The support and experience of other people in the same situation can be of huge benefit to a licensee when the pressure is on. John Porter looks at the help trade associations and unions can give.
Considering that running a successful pub is all about providing a convivial atmosphere in which people can meet and enjoy a drink, meal, game of darts or chat with their mates, it might be stretching a point to describe being a publican as a lonely occupation.
Nevertheless, when the pressure's on, running you own business can sometimes seem like a very solitary occupation indeed. At those times, the support and experience of other people in the same position can be a life saver. That's where trade unions and trade associations come in.
Associations connected to the pub trade, from the Guild of Master Brewers to the many Licensed Victuallers Associations (LVAs) which operate around the country, have a long history, but remain very relevant to today's businesses. LVAs provide practical support and advice on a local and national level, as well as providing a useful social network for local publicans. However, some of the local associations have suffered from recruitment problems in recent years, so your support for your local LVA will probably be very welcome.
The fact that the licensed trade has been something of a political football in recent years, means that lobbying the Government on various issues has become an important part of the work of trade associations. Along with the LVAs, associations such as the ALMR and BLRA (see directory for details of these organisations) have aimed to take an active role in leading the industry.
Perhaps one of the best known of the "new breed" of professional bodies is the British Institute of Innkeeping. The BII aims to put the trade on a more professional footing, providing training and support in all areas of the business. The BII now has over 16,500 members, and last year awarded over 53,000 qualifications.
Listing of trade unions and associations
The following is a listing of some of the major trade unions and associations which represent individuals and businesses involved in the licensed trade.
There is a range of grades of membership available aimed at those in different stages of their career in licensed retailing. The BII also has a range of qualifications aimed at both those new to the industry and experienced licensees looking to improve certain aspects of their business.
A new benefit for members is the Federation's website, which will act as a "pub search" for NI pubs. Each member will have a page on the website