Tim Loughton MP attended the British Toy and Hobby’s Association’s (BTHA)* ‘Giving the gift of play’ Parliamentary event to show support for the thriving British toy industry. Further, in collaboration with the BTHA, Tim Loughton MP donated a selection of toys to the local charity Street Play, giving the gift of play for local children at Christmas.
As the official organisation representing manufacturers for Britain’s £4.2 billion toy industry, the BTHA event brought together member businesses based across the UK, 35 MPs and peers and wider industry stakeholders to celebrate the growth of the sector and the important contribution of quality, safe toys to the fabric of our UK society. The toy industry employ 51,000 people and contribute £1 billion to the UK Treasury and raised awareness of this significant economic contribution.
Tim Loughton MP said:
“I was absolutely delighted to join the BTHA in Parliament and support them to give the gift of play to my local charity for Christmas. I appreciate their efforts to provide the charity East Worthing and Shoreham with gifts at this festive time of year.”
“It was important to celebrate the immense contribution of the British toy industry to the UK economy and the importance of ‘play’ to a child’s development. I very much look forward to working with them as they continue their vital work”.
Natasha Crookes, Director of Public affairs and Communications at the BTHA said:
“The BTHA has worked tirelessly to ensure the UK has the highest standards of safety regulations and enforcement in the world, and child safety is at the heart of what we stand for. We were delighted 35 MPs and peers supported us to give the gift of play this Christmas and we are grateful to the support they have shown us in raising our profile in Parliament during this unique political period”.
In addition to the central theme of ‘Giving the gift of play’ and the contribution of BTHA members, the event also covered the work of the BTHA’s dedicated charity, the Toy Trust. The trust exists to raise money to help disadvantaged and disabled children within the UK and abroad, ensuring children have access to toys and the gift of play. Furthermore, the event also celebrated the ‘Make Time 2 Play’* campaign.