CTPA AGM highlights strength in communications
Industry association maintains momentum
Speaking at the CTPA (UK cosmetics and toiletries association) AGM last week, chairman Andrew McCarthy acknowledged that “2009 was a difficult financial and trading year as the European economy struggled to beat the recession”. But while the association cut back on essential expenditure to better match available income, key services were said to be unaffected.
A pro-active communications strategy has seen further development of thefactsabout consumer website and this year saw the introduction of media panels. “These demonstrated that there is an appetite amongst journalists to engage with the CTPA and they are enthusiastic about the access to independent experts,” said McCarthy, adding that the increase in communications work over the past seven years has put the CTPA firmly in position as the public voice of the industry.
“Criticism of our industry’s advertising continued to play a major role and finding ways to explain the science behind products remains a challenge that the CTPA is working on with both the ASA and Clearcast and also ISBA,” continued McCarthy.
“Improved self-esteem is a critical element in consumers’ understanding of the benefits of the industry’s products and the CTPA’s research was revisited with updated consumer polling in 2009. This will also be a key work item in 2010 and 2011 as greater regulatory focus on consumer expectations, understanding and responsible advertising is expected.”
The CTPA is very much involved with Colipa discussions and submissions to the European regulatory authorities in developing the new EC Cosmetics Regulation, published at the end of 2009. Work continues here led by Chris Flower, director general of the CTPA.
McCarthy thanked Flower and his ‘remarkable’ team for their impressive work on the industry’s behalf.
The AGM was followed by the annual CTPA dinner where members and guests enjoyed a fun, action packed evening complete with carnival masks and graffiti wall.