CONTENTS

3. Message From Gillian White, AVA Chair

Update from David Llewellyn, AVA Chief Executive

4. Treasurers Report: Graham Kingaby

5. Have your Say!

AVA Census

AVA Members Survey

6. Environment Committee Report: Adrian Pratt & Mike Saltmarsh

12. Technical Committee Report: Mike Saltmarsh

13. Commodities Committee Report: Wayne Wanklyn

14. General News

Looking forward to 2023, with all the optimism and energy that it brings, is also time to reflect and reset. We reflect on those no longer with us but bathe in their legacy and take solace in the memories of shared learnings and good times. It would be remiss of me not to mention the loss of Roger Williams, a stalwart of our industry, a quietly influential leader and a passionate Aston Villa fan! Rest In Peace Roger.

Whilst 2022 has been another year of uncertainty and challenge, the fearless will always find opportunity and positivity; regardless of how difficult this may seem. Our industry is undaunted in the face of adversity, and continues to persevere in spite of blocks along the way, remaining innovative to the core. Society regained most of the freedoms that the pandemic restricted and we saw vending markets returning to some level of normal operation; education, leisure and office locations being occupied in person, requiring the products and services where we excel. Technology solutions that make things easier to manage against the constant business realities of inflation, labour shortages and operational headaches have been adopted, promoted and introduced throughout the sector.

Many of you give your time to the AVA Committees and Board voluntarily and wholeheartedly. Thank you

In closing, I would like to thank Steve for 23 years of dedicated service to the AVA. All the very best in your new adVENDtures. To Penny and David, we appreciate all that you do every day for the entire membership. Here’s to 2023!

An update from AVA Chief Executive, David Llewellyn

This has been a busy year – especially with the number of consultations and legislative proposals we have had to respond to. Thankfully we have an active volunteer Board to guide us along the way. This year, we welcomed back Jane MacDonald from Excel Vending, Graham Kingaby from The Vending People & NIVO and Adrian Pratt from Benders, to the Vending & Automated Retail Association Board for another term of office. In addition, we would also like to welcome as Operator representatives, Stuart Coutts from Connect Vending and Kelly Pugh from City Vending Services, who has also agreed to be co-opted onto the AVA board. Plus Craig Jukes from EVOCA UK Ltd as Machines & Components representative.

With the proposed legislation progressing for 2023 and beyond, our actions and involvement over the coming years will continue to be critical to our industry.

If you would like to find out more about our board and how we support our members, do get in touch.

As previously mentioned, Steve Collins retired from his role as Membership Services Manager at the end of the year. Although he will be carrying out several audits throughout January and February until his replacement picks up the role with us at the beginning of March. We will then be happy to welcome on board someone who is well known throughout the vending industry – and certainly qualified to take over the role: David Bamford

This year, the AVA also welcomed a new Treasurer as Board member Graham Kingaby stepped forward to take on the role

“I agreed to take on the role of AVA Treasurer earlier in 2022 with some trepidation. Although I felt qualified to take on the role, I did have some reservations. While I have experience dealing with business finance, I am not an accountant and I had massive shoes to fill. I worked with Roger Williams on the AVA Board for over a decade, and I came to respect him immensely. So, in addition to my commitment to AVA members, I also wanted to continue with Roger’s legacy as AVA Treasurer. I am pleased to report that I find AVA accounts and the control process to be in a healthy condition. The Board have agreed a realistic approach to subscriptions and costs, that enable David and his team to act positively and robustly on behalf of the industry. Our external accountant is attentive and experienced, and the audit process is well established. Even our investments show signs of recovery after a turbulent 12 months. I hope to be able to continue to support as Treasurer in 2023.”

The Annual AVA Census provides vital data for our industry. It is regularly used as the basis for successful lobbying with Government, as a resource to members to help them benchmark performance against the overall industry and by potential investors to understand key trends and assess potential acquisitions.

Martin Colston will once again be carrying out the AVA Census this year and we hope that all members will find time to complete and return submissions. The 2022 Census will, yet again, be essential to gauge and report on vending businesses and the sector as a

For more information – contact the AVA office or Martin Colston on: martin@colstonconsultants.com

460,000 There are over

Vending Machines across the UK that is 1 machine for every 143 people in the UK

2022 Members Survey

It is vital that we understand what our members need, as well as how they feel about the services and support that the AVA offers. This also helps us to ensure we can remain focused on what matters to you. With that in mind, please take a little time (about 5 minutes) out of your day to complete our Annual Member Survey. Thank you.