FINANCE &
GENERAL PURPOSES
COMMITTEE

Although the BHDTA is essentially run by its members for the benefit of the members, it does have a significant turnover and important responsibilities and requires to operate much as any other business. This involves the keeping of detailed accounts and monitoring of its financial position throughout the year with reference to a previously prepared annual budget for its activities, as well as a wide range of other matters. These range from making sure the ‘business’ operates efficiently and controlling costs, to ensuring compliance with the ever increasing ‘red tape’ burden.

All this is a primary concern of the treasurer working together with the other members of the F&GP Committee. Of course, as with any other business, there is often pressure from ‘customers’, i.e. members, for greater value for money, as well as outside pressures which can result in increased costs or reduced income. There can also be proposals for new activities such as action to raise the profile of the sport. As you so often hear said in business circles ‘no change is not an option’.

Another important function of the F&GP Committee is therefore to look at what changes can be made to ensure that the BHDTA can satisfy its existing member’s aspirations and become stronger by attracting more members, as well as the cost implications of any changes and of any new spending plans.

Certainly in the last year or two, some significant changes have been made, including relocation of the BHDTA’s office and reduction of the staff, which have resulted in considerable savings. Savings have also been made for the benefit of members in the area of newsletter publication through the good services of Carriage Driving magazine! More work is now underway reviewing membership costs and the costs of competing.

There is also the ‘General Purposes’ side of the F&GP Committee’s role as they draw together the reports and comments from all the other committees and ensure that there is a ‘joined up’ theme to the working of council. They also pick up on issues that arise during the year and ensure that these are discussed by the appropriate committee before being presented to the council for a decision.

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE DIAGRAM