UK to have own SEM Trade Association

A working group of search engine marketing professionals in the UK has come together to plan the formulation of a UK based trade association for Search Engine Marketers. The proposed Search Marketing Association UK (SMA-UK) will provide a platform to inform and educate the marketplace of the benefits of search marketing in the overall marketing mix, as well is giving its members an industry voice.



The new Association is being headed by Barry Lloyd (acting Chairman) of the search marketing firm MakeMeTop. Andy Atkins-Kruger of search marketing firm Web Certain is the acting Deputy. Other current members of the working group include Paddy Bolger , Richard Gregory, Edward Cowell, Colin Irwin, Simon Collingridge, Jason Cartwright, Ammon Johns and Mike Grehan.



The Group cited that SEMPO (an existing US-based organization) was not seen to be appropriate in its operations for the UK market. Barry Lloyd, commenting on the reason for a new UK based association said:

"The UK search engine market is currently the second largest in the World outside the United States. After looking at the way trade associations are being developed internationally it has became apparent that the UK should have its own association for this growing sector, set up in a manner to reflect the specific way that both businesses and trade associations operate in the UK and other parts of Europe."

VIA: SEO Book