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Membership Criteria

One of the factors contributing to BETA's strength and the reputation of its members is that all applicants for membership must meet certain criteria that are agreed upon by Council. 

Each membership category of BETA has its own criteria though there is some commonality amongst categories, such as the requirement to trade legally.

Retail Membership Category and Criteria

This category is for retailers, whether operating out of a shop, by mail order, over the internet or from a van. Each of these divisions have their own criteria in addition to the general conditions of membership. Key to this category is that there is as shop or retail base to the enterprise, except for Mail order or internet which must however have dedicated business premises. 

Criteria for all Members in the Retail Category

1 Financial Full Members must be registered for VAT.
2 Code of Practice Must subscribe to any BETA Code of Practice.
3 Symbol Are required to display the symbol if a paid up member, both in store and on any business website. (If a website exists a link must be provided to the BETA website).
4 Time Must be trading legally for a minimum of twelve months fulfilling all other criteria - otherwise Provisional Membership applies (see below).
5 Photographs Must supply two interior and one exterior photograph of shop with application.

Criteria for Retail Members

1 Premises & Legal Equestrian Retailers must trade legally from a permanent shop appropriately retail rated.
2 Hours Must be open during normal business hours for at least 4 days a week all year round (other than mobiles).

Additional Criteria for Mobile Equestrian Retailers

  1. Must operate legally from purpose built vehicle or an appropriately fitted out trade stand on a year round basis with permanent staff.
  2. 'Must supply picture of show unit or trade stand with application.

Additional criteria for Saddlers

  1. Must be a Qualified Saddler ie has attained a Level 3 City and Guilds, or spent 4 years working under a Master, and earns his living by his trade.
  2. A Registered Saddler ie has attained a Level 2 City and Guilds, will fall into Associate membership being able to transfer to Retail Saddler once fulfilling the above criteria.

Additional Criteria for Feed Merchant Membership

  1. Permanent purpose built premises not necessarily a shop.
  2. Permanent knowledgeable staff all year round.
  3. Should be retailing at least 40% other brands besides own brand/own make (otherwise they are trade).

Additional Criteria for Internet / Mail Order Only Retailers

  1. Must trade legally from dedicated business premises which are appropriately rated, but not necessarily retail premises. On-line and telephone support must be provided during normal office hours.
  2. Must hold sufficient stock to meet customer demand and show and meet its delivery lead time. 
  3. Must supply a full colour print out of their home page, together with three sample pages of products. Mail Order Retailers to provide a copy of their latest catalogue.
  4. Must clearly display the BETA logo on their website / catalogue and the website must be linked to the BETA site.
  5. If inviting customers to pay via credit card over the net the encryption methods mechanism must be explained.
  6. Must be visited by a Council member or their representative.
  7. Retailers must follow guidelines set down in the current distance selling legislation.

Provisional Membership

  1. Business's that meet the Criteria but have been trading for less than a year become Provisional members. They are reassessed for full membership 12 months later.
  2. 'Businesses that meet the criteria but are not registered for VAT become provisional members. Provisional membership is only available for 2 years - after this period membership will be reviewed and full membership may be offered. Full membership can be withheld until the business becomes VAT registered.

NOTE: ALL APPLICANTS ARE ACCEPTED AND REVIEWED AT COUNCIL'S DISCRETION.

Trade Membership Category and Criteria (excluding commission agents)

This category is for manufacturers, wholesalers and other suppliers of goods to the trade. Companies may be selling exclusively through the distributive trade (ie. via wholesalers or retailers) but may also be selling to the consumer (e.g. trainers, yards or the public). They may also be operating a mail order service or selling on the internet. Key to this category is that the main business be the activity of manufacturing or supplying of goods to the trade. 

Trade Criteria

1 Financial Members must be registered for VAT.
2 Premises & Legal Equestrian suppliers must trade legally from a permanent premises appropriately business rated.
3 Hours Must be open normal business hours with suitable facilities to respond to information requests within two working days. Attendant staff must be competent.
4 Code of Conduct Must subscribe to any BETA Code of Conduct and complete and update as necessary a Declaration of Trading Policy 
5 Symbol Must display the BETA Trade members symbol where appropriate if a paid up member.
6 Stock Must have adequate production facilities and raw materials and/or finished goods to satisfy the anticipated demand.
7 Policy Must have a declared and binding sales and distribution policy. Price alteration policy must be declared.
8 Time Must be trading legally for a minimum of two years fulfilling all other criteria. (Less implies provisional membership.)

Agent Membership

This category was designed for individuals working as commission agents.

Equine Membership

This category of membership was set up for dealers, auctioneers and equestrian establishments who derive their living from the equestrian industry. BETA is a 'trade' organisation so we hope to cater for all aspects of the trade. 

Overseas Membership

Designed for companies with a base outside the U.K. this category is split into two sections - 'retail' and 'trade'. The criteria are the same as for domestic trade and retail members although this category of membership does not carry any voting rights. 

Associate Members

This category is designed for companies involved in the equestrian industry wishing to affiliate themselves to the equestrian business organisation. Other organisations, service oriented companies (such as finance houses, transport, insurance) and companies and associations serving the equestrian sector belong in this category. 

If you are uncertain about which category of membership is for you, please contact us with your details and we will advise you accordingly.