The OIA ran its first Development Board meeting,in November, fittingly hosted by the Youth Hostel Association at their Manchester City Venue.
The Development Board is a new OIA initiative with the UK outdoor industry future as its focus. During a nine-month consultation period, over 60 future industry leaders were interviewed on their perspectives on the OIA and the changes facing the industry, and how they thought they could steer both if given the opportunity.
The board will act as a platform for the younger members of the OIA and as a directive to the whole organisation on developing our membership, communication, diversity and sustainability; the four key threads of operation that came out of the consultancy.
There will be a digital forum to engage the entire group consulted, and future interested parties, and a physical board of 10 -12 which will meet three-to-four times a year. The next meeting will be at the OIA AGM, and the DB will run a workshop on the second day on their objectives.
The Development Board members are: Sam Fernando, Sales Director, Keela – Chair; Andy Green, Commercial Director, Sport Pursuit – Vice Chair; om Caine, Senior Buyer, Go Outdoors; Rob Birell, Marketing Director, AMG Group; Terry Stephenson, Head of Marketing and E-commerce, Montane; James MacNamara, Managing Director, Craghoppers; Alex Messenger, Head of Communications and Marketing, BMC; Ronnie Legg, Design Manager, Alpkit; Claire Carter, Engagement Officer, OIA; David Bowler, Marketing & Communications, OIA.
During their first meeting, the Development Board elected Sam Fernando as Chair and Andy Green as Vice Chair. Both are passionately committed to the initiative, and to the time ahead for UK industry.
Sam Fernando said: “I think there is real energy, enthusiasm and commitment to push ahead and make a real difference for the industry as a whole.”
In the discussion, the board expressed a commitment to achieving real, measurable outcomes within their first year. The initial focus of these will be an evaluation of OIA communication and previous research, with intent to commission new research to engage a growth in membership.
If you are interested in joining the Digital Development Board forum or have any questions, please contact claire.carter@theoia.co.uk
