After an almost year long search, the Gun Trade Association (GTA) has found a successor to long-time Director John Batley.
At first sight, however, casual observers might be forgiven for thinking that Batley had donated samples of his DNA to a lab and that after extensive work with test tubes, a clone has been produced, because to an extent physically and certainly sartorially the new man, Simon West OBE, might be mistaken for his predecessor. Typically sporting the default uniform of the off duty game shooter – blue cotton shirt, regimental tie, tweed jacket and brown brogues – West looks every inch the sort of good chap to represent the UK shooting industry. He also conforms to type in another way. Trade associations, especially those connected to country pursuits have long been the final resting place of superannuated army officers and West, with 33 years in the military behind him, certainly fits that bill.
However, for those members reading thus far and increasingly forlorn at the prospect of several more decades of stasis, there is comfort to be had from the knowledge that whatever the outward appearances, West is not Batley mark 2. And that is just as well, because whilst the recent incumbent was rightly celebrated for his mastery of the detail and his ability to negotiate the corridors of power at the Home Office (important talents in this legislative age), he was deeply circumspect about anything marketing or sales related. Despite a tripling of staff numbers during his stewardship, membership of the Association has barely increased and the commercial and promotional support it provides where non-existent has been largely ineffectual.
Simon West brings to his new role not only extensive operational experience in the military, but as a weapons officer and both clay and game shooter he has the requisite knowledge of firearms. More than this however he has substantial marketing and communications experience. Perhaps the best indicator that things might be about to change for the better is that contiguous with West’s appointment comes the news that he will be reporting to a new Chairman, as the departure of Batley* also marks the end of Edward King’s time at the top. Coming in to take his place is Oskar Waktare, who as Financial Director of the UK’s biggest shooting business, Beretta distributor GMK, knows how to build a successful organisation.
New director and new Chairman. Now if the two working together can have a good clear out of the GTA Council, which when fully convened bears more than a passing resemblance to those you find in the TV lounge of a Care home, we can look forward to a body that represents and drives forward Britain’s shooting industry.
*John Batley has been retained as a consultant for the next 12 months.