Industry stalwart Paul Waterson catches up with Karen Peattie to reflect on his 16 years as chief executive of the SLTA
IT’S the end of an era with the news that Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) and the voice of the industry, is stepping down from the high-profile role after 16 years.
Paul, who also owns The Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling, took time out of his business and SLTA responsibilities last year for personal reasons and has now decided to relinquish his busy role at the SLTA with immediate effect. SLTA secretary Colin Wilkinson will assume his responsibilities.
Under Paul’s stewardship, the trade association has become one of the most respected in the licensed trade, not just in Scotland but in the UK and Ireland.
Paul Waterson first became involved in the licensed trade at the tender age of 15, helping his late father, John, who has a reputation as one of the trade’s most innovative operators in a career spanning more than 70 years.
President of the SLTA from 1996-99, Paul’s shrewd business acumen and ability to engage with operators across all spectrums of the licensed trade saw him appointed chief executive in 2002.
An eloquent and articulate spokesperson for the industry, Paul leaves the SLTA in a position of strength having guided it through the broad-ranging Time for Change action plan which included the incorporation of the 1000-strong Scottish Bartenders Network to bolster membership.
Another key development for growing the membership has been the personal licence holder (PLH) registration scheme which entitles all personal licence holders in Scotland to complimentary professional registration with the SLTA and the benefits that go with it.
Paul also steered the trade association to set up the SLTA External Advisory Board, whose first chairman was industry stalwart Peter Lederer, patron of the SLTA.
The board was established as part of a long-term strategy to drive the organisation and become truly representative of the licensed trade in Scotland. Its new chairman is Jim Grierson, former sales director of Maxxium UK.
“My time as chief executive and, of course, my wider involvement with the SLTA as a member has been extremely rewarding, challenging at times when navigating the high levels of bureaucracy and legislation that are part and parcel of the licensed trade,” he said.
“Working with the SLTA team and others we have made significant strides in recent years in a number of pertinent areas, including business rates and minimum unit pricing (MUP),” Paul added. “However, there will always be something new on the horizon to look out for and, inevitably, yet more legislation.
“Some legislation has had a significant negative effect on our businesses and we, as an industry, must strive to work harder to make our voice heard – and it is my more recent experience that tells me that we have a louder voice and more clout if we collaborate with others.”
The Time for Change review, he continued, had rejuvenated the SLTA, encouraged more of the younger generation working in the licensed trade and wider hospitality industry to get involved and further enhanced its profile.
“I’m stepping down at a time when we have excellent team in place to drive us forward and I know that Colin, Jim, Peter, John and the rest of our senior executives will work hard at keeping our members informed and involved,” said Paul.
“In the last few years we’ve had to defend the interests of our trade on so many fronts – that won’t change but we have the tools now to be much more effective. The SLTA has always been a key part of Scotland’s social, economic and political scene and we will continue to make our views known and our voice heard on all the issues of the day.
Paul, paying tribute to his many colleagues in the SLTA as well as industry partners, suppliers and other collaborators, said: “Many, many people have contributed to our successes and worked with us to achieve our goals – I know that you will continue to support Colin in the coming months and years.
“As an industry we must be proactive, open to change and prepared to do things differently by moving outside our comfort zone.
“One thing that is unlikely to change any time soon is the constant demonisation of alcohol and the way in which those of who sell alcohol – and drink it – responsibly are still criticised.
“But we are a strong industry with a trade association that will always put the needs of our members first. And we have a strong future, despite the challenges that lie ahead.”