opinion

Paul Smith considers the way forward for the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association

From time to time, a trade association should take a long look at itself, who and where it is, and where it wants to be in the future.

Beda (Bar Entertainment & Dance Association) is currently having a dialogue with its members, asking questions and looking to build on its success as an effective voice for those members.

The responses so far have been very encouraging. Members like the service they are getting, but see the value in moving ahead. Change is actually part of Beda's DNA.

We started in the 1950s as the Association of British Ballrooms and morphed into the British Entertainment & Discotheque Association, before settling on our current name several years ago.

Beda will emerge from this process with a clear sense of purpose and a future mandate. One thing that is evident is the need to focus on the shifting political landscape. This means keeping one eye on the horizon, with the other on the here and now. This has to be the best way of protecting members' interests.

By "political", I don't just mean attending endless meetings at the Home Office and the Culture Ministry, which are a crucial part of maintaining our Westminster connections. Being political also means trying to take the temperature of the bigger issues affecting our sector.

We need to trumpet the cohesive qualities of alcohol and not just let the anti-alcohol lobby maul us over alcohol's divisive qualities. Adults need to be informed - not nannied. Finally, we need to shape debates where our industry captains are viewed as business equals - not just cash cows to be milked at will.

Beda has always fought very successfully and will continue to do so. With political savvy and a day-to-day connection to our members, we have created a strong and effective unit. Whatever form Beda takes

in the future, these core values will remain.

Paul Smith is Beda's executive director