Much of the legislation which either impacts or threatens the UK vending industry, comes from Brussels and therefore the work done by the European Vending Association (EVA) is essential to making sure that vending has its say at the highest level.
Having Brian Tustain as our recently re-elected AVA United Kingdom representative on the Board of the EVA, ensures that the Association is closely involved and up to date with the key issues.
Brian comments: “It is our prime objective to ensure that whenever vending is mentioned in any political context, the AVA should be the first point of contact in the UK and the EVA the first point of contact in Europe; for politicians, legislators and researchers alike. Together as one industry voice, we are able to provide the correct facts, knowledge and information before any potentially damaging comment is made and action taken.”
The current key issues being influenced by AVA include:
• threats from separate business rates
• levies on vending machines
• counterfeit coinage and new coinage design and implementation
• the healthy eating lobby
• food labeling, food packaging and environmental considerations
• development and agreement for industry standard protocols, WEEE, RoHS and efficient energy usage, to name but a few.
Brian concluded: “Being reactive as well as pro active is the key to successful lobbying. We have much specialist expertise from within the AVA membership to call upon, and we must ensure our voice is a strong and influential one. There is no doubt that together we have made considerable progress in this area of late, and that we have much more to do on a continuing basis”
A full update and regular explanation by way of a bulletin will be sent to AVA members shortly, outlining the implications for their business.
AVA Diary AT A GLANCE
7 September – South East regional meeting – Uplands House, Devere Conference Centre, High Wycombe
29 September – Board and members meeting in Exeter
12 October – Northern regional meeting
21 October – Special event evening hosted by Jonathan Hilder
9 November – N Ireland meeting
10 November – Eire meeting
1 December – Board and members meeting in London
7 December – South West regional meeting
Events are added regularly so make sure your diary is up to date.
Full details of these are available on the AVA website –
www.ava-vending.co.uk or call 020 8661 1112
