I never really know when to stop saying ‘Happy New Year’ but it is definitely not to late to say Happy New Decade.
‘2020’ may sound like a title to a dystopian 1970 sci-fi film and as we look at some of the global issues, it can feel like it as well; but we have the chance to make 2020 the start of something good.
Personally, I’m fed up with the naysayers and doom-mongers who pervade our consciousness. We are in exciting and vibrant times and I’m looking forward to the 2020’s - I’d like to wish everyone a decade of which you can be proud. Of course, there will be challenges, but there will be huge opportunities. If I can just give one bit of advice: spend more time rigorously chasing and nailing the opportunities.
I’m exceptionally proud that we’ve just announced our second consecutive discretionary rebate. That means that during the last financial year (February 2019 to January 2020), AF will have given back over £1m in rebates to members, on top of price reductions of over £700k. £1.75m of total returned value, prior to the great savings we deliver every day.
As we enter the new decade, AF is in a great place, both culturally and financially, and can rightly look forward to building on the very firm foundations. Yes, there are plenty of things that the business still needs to do. We’re always looking to improve our service to our members, but the business is rightly concentrating on the core and driving value back to you, the member.
I’ve always stated that the hardest thing we do is talk to our members in an open, two-way manner. Thank you to those of you that have taken the time to answer our satisfaction email survey (we call it NPS). This gives us a snapshot of how our members are feeling and allows the business to understand what is working well, and more importantly, where we need to improve.
The last year has also seen the growth of our two regional boards, who provide valuable insight to the leadership team and the board. If you would like more details about our regional boards, please contact our Executive Office (
execoffice@theafgroup.co.uk).
Finally, as AF prepares for the new CEO to take over, I want to reassure you all that I remain firmly at the helm and will continue to lead the business until the changeover has been agreed.