It pays to belong to a professional trade organisation for the access it provides to advice and help whenever needed.

NALI (The National Association of the Launderette Industry), the high-profile representative body for owners of self-service launderettes, has now been servicing the needs of this service industry for more than 50 years. It is recognised by, and maintains direct contact with, government departments, local authorities and the Health and Safety Executive, and monitors and takes appropriate action in response to legislation and other issues affecting launderette operations.

Controlled by an elected all-volunteer Council of Management comprised jointly of experienced launderette owners and representatives of the industry's principal supplier companies, NALI provides for its members a range of benefits which include:

A quarterly (members'-only) journal - Launderette and Cleaning World
Health and safety manuals
Guidelines for members on satisfying the demands of Health and Safety Officers on safe shop and business practices
A window sticker (the colour is changed annually) to denote membership of the Association and adherence to a nationally-recognised Code of Practice
Representation to Utilities' suppliers, the Health & Safety Executive, and Government departments on taxation and restrictive trade issues
Access to an independent conciliation advisory service to help resolve disputes between members and customers
A range of posters which need to be displayed - and official notices which it is required by law to display
A Code of Practice to guide on customer satisfaction
A 'Fighting Fund' to provide financial backing to meet the costs of legally challenging (in the Courts as necessary) damaging or unworkable legislation
A professional secretariat to provide a back-up of information to members

NALI has been - and remains - an active supporter of trade shows for the industry; it organises the now biennial Coin-Op Launderette & Dry Cleaning Equipment & Services Exhibition (in London), promotes at independent company-sponsored promotions, and provides speakers for a wide variety of seminar events, including those held for environmental health officers.

The address of the NALI office is:

Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, Bloomsbury, LONDON WC1H 9BB

Tel. 0207 554 8611; Fax 0207 554 8612