Gun Trade Insider
February 2025
In this edition
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MAJOR FIREARMS LICENCE FEE INCREASES AMID SYSTEM INEFFICIENCIES
The government has announced increases of up to 157 percent in firearms licensing fees across England, Scotland, and Wales. The hikes are intended to achieve full cost recovery for police forces, but stakeholders argue they burden rural businesses and firearm owners.
FIREARMS LICENSING FEES UPDATE
The Brabners team take an in-depth look at
INSIDE EMMETT & STONE
Katie Herbert reveals how Emmett & Stone became
MAKE THE MOST OF SHOW SEASON
We are now in the midst of show
GMK WELCOMES ALI ANGUS AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER
UK distributor GMK, based in Hampshire, has announced
Viking Arms appoints Kevin Sayers to the sporting sales team
Viking Arms Ltd, based in North Yorkshire, has
SPORTSMAN GUN CENTRE REVEALS NEW STAND AND PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS AT BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW
The Sportsman Gun Centre (SGC) is set to
HUMANE ANIMAL DISPATCH SCHEME EXPANDS NATIONWIDE
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - GIEDRIIUS The Humane Animal
FORESTRY RANGER AWARDED SIX-FIGURE SETTLEMENT AFTER RIFLE MALFUNCTION
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - WILLIAM BARTON A wildlife ranger
JOHN RIGBY & CO. CELEBRATES 250 YEARS OF BRITISH GUNMAKING
London gunmaker John Rigby & Co, Britain’s oldest
NEW FIREARMS FEES: PROGRESS OR MORE FRUSTRATION?
The Labour government’s revised firearms licensing fees follow a long Home Office review. Simon West, executive director of the Gun Trade Association, highlights ongoing frustrations with service standards and calls for greater accountability and improvements.
NEW FIREARMS LICENSING FEES: WHAT GUN TRADERS NEED TO KNOW
The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 will come into effect on 5 February 2025. This Order is said to ensure that police forces can recover the full costs of processing firearms licences, the fees in respect of which have not been increased since 2015.
TOP PICKS FROM SPORTSMARKETING
Sportsmarketing (SMK), the UK’s largest air rifle and pistol distributors, continues to expand its range with products designed to meet retailer demand and maximise profit margins. From premium German engineering to innovative replicas and custom branding opportunities, the following highlights provide insight into the key products that can boost your store’s appeal and profitability.
FAMILY VALUES AT THE HEART OF RANGE RIGHT’S GROWTH
With nearly three decades of experience, Range Right has become a cornerstone of the British gun trade. Led by managing director Gill Peters and her son Jake, the family-run business thrives on hard work, strong client relationships, and a dedication to delivering top brands and exceptional service.
WHEN AN INSPECTOR CALLS…
Are you ready for your RFD renewal? Specialist firearms licensing solicitor Laura Saunsbury guides readers through preparing for the all-important police inspection that is central to the RFD certificate renewal process.
SUBSONIC – PROS AND CONS
Subsonic rounds have always been surrounded by mystery or misunderstandings. They are also somewhat complicated from a technical point of view, which might not be widely appreciated. Here, Hexagon Ammunition’s Paul Bradley breaks down what Subsonic rounds are, why they might be used, how they are made, and the pros and cons associated with them.
LEADING OUTFIT INTERNATIONAL’S UK EXPANSION
With a fresh strategy for 2025, Mike Storey takes charge of Seeland and Härkila sales, aiming to drive growth, support retailers, and celebrate Härkila’s 40th anniversary in the UK market.
HOLTS’ RECORD AUCTION AND THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF MUZZLELOADERS
Danish journalist Steen Andersen reflects on his experience at Holts’ record-breaking auction and traditional English shoot.
EMMETT & STONE
We speak to Katie Herbert of Emmett & Stone and discover how one of the most well-respected stores in the industry came to be.
ENABLE TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION, NOW
The gun trade operates in a highly sensitive and security conscious way in every regard. We maintain high ethical standards and implement strict processes, yet again and again I see people and businesses falling foul of basic security lapses online by using the same password for everything, having overly simple passwords, clicking on emails without checking the link, and more. The most common kinds of digital security failures are all overcome by two-factor authentication (2FA), writes digital expert Philip Montague
THE STALKING SHOW: BRINGING THE HUNTING COMMUNITY TOGETHER
The Stalking Show, described as an event “created by hunters for hunters,” has become a focal point for the UK’s hunting and stalking community. Founded in 2019, it was born out of a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to showcasing the best the industry has to offer. The show’s organisers, all keen stalkers themselves, bring a unique perspective to its planning and execution, ensuring it meets the needs of visitors and exhibitors alike.
ATA TURQUA RIFLE
Turkey has a reputation for affordable shotguns, and ATA Arms is now entering the centrefire rifle market with the Turqua, its first bolt-action rifle. Prices start at £599.99, with walnut and Monte Carlo stock options available at higher prices, writes Bruce Potts.
NO SHOOTING NO PARTY
Dave Barham talks all things airgun industry with Mike Hurney from The Shooting Party
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Gun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.
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GMK WELCOMES ALI ANGUS AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER

