None of this is easy and to be honest as an industry we are not very skilled at it. But I’m sure we can all learn.


INDUSTRY EXPERT REFLECTIONS So why does this matter


Trade associations should not act alone there needs to be some consensus across the industry to really move the dial. Dying in a ditch for a principle may have its place, but and sorry for the cliches, the best can be the enemy of the good.


The alternative


The alternative is not worth thinking about. We can all paddle our own little canoes in different directions, whinge and moan about decisions taken by others in a vacuum of ideas and proposals from the industry, ignore consultations, demand that decisions legitimately taken be reversed and sabre rattle about judicial reviews, which contrary to popular belief are not there to simply reverse decisions that a faction of the trade who never engaged in the process now don’t like.


The big boys will engage, will submit comprehensive responses to consultations and will ensure that politicians and policy makers are 100% clear about what they want. Why does the rest of industry simply opt out?


It matters because this is your wealth, your work and your blood sweat and tears. If this industry becomes unviable due to wrong legislation, wrong regulation and policies that just overload smaller businesses, what then is Plan B? Maybe like Marks and Spencer’s mantra there is no Plan B. The dye will be well and truly cast and if you have anything left to sell, that will be your only option and if not it’s been nice knowing you and please switch the lights off on the way out.


Too dramatic? Too fatalistic? Maybe.


My advice would be to reduce the risk and maximise your chances of success. Concentrate on your business but also don’t ignore politics and policy - it can make or break you. There are enough brains in this industry to do what needs doing, you just need to work together on the things that really matter, that everyone can coalescence around and sacrifice a few hobby horses to get the big things across the line.


Remember if you don’t maybe nobody else will and you will be playing on a pitch that won’t be favouring you, your business or your future.


8


NOVEMBER 2026 PHTM


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