103rd AGM - TBA Chairman sets out strategic priorities for 2021
The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson outlined key strategic priorities for the year ahead in his address at the Annual General Meeting. The event was held online for the first time in the Association’s 103-year history on Sunday, 22 November.
In his address to members, the Chairman acknowledged that the global Covid-19 pandemic had intensified the need for long-term sustainable industry support initiatives. He summarised five areas of focus for the TBA Board of Trustees and executive team in 2021:
• Resolving issues arising from the UK’s exit from the EU; to include working with industry partners at home and abroad to ensure best possible outcomes for the industry, its people, trade and horse movement.
• Maintaining and developing relationships with key industry and government figures who can potentially influence and support TBA activities.
• Providing further direct support for breeders, including development of the Great British Bonus scheme.
• Participating and influencing industry decisions on prize-money, ensuring racing is adequately funded at every level, while maintaining the appeal and competitiveness of Britain’s top-level races globally.
• Improving the TBA’s digital services, including developing and launching a new e-learning platform to provide easy and affordable access to industry training.
Reviewing key successes over the last 12 months, the Chairman referred to improvements in relationships with government, especially the collaborative work between the Department of Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (Defra), the TBA, Chief Veterinary Officer and equine veterinarians that maintained the 2020 covering season.
The Great British Bonus scheme gained approval from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) after engagement between it and the TBA and Levy Board, leading to the successful launch of the scheme in June. To date the scheme has paid out over £1 million in prizes, offering vital financial incentives to stakeholders during this critical time.
The Chairman said: “British breeders need more support. GBB is a great start, but if racecourses wish to run the size of the programme they desire, they will need us to maintain and produce more foals on the ground and that will only happen if breeders feel confident about the future.”
Adapting communications and services for members under the unusual circumstances of 2020 was also highlighted as a key success. A new information hub for Covid-19 was quickly launched, including daily reviews, guidance and updates for members, while new e-bulletins and webinars provided the latest news and learning opportunities throughout the summer. Breeders’ race notifications were introduced, using free emails and SMS messages to inform members when a horse they have bred has a race engagement.
Special resolution
A special resolution to adopt a change to the Articles of Association, increasing the term of the incumbent Chairman from six to eight years, was approved by a member vote in the meeting.
The change was recommended by the Board of Trustees to provide more flexibility to their terms of office, enabling directors to continue to serve on the board when specific knowledge and skills requirements of benefit to the Association’s charitable objectives are involved.
Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson will remain in post for a further two years, during which challenges for the Association will include Brexit, Covid-19, prize-money issues and Levy reform.
TBA Deputy Chairman Philip Newton said: “It is a turbulent time and the Board believes it is in the best interests of the TBA to provide a degree of flexibility around terms of office, to ensure the Association can retain key skills needed, where and when necessary. Implementing this change, will enable the TBA to provide stability in its governance and leadership when operating in unusual climates.
“With regards to our current Chairman, it is essential that the TBA has robust representation at this time, and Julian’s in-depth and strategic knowledge of the industry is vital for government affairs and industry steering groups to ensure the best possible outcome for breeders.”
New subscription structure and fees
As part of the TBA’s commitment to increase access to the industry through education and training, a new membership category was approved. The Associate subscription, offering primarily digital services, will include discounted or free access to TBA courses and events, starting on 1 January 2021 at £60 per year.
TBA Chief Executive Claire Sheppard said: “The Associate tier will provide access to the new TBA e-learning platform, which goes live in the first quarter of 2021, and offer both free and discounted learning materials for those subscribers.
“We hope that a more affordable and streamlined subscription offering will enable enthusiasts, students and industry professionals to join the TBA community, experience the benefits of membership and increase their breeding industry knowledge.”
Full membership under the annual recurring subscription was raised to £150 per year, and other payment methods were increased by £30.
Two new Trustees elected
In the election for two seats on the Board of Trustees. Laundry Cottage Stud owner Colin Bryce and Kate Sigsworth, of West Moor Stud, were successful. The TBA welcomed and congratulated the successful candidates and thanked the other nominees for their ongoing support, interest and participation.
The meeting also included video reports from TBA Committee Chairs, and a Q&A session with the Board of Trustees which featured pre-submitted questions answered live at the event.