The Dutch Association of Finishing Contractors (NOA) prominently displays the message on its membership brochure: "You focus on finishing, NOA takes care of the rest." "And that's precisely why companies in the finishing industry become members," explains Bob Buijs, sector manager of the NOA.
“I'm not handy at all myself,” Bob begins.
"Fortunately, I'm a very good fit for NOA, having two left hands. In fact, I help more effectively by listening carefully to their needs and allowing our association to help from there. I don't have to tell our members how to do their jobs."
A wide range of services
The NOA has been representing the interests of its members for years. There are now 1.600 of them, and that number is continuously growing. And because they have existed for so many years, the range of services has also increased enormously. Members can turn to them with business issues (so you don't need to go to your expensive accountant for that at all), questions about the CLA and legal support, but you can also turn to the NOA for information on legislation and quality assurance.
"Our members aren't always easy to reach," Bob continues. "They're busy working, busy with their assignments, and they come to us when something really needs help. Yet, we're always visible and present with our regional meetings, our periodic newsletters, our NOA magazine, and our annual members' meeting to keep everyone informed of relevant developments in the sector."
NOA. A quality label
When companies become members, they consciously choose quality. They're focused on their business and operations, their internal processes, and the market. This gives them the opportunity to brainstorm in times of need, and we offer free initial assistance. "For example, we have an in-house lawyer with years of experience in our industry. Sometimes you just want to check in before proceeding with a lawsuit," says Bob. "Our members are all busy, all make mistakes, and sometimes need help communicating effectively with clients or handling matters properly. That's what we're here for."
“Most parents don't teach their children that working with your hands is a lot of fun.”
One of the biggest focuses for 2023 is the Finishing Academy. This brand-new component, launched on February 14th in collaboration with the CNV and FNV unions, helps industry employees with online and offline training, but also supports employers with topics such as career planning, subsidies, and innovation. Bob: "It's absolutely essential that we help companies with training. There's a high demand for qualified personnel. By offering training through the Finishing Academy, it becomes more attractive to continue learning, employees stay informed about developments, and professionals remain sustainably employable."
Member meetings and member benefits
TrackJack has been a partner of the NOA since December. Members receive benefits from a wide selection of relevant partners. These include discounts on company cars or passenger cars, office supplies, materials and tools, as well as insurance and advice on acquisitions.
And now, fiscal trip logging is also part of the package of member benefits. “Our members all have business vehicles on which they do not want to pay any tax addition. Keeping track manually is simply no longer feasible. And it aligns perfectly with the NOA motto, because thanks to the automatic trip logging system, the entrepreneur can focus all their attention on winding down,” Bob continues.
“The journey registration allows the entrepreneur to focus fully on the reduction.”
Besides keeping the sector informed about current events, the NOA organizes engaging gatherings. These can include on-site meetings with manufacturers and suppliers. Bob: "On these days, you can discuss relevant information with members, and professionals can finally catch up. We also organize annual events for the sectors, such as the Flooring Day in April, followed by the Finishing Trade Days on November 8th and 9th for finishing companies, plasterers, ceiling and wall installation companies, flooring and terrazzo specialists, block installers, and natural stone workers."
Bob concludes: "There's actually just so much to do. But we enjoy doing it."
