PPC124 | EDITORIAL
We’ve just got back from the Trade Association Forum’s Best Practice Exchange, where we gave a talk about PPC and how a membership magazine can bring membership communities together.
I like these events. Everyone represents different industries, so we can share ideas without worrying about competing. And we’re mostly wrestling with the same things. Getting government to listen and making the case for our members.
One panellist's comment has kept niggling at me, though.
Giles Wilkes, a senior fellow at the Institute for Government and former adviser to Theresa May and Vince Cable, reckoned that even at the height of his influence, only around 15% of what he brought to government got acted on.
He was already in the room, a few desks away from power… and still, 15%! What chance does a trade association representing a small sector like pest management have?
We’ve got a lot that needs hearing. Professional tools for professional people, perhaps even licensing one day. Chemical regulation that allows innovation without pricing the UK out of new products. Recognition for the essential work you do.
Rather than getting too gloomy, let’s think about the changes we can make. PestAware Summit 2027 is bringing us closer to organisations whose work overlaps with yours. These are people who need pest management to work and whose voices can help make it a priority.
We’ve been putting the sector’s case forward on the UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement and the implementation of Awaab’s Law. We’re giving evidence on working dogs to the Stormont, Northern Ireland's Parliament. Our No Small Matter report and Future of Pest Management survey provide evidence for decision-makers.
We’ve brought four MPs together with members in their constituencies. We’re monitoring threats from campaigning groups and taking practical steps in response. We’re organising a parliamentary roundtable on Awaab’s Law and working with the Chemical Business Association on joint letters and articles on chemical regulation.
And that’s just what I can fit on this page.
Will we get everything we ask for? No. Government time is limited, and we’re a small sector with plenty of competition for attention.
But we do have a seat at the table. We have evidence, members willing to speak up, and partners who care about the same things.
So, I’m taking that 15% as a challenge. Do 1,500% more lobbying? I should probably check with Rosina before promising that.
We’ll keep making the case. You need the tools, recognition and support to keep homes and businesses safe from pests. Our job is to make sure the people making decisions understand that.
Scott and Kat
PPC editors
[email protected]
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