JULY sees the Fife Licensed Trade Association celebrate its second birthday and it is continuing to represent publicans in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

It became independent from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association in 2015, and now has over 100 members, including non-trade members, and three major sponsors, Condies, Accountants and Business Advisers, Thorntons, Solicitors and UKi Direct, specialist insurance brokers.

As a trade association, the focus is on support for members. This includes- Free Legal Advice Help Line;

Free Business Cost Reduction Analysis for Business Water, Electricity, Gas, Telecoms. Broadband, Payment and Card Services. Free Business Rates Appeal Assessment.

Special discounts on rating appeals from Graham & Sibbald. Range of discounts from corporate members. Subsidised training courses

On the rates front, prior to the issuing of rates notices, membership secretary Colin Boyle negotiated seven cases with the assessors’ department.

Result- 4 premises paying no rates at all. 3 with reductions of £8,000, £9.000 and £43,000. Total saving to members of over £500,000.

Billy McLean, President said: “I am delighted with the way Fife LTA has taken off.

"We now have a range of benefits making real cost savings for our members. With so many local associations having gone by the board, we could see this format spread throughout central Scotland. It’s good for our members – and we have a bit of fun too.”