Introducing the 2025 CFA Members’ Handbook: A Trusted Go-To Resource

By Richard Catt, CEO of CFA

I am pleased to launch this year’s hard copy CFA Members’ Handbook. Re-produced below is the introduction to illustrate how we have presented CFA members to potential clients:

“Welcome to the 2025/2026 edition of the CFA Members’ Handbook.

This handbook has always been more than just a directory, it’s a trusted go-to resource for architects, clients, main contractors and specifiers who value professionalism and quality. That trust comes from the strength of our membership: highly skilled specialist flooring contractors, respected manufacturers, distributors, and consultants. All vetted. All committed to excellence.

Staying connected to CFA members in today’s fast-changing world means tapping into a quality-driven supply chain. People and businesses who not only know their craft but care about doing things right. If you’re wondering what value you get by working with a CFA member, I believe this handbook gives you a great starting point.

One area I’m particularly proud of is the progress we’ve made with our Future Fitters guidance, which now includes a fresh focus on Women in Flooring. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s about creating real opportunities, raising awareness, and bringing much-needed diversity to our workforce. Women are still underrepresented in floorlaying, and that needs to change.

We’ve also just published the 2025–2026 edition of the CFA Guide to Sustainability, which looks at how collaboration across the supply chain is key to building more resilient, responsible, and future-ready flooring solutions. Sustainability continues to be a major priority for us, and this guide reflects that.

In these and other critical areas, the flooring industry continues to evolve at pace. Whether it is sustainability, competency, or technical advancements (e.g., underfloor heating or moisture measurement) CFA remains at the forefront translating new technology and regulatory changes into practical guidance for our members. We’ve responded to government consultations, updated our technical advice, and developed tools to help installers navigate complex challenges, such as heat pumps and site conditions.

Helping members adapt and grow is at the heart of what we do. Our guidance around the Building Safety Act, competency frameworks, and best practice on site reflects our commitment to keeping members, and the wider supply chain, compliant, competitive, and confident.

Our site conditions campaigns remain central too. They shine a light on the importance of correct installation environments, something we all know is essential for professional standards and quality outcomes.

To explore CFA campaigns, technical guidance, training, and free downloadable resources, visit www.cfa.org.uk.”

CFA contractor/associate contractor membership costs just £810.00 plus VAT per year. If you consider the coverage, promotion, and business opportunities that the CFA handbook and website alone offer, it easily justifies that investment. 

If you add all the other benefits that CFA membership brings, like business helplines, dispute resolution service, free credit checks and a vast array of templates (e.g. disclaimers for laying on a damp floor or poor site conditions, general terms and conditions, H&S policy, quality policy etc), discounted training through FITA and lots of networking opportunities, it becomes even more compelling. The CFA helps you work smarter not harder, finding solutions for your everyday problems so that you don’t have to.

The CFA is a leading trade association representing the flooring Industry. If you would like an application pack or further information on the benefits of membership, please contact the CFA offices on 0115 941 1126, email or apply online at www.cfa.org.uk.