At the start of my Presidential year I can reflect on the previous twelve months and see the positive change that has taken place within the AFS. It is now important that we capitalise on that progress by continuing to protect and enhance the interests of all our members.
We have re-established our consultation links with the FSA and Treasury and will seek to further develop our influence on policy makers where it has an impact on Societies. We have been less successful so far in promoting the wider benefits of the Friendly Society movement to the media and it is in this area that I feel we have to make a greater impact in the coming months.The Policy and External Affairs Committee (PEA) are to develop an appropriate strategy to achieve this and it will be presented to the Board for approval hopefully before the end of 2007, in order for activity to begin at the start of the New Year.
I am pleased to welcome our new Associate Members as I am sure they will assist our development objectives in many ways. We have already seen examples of this with input to sub-committees, research projects andseminar hosting and would like to see a relationship develop which will be mutually beneficial.
Finally I would like to comment on the excellent conference in Harrogate which was well organised and provided a stimulating programme for the delegates. Whilst we all know there are issues facing the movement and individual Societies there was a strong air of optimism about the future. Collectively we need to ensure that this is well founded in order that Friendly Societies can remain as a viable alternative to other providers of Financial Services for many years to come.
Andrew Townsley, President