New chairman for the Trade Association Forum

21 August, 2015

Isabel Martinson, immediate past chairman of TAF, said: "Having been involved in the Trade Association Forum since its formation in 1997 and a passionate advocate for it ever since, I felt hugely honoured to be elected by my peers to become its chairman. To then become one of its founding directors, as the decision was taken to become a separate legal entity, having grown up within the CBI, was a professional and personal privilege and I am indebted to the support of my fellow founding and new directors, staff, members, sponsors and supporting stakeholders who have enabled TAF Ltd. to move forward successfully. I am delighted that Chris Buxton has been elected chairman and I know that I leave TAF in the hands of a very strong and effective Board of Directors, clearly committed to further growing the profile and voice of the trade association sector, while providing members with the information, advocacy and services that they need. I wish TAF a very successful future."

Chris Buxton, TAF chairman, said: “TAF is a unique organisation in that it represents the best interests of all UK Trade Associations, irrespective of sector or industry. Having recently become independent of the CBI, the next two years will be critical in establishing its new role as a truly independent and self-sufficient resource and I look forward to being able to play my part on the team responsible for developing it through this challenging and exciting new period.

“Isabel Martinson will be a tough act to follow, having done an excellent job in managing the recent changes. Looking forward we have a strong Board and Executive team and, most importantly, the support of a strong and growing membership. I am confident that we shall be able to take the organisation from strength to strength.”

Linda Cavender, general manager of the Trade Association Forum said: “Our new chairman arrives at an exciting time in the Forum’s development. While we will, of course, miss Isabel a great deal, we look forward to working closely with our new chairman, Chris Buxton, our vice chairman and the rest of the TAF Board to further develop our portfolio of services to the ultimate benefit of our members. We would like to thank Isabel for all her hard work and support throughout her tenure as chairman.”

Peter Newport, chief executive of the Chemical Business Association and one of the Forum’s founder directors in its newly incorporated form, will remain as vice chairman.