UK distributor GMK, based in Hampshire, has announced the appointment of Ali Angus as its new general manager, effective from 31 March 2025. Ali brings over two decades of experience in senior leadership roles within the global sportswear and footwear industry, combining expertise in the equestrian and shooting sectors to drive growth and innovation for GMK.

Ali joins GMK from Ariat, the California-based global footwear and apparel leader, where he served as sales director for the EMEA region. During his tenure, he was instrumental in driving growth and expanding Ariat’s market share. His ability to bridge the equestrian and shooting worlds, enhanced by his role as chairman of the Burfield Gun Club, positions him well to lead GMK in identifying synergies between these markets.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ali to the GMK team,” said Oskar Waktare, GMK director. “His extensive experience in the global market, coupled with his strategic vision and unique understanding of both the equestrian and shooting landscapes, makes him the perfect choice to lead GMK. We are confident that Ali will build on our successes and drive the company forward to achieve even greater heights.”

Ali’s background includes leadership roles at Canterbury of New Zealand, Adidas, and Absolute Board Company. His expertise in strategic planning, sales and marketing, and brand development will support GMK’s efforts to strengthen its market position. His appreciation for the shared values, traditions, and customer demands in the equestrian and shooting industries will be key to identifying growth opportunities.

“I am honoured to join GMK and excited to lead the team,” he said. “GMK has a strong reputation in the market, and I look forward to working with the talented team here to further enhance our brand, expand our market presence, and deliver exceptional value to our retail partners and consumers.”

GMK is looking forward to the leadership and vision Ali will bring, leveraging his insights to unlock new opportunities and strengthen relationships across the industry.

We will feature an in-depth interview with Ali in an upcoming issue, so stay tuned.

MAKE THE MOST OF SHOW SEASON
We are now in the midst of show
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Viking Arms appoints Kevin Sayers to the sporting sales team
Viking Arms Ltd, based in North Yorkshire, has
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Viking Arms appoints Kevin Sayers to the sporting sales team
Viking Arms Ltd, based in North Yorkshire, has
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This article appears in February 2025

