News

6th January

This time last year I made a critical appraisal of the Chancellor's pre budget statement, pointing out that the added tax burden placed on our sector through increased fuel duty and empty property business rates seemed an illogical way of stimulating the national economy. Plus ca change!
Darling's statement to the House of Commons on 9 December did nothing to address the growing tax burden of fuel, and nothing to address the ongoing fiscal raid on warehouse operators with empty buildings. Those with empty and rateable garden sheds or beach huts might benefit, but very few UKWA members. The increase in the employer and employee National Insurance contributions enable our government to boast that they are keeping their 1997 promise not to increase the lower rate of income tax. Do they really believe the electorate is so gullible? Whatever else one might feel about the current government and about politicians in general - and the words unprincipled, arrogant and sleazy have sprung readily to mind during the last twelve months - they do not lack intelligence. Thus, trying to persuade the electorate that NIC is not a tax on income demonstrates an arrogance of breathtaking proportions.
More dispiriting are the measures they have taken to ensure the future economic pain will be felt in increasing amounts after the next election, and the comparatively few measures taken to stimulate the economy now. However, I am sure we are all overjoyed to hear that tax on bingo is being reduced!
It's been a tough year for everyone, and although I am from the optimistic camp, our route out of recession has still some nasty surprises for us. UKWA has seen more companies go under this year than in recent memory. Fortunately, they have been fewer than budgeted for, and our recruiting has remained buoyant. We have also been strong in our publishing activities. The size and circulation of Warehouse, The Directory and the Warehouse Guide has been maintained, and our budget met. In contrast, members will have noticed the slim line issues of other major trade publications, and there is enormous pressure on margins throughout the wider media sector.
So, we have weathered the storms encountered so far in the current downturn, and remain robust about future challenges. The lease at Walter House has been renewed, but we have given up some space following the outsourcing of our book keeping function. Our new web site is performing well, and attracting increased visitor numbers.
Finally, from all the staff at Walter House - Mick, Jacquie, Sakina, Christine and myself, we wish you a happy and more prosperous new year.

Roger Williams - CEO, UKWA