| PMA United Kingdom The UK office of PMA was established in 1987 and PMA UK now has more than 1,000 members across the spectrum of the photo industry. I see our role as being one of supporting businesses and providing a forum for the interchange of ideas.
Member Benefits
Members benefit from a wide range of services: financial benefits include lower credit card rates and business insurance rates; commercial benefits include a free business support helpline for all employment, legal, health and safety issues as well as a contract of employment service. We are active in the areas of compliance and regulation where we have worked with bodies such as the passport office to provide working guidelines for the new passport photo requirements and with the DoT regarding the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment laws. We provide a wide range of market data, not just about the consumer market but also about specialized areas such as the recently completed study on parents’ attitudes to schools photographs, and on the subject of Schools photography we are providing a code of practice to enable photographers to approach schools with the confidence of an industry body behind them.
Communication
Our widely-read monthly magazine contains comment, reviews and information on the business of photography with in depth interviews with leading figures. In addition we have a regular e-newsletter with product news and up to the minute information of relevance to the business.
Education and Training
Conferences, seminars and workshops are a regular feature of our activities. We hold a major conference every two years, the next one is in October 2007, and we hold seminars and workshops on business matters at regular intervals. Our recently launched Retail Business Academy is an ongoing programme to help with training and education of staff at all levels as well as providing essential business tools for owners and managers.
Professional Imaging
In the world of professional imaging services we have a well established Pro Labs group which is being extended in 2007 to incorporate digital printing in its many forms. There are Special Interest groups for companies in Exhibition and Display, Signage and graphics, ultra wide format and digital bureaux. We also work closely with suppliers and manufacturers and run User Groups to provide an environment for the sharing of information and the introduction of new materials and services.
Nigel McNaught
PMA UK Director
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