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February 2025
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GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MAJOR FIREARMS LICENCE FEE INCREASES AMID SYSTEM INEFFICIENCIES
The government has announced increases of up to 157 percent in firearms licensing fees across England, Scotland, and Wales. The hikes are intended to achieve full cost recovery for police forces, but stakeholders argue they burden rural businesses and firearm owners.
FIREARMS LICENSING FEES UPDATE
The Brabners team take an in-depth look at
INSIDE EMMETT & STONE
Katie Herbert reveals how Emmett & Stone became
MAKE THE MOST OF SHOW SEASON
We are now in the midst of show
GMK WELCOMES ALI ANGUS AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER
UK distributor GMK, based in Hampshire, has announced
Viking Arms appoints Kevin Sayers to the sporting sales team
Viking Arms Ltd, based in North Yorkshire, has
SPORTSMAN GUN CENTRE REVEALS NEW STAND AND PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS AT BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW
The Sportsman Gun Centre (SGC) is set to
HUMANE ANIMAL DISPATCH SCHEME EXPANDS NATIONWIDE
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - GIEDRIIUS The Humane Animal
FORESTRY RANGER AWARDED SIX-FIGURE SETTLEMENT AFTER RIFLE MALFUNCTION
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - WILLIAM BARTON A wildlife ranger
JOHN RIGBY & CO. CELEBRATES 250 YEARS OF BRITISH GUNMAKING
London gunmaker John Rigby & Co, Britain’s oldest
NEW FIREARMS FEES: PROGRESS OR MORE FRUSTRATION?
The Labour government’s revised firearms licensing fees follow a long Home Office review. Simon West, executive director of the Gun Trade Association, highlights ongoing frustrations with service standards and calls for greater accountability and improvements.
NEW FIREARMS LICENSING FEES: WHAT GUN TRADERS NEED TO KNOW
The Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 will come into effect on 5 February 2025. This Order is said to ensure that police forces can recover the full costs of processing firearms licences, the fees in respect of which have not been increased since 2015.
TOP PICKS FROM SPORTSMARKETING
Sportsmarketing (SMK), the UK’s largest air rifle and pistol distributors, continues to expand its range with products designed to meet retailer demand and maximise profit margins. From premium German engineering to innovative replicas and custom branding opportunities, the following highlights provide insight into the key products that can boost your store’s appeal and profitability.
FAMILY VALUES AT THE HEART OF RANGE RIGHT’S GROWTH
With nearly three decades of experience, Range Right has become a cornerstone of the British gun trade. Led by managing director Gill Peters and her son Jake, the family-run business thrives on hard work, strong client relationships, and a dedication to delivering top brands and exceptional service.
WHEN AN INSPECTOR CALLS…
Are you ready for your RFD renewal? Specialist firearms licensing solicitor Laura Saunsbury guides readers through preparing for the all-important police inspection that is central to the RFD certificate renewal process.
SUBSONIC – PROS AND CONS
Subsonic rounds have always been surrounded by mystery or misunderstandings. They are also somewhat complicated from a technical point of view, which might not be widely appreciated. Here, Hexagon Ammunition’s Paul Bradley breaks down what Subsonic rounds are, why they might be used, how they are made, and the pros and cons associated with them.
LEADING OUTFIT INTERNATIONAL’S UK EXPANSION
With a fresh strategy for 2025, Mike Storey takes charge of Seeland and Härkila sales, aiming to drive growth, support retailers, and celebrate Härkila’s 40th anniversary in the UK market.
HOLTS’ RECORD AUCTION AND THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF MUZZLELOADERS
Danish journalist Steen Andersen reflects on his experience at Holts’ record-breaking auction and traditional English shoot.
EMMETT & STONE
We speak to Katie Herbert of Emmett & Stone and discover how one of the most well-respected stores in the industry came to be.
ENABLE TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION, NOW
The gun trade operates in a highly sensitive and security conscious way in every regard. We maintain high ethical standards and implement strict processes, yet again and again I see people and businesses falling foul of basic security lapses online by using the same password for everything, having overly simple passwords, clicking on emails without checking the link, and more. The most common kinds of digital security failures are all overcome by two-factor authentication (2FA), writes digital expert Philip Montague
THE STALKING SHOW: BRINGING THE HUNTING COMMUNITY TOGETHER
The Stalking Show, described as an event “created by hunters for hunters,” has become a focal point for the UK’s hunting and stalking community. Founded in 2019, it was born out of a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to showcasing the best the industry has to offer. The show’s organisers, all keen stalkers themselves, bring a unique perspective to its planning and execution, ensuring it meets the needs of visitors and exhibitors alike.
ATA TURQUA RIFLE
Turkey has a reputation for affordable shotguns, and ATA Arms is now entering the centrefire rifle market with the Turqua, its first bolt-action rifle. Prices start at £599.99, with walnut and Monte Carlo stock options available at higher prices, writes Bruce Potts.
NO SHOOTING NO PARTY
Dave Barham talks all things airgun industry with Mike Hurney from The Shooting Party
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Gun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.
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