THE GUV'NOR

Dennis Griffiths

There is an organisation that provides a valuable forum across our industry, says the licensee of the Miners' Rest in Barnsley, South Yorkshire

A problem shared is a problem halved, or so the saying goes.

I believe this to be true and have spent my 35 years in the trade actively involved with trade issues.

Recently, I discovered the existence of the United Kingdom & Ireland Licensed Trade Association.

For others who are as ignorant as I was about the organisation, let me explain briefly.

The association meets

bi-annually and comprises trade bodies from England, Northen Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Last week marked the 50th meeting of the association and was chaired by president Paul Stevenson.

During the meeting, the delegates discuss issues that are common to all sides, issues that may affect one or more association only, and the political differences and similarities between the nations.

The big issue on the agenda was deep discounting at the supermarkets.

The major players, Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsburys, operate all over the UK - hence they are a common problem to all the nations present.

The agenda was robust and the discussions were both useful and informative.

My point is that, although a significant geographical difference exists between these nations and a few very notable differences in the trades themselves, the dialogue exchanged is absolutely priceless for

our trade.

For example, issues in Scotland regarding regulation and police enforcement

often pass over the border

to England. More can be

done to anticipate and combat these problems

if the communication lines between the countries stay open.

There are a lot of things threatening our industry at the moment and the way forward is for Britain to band together. Following the meeting, a combined statement will be made.

Hopefully the information gathered at these meetings could be used to benefit the industry throughout the whole UK.