Caroline Nodder: Where is the publicans' voice?
I've banged on about the general failings of trade associations a fair bit over the last few years, and I've no doubt put a few noses out of joint in doing so.
But I'm not going to apologise for that. In a trade where independent operators are so prevalent, and the business model is so very complicated, it is vital that both existing licensees and newcomers to our industry have the right support network to thrive.
Recent experience has taught us that a lack of decent representation can be catastrophic. I blame a significant chunk of the woes facing pubs today on our failure to lobby effectively, or in many cases even find a common voice.
Trade associations have become entrenched in the need to justify their existence, or indeed in some cases have become mere vehicles for promoting the careers of those who work for them.
What seems to have been lost is the selflessness that, for example, Tony Payne showed in leading the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations (FLVA). Tony is one of the nicest people I've ever met.
He's never been in it for his ego. He genuinely cared for the pubs he served and his honest voice was a welcome and refreshing one in the walls of Westminster where he frequently stuck up for pubs during committee meetings. It's telling that since his retirement the FLVA has lost this voice almost entirely.
There are no more Tonys in the pub trade association world any more. The organisations instead continue to play a game of one-upmanship and where they do come together to discuss an issue there is palpable tension. They fight for members and for profile. And the only loser is the pub trade itself.
This week we see the BII launch a new initiative aimed at encouraging newcomers into the trade. All well and good. But what about existing publicans? Who is working behind the scenes on their behalf? Who is representing their views to government, or challenging the powers that be over issues affecting their businesses?
The major groups which should be doing that seem to have been side-tracked. The BII with its qualifications and pubco codes of practice. The Fair Pinters and Justice for Licensees who have only one narrow train of thought between them. The FLVA which has seemingly lost its way. None of them seem to have the focus to fulfil this role, and all of them have very small - or falling - membership numbers.
I realise that many publicans have taken up the mantle themselves, getting out to see their local MP, talking to local press about their business and responding to government consultations. But surely one of our trade associations should also shoulder the burden with them?
If anything pub companies seem over represented by associations, given that the vast majority of UK pubs are operated by individuals.
Where is the publicans' voice?
