An Easy Way To Make A Difference

Len Glenville
Chair, Health Stores UK

In a recent interview, the Director General of the HFMA, Martin Last, described his job as the privilege of his life because he had been "given a chance to make a difference".

It's a comment that says something about the person, but also about the role of trade associations. Effective trade associations play a vital role in supporting and promoting the industries they serve. In short, they too are about making a difference.

When it comes to trade associations, 'support' is very much a two-way street. Businesses that support their own association –whether a retailer association or manufacturers' group – are also supporting themselves.

In the case of Health Stores UK that might take the form of benefitting from the regular networking and educational events that membership brings, or the opportunity to 'buddy up' with another retailer. Equally, it could be about accessing free employment law or health and safety advice or benefitting from exclusive offers and discounts from our Partners.

At this year's NOPEX show, Cheryl Thallon – co-founder of Sheaf Street Health Store in Daventry – made an impromptu appeal to retailers to join Health Stores UK during a retailer panel discussion. She told the audience:
"Health Stores UK is a group of retailers supporting each other. It's a fabulous organisation and it's cheap to join. Each month there is a free online event where retailers get to talk to other retailers, to help solve each other's problems. I've been a member for a long time and it's been great. So, support your trade association – you'll be doing yourselves a big favour!"

We liked Cheryl's promo so much, we asked her to create a video version, filmed in her store. It'll be premiering on Health Stores UK social media channels very soon. In the meantime, please do think about joining us. It's one very easy way you can make a difference.

Webinar Wednesdays

Have you put Webinar Wednesdays (6pm on the last Wednesday of every month, to be precise) in your diary? It's when we stage our regular Shop Talk and Mastermind Forum events. This year we've already discussed how to stage a successful in-store event, offered top tips on selling men's health products and how to harness the power of customer-centric retailing. Check our website (www.healthstores.uk) for details about upcoming events.

Partner power!

Finally, we're delighted that three of our valued Partners – Faith In Nature, Bio-nature/Terranova and Bee Health – have recently confirmed their ongoing support for Health Stores UK. Thank you again to all our Partners – your support is hugely appreciated.

Health Stores UK membership is just one click away and costs just £21 per month. Please visit www.healthstores.uk