Gun Trade Insider (GTI): You represent a younger generation of gun trade professionals on the GTA Council. What inspired you to seek election, and what do you hope to contribute to the association?
Alex Levett-Scrivener (ALS): With any business or association, it is important to cover all aspects of who we are appealing to. There always has been and is likely to continue to be a demographic within shooting, leaning towards an old generation for a number of various reasons. I chose to put myself forward to represent the younger generation of people at work within the industry, as we are seeing growing numbers of new entrants working across sectors from shops and grounds, to sporting agents. With a younger generation who are keen to prolong the industry it is important to put their views across to council.
GTI: Since joining the Council, what has surprised you most about the work the GTA undertakes behind the scenes on behalf of the trade?
ALS: As I have now been a member of council for the last nine months, I am able to fully appreciate all the work that is being done behind the scenes. The undertaking of modernising the way the GTA offers its services to members; the relentless work that that team has been doing, tackling several issues being driven by change from external factors, notable examples of this is the shift within Parcelforce that has meant the team have had to resolve considerable issues to get a faster and effective process running again, this has had a direct impact on guns being sent; and other work and connections being made at high political levels to safe guard the trade.
The dedication from Stephen, Paul and Elaine has meant that the GTA has increased its membership to over 400 members, the highest level in three years. A very positive change to see within the trade.
GTI: From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges currently facing firearms retailers and distributors in the UK?
ALS: One of the biggest challenges is licensing, it is putting strain on certificate holders at every level. Many existing holders are giving up their certificates because police forces are taking so long to process renewals, while new applicants are becoming frustrated by delays in approvals.
The impact of this is causing larger amounts of second-hand guns coming on to the market, and with the slow acceptance rates of new applications guns sales are slower than they should be. Improving application processing time would relieve a large amount of pressure, generating significant income, not only from guns sales, but from cartridges and accessories.
GTI: Where do you see the greatest opportunities for the industry over the next five years?
ALS: The lead ban in 2029 must be the biggest change to shooting that we have faced in our generation. Adversity breeds innovations - we are seeing large changes being made by cartridge manufactures to launch new ranges of both steel and alloy cartridges to meet the demand of shooters. Although this has been a controversial issue for the industry, this should lead to growth of new gun sales to help reset this sector; and from a political stance it is another push from within the industry to look more environmentally friendly to protect the longevity of the sport and appeal to a wider audience.
GTI: How important is it that younger people working within the firearms trade become involved in organisations such as the GTA, and what would you say to anyone considering standing for Council in the future?
ALS: The council has some of the best figureheads from within the industry helping to guide the management of the trade; but with any industry or organisation it is always the next generation that is needed for the future. As a younger member of the council, it is a great opportunity to learn skills and knowledge needed to allow generations of information to be passed down while offering new ideas and prospects for the trade.
GTI: If there was one issue you would most like the GTA to make progress on during your time as a Council member, what would it be and why?
ALS: It would be the safeguarding of the distinction between Section 1 and Section 2 on the ownership of guns. As there seems to be a push from government to seek greater public safety, I believe it is imperative that those driving the decisions fully understand the difference in the use of shotguns and rifles. From data already gathered we have seen the devastating impact that it would have on the industry if there were to be a merger of Section 1 and 2.
GTI: Looking ahead, what would success look like for both the GTA and the wider UK gun trade over the next few years?
ALS: Success for the GTA would be to regain the trust of members, and the increase of membership numbers to previous levels and beyond.
While also creating stronger government relationships offering guidance and advice; becoming one of the most recognised technical authorities from the industry.
This will ensure that governments’ approach to shooting is managed in a way that there are fewer regulatory surprises.
Success for the industry would be using the lead ban as an opportunity, encourage the growth of guns sales, while streamlining ammunition options. Increase the numbers of participants and create growth within the younger market.
To reach out to the public to allow them to understand that the trade has the highest safety standards, that the conservation of wildlife would not be as diverse without shooting, and the positive effect that it has on the wider rural community.
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