Last year, we flagged the merger of the two UK materials handling bodies, BITA and FLTA.
This week, we report on the creation of a new association, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), which combines the interests of the two forerunners.
For now, BITA and FLTA continue to operate, but UKMHA is acting as an umbrella for them and their members until the merger is complete. BITA has represented the big end of the market - the manufacturers, while FLTA promoted the interests of dealers, owners and operators.
Given the current global challenges, it should be clear that the two "audiences" have more in common than differences.
We're seeing plenty of consolidation of industry bodies in other sectors as they struggle to fund their operations without the bloated trade shows that have propped them up for decades. Materials handling is somewhat different because the associations have other revenue streams besides events - including training and accreditation, and the union in the UK strengthens the voice of materials handling, which is playing a more important role than ever.