The FLTA was a body set up many years ago to act as a voice for the independents who could not be heard through the British Industrial Truck Assocation who represented the strong manufacturing base that existed in the UK all those years ago. The reality since is that there is hardly any manufacturing in the UK anymore so the BITA membership really consists of importers who share very similar needs to the dealers who are represented by FLTA.

Whilst both organisations claim to be at the heartbeat of the industry, BITA tends to look at policy, legislation, statistics and compliance. FLTA looks at best practice, health and safety, apprenticeships and, as it appeals to a wider audience, is better supported. Their annual awards night is recognised as being the industry social event.

Both organisations do excellent jobs representing their memberships. Perhaps the only problem is that supplier industries tend to dominate the membership in an attempt to gain visibility to the industry. These maybe battery or leasing companies so meetings and social events become dominated with suppliers to the lift truck industry rather than the lift truck industry itself? Consequently, the suppliers occupy positions of influence which is not always a good thing.