British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA)
BALPPA is about to move into a new era. The current Chief Executive Colin Dawson retires at the end of July, and his successor Martin Barratt came on board for a three month handover period in May. There is little doubt that BALPPA has upped its game on a number of fronts
in recent years. Since it was formed in 1936, the association has always been politically active. The very first year it was established it lobbied for a change in the policy of policing amusement parks and it has continued to represent its members on a vast number of political and legislative issues ever since. More recently it has invested in the services of political advisers to assist in
the formation of its strategic plans for lobbying activity. The wisdom of this investment is clearly illustrated by the recognition its “wish lists” have received in political circles. As Colin Dawson comments: “We have always worked hard at our lobbying, but our political contact base has never been stronger. Obviously the General Election will bring at least some changes of personnel but that will not cause us concern”. In addition to its stronger political activity, BALPPA has increased the
range of member benefits. The interactive website offers members a free Legal Helpline, the very latest industry news, a download facility for detailed briefs on its lobbying issues, and various sub-groups to provide activity specific meetings. But it’s most significant success has been the role it has played in the development of the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS). Now in its eighth year ADIPS has been very much the defining influence in the dramatic reduction in safety related incidents throughout the amusement park and fairground industry. “Safety has always been at
the very top of our members’ priorities,” Dawson notes, “ but the processes and procedures that accompany ADIPS has ensured they are confident not just in their own operations but in the support services that are provided by Inspection Bodies and others.”
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BALPPA places great importance on providing facilities for its members
to share experiences in an informal but effective manner. With at least five member events each year, the association encourages a mutually supportive culture within the membership. Dawson again comments: “I think it’s something that sets BALPPA apart from many other organisations. While those of us who have been in BALPPA for many years just accept that it exists, it is when new members comment on how surprised they are to receive the practical support offered by their peers that you realise how unusual it must be. As one newcomer to the industry put it recently, ‘I have worked in a number of different business sectors but have never known such support available and provided with obvious pleasure’.” BALPPA has two forthcoming major events in which members will visit
visitor attractions, namely June 14 - 16, the Summer Meeting in Lake Garda, Italy, and September 28 - 30, the Autumn Meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the surrounding area.
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