Page 3 - BHTA 100 years

Introduction
George V. The now-famous telegrams were delivered by bicycle and that year, the King sent just 24 messages.
1917 was also the year that saw the formation of a Trade Association we know these days as the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA).
Today, there are close to 15,000 people who are 100 or over in the UK, highlighting just how things have changed. With a lot more people living a lot longer, the role of a Trade Association in the healthcare sector has become increasingly important.
After being involved with the BHTA for well over 30 years as a member, on committees, contributing on panels and as a Director, I have seen lots of campaigns, initiatives, reports and have attended plenty of Section meetings. However, researching and writing this history has been a fascinating and eye- opening exercise.
An awful lot has happened since 1917 and that’s why we have ended up with so many words and so many pages. However, even though a great deal is covered, it can only really be a whistle-stop tour of the enormous amount of work undertaken by so many people. There are many achievements mentioned, but many more that the Association can be proud of.
I hope that you will nd a number of things that will interest, intrigue and maybe surprise you as you take a look through.
This is an account of a journey that started with a simple idea and a few like- minded businessmen getting around a table and which has led to an organisation representing and working for around 500 of the most respected companies in the healthcare sector.
I believe that the handful of people who made it happen all those years ago would be suitably impressed with what the Association has become!
David N Russell
The practice of sending a congratulatory message to someone who had reached the ripe old age of 100 was formalised in 1917, under the reign of King
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