We are unlocking the power of trade associations

Trade associations are a vital part of the UK economy, representing their sector to the Government, driving standards and sharing best practice.

Since our formation in 1997, the Trade Association Forum has been the ‘association of associations’ – encouraging the development and sharing of best practice among UK trade associations and promoting the role of effective trade associations to government, industry and the wider public. 

We exist to help our members learn from each other, sharing best practice and offering support across a range of the operational specialisms required to run a trade association.

Via events, publications, research and awards, we seek to drive the standards of our members and raise the profile of the outstanding contribution of trade associations to UK society as a whole. We work especially closely with the UK Government, and are supported by the Department for Business and Trade who also have a seat on our Board.

We were established in 1997, originally as part of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry), but since 2014 have been a standalone organisation funded by its member and partners. Our work is overseen by a Board of Directors consisting of trade association representatives.

TAF in numbers

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businesses represented
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Testimonials

Our platforms

We operate a range of platforms with the single aim of unlocking the potential of our members by helping them to share best practice, network and lead their sectors.

You can keep up to date with everything we are up to by signing up to our newsletter.

The TAF Team

TAF is run by associations for associations, with the strategic direction of the organisation led by a Board of volunteers drawn from our member associations. Our focus is entirely on delivering value for our members and we are hugely grateful to the huge range of volunteers, supporters and partners who help us achieve that.

The secretariat of TAF is provided by strategic communications consultancy Inflect Partners who have been working with TAF since 2021.

We are always keen to hear from people who would like to get involved in TAF, either on an ad hoc basis or by joining our Board, please get in touch if that’s of interest!

Harry
Shackleton

Commercial Director

Harry has a background in communications, sales and marketing and manages the commercial, events and secretariat functions for TAF.

Emily Wallace

Emily
Wallace

Interim CEO

Emily is an experienced communications professional and leads the association day-to-day alongside the board.

Aoife
Doherty

Secretariat

Aoife assists with website
management, general
requests from Members and events.

The TAF Board

Our Board oversee TAF’s operations and strategic direction, they are all volunteers and drawn from our member associations. The Board meet on a monthly basis to review our activities and plan for the future. We are always keen to hear from our members about what they would like to see TAF do, please get in touch with any ideas or suggestions.

Join TAF today

We are unlocking the power of trade associations, helping our members lead their sectors and deliver even greater value for their members.