Murray Simpson's report included a recent lobbying success that would help the dustmat industry. After a year's lobbying by the TSA, BSI has agreed to issue an addendum to the wording of the Disabled Access legislation that came into effect last October. This will exclude properly designed flooring systems from the prohibition on loose floor coverings.
Two proposals for change were revealed at the Conference. TSA President Peter Webster introduced the TSA Workwear Charter which is intended to help resolve potential difficulties around contracts. The Charter sets out a clear set of principles for workwear contracts designed to ensure both that the renter gets a proper value for his services and the customer is clear from the outset about charges - particularly those to be levied should the contract be terminated early. To apply the TSA Charter mark to a contract, members must make the TSA's ownership of the charter clear and comply with all the charter's principles.
Peter Webster also outlined some suggestions to revise the TSA corporate structure. He felt it was important that the Association reflected both the two very different industries it represented. He was not proposing a split, but a structure based round special interests with a series of sector executive groups, organised by a small boards of directors.
The value of personal experience came strongly through in both of the business sessions. Alex Rowe described the fresh view of both business and personal life that recovering from a stroke gave him. Antony Moore in the traditional "in the chair spot" gave a moving account for his reasons taking part in the BBC Trouble at the Top series, describing his own reactions to the programme, and its effect on his company.
A full report will appear in April LCN
