BHETA represented at TAF Parliamentary Reception

BHETA was pleased to be represented at the recent Trade Association Forum (TAF) Parliamentary Reception, held last Tuesday evening at the Terrace Pavilion in the Houses of Parliament. The event brought together more than 120 UK trade associations alongside MPs, parliamentarians and policy stakeholders, providing a valuable opportunity to highlight the vital role that trade bodies play in supporting economic growth, raising standards, and promoting enterprise and innovation across the UK economy.

The reception featured speeches from Edward Morello MP, Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Trade, and Emily Wallace, CEO of TAF. All speakers emphasised the importance of trade associations in helping government understand sector priorities and in ensuring business policy is shaped by real-world industry experience.

BHETA engagement and advocacy

Attending on behalf of BHETA, Exhibitions Director Will Jones met with several MPs and senior stakeholders to promote BHETA’s key policy priorities and ongoing campaigns.

In discussions with parliamentarians, Will highlighted the importance of BHETA’s current lobbying agenda, with particular focus on the Small Parcels campaign, which continues to gain attention and traction within government. There was clear interest from MPs in understanding the detail and impact of the campaign, with requests for further information following the event.

In addition, discussions with the Minister of State for Trade reinforced awareness of both BHETA’s work and wider sector priorities, helping to ensure that home improvement, housewares and DIY industry perspectives remain part of ongoing trade and business policy conversations.

Strengthening trade association collaboration

The event also provided an opportunity to discuss the recently announced collaboration between TAF and the CBI. The partnership aims to bring together the collective strength of more than 350 trade associations and hundreds of thousands of UK businesses, ensuring that future business policy is shaped through broad, evidence-led engagement across the economy.

Importantly, both organisations will retain their distinct roles. TAF will continue to focus on supporting trade associations through networking, best practice sharing and advocacy for the sector, while the CBI will maintain its focus on business advocacy, economic research and direct engagement with government and policymakers.

Continuing to raise BHETA’s voice

Events such as the TAF Parliamentary Reception are an important part of ensuring BHETA members’ priorities are heard at the highest levels. Direct engagement with MPs and policymakers helps build understanding of sector challenges and opportunities, and supports BHETA’s ongoing work to deliver practical outcomes for members.

BHETA will continue to engage with government, trade bodies and industry partners to promote members’ interests and ensure the sector’s voice remains strong and influential.

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