Trade association news ALES-UK
ALES-UK (the Association of Amusement and Leisure Equipment Suppliers) is the only industry trade association that specifically represents the interests of and provides a forum for UK manufacturers and suppliers of a wide range of amusement and related leisure equipment and associated service providers. The association’s membership provides services and products to a wide
variety of venues including theme parks, zoos, aquariums, waterparks, visitor attractions, family entertainment centres, play centres, farm attractions, holiday parks and others. Working proactively to assist the membership, ALES prides itself on having clearly defined aims of helping members to:
■ Obtain new business both nationally and internationally ■ Benefit from a wide range of services at substantial discounts ■ Keep up to date with industry related safety and other legislation ■ Enjoy social activities and networking
ALES-UK is recognised by and represented on all UK safety committees
and administers the UK Trade & Investment department’s overseas exhibitions and trade mission grant schemes. It has the ability to “lobby” Parliament and the EC through established contacts and is a founder member of the Amusement Industry Council of Europe (AiCE). The association can also offer members assistance with insurance
requirements (both personal and business), project finance (for operators/ developers), trade show and trade mission grants, freight for general business and exhibitions and technical support with access to services and information. ALES-UK has affiliations with other trade bodies including AAMA, AiCE,
WWA and MELAC and assists with business promotion via international business organisations, trade shows, embassies, consulates, Chambers of Commerce and direct mail to park and other location based amusement and leisure facility operators. The association has had a tumultuous year following the passing of
Gerry Robinson, the ALES-UK secretary and a stalwart industry veteran, but the membership has been very supportive and chairman Tony Whittaker stepped into the breach to ensure and maintain continuity. As an active member of the association and the current Chairman Tony understands the issues members face first hand. In addition to the existing key member benefits, there are ambitious
plans to more actively work with the members and use the enhancements technology brings to ensure the association is supporting members at every level. This will include utilising social media to keep members up to date with changes/opportunities and to encourage collaboration to share costs when
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attending trade shows, whether it is sharing transport, translators, talking to people who may have already had first hand experience in travelling to other countries or just a fellow traveller to meet up with if someone is at a trade show alone. Commenting on the strategic plan to enhance the profile of ALES-UK,
Tony Whittaker said: “In an effort to also reach out to companies that may want to attend the trade shows but not have a full presence, ALES-UK has expanded its own presence and is planning to be at the EAG/VAE show this year in London. Members who may not be attending can arrange for their literature to be made available on the ALES-UK booth. This facility proved really successful when we exhibited at the IAAPA show last November. It also gave members who were not exhibiting a place to hold meetings and an anchor point.” And he added: “Enjoying great support from UKTI we are proud to
continue to expand our association, providing invaluable support to the membership in a thriving, fun industry.” Details of the diverse membership of ALES-UK is apparent when
considering the products and services provided by the membership. Members supply all kinds of products from 4D effects theatres/simulators/ motion theatres, ticketing and access control systems and climbing walls, through coin-operated kiddie rides, costume characters and shooting galleries to go-karts, play equipment and adult and children’s rides and attractions, while the services available are equally as diverse. Among these are companies providing financial, design and park management services, freight transportation, insurance and consultancy and safety inspections, fabrication services and maintenance/refurbishment services, and much more besides.
For further information on ALES-UK and the benefits of membership contact Tony Whittaker on 07855250407, email:
ales@alesuk.org or visit:
www.alesuk.org
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