| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 15/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 13 |
| Copyright: Other |
Times are changing and ABTAis moving with them. The meeting of the new Board of Directors and Council of the Regions is just an example of how the association is getting everything in place for a strong future
Ian Reynolds
No organisation can stand still and to do so, we would be guilty of complacency. The association needs to be efficient and it needs to be effective. I think, on reflection, that most of our members would agree that change was needed.Last week saw the first meeting of the new Board of Directors, after the implementation of the blueprint for the future and subsequent elections. It was good to see such a representative gathering of industry leaders sitting round the same table.
While this is certainly a time for looking forward to our next 50 years, it is also the end of a wide-ranging review on the structure of our organisation. A time to look forward but also to reflect on the last year of consultation, across our membership.
We were delighted at the level of interest in the developments and the high percentage of our membership who took the opportunity to consider the proposals, to share their opinions and finally to vote on this important issue. We believe it demonstrates a firm commitment by ABTA members to the association’s future and that of their industry.
Initially, we had concerns that some of the membership might feel somewhat remote from the restructure debate but the consultation process meant that a large number took a very real interest in the discussions.
Last week also saw the first Council of Regions meeting. This significant development will provide the first formalised opportunity for all 11 regions to have a forum in which to meet on a regular basis. Communication will be significantly improved – both between members themselves and the staff and the board.
Better and more efficient communication was one of the key aims of the blueprint and there are immediate demonstrations of the association’s commitment to this aim.
Following the first board meeting, ABTA Today – which details the discussions and decisions taken – was faxed to every member. Subsequent issues will be sent utilising electronic media, wherever possible.
It is not just our structure but also the content of what we are able to deliver that will determine how successful we are in the future.
By introducing single-tier decision making and streamlining our activities we create a sharper, more responsive organisation that will attract the best brains in the industry and save over £100,000 in running costs.
I look forward to working with the new board on ways we can also improve the services we provide to members.
With a new millennium, a new structure for our decision making and our second 50 years about to begin – these are exciting times for all of us at Newman Street.
“Communication will be significantly improved -Êbetween members, staff and the board”