Successful lobbying by Automatic Vending Association delays implementation of new coinage until 2012

This successful lobbying of the Government is fantastic news for the vending and coin machine industries because it allows them more time to update coin mechanisms, providing a saving of £16.8m to the vending industry – a real help in the current economic climate. Speaking about the achievement, Jonathan Hilder, chief executive officer, Automatic Vending Association said: "I'm absolutely delighted that this constructive dialogue with the Royal Mint and the Treasury has resulted in this common sense approach which is vital to the vending and other coin using industries. It's a great sign that our economic arguments are being listened to and that with the right approach we can change policies that harm our industry. "The Association's established working relationships with both the Royal Mint and the Treasury will continue to be developed over the coming years, and will see further dividends in exploring how we can work together to reduce counterfeit £1 coins. It will also provide a better conduit of information for the Treasury and the Government to assist their understanding the vending industry of Great Britain." As the trade association for the £1.65bn refreshment vending industry, the AVA comprises over 200 highly reputable member companies who service some 500,000 vending machines in Britain. For further information please visit www.ava-vending.co.uk or call 020 8661 1112.