The Dutch Association of Finishing Contractors, NOA, has it written in bold on its membership brochure: ‘You focus entirely on finishing; NOA takes care of the rest’. “And that is precisely why companies in the finishing sector join,” says Bob Buijs, sector manager at NOA.
“I’m not at all handy myself,” Bob begins.
“But luckily, even with my two left hands, I’m perfectly suited to working at the NOA. In fact, I’m better able to help by listening carefully to their needs and letting our association assist them from there. After all, I don’t need 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 many years. There are now 1,600 members, and that number is growing steadily. And because the organisation has been in existence for so long, the range of services has also expanded enormously. Members can turn to the NOA with business-related issues (so you don’t need to go to your expensive accountant at all), questions about the collective labour agreement and legal support, but you can also contact the NOA for information on legislation and quality assurance.
“Our members aren’t always easy to reach,” Bob continues. “That’s because they’re at work. They’re busy with their assignments and only come to us when there’s a real issue. Nevertheless, we’re always visible and present through our regional meetings, our regular newsletters, our NOA magazine, and we hold our annual general meeting to keep everyone informed of relevant developments in the sector.”
NOA. A mark of quality
When companies become members, they are making a conscious choice for quality. They are focused on their business and operations, their internal processes and the market. It gives them the opportunity to bounce ideas off others in times of need, and we offer free first-line support. “For example, we have an in-house solicitor with years of experience in our sector. Sometimes you just want to check where things stand before proceeding with a case,” says Bob. “Our members are all busy, we all make the odd mistake now and then, and sometimes need help to respond properly to a client or settle matters smoothly. That’s what we’re here for.”
“Most parents don’t teach their children that working with your hands is great fun.”
One of the key priorities for 2023 is the Afbouwacademie. This brand-new initiative, launched on 14 February in collaboration with the CNV and FNV trade unions, helps employees in the sector with online and offline training, whilst also supporting employers on topics such as career planning, grants and innovation. Bob: “It is absolutely essential that we help companies with training. There is a high demand for qualified staff. The courses offered through the Afbouwacademie make it more attractive to continue learning, keep employees up to date with developments and help ensure that skilled workers remain employable in the long term.”
Members’ meetings and member benefits
Since December, TrackJack has been a partner of the NOA. Members are offered member benefits from a wide selection of relevant partners. These include discounts on company cars or private cars, office supplies, materials & tools, as well as insurance or advice on acquisitions.
And now, tax-compliant journey logging is also part of the package of member benefits. “Our members all have business vehicles on which they don’t want to pay additional tax. Keeping track of this manually is simply no longer feasible. And it fits perfectly with the NOA’s motto, because the automatic journey logging system allows the entrepreneur to focus all their attention on scaling down,” Bob continues.
“Thanks to the journey registration system, the entrepreneur can focus all their attention on phasing out.”
As well as keeping members informed about what’s happening in the sector, the NOA organises enjoyable events. These might include on-site visits to manufacturers and suppliers. Bob: “On these days, you can discuss relevant information with members, and tradespeople can finally catch up with one another again. We also organise annual events for the sectors, such as Flooring Day in April, followed by the Finishing Trade Days on 8 and 9 November for finishing contractors, plasterers, ceiling and wall installation firms, flooring and terrazzo specialists, block setters and natural stone workers.”
Bob concludes: “Actually, there’s just so much to do. But we’re happy to do it.”
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