Trade associations are just 'old boys' clubs'

Construction firms spend an estimated £60m on trade association membership annually, but according to a Citigate Dewe Rogerson survey, some regard those bodies as "old boys' clubs" and "not as effective as they should be at effecting change in the industry".
One-in-three construction firms described their trade association as an old boys' club, rather than a dynamic and effective lobbying organisation.
The research showed that while most associations meet members' requirements for joining, there is disappointment at their impact on performance.
Nearly 60% of construction and building firms spend between £1,000 and £5,000 a year on membership fees, with a further 20% spending up to £10,000 a year, said the survey. CJ estimates that at least £60m is spent every year on membership.
National Federation of Builders chief executive Barry Stephens said: "Businesses want a clear return on their subscription fee. The way for organisations to provide that is to offer valuable commercial services."
Construction Products Association external affairs director Jean Emblin said: "There are two kinds of associations: those that respond to the challenges; and those that do little other than what they've always done."