Partnerships are at the heart of success for countless companies operating in the Channel, and trade associations are one way to bring together like-minded organisations to solve shared challenges and learn from one another.
There are a number of trade associations that are relevant to channel companies and the benefits of joining them include representing and promoting your company’s interests and views in respect of regulation, legislation, technical standards and licensing.
Trade associations support their members and amplify their voice in key industry discussions. They also provide their members with up-to-date information relating to future developments and current issues, as well as facilitating a way for members to influence policy and opinion.
So, what trade associations might be relevant to your business? Comms Council UK, or CCUK, represents and supports telecommunications companies that provide services to business and residential customers in the UK. The membership is a mixture of network operators, service providers, resellers, suppliers and consultants involved in a sector that is diversifying rapidly.
Federation of Communication Services, or FCS, is an industry association for companies delivering professional voice and data communications solutions to business and public sector customers in the UK. Members use a range of delivery platforms to provide those solutions – whether that’s radio, mobile, copper or fibre – and the FCS champions and defends the role of the professional communications providers in the converging marketplace.
The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) represents providers of Internet services. The organisation promotes collaboration and constructive dialogue between its members and the wider Internet community. Its members help push forward industry efforts to promote competition, innovation, self-regulation and the positive development of the Internet industry.
Active involvement
Trade associations offer the industry a range of benefits. Tracey Wright, chair of CCUK, highlighted the advantages of joining an association, with a focus on members’ ability to unlock even more benefits by playing an active role.
Wright explained, “Trade associations provide a number of valuable benefits for companies, including access to a wide network of peers, a variety of events, industry insights, as well as government advocacy. Full value, however, depends on engagement, and passive membership can limit the benefits for a company.
“But for those who are actively involved, being a trade body member can be a powerful tool for growth and influence within their industry, as well as on behalf of it.”
That perspective struck a chord with Steve Leighton, chair of ISPA UK, who also discussed the value of members of playing an active role within trade associations.
He explained, “Trade associations connect individual businesses with a trusted network of industry peers, policymakers, and potential partners. Not only does this offer up opportunities for collaboration, networking and growth, but it facilitates industry discussion and collective action. Members can work together to push forward a particular issue with the government or simply discuss industry specific challenges and find common solutions.
“Ultimately, active involvement in a trade association empowers businesses to influence the direction of their industry and collectively address shared concerns, driving both commercial success and sector-wide progress.”
Elevating industry concerns
Trade associations are particularly adept at elevating industry concerns and challenges. This is primarily due to the reality that the industry can achieve more together than alone. Wright, from CCUK, said, “Trade associations act as information hubs and advocates for their members.
“By monitoring emerging trends, regulatory developments and market shifts, they identify challenges before they escalate. Associations can then distil complex issues into actionable insights or coordinated campaigns.”
Wright also discussed the role working groups play in solving challenges or coming to a consensus. She said, “They also facilitate working groups and open forums, allowing businesses to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and align on priorities. Through these collaborative efforts, trade associations can drive sector-wide initiatives that might be out of reach for single organisations.”
Trade associations can be a trusted voice for government and other stakeholders. Leighton, from ISPA UK, explained, “Trade associations serve as a powerful collective voice for their members, amplifying individual concerns and ensuring they reach the right policymakers, regulators and the wider public.
“By uniting companies around shared challenges, trade bodies can advocate effectively for regulatory change, raise awareness of critical issues and help shape the industry’s future direction. An effective trade body often becomes a trusted voice and link with government, media and other key stakeholders to help drive solutions that benefit the entire sector, not just individual organisations.”
Getting ahead
Members of trade associations can gain or learn much through their membership, but being able to keep ahead of the curve is one important advantage.
“CCUK members regularly receive best practice guides, giving them tried and tested guidance on compliance with regulations or tips on how to keep ahead of the curve,” said Wright, from CCUK. “Recent such releases include guidance on conducting important Know Your Customer checks, information on changes to Calling Line identification rules and more.”
One key focus for the organisation has been on tackling fraud. Wright commented, “Expanding on this offering, CCUK recently partnered with the National Trading Standards to create a fraud and scams alert initiative, a vital industry-wide collaboration project to fight the significant challenge of fraud.
“We also represent our members to government, Ofcom, Parliamentarians and other related stakeholders, working with members on key priorities and consultations. This is bolstered by regular members’ events, including an annual Fraud Summit, regular workshops, panel discussions, dinners and networking receptions.”
Trade associations often have decades of experience they can draw on to navigate the latest industry challenges, as well as being able to rely on members’ individual experiences and knowledge.
“ISPA members benefit from a unique combination of practical support, industry insight and enhanced credibility,” explained Leighton, from ISPA UK. “Given that ISPA has run for the past 30 years, members have benefitted from a single stable trade association for decades, giving them a solid forum for long-term strategic discussion and planning.
“In terms of day-to-day policy support, members receive regular updates on regulatory and policy developments. We work with members on shaping government policy, representing them in Parliament, with government, and with Ofcom, through our various working groups.”
Leighton pointed to ISPA’s recent contribution to tackling challenges around the installation of new telegraph poles, with this particular piece of infrastructure being put under the microscope due to a combination of local resistance and media interest. Leighton said, “A particular recent highlight has been our poles working group, which developed new Best Practice Guidance for telecoms pole siting, at the request of - and with a positive response from government.”
Of course, benefits extend beyond policy development. Leighton added, “Our work also goes beyond policy, and we regularly host roundtables, workshops and events aimed at addressing challenges and facilitating discussion in the sector. This includes everything from technical webinars to our annual conferences and awards ceremony.
“We also help with compliance and the ever-evolving regulatory requirements on members, including through guidance, as well as offering free membership of a consumer alternative dispute resolution membership.”
Protecting your business
As technology evolves, the industry will continue to face new challenges whether that’s technical or regulatory. A membership to a trade association can help businesses navigate choppy waters or go after new opportunities when the seas are calmer.
When asked what challenges are front of mind for trade associations operating in 2025, Wright, from CCUK, explained her organisation works to manage challenges for its members.
She said, “The telecoms industry is a highly regulated industry, often at risk of reputational impact. A trade association is perfectly situated to handle these matters on behalf of its membership. For telecoms specifically, fraudulent and scam communications will continue to be a threat to the industry, and CCUK will continue to advocate, monitor and educate members to protect their businesses.”
For resellers, MSPs, distributors or other channel companies that are looking to join a trade association, there are a few things to keep in mind when identifying the best trade association for their needs.
“Prospective members should first identify their goal; it could be a focus on training, networking, government and regulatory advocacy, or perhaps all three,” explained Wright, from CCUK.
“Ultimately, companies should look for a trade body that meets their goals effectively and is truly influential with policymakers. Companies should also research the frequency and quality of events that a potential trade body runs and the type of membership.”
This feature was included in our June 2025 print issue. You can read the magazine in full here.