Looking back over 2009 I am pleased to report on a good year for the Association and to assure members that we continue to plan for the future.  It was an exceptional year, the deepest recession that most of us have worked through and the toughest period for retail trading anyone can remember. The industry has faced the tightest restrictions on cash availability, credit insurance and working capital ever experienced.

A major issue has been the pressure on forward ordering; many companies are having to learn how to work with retailers who want to commit later and do their buying during the season, rather than ordering in advance. Many more retailers are adopting the 'Just in Time' approach to avoid overstocking and improve cash flow. However, companies have slimmed down, worked positively and innovatively with suppliers and customers alike, and are now facing 2010 with a great deal more optimism than seemed likely six to eight months ago.

We are pleased to report that the BTAA has come through the year stronger and more representative of the industry. New members have been appointed to our National Committee and overall our membership has increased by 18%. Members continue to appreciate a very beneficial range of discounts and services negotiated on their behalf. The BTAA and federated Associations has lobbied hard on "issues of the day" such as Anti-Dumping, Agents legislation and Credit Insurance.  

The BTAA was represented at 16 trade fairs across the country where we assisted members and provided valuable back-up where necessary. The Association collated feedback from members and successfully represented their views to exhibition organisers. We are also very pleased to have negotiated trade show discounts for our members exhibiting at “Chic” and “Boutique by Chic”. We have continued to work with our export department to secure funding for overseas trade missions for our members.

The BTAA website is very successful and receives an increasing number of “hits” from the UK and around the world. Site visitors can find valuable information on members’ products and services and many sales leads have been generated as a result. The website provides members with a comprehensive source of information, news and assistance with quick links to the BTAA member services, up-to-date advice on news, legislation, trade fair information and project/export opportunities. BTAA members can include their products in the product search facility and the continued popularity of the website competitions is a valuable additional marketing tool.

The BTAA has gone from strength to strength over the past few years and I would like to thank everyone on the National Committee for their help and Diana Fiveash, our Chief Executive, for her hard work and continuing enthusiasm and commitment to the industry. I must also add that I have enjoyed my first year of Chairmanship and feel as committed today as I have always been regarding the crucial role the BTAA plays within our industry.

Members can be proud of our Association and we should continue to provide our support so that the BTAA can effectively represent our industry.

Robert Wills

BTAA Chairman

February 2010