The MAA The Manufacturers Agents Association
       
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MAA Benefits


What is it that all MAA Members have in common?

They all sell on a commission basis. And that’s about it! Some are one-man businesses, some employ many people. Some are Sole Traders, some are Partnerships and some are Limited Companies. They sell to retailers, businesses, hospitals, wholesalers, TV Shopping Channels, and to international distributors. In fact - almost anywhere there’s something to be sold there’s an Agent! Some work only in a few counties, some straddle the globe. Some make a lot of money, some only a little; most make a comfortable living once established.

The MAA is a trade association for professional Agents, for new Agents and for aspiring Agents. For Agents the MAA offers such a multitude of benefits at a low cost that joining us seems the sensible thing to do!

  • "Agents News" Our colourful bi-monthly magazine contains interesting and entertaining articles for Agents plus details of Principals looking for Agents. "Agents News" magazine is sent to all our members. Plus every other month "Agents News EXTRA", the on-line Agents magazine with hard copy available on request to Members not on the Internet.
  • MAA Net Search. Your details are registered on our Database to ensure fast and accurate matching with Principals looking for Agents on MAA Net Search. The MAA database is the most up-to-date Agents database in the UK. We send you update forms every year in your Membership Renewal Pack. Net Searches are sent to all Agents selected by Principals by email or First Class post.
  • Accredited Agent Status. Active Agents who have been Members of the MAA for over one year, have been Agents for at least 3 years and have attended an MAA Seminar or Conference, may become MAA Accredited Agents. An invitation to join the scheme is sent in your Membership Renewal Pack.
  • IUCAB. The MAA is an active member of IUCAB (the International Union of Commercial Agents and Brokers) This enables Agents throughout Europe and North America to co-operate and act together for the protection of their rights and interests. Look at their website on www.iucab.nl
  • Logos Printing the prestigious MAA and IUCAB logos on your stationery shows Principals and customers that you take your profession seriously. We provide these logos in a TrueType font and jpegs on a disk.
  • Legal Advice You get a free initial legal consultation and free reading of new contracts with our solicitors. The MAA works with leading solicitors in Agency law who are also on the IUCAB Legal Working Group. They have an in-depth knowledge of international Agency law and advise on contract termination and other issues and give reduced terms to MAA members.
  • MAA Exchange Admission to our Yahoo Newsgroup is available to all MAA Members on maa_exchange-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
  • MAA Benevolent Fund We have a well funded Benevolent Fund to help Agents and their dependants.
  • Medical Insurance BUPA and Irish hospitals offer private medical insurance at reduced terms. Plus schemes on MAA Skonto
  • Advice and Assistance are available to our Members from our national team of Area Advisors, all of them professional agents. Your local Co-Ordinator is listed at the back of "Agents News".
  • Agency Agreement A model Agency Agreement written by the IUCAB Legal Working Group for you to confirm the existence of an Agency where the Principal does not issue a contract is included in your New Members Pack
  • Seminars are held to help keep you informed and up to date. Details of those in your area are sent to you and are also published in "Agents News".
  • CPMR Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative This highly recommended, training course for Agents is spread over three years and takes place in January at the University of Arizona in Phoenix. Please see www.mrerf.org - educational programs - CPMR for further information.
  • Free Magazine Advertisements Members may submit small advertisements relevant to Agents including ads for sub-Agents and sale of agency for inclusion in the next available copy of "Agents News".
  • References We receive enquiries asking whether an Agent is a Member of the MAA, your professional Association. Membership of the MAA confirms your status.
  • Free Magazine Adverts

Your New Members Pack includes:

  • The latest copy of "Agents News" magazine
  • A special magazine, full of information on MAA, IUCAB, Agency law etc.
  • Four Booklets:
  • "The Commission Agent" - a quick guide to working as an agent
  • "Twenty Questions Agents Ask" - the most asked Legal Questions
  • The Commercial Agents Regulations - UK Agency Law
  • Legal Fact Sheets from IUCAB
  • MAA & IUCAB logos disk
  • IUCAB recommended Agency Contract - also on the disk
  • A full list of Membership Benefits
  • "Right to Compensation on Death of an Agent" leaflet to put with your will - just in case!
  • MAA Member Badge & Car Window sticker
  • MAA Membership certificate suitable for framing (sent after you join)

Our Annual Subscription is £75 + vat (£ 88.12) Our Registration Fee is £35 + vat.
Your Total Payment on joining is £110 + £19.25 vat (£129.25) then £75 + vat (£ 88.12) in subsequent years.

Membership is by direct debit.

Your subscription to your professional association is fully allowable against tax so, for example, a VAT registered sole trader would only actually pay £66 on joining and then only £45 per annum after reclaiming the VAT and 40% Income Tax.

Membership Registration

Paying for Membership outside the UK

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The Secretary General, Unit 16 Thrales End Harpenden Herts AL5 3NS UK
Tel: +44 (0)1582 767618 Fax: +44 (0)1582 766092 info@themaa.co.uk