- The committee has met four times since the last AGM, undertaking a number of general and specific projects with the aim of fulfilling needs and adding value for the members of ACE whilst ensuring that finances remain stable. ACE has remained highly solvent this year through good stewardship and the continued support of the industry.
Major initiatives undertaken this year include the launch of the ACE Ashridge Foundation Course (see report). The Foundation Course was attended by 15 of the industry's future stars, with costs covered by their companies. We would like to thank those companies for their support. The delegates took part in two modules covering all areas of strategic thinking and effective leadership. Based on their dissertation and project work, three of the delegates will go forward to do the Management Diploma course, with two places funded by ACE one by Ashridge. The drive for this next year's intake is getting underway and hopefully we can encourage more delegates to apply. Special thanks to Adrian Smith for all his hard work in helping get the project off the ground.
- This year also saw the installation of three ACE trustees, whose role it is to ensure the assets of ACE are being safeguarded and enhanced in the interests of the membership. Our thanks go to Mike Newman, Adrian Smith and Leonard Stall for their tremendous support.
- This year International Circulation and Distributor Awards have been completely revamped. On Tuesday December 5 2006 over 200 people are expected to enjoy a sit down meal at Vinopolis in London as the cream of the industry fight it out for the seven awards on offer. So far there has been 72 entries, far exceeding last year's entry. Thanks to Chris Collins, Harvey Gidley, Simon Prodger and Shona Keith for their hard work.
- NewstrAid, or Old Ben, will remain the chosen charity and we hope to continue that association in 2007. In 2006 ACE donated a total of £16,000.
- The ACE website received a record 32,000 hits in October with 2,210 visitors. www.acecirculation.com.
- Outgoing Chairman Neil Jagger told the AGM that he had enjoyed his year in office and will oversee this year's Christmas festivities before handing over the Chair to Michael Farrer in January. Other new positions included John Bunting as Vice Chairman, Shona Keith as Honorary Treasurer and the reelection of Mark O'Connor and Joe Clark to the committee.
- Outgoing Honorary Treasurer John Atkins steps down from the committee after six years and we would like to thank him for his tremendous work and support.
- ACE finished the year with net profit of £75,000, £5,000 more than last year.
- ACE took the prudent measure of taking a fidelity insurance policy.
- The Northern Division of ACE saw changes of ownership at two of its long established independent wholesalers and special thanks are made to Colin Griffiths and Alan Pemberton. We would also like to thank TNT for their continued support.
- Northern ACE Summer Pie event was tinged with sadness following the death of long-serving committee member Ken Shuttleworth. The bowls trophy will be renamed the Ken Shuttleworth Cup in his memory.
- The next AGM will be held Wednesday November 7 2007.
