AVA chief executive David Llewellyn
The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) has released the results from its annual member survey this month, highlighting widespread industry support for continued remote collaboration to deliver positive change.
The survey, which gained 68 company responses from the AVA’s 180-strong member base pinpointed AVA lobbying on key legislation as crucial in the industry’s post-pandemic recovery.
In response to this feedback, the AVA has enlisted reputation management agency, Definition. The topics and issues covered include the ongoing lobbying for support from the Government’s Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG), Additional Restriction Grants (ARGs), an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for hospitality businesses.
AVA members also utilised this survey to highlight the need for ongoing technical advice and knowledge updates, both during the end of lockdown and when restrictions ease. The AVA has seen a 50% increase in technical and knowledge advice since the pandemic began and has pledged to continue this with a busy webinar and internal committee schedule into 2021 and beyond.
David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA stressed: “The Automatic Vending Association is dedicated to upholding the needs of our members in what is still an immensely difficult time for their respective businesses. However, members should also be encouraged to join the effort to lobby for support, as we are more likely to be successful in our fight if more members show enthusiasm across the United Kingdom.”
“Ways of doing this range from sharing the AVA’s social content and sharing content of your own online, all the way to reaching out to your local MP with our press releases to engage support on a local and national level.
“With the support of our members, local members of parliament and communications team, we can look to rebuild from the damage the pandemic has done to business in the wider foodservice industry, including AVA members.”
