The Gun Trade Association (GTA) has confirmed it is moving to a completely virtual business model, as part of a wide-ranging modernisation programme designed to make the organisation more efficient and responsive to members.Speaking at the association’s AGM at Bisley, chief executive Stephen Jolly said the transition is already underway. The move will see…
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Eastern Sporting has brought leading Australian brand Spika to the UK, starting with a full range of gun safes. Tom Walker, manager of Eastern Sporting Trade, is representing Spika as the brand’s UK distributor and believes its modern branding, strong dealer margins and proven quality will resonate with the British trade.When Tom first encountered…
Police Digital Service (PDS), working in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Home Office, has confirmed that a new national firearms licensing solution will be delivered. This solution will replace the current National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS).The NFLMS, which has been in use since the mid-2000s, is reaching the…
William Evans Ltd has confirmed two senior appointments as part of its ongoing development. Canadian businessman Bill Turnbull has taken over as chairman/director, with no operational changes foreseen as a result of this appointment.In addition, the company has named Karl Waktare as vice president. Waktare brings more than 30 years of experience in the…
John Rothery Wholesale has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for A-TEC silencers, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of sound moderators.Founded in Norway in 1999, A-TEC has developed a strong reputation for high-performance silencers built on precision engineering, advanced materials and modular design. The agreement will give UK retailers simplified access to the…
The Home Office has confirmed that several Bruni top-venting, blank firing pistols (TVBFPs) are now classed as prohibited weapons after being deemed readily convertible to fire bulleted ammunition.The following models are affected:8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol8mm PAK…
Viking Arms has been appointed as the new UK distributor for ASE Utra sound moderators, with the company’s Sporting Division taking over responsibility from Jackson Rifles after 25 years.The move sees Viking Arms entrusted to market ASE Utra products across the UK shooting trade, strengthening availability and support for retailers.Sam Macarthur, managing director…
The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025 came into force today, 5 August 2025, introducing key changes to the shotgun certificate application process across England, Wales and Scotland.From today, applicants must now provide two referees when applying for a shotgun certificate, replacing the previous requirement for just one.The new rules also expand the scope of offence declarations. All applicants must…
Viking Arms Defence has been awarded the Gold Award in the UK’s 2025 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), the highest accolade given to organisations that demonstrate exceptional support for the Armed Forces community.Building on its Silver Award from 2023, Viking Arms has continued to champion initiatives that assist Reservists, veterans, service leavers, military spouses,…
The UK Government has announced plans to restrict the use of lead in ammunition. The measures, outlined by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will include limits on lead content in both shot and bullets, with legislation expected by summer 2026. The restrictions will be phased in over a three-year period following…


