Page 94 - BHTA 100 years

New commercial role, new commercial arm, communication and assistive technology event...
Early in 2012, Tracey Lloyd joined the Association as Commercial Director, a newly created role in the organisation. Tracey joined from the Royal Town Planning Institute where she had been Head of Membership and Careers.
The eCat section (Electronic Communication and Assistive Technology), hosted an event at the House of Lords to push for better assessment processes and funding. 2011 had been designated as the ‘Year of Communication’ at the end of which the government appointed a ‘Communications Champion’. It was estimated that 0.5% of the population may need AAC at some point in their lives.
“The way things are going, the way the NHS is changing, the way health care and social care are becoming increasingly intertwined, all of this presents a genuine opportunity for companies like yours to make an even bigger difference. Those of you who rise to the challenge, who lead through innovation, who work closely with clinicians and who focus relentlessly on improving the lives of patients will do well in years to come.” These words, from Earl Howe, speaking at the annual conference in 2012, appeared on the front page of The BHTA Bulletin.
The end of 2012 saw the creation of BHTA Engage Ltd, a new commercial arm for the Association. The monthly trade magazine, THIIS became part of Engage which would look to develop new initiatives for members in the future.
The Trading Standards Institute became the new guardian of the Code of Practice after The Of ce of Fair Trading was abolished by the government. It prompted renewed interest in the Code and promised a higher pro le with more local emphasis. It was also hoped that the Citizens Advice Service would take a more direct role in advising consumers and be able to direct purchasers towards trusted traders.
BHTA 100 years