Leader of UK trade body welcomes closer links with Government

Obtaining a voice at the top table of government is an aim of any business, and the organisation that represents the recreational fishing tackle industry in the UK has moved a step closer to that with its membership of an influential fisheries group.

The Angling Trades Association (ATA) has been accepted as a member of the England Fisheries Group (EFG), a working group that brings together all stakeholders, including government, connected to angling, fisheries and the environment. It is charged with collating ideas and forming strategies for fisheries and government.

“Membership of the EFG is an indication of the progress the ATA is making as an organisation and recognition by other stakeholders of that progress,” said ATA Chairman Andrew Race (pictured). “The ATA now has a presence at both the Defra Recreational Sea Angling Committee and the EFG, as well as the National Angling Strategy Delivery Board.”

ATA Vice Chairman, Mike Heylin, said that involvement with the EFG provided more opportunities to meet face-to-face with government and the Environment Agency. “It also gives greater scope for working partnerships between the trade, conservationists and anglers, “ he added. “The ATA will be better placed to engage with other stakeholders on both freshwater and marine issues for angling in the future.”