One of the first budgets to be tightened in times of economic difficulties is the marketing budget, often at a time when that's exactly where money should be spent. So, as businesses compete for the dwindling marketing pound, to survive they will need to spend their own budgets wisely. 

In this economic climate, belonging to a trade association such as PROMOTA can prove to be of huge benefit to a company.  Along with the member benefits and the ability to pool knowledge, membership can also provide support in times of trading difficulties.

Although there is the initial outlay of the membership fee, this is quickly compensated for in the form of membership benefits that have a direct impact on business overheads.  These benefits can include discounts on essential business costs such as fuel, business energy and finance agreements, making the everyday running of the company less expensive.

Other business advantages can include access to free information services such as legal advice, taxation, employment and industrial legislation, health and safety advice.  These are all areas that require specialist knowledge and when needed command a high fee, which in no time at all can become considerably more than a trade association subscription. 

For the occasions when a company needs to 0take disputes to court, some associations will sponsor a legal insurance scheme that will cover these costs.  Additionally, if the dispute is between members then there may be the opportunity of using a free adjudication service, bypassing the need to go to court. These types of member benefits, although not often needed, when they are prove costly, and when needed in times of economic downturn are invaluable, as the expense may mean appropriate action is too expensive for the company pursue. 

It is also worth remembering that when the business climate is difficult and competition is fierce the one thing not to do is cut your marketing activities.  A way to reduce this important spend is to take advantage of the IT benefits on offer from your trade association.  Some will offer website services that offer unbranded websites that can be personalised allowing the advantages of an online marketing facility without the additional cost.  As a member you may even be able to take advantage of free website hosting, e-mail accounts and ISP services.

Most associations will hold an annual exhibition for members where they can come together to discuss current trends, view the latest products and work together. Here members are able to see what the industry is all about, who they need to be working with and gain answers and solutions to any business difficulties they may be having.  One of the most important benefits of membership is the trade exhibition, so belonging to an association that is a non-profit making organisation can be an important consideration as it will have its focus clearly on its members and how best to support them.

It is not just the money-saving advantages of membership that can help businesses trade more effectively, but also the benefits of belonging to an association that actively works for its members.  PROMOTA is now in its 50th year and has built up a wealth of experience and knowledge of the sector.

Belonging to a leading association such as this gives businesses access to this expertise through membership assistance services there to help its members with advice and queries about the industry. By working for its members, and being run by members, at times of market uncertainties the support provided can make all the difference to a company struggling to keep its head above the water. 

Now, more than ever, is the time to belong to a trade association. Although the temptation to make an instant saving by not continuing or joining an association may look attractive, the benefits far outweigh the membership fee, especially in times of uncertainty. 

For further information on PROMOTA and the services it can offer visit the website, http://www.promota.co.uk/.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---