When policy is shaped with the insight of those who live and breathe the day-to-day reality and detail of their sectors, policy and regulation are more likely to work in practice as well as on paper. If we are to deliver economic growth in what is an increasingly competitive and fast moving environment, then policy makers need to see trade associations not just as stakeholders, but as strategic partners.
Good engagement and collaboration is critical for supporting the UK economy, so how can we build more strategic relationships between associations and policymakers? Here are 8 top tips from the TAF team:
1. Engage Early and Often
Too often, trade associations are brought in late or treated as just another stakeholder to manage, and often consulted when decisions are already close to final, or after consultation windows have closed. Engaging early in the policy cycle allows for better outcomes and fewer unintended consequences.
2. Work with Them to test and Learn
Recognising their ability to frame and test policy proposals with their members can turn abstract ideas into actionable plans. Invite them to contribute not just opinions, but ideas, prototypes, and delivery solutions. Work together to test ideas and develop practical workable policy.
3. Invest in Two-Way Relationships
Government relationships with trade associations shouldn’t be purely transactional or reactive, instead, the focus should be on building long-term, structured relationships that include regular dialogue, not just when a crisis hits. Creating formal mechanisms for ongoing engagement, such as advisory groups, sectoral forums, or cross-department liaison roles, can help institutionalise this.
4. Collaborate to Build Data and Develop Sector Insight
Associations can deliver sector insight, convene expertise, and translate the language of the sector into the language of policymakers. Associations have excellent sector networks, insights and datasets. All associations have large sector data sets and the ability to generate bespoke and useful evidence and insights from their members (and non members) to feed into the policy-making process. Work with Associations to deliver useful sector insights and data points.
5. Respect Their Diversity and Specialisation
Not all trade associations are alike. Some represent broad sectors; others focus on specialist niches; some are highly resourced; others rely on a small team. Policymakers should be sensitive to this diversity and tailor their engagement accordingly.
6. Seek out Specialist Associations
Smaller or emerging associations may have unique insight but need more support to contribute effectively. Smaller niche associations won’t always be proactive in engaging, seeking them out or asking us at TAF to identify associations with useful expertise to contribute.
7. Close the Loop
Good engagement includes feedback. After consultations or working groups, let trade associations know how their input was used - or why it wasn’t. Closing the loop encourages continued engagement, improves transparency, and helps refine future contributions. It also builds trust and accountability on both sides.
8. Support Capacity Building
Where possible, the government can help strengthen trade association capacity, particularly in underrepresented or fast-changing sectors. This could involve funding for policy research, access to training, or joint secondments. A stronger association ecosystem makes for stronger policy outcomes.
Trade associations represent a vital and all too often untapped resource for policymakers, but by following these top tips then better partnerships can be formed and better policy be made.
If you want to find out more about what trade associations do, check out our quick video here.
