The UK’s shooting organisations are working harder than ever to defend the future of our industry. From influencing digital regulation to presenting the economic case for shooting in Europe, these efforts show that the sector is organised, informed and determined to be heard.
In this issue, Gun Trade Insider reports on two examples of that advocacy in action.
The first is the creation of the Firearm Trade Working Group (OFTWG). This is a major step forward in ensuring that the legitimate gun trade has a voice in shaping future online policy. The initiative originated from Barry Johnson of the Deactivated Weapons Association, whose proposal for a formal engagement forum quickly gained the support of the Gun Trade Association (GTA) and other leading organisations.
The GTA’s early collaboration with Ofcom’s weapons policy team helped turn that idea into reality. For the first time, the trade now has direct representation within the regulator’s framework. The working group brings together Simon Barr, CEO of TWS and council member of the GTA; Stephen Jolly, chief executive of the Gun Trade Association, Jeremy Hinde, secretary of the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC); Nick Doherty, barrister at Brundell Chambers and GTA legal adviser; and Barry Johnson of the Deactivated Weapons Association, alongside Ofcom’s Michael Railton, who leads on illegal harms, firearms, knives and weapons.
Their goal is to ensure that regulation remains proportionate and grounded in the realities of how legitimate businesses operate online.
For an industry that depends on digital platforms to reach customers, this kind of dialogue is essential.
At the same time, BASC has been representing the sector’s interests abroad. On 1 October, chief executive Ian Bell presented the Value of Shooting report to Members of the European Parliament in Brussels, as part of a wider study coordinated by FACE. The findings highlight that shooting contributes £3.3 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK economy, supports 146,700 jobs and delivers £9.3 billion in wider activity each year.
Shooting plays a crucial environmental role. BASC’s data shows that providers and volunteers deliver habitat management worth around £500 million annually across 7.6 million hectares of land.
BASC’s presentation was a reminder that good policy begins with good evidence. When decision-makers see the data behind the headlines, they begin to understand the real value of shooting as an industry.
Together, these developments show that the industry is not waiting for others to define its future. By working collaboratively, the UK’s shooting organisations are ensuring that our voice is not just heard but respected.
ROB SMITH
editor, Gun Trade Insider