to:
·?????? Boost your brand’s global visibility
·?????? Engage with key decision-makers in Latin American education
·?????? Showcase your innovations to a highly targeted audience
·?????? Be inspired by cutting-edge edtech and thought leadership
?If you’re interested in showcasing your products and services in this market or require more market information, do get in touch at [email protected].
Our new website has launched!
Last month, we launched our newly revamped BESA website - a modern, user-friendly space designed to improve your experience and provide faster, easier access to key resources.
What’s new?
?This update is the first step in our 5-year strategy, and we can’t wait for what’s ahead. Explore our new site here: www.besa.org.uk
?The BESA Membership Year in Review
As we come to the close of the financial year, Director General Caroline Wright and Deputy Director General Julia Garvey reflect on the past year in BESA activity and membership. To see how we supported members and the sector over the year, take a read here.
If you’d like to get involved in any of these opportunities or have questions about BESA membership, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected]. Thank you for being a part of the BESA community and we look forward to connecting again soon.
Best wishes,
The BESA Team
?
CTO at Everybody Counts
2 周Great to be mentioned here for talking with DBT at BETT - I voiced my opinion at the time on how vital their support is - https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/robinfairless_bett2025-edtech-uktrade-activity-7288586186766364673-9paY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android