ESSA AGM 2010
Strong turn out for the ESSA AGM, and the first contested elections in many years.
The 2010 ESSA AGM, held at Gallery Rooms, ExCeL London, saw 55 delegates from 38 member companies elect six new members to the board in the first truly contested elections for some years.
The ESSA AGM proved to be a well attended event which had a positive atmosphere from the outset. Steve Barratt, in his last AGM as Chairman, stated that the last year had presented the association with one of its most challenging years and one in which ESSA had needed to prove its worth and relevance to its members.
ESSA Director, Chris Skeith presented the highlights of the year including the launch of a suite of member services and a focused campaign of communications. He confirmed that the association had achieved its main objectives for the year – namely parity of voice in the industry, tangible benefits and a secure financial position. He outlined a number of key industry issues that the association had been able to tackle, most recently the NEC plug and play system.
This year's elections were the most heavily contested for many years with a tranche of new and enthusiastic members standing for seats on the ESSA Board. Elected from the candidates were: - Pete Allen of 4D Design, Martin Cairns of Reeds Carpets, Mark Clayton of Towergate Coverex, Matt Sims of Revelation, Simon Ridout of Dimension 8 and re-elected was Peter Moule of Bill Moule & Sons. They will join current board members Steve Barratt of Early Action (Chair), John Robson of Aztec (Vice Chair), Nick Marshall of Melville, Mark Lamont of DMN, Martin Cottrell of A1 Cleaning and David Freeman of Mayridge (Treasurer). Members were afforded an opportunity to ask questions of their new board after the elections and during the rest of the meeting.
David Freeman, ESSA Treasurer highlighted where costs had been addressed and difficult decisions had been made that resulted in a positive financial position at the year end. Cost reductions of £38,000, 12% over 2008, with consolidation of secretariat services saving of £27,000 as well as revenues from increased membership and event revenues provided the association with a pre tax surplus £1812. Current new memberships were close to reaching 30% of the total annual budget despite the 2010 target being significantly greater than 2009.
A major focus for 2010 will continue to be creating buyer demand through activities such as the new ESSA 2010 Logo and membership policing, participation in the new events marketing agency FaceTime and the newly launched ‘Use an ESSA member campaign’ created via the ESSA Communications Working Group.
The day was concluded with a chance for members to network over drinks before the afternoon drew to a close.
Click here to view photos of the event.
Click here to download the AGM minutes.
Click here to download the Director's Report.
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