I attended the recent GTA AGM at Bisley, and there was plenty for the trade to take note of. One of the biggest announcements came from chief executive Stephen Jolly, who confirmed that the Association will move to a fully virtual business model. It represents a shift in how the GTA will operate day to day, embracing modern systems, reducing costs and freeing up staff to focus on what really matters: policy, technical advice and representing the trade.
In my view, it’s a welcome move. A more agile GTA has to be a stronger GTA and that can only benefit members in the long run.
The AGM also heard from Simon Lee, the recently appointed secretary general of the National Rifle Association, who set out the priorities facing the shooting community. He highlighted the legislative and regulatory pressures around firearms licensing, cadet shooting and the lead ammunition transition, confirming the NRA’s role in discussions with the Health and Safety Executive and its work with the Environment Agency on compliance. Lee underlined that shooters depend on ranges to continue their sport and warned of the risks posed by a tight three-year transition period. He also announced the recruitment of a Firearms Liaison Officer to assist members with licensing and pledged to position the NRA as a trusted partner with regulators.
Most importantly, the meeting marked the launch of the GTA’s new trade survey, which you’ll find reported on page four. This is a significant initiative. The Home Office has already signalled that it is considering a major overhaul of firearms licensing, including the possible convergence of Sections 1 and 2. That would represent a profound change in the way the trade operates, with consequences that could reach every business in the supply chain.
The survey aims to give the GTA the hard evidence it needs to argue the trade’s case. Accurate data on the size, skills base and economic contribution of our sector will be essential if policymakers are to be persuaded that the trade’s concerns are legitimate and deserve serious consideration.
Stephen Jolly made the point clearly: the strength of the GTA’s response will depend directly on the level of participation. Every business, whether a retailer, distributor, manufacturer or service provider, has a stake in this process. Taking 15 minutes to complete the survey may not feel like much, but it could prove critical in shaping the future of the trade.
Between the move to a virtual model and the launch of this survey, the GTA is sending a clear signal. The Association is modernising, focusing its energy on where it can make the most difference, and giving members a stronger voice in the conversations that matter. It is up to all of us to engage with that process. Please scan the QR code and fill in the survey — it is one of the most effective steps you can take to safeguard the future of the trade.
ROB SMITH
editor, Gun Trade Insider