It's not all talk
Page 33
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Increasingly trade associations have become more than lobbying organisations with a range of financial benefits on offer which can easily pay for the membership fee.
Is there any real benefit in joining a trade association or does it just give you a nice warm feeling of belonging to a group of like-minded people? Well, apart from political lobbying and publicising industry causes most associations offer benefits of a financial nature which can save operators money. The larger associations tend to have the widest range of benefits but there are also some worthwhile offerings from the smaller associations, despite their limited membership.
Financial Services
The widest range seems to be offered by the Road Haulage Association which, with Lloyd Bowmaker, provides assistance with asset funding either through HP, leasing or outright purchase for vehicles, trailers, plant and, in some circumstances, other assets. The RHA also offers a complete financial advisor service, operated through Hogg Robinson, which assists with pension provision and other investments.
The British Association of Removers (BAR) offers favourable terms from a specialist pensions advisor, particularly-bearing in mind the preponderance of smaller, family-owned businesses in the industry—with regard to inheritance provisions. Pensions and health care advice is also available for members of the Road Rescue & Recovery Association (RRRA) although this is only a small association of some 550 members.
Insurance Services
RHA Insurance Services, in a joint venture with Bain & Hogg, provides commercial insurance for assets as well as all types of liability. A Small Business Unit at Birmingham specialises in policies for the "one to five vehicles" operator. Personal accident and loss of licence insurance for drivers is also available.
Insurance services from the Freight Transport Association include a Legal Defence scheme. By contrast. BAR
ihas developed services of particular relevance to members with an insurance panel working through two brokers who give specific advice to members. The panel al acts as arbitrator or ombudsman in cases of dispute. Exclusively available to BAR members' customers, is the Careline Guarantee, an all-risks insurance for house removal.
The RRRAs offering is quite impressive, as there is actually something "free" (included in the subscription). Membership includes free insurance for legal defence costs for normal motoring offences and for personal accident when involved in vehicle recovery.
Legal Services All the associations surveyed, except AVROthe Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators—offer some legal help: as a minimum, a free legal helpline which can either give instant help or, in some cases such as the FrA, will also make
contact with a specialist. A 24-hour 365-day helpline is also available from the RHA, through the "Lawphone" scheme while BAR's Helpline includes access to specialists on Conditions of Contract Rather more comprehensive is the RHA's Roadway Lawnlan which, through RBAexclusive insurance, pays the legal costs for hearings such as tribunals, 0-licence enquiries and motor prosecutions.
Training Services
A wide variety of courses is available through the FTA and its CPC course, in particular, is well respected. BAR Training Services provides subsidised training for the removals industry through a small full-time staff which calls in specialists when required. BAR is currently expanding an accreditation scheme which is intended to lead to an NVQ. The RRRA runs training courses on light and heavy recovery and arrange courses for ADR which count towards the IMI NVQ
Added-value Services
Other financial benefits offered by associations includes discounts or favourable terms on supplies of one kind or another or access to specialised information.
Only 20% of the FTMs income is from subscriptions, the remaining 80% coming from sales of services which include vehicle and tachograph inspections and much else besides. Members also receive a free yearbook and monthly newsletters and magazines. There are also numerous seminars during the year and general operational advice is available to members over the 'phone.
The RHA offers favourable terms for breakdown and recovery services and windscreen replacement. A service has been test-marketed in London which helps with assessing public utilities, for example alternative phone networks, and this is due to roll out nationally soon. Gas supply is also under investigation as a competitor prepares to launch against British Gas.
This service is now linked with the French and German removals associations.
L. by Robert Coates