BIGA update

More than just a sticker

Why membership of BIGA is good for your soul, and your business

It’s hard not to get cynical about the benefits of being part of a trade association. Visit any Facebook Group discussion about the merits or otherwise of membership. You’ll see comments suggesting the only advantage is a window sticker.

The window sticker, you see, imparts so-called ‘customer reassurance’.

Beyond the window, however, there are actually a committed few who are giving of their time, talent, expertise, experience, and other opportunities, to deliver something better to the pet grooming industry.

These people - the ones at the not-for-profit British Isles Grooming Association, for example - are volunteers, trying their best to mobilise this industry into something ‘more professional’.

Back in 2015-16, there were rumours of the industry getting ‘regulated’. The licensing would be developed by an expert Group on behalf of the Government, then rolled out across England and Wales (Scotland and Northern Ireland might likewise follow).

It’s upon this, among other things, that BIGA was formed by a group of volunteers to create a trade association for groomers, by groomers.

The volunteers who formed BIGA didn’t want to leave the fate of their much-loved industry simply in the hands of others. Rather, these volunteers took the brave step of creating a community of like-minded fellow groomers to advocate on behalf of their own industry. If licensing were to be introduced, who better than actual groomers - whose livelihoods depend on these things - to advise on the proposed licensing?

As we move towards regulation of the industry, as we move towards a day of officials in the council making assessments about the best way to operate our business, the authentic voice of groomers needs to be a part of those regulations.

BIGA exists not simply to promote best practice and the highest standards in animal care and welfare. But to protect your business, to promote your expertise. To bring professionalism and high standards to the way we conduct ourselves. Which, in turn, will lead to more respect from the customers we serve (again, check out any Facebook Group and you’ll come across comments from your fellow groomers about how poorly they are treated by customers).

The pet grooming industry is on a pathway to regulation. We hope you’ll join arms with the other members of BIGA so that your voice can be heard by the experts recommending the legislation that is to come.

You might think you don’t need to be part of the process because there are others who are members of BIGA. And their interests correspond to your interests. So, indirectly, your values will be represented. Your way of working, your expertise and experience will be accounted for. But is that sufficient?

BIGA is an associate member of the Group advising Government. BIGA has a voice, to be sure. But BIGA’s voice isn’t loud enough unless there is a chorus of groomers and businesses unified in singing from the same hymn sheet.

The ultimate beneficiaries of BIGA’s efforts are the pet cats and dogs in our care. Their health, wellbeing, welfare. You got into this industry for these reasons. You could have made another choice if it were purely about the money.

But there is something that drives you beyond just the money. It’s about having a purpose. Doing something meaningful. Because we’re doing the best we can so that as many cats and dogs can live well. This is the reason BIGA exists. It is BIGA’s purpose.

Therefore, it’s worth giving consideration to joining BIGA. Be a part of this grassroots movement. Membership is approximately the equivalent of one dog grooming treatment - for the year. In exchange for the one treatment per year, yes, you get a sticker. You get more than that though. Beyond the various features and benefits of membership, you can be part of a movement that advocates not just for your business, your livelihood, but the welfare of our much-loved pet cats and dogs. Join us today at www.mybiga.org