Press Releases and Merger News

**Summary of Press Releases and Merger News**
19 November 2009 - Double-digit Duo 30 September 2009 - Big day for small retailers - BHF and bssa merge	6 November 2009 - Credit Card Costs Cut

Double-digit Duo
19th November 2009

Record-breaking results in both the Direct Company and the Clearing House have followed hot on the heels of the merger of BHF Group and BSSA.

Clearing doubled its October throughput with a year on year increase that took the monthly turnover above £20 million for the first time.

Direct produced an October turnover 13% ahead of the same month in 2008, taking the year to date increase to 10%.

Mick Weedon, deputy group managing director said: "These would be wonderful results at any time, but in a year in which we have been challenged by both the recession and the merger, they are doubly so. Clearing has demonstrated amazing flexibility by incorporating the whole of the BSSA equivalent in just a couple of months and Direct continues to confound expectations with double-digit growth against all the economic odds. It demonstrates that the potential for the new group to serve up great services and great results for its members is immense. Bring on 2010."

Credit card costs cut
6th November 2009

BHF Group members switching from any other provider are being offered three months’ free terminal rental to encourage them to switch to the new deal. To make the switch, all members have to do is phone the new customer telephone number of 0800 731 8921 or, for further advice, the BHF-BSSA Group membership department on 01295 713 333. Click here to visit the relevant webpage.

A big day for small shops
30 September 2009

Hard-pressed independent retailers got some good news today (30th September) when their two prime trade associations signed the formal merger documents creating the leading member organisation for non-food high street shops. The new body, BHF-BSSA Group, formed to strengthen the supporting services and representational power of thousands of local shops, was unveiled at a signing ceremony at the Army & Navy Club in London's Pall Mall.

New Group CEO Alan Hawkins said of the merger: "Bringing together these two well-established retail trade associations has to be the right move for the members. With over 8,000 retail members we will speak as the most important group representing small and medium non-food retail businesses. The increased negotiating power for our services, a larger market into which they can be delivered and real economies of scale will all help bolster the ability of the association to support its members at a time when it is needed more than ever."

John Dean, retiring CEO of BSSA was equally expansive: "The resources, skill and expertise being merged into the new organisation could not be brought together at a better time. The heritage of both groups will be protected, but more importantly, the enhanced value for money and strengthened range of services will make membership of the BHF-BSSA Group an absolute must."

Communications Director Michael Weedon added: "Expect to hear from us about every issue that bears disproportionately on the independent high street retailer, whether it is regulation, business rates, employment, age-restricted sales, town centres, taxes, planning, competition or any of a hundred burdens heaped on them by government. This new body will have a loud voice to shout for the independent."

To watch the video of National President Sadie Chalkely's speech marking the merger click here.