Drawing on decades of frontline policing experience, Chris Downs, Creator & Principle Advisor at https://firearmslicensing.net/ examines the Home Office’s proposed knife sales licensing regime, questioning its evidence base, enforceability and likely impact on both policing capacity and legitimate trade.Knife crime remains one of the most significant threats to public safety in the UK. After…
The Home Office has opened a public consultation on proposals to introduce a licensing system for sellers and importers of knives and bladed articles. The consultation seeks views on the potential introduction of a new licensing framework and will inform future policy advice and decision-making by the Home Secretary and ministers. According to the…
Retailers are still the beating heart of the shooting industry – the attendance at shows like IWA OutdoorClassics proves that – but why is this the case? The reasons are numerous.The business of selling guns is a different world from retail markets in many other industries. Gun ownership – whether for hunting, shooting sports, personal…
James Purdey & Sons has officially reopened its fully reworked shooting grounds at the Royal Berkshire, following a major redevelopment project. “It’s a really special launch for Purdey that builds on our foundations and heritage to offer the best game and clay shooting experiences in the world,” said Dan Jago, Purdey chief executive officer…
Daystate has expanded its Alpha Wolf line with the launch of the Shadow, a new compact variant created for the UK hunting and pest control market. The rifle combines Daystate’s proven electronic platform with a shorter, highly manoeuvrable format that promises strong appeal for both shooters and retailers.Available immediately in 12 ft/lbs .177 and…
The Gun Trade Association (GTA) has launched a new survey to gather crucial evidence on the state of the UK gun trade.The Home Office is planning a major overhaul of firearms legislation which could include the convergence of Sections 1 and 2 licensing. Such a move would represent a fundamental shift in the licensing…
The Gun Trade Association’s Annual General Meeting at Bisley saw chief executive Stephen Jolly set out a clear vision for strengthening the organisation, supporting its members and meeting the challenges facing the trade.Jolly, who took up the role earlier this year, told members that the GTA must be more than a representative body. It…
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…
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…


