AEA AND BAGMA: Q&A

AEA AND BAGMA: Q&A
"Manufacturers and dealers are integral to each other"

Keith Christian and Ruth Bailey at Cereals 2021

THERE were, inevitably, more questions than answers following the news last week that the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) representing UK manufacturers and suppliers has acquired the UK dealers trade association BAGMA (British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association).

In the latest episode of his Inside Agri-Turf podcast, Chris Biddle talks to Ruth Bailey, the AEA CEO and Keith Christian, Director of BAGMA about the rationale behind the move. Amongst the questions being addressed are:

What is the role of trade associations today?
Will there be a conflict of interest with the AEA now owning the dealer association?
How has the deal been received by members?
Will the benefits negotiated for BAGMA members now be available to AEA members?
Did the previous owner BIRA (British Independent Retailers Association) feel that BAGMA was no longer a 'good fit' long term?
Will AEA and BAGMA be independent entities although sharing the same offices and same secretariat?
What happens when I ring the BAGMA number now?

. . . and much more

Ruth and Keith revealed that COVID probably hastened the move which had been mooted for several years.

LISTEN TO EPISODE