The British Toy and Hobby Association won the BEIS Sector Representation of the Year Award at the annual event.

Natasha Crookes (left) and Jerry Burnie (second from right) accept the award.

The BTHA was recognised by the Trade Association Forum at its Best Practice Awards 2019 for representing its members, as well as the wider toy industry, in meetings with the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Exiting the EU on numerous occasions throughout Brexit negotiations. Additionally, the BTHA met and briefed a number of MPs including Hilary Benn and Neil Coyle.

The BTHA also held a CE marking round table in Parliament and, recognising the importance of this topic for other associations, it invited other industries that were impacted by Brexit and the CE marking to attend. This meeting resulted in the BTHA being asked to join discussions regarding the future of the CE marking, to have early access to read and give feedback on the no-deal CE Marking paper, and to join the subsequent discussion on a UK mark.

To help members who don’t have an EU base but may end up requiring one, the BTHA partnered with a company in Ireland to act as a representative for BTHA members to provide a clear alternative option for an authorised representative.

Finally, a Brexit No Deal guide has been produced and is being continuously updated so that members have a one stop document where they can keep up to date with key developments throughout Brexit negotiations. All BTHA members can access the various BTHA guidance regarding Brexit on the guidance section on the BTHA website.

During the awards, a special commendation was also given to the Toy Trust for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award, recognising the many years of hard work and dedication from the trust and its contributors. Toy Fair was also shortlisted for Best Exhibition.