NfCG is very grateful to its President, Baroness Wilcox of Plymouth, who
hosted a reception for it at the House of Lords in March. The purpose was to enable some
of the many helpful people from Government Departments and other consumer organisations to
meet NfCG Members, Associates and Corporate Associates. Over one hundred attended and, as
a result, the object of the exercise was certainly achieved. NfCG is also grateful to
Corporate Associate, Zurich Financial Services, without whose generous support the event
would not have been possible.
NfCG was delighted that Office of Fair Trading Director General John Bridgeman was able
to attend. Brian Hilton, the Director General of Consumer Affairs and Competition Policy
at the DTI, was also a most welcome guest. Karl Snowden from Zurich Financial Services,
John Ellis from LIA, John Noble from British Brands Group and Tom Miller from Whitbread
were just some of the many Corporate Associates represented.
Lady Wilcox welcomed everyone, emphasized the uniqueness of NfCG with its grass roots
connections and introduced the Chairman, Marie Jennings.
The importance of the Voluntary Sector
Marie made three points. The first was about voluntary sector workers. Here in Britain
we have a huge army of voluntary workers, public-spirited enough to give their time and
skills to help society at large. The NCVO tells us that this army of over three million
individuals, and those for whom this army has created employment, generate an estimated
£12.5 bn each year for the economy and contribute about 2% to the UK GDP. No Government
could afford to replace them should voluntary workers withdraw their help and support.
Marie estimated that the many NfCG volunteers who help with specific consumer issues
contribute more than one million pounds a year. With a background of 36 years of such
service, this adds up to an impressive contribution to the public good.
Consumer Consultation in the 21st century.
Her second point concerned the importance of consumer consultation in the future. The
speed with which processes in business and Government change and progress means that
consumers feel overtaken by events, ignored, disillusioned and even disenfranchised. A way
has to be found to overcome this. NfCG is carrying out a series of polls and follow-up
surveys investigating how (or perhaps if) Government and Industry consult consumers. Our
findings will be revealed at our Annual Conference in York in September. We would welcome
any help, and will help anyone else engaged on examining the same issue.
Why do so few younger people join organisations such as consumer groups unlike the way
they did thirty years ago? They do not lack concern about the key issues affecting us all.
In fact they often feel more concerned than older people. How one brings them into the
debate as the decisions are being taken, is a key issue which we have pledged to identify.
The grass roots - NfCG's special role
Marie's third point related to NfCG's unique position as representing "grass
roots" consumers. Among our Group and Individual Members we have a body of talent,
experience and expertise, people who are committed to achieving greater understanding of
the consumer issues relating to their particular subjects. One of our aims for the year
ahead is to bring together all this talent in a unique database so that the experience and
expertise of these people can be more easily accessed.
She related a comment concerning people whom we suggest for appointment. "NfCG
always provides us with sensible people who have experience, know the issues and can call
on years of commitment and knowledge". A fitting and welcome tribute.
A most enjoyable and successful occasion, let us hope we can do it again.
John Brown
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