Benefits
Individual Membership
In addition to representing and promoting the professional standards of the Visual Merchandising industry to the wider business community the BDS also provides:
- The opportunity to network with other VM members within The British Display Society
- Inclusion onto the BDS database if you are seeking Freelance work
- A right to attend at the BDS Anual General Meeting
- Opportunity to join the BDS Council
- Opportunity to have your work published in Newstalk magazine
- Opportunity to have your work published on our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Enhance your professional standing with letters after your name
- Use of the BDS logo on your CV and portfolio
Corporate Membership
- The endorsement of the British Display Society to increase your company’s credibility
- Association with our work in education, centres of excellence and our prestigious history
- Use of the BDS logo on your stationery and publicity materials
- Listing on the BDS website with a link to your website
- Opportunity for contact with other Corporate Members and the ability to network
- The right to attend and vote at the Anual General Meeting
- Opportunity of applying to join the BDS Council
- Opportunity to contribute with editorial or free advertising within our Newstalk magazine
- Opportunity for your directors and staff to apply for Individual Membership which awards personal affixes
- Opportunity to advertise on our Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram pages
- Cost is £150 for first year, £200 subsequent years
Member MBDS
Open to those who have no formal training in display, but have a general interest in display/visual merchandising design.
£20
ASSOCIATE ABDS
ABDS Recognition is open to those who have been actively engaged in commercial practice for a recommended minimum period of five years.
Applications for Associate recognition must be accompanied by a full C.V.
After three years, holders of ABDS recognition may formally apply for Fellowship (FBDS) recognition.
£40 Concession for retired member £20
LICENTIATE LBDS
Licentiate (LBDS) recognition is open to those who have been actively engaged in the delivery of design courses, as distinct from those engaged in commercial practice, for a minimum of three years.
It is recommended that applicants for Licentiate recognition must hold formal design qualifications and have worked in the education sector for a minimum period of three years and be fully conversant with training students and others in visual merchandising or display design practice at a college of further education or other educational establishment recognised by the Council of the Society.
Applications must be accompanied by evidence of teaching qualifications, a full C.V.
Holders of LBDS recognition are entitled to attend the general meetings of the Society.
After three years, holders of LBDS recognition may formally apply for Fellowship (FBDS) recognition.
£40 Concession for retired member £20
FELLOW FBDS
Fellowship (FBDS) recognition is open to those who have held Licentiateship (LBDS) for a minimum period of three years or Associateship (ABDS) recognition for a minimum period of three years.
Applicants for FBDS should provide a current CV together with additional work or information showing achievement which the Board may deem appropriate to the application. This should include applicable examples of or access to examples of, full C.V. of designs or projects produced by the applicant. Electronic portfolio preferred.
NB: Fellowship recognition can also be conferred by the Award Board on persons whose work and achievements within the industry have gained national or international recognition.
£60 Concession for retired member £30
CERT BDS
CERT.BDS recognition is open to those who have successfully completed a VM and approved course or alternative course of design studies.
£20
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
The BDS encourages companies to consider application for Corporate Membership. Click here for the list of benefits.
£150 for first year, £200 subsequent years
£60 Concession for retired member £30