The 21st AGM of the Tennis Industry Association UK Ltd took place during the Wimbledon Championships, attended by 30 representatives from member organisations.
Presided over by Ian Peacock, Honorary Life President, his opening remarks reflected on a good year for the TIA UK both in terms of financial stability and successful projects completed during the year under review. Chairman Steve Matthews commented on the current relationship with the LTA and how the two organisations are working together on specific projects.
Business Development Manager Phil Sandilands highlighted the main successes of the year, namely The Business of Tennis Forum held at the All England Club and The Business Club Tennis Report, a benchmarking project to gather research from 15 of the major clubs in the UK. This is the first year of a 5-year project which aims to capture information from 100 clubs.
Although membership of TIA UK increased by 13%, the aim is to broaden the reach of the Association and provide a range of membership benefits supporting the business of its members. Members were asked to feedback what these benefits should include. Another objective is to try to encourage the larger brands back into the fold – the TIA UK needs to speak as the whole of the industry with the major players as well as the smaller companies.
Membership fees will remain the same for the third consecutive year.
Steve Matthews of Bromley Tennis Centre was re-elected as Chairman for a two-year period along with Company Secretary Jan Booth of Sunbaba. The following Board Directors were elected for a one-year term:-
Andy Burrell (Chiltern Sports Contractors)
David Carpenter (TrioPlus Ltd)
Justin Kraushar (Yonex)
Robert McCowen (SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC)
The TIA UK Special Award was given to Paul Jepson, former Managing Director of Yonex, to recognise his contribution. Paul has a distinguished record in the Sports Industry with over 35 years of experience, 22 of those with Yonex. Paul was unable to attend the AGM so arrangements will be made to get the Award to him.