CEO Jonathan Hart has decided to leave the AVA – and with Anna Mason finishing her contracted period at the end of the year and temp Katy Packer leaving in February, newly installed Chair David Llewellyn really is going to be up against it.
‘The AVA faces a number of challenges as we move forward and, although it is a shame he’s leaving, Jonathan’s departure gives us the opportunity to re-shape the organisation for the future, building on the work he has started’, David said. ‘Jonathan has contributed a great deal to the industry since he joined the AVA in 2015. Guiding us through the implementation of the new £1 coin; handling many, many press enquiries and building a position for the AVA as ‘first stop for comment’ regarding vending. We will be working closely with him over the next few months as we look to find his replacement.’
Jonathan will remain in post until Easter.
‘In my view, the AVA is crucial to maintaining the viability of the Vending Industry’, David insisted. ‘Our members have a lot to offer in terms of service, product offering and convenience. It may seem that official bodies, government organisations and various quangos are determined to see us as the source of all things bad, piling new regulations and requirements upon us. But automated retailing is ideally placed to cater to changing needs and new markets. These facts need to be communicated professionally, forcefully and constantly – only the AVA is in a position to do this.
David Llewellyn: ‘The AVA is crucial to maintaining the viability of the Vending Industry.’
‘The AVA faces a challenging financial future. We have to provide support for our members, protect and advance the industry whilst remaining solvent. I call upon all members, no matter how long you have been in the AVA, to muck in and take part. To contribute time, support, ideas – whatever you can!’
David will be at the Regional Meetings in Bristol on 16th November Manchester on 30th November. ‘I’m keen to gather the views of both Operator and Supplier members, to hear what they think we do well; where we could improve and which direction the AVA should take. What about AVEX? How can the AVA offer more perceived ‘value’ to its members? Gathering in these views and suggestions will help up shape and structure the AVA for the future. I encourage all of those with a view to come along to these meetings, which are free to members.’
Quite where this triple-whammy of changes leaves the vending industry going forward is anybody’s guess: it’s not over the top to wonder if the very future of the AVA is at stake…
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