The WSTA works to create an environment in which UK wine and spirit business can thrive. There are three main ways in which we seek to achieve this:
Providing avenues of easily accessible information – through phone lines, committees, groups and publications so you can keep up to date with changes in the industry
Providing opportunities to influence policy on a range of issues through WSTA committees, networking groups and events that provide access to policy makers and Parliamentarians
Providing market data publications so that you are kept up to date with emerging trends in the market
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We have the largest and broadest membership base of any trade association in our sector;
multi-channel, multi-category, national and international, start-ups through to global brands, the full length of the supply chain. We therefore have a better understanding and are able to represent more of the industry.
With former Cabinet office, Defra, HMRC and Fleet Street staff working at the WSTA, we have good, established communications with and contacts in Government, in Parliament and in the media.
Member benefits and services
Individual advice by telephone or e-mail
We regularly advise on a diverse range of issues, including importing, exporting, due diligence, labelling, CMO guidelines, licensing questions and issues with HMRC.
You can access our members’ section
This provides exclusive access to industry briefings, technical advice, model policy documents and sector guidance. We also post slides from seminars and events.
Regular updates on technical, legislative and policy issues, & data publications
We cover a range of technical, legislative and policy issues, such as the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme, labelling, voluntary health
We cover a range of technical, legislative and policy issues, such as the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme, labelling, voluntary health particulars and the UK’s relationship with the EU.
Data publications cover on and off trade sales of wines and spirits.
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Benefit from inclusion in our Primary Authority relationship
In 2017 the WSTA entered a coordinated Primary Authority relationship with Salford City Council. Primary Authority is a legal …
In 2017 the WSTA entered a coordinated Primary Authority relationship with Salford City Council. Primary Authority is a legal partnership through which the WSTA can receive assured, tailored advice based on the general needs of our members.
As a member, you would automatically be included within this partnership and any assured advice would be available to you.
Due to the success of our partnership with Salford City Council we entered into a second primary authority partnership with Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Trading standards in June this year. This has broadened the reach of the advice we receive and means that our members that are based, or who sell, in Wales are equally covered.
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Have a voice with government
Government prefers talking to trade associations rather than a large number of disparate businesses – it’s more efficient.As a member of the WSTA, you …
Government prefers talking to trade associations rather than a large number of disparate businesses – it’s more efficient.
As a member of the WSTA, you are able to influence and participate in our efforts to ensure that government creates a favourable trading environment.
We regularly arrange visits for ministers and MPs and provide the secretariat for an active All Party Parliamentary Wines and Spirits Group.
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You can participate in our committees and events
Committees consider a wide range of topics, such as importing, exporting, distance selling, spirits, logistics, technical developments and responsible retailing. As well as providing a valuable forum for gaining insight, these are also a valuable networking opportunity.
We hold an annual Industry Summit themed around current industry issues and our events programme also includes seminars covering compliance, fraud prevention and technical issues, Breakfast Briefings on current topics, and speed-dating style sessions with our Executive Board members.
Your business is more credible
HMRC considers that membership of a recognised trade association is something to be taken into account when undertaking due diligence.
Obtain discounted services
We have a legal advice line, HR services, access to statistics and a wide range of other consultants, all of whom will give preferential rates to WSTA members.
- Access to cost-effective expert advice on legal, regulatory and tax matters.
- Have a voice with government.
- Regular updates and briefings on key policy and legislative issues that could affect your business.
- Access to the latest market research
- Valuable networking opportunities through our conferences and events