Change at the top

20th October 1978, Page 4

20th October 1978

Page 4

Page 4, 20th October 1978 — Change at the top

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The changing attitude of the upper echelons of the Road Haulage Association towards small operators and the membership generally should be warmly applauded. There are those who will deny any conscious change of policy of course, but the theme of this week's conference in general and the chairman's opening speech in particular quite clearly demonstrate that change is taking place.

The RHA can only get stronger by making a real effort to bring the small operators into membership in greater numbers than before. In doing so it must be prepared mentally, physically and constitutionally to provide these small men with services which the long-established, larger companies do not require.

The active encouragement of co-operatives, which have at best enjoyed muted encouragement until now, will surely draw more members into the Association. The work of the membership services sub-committee and redeployment of staff to this activity will clearly add to the membership.

Of course it is not always easy to accept change and there must be those inside the RHA who are apprehensive over the obvious moves away from long-established practice and policy. The change in attitude can only be for the good, already membership is beginning to increase. There is an exciting future ahead for the RHA. It is almost as if the Wells Report was walking in through the rear entrance in carpet slippers.