Phil Ratcliffe awarded BTHA Outstanding Contribution Award
Phil Ratcliffe was awarded a BTHA Outstanding Contribution Award at the annual BTHA Toy Industry Day.
The prestigious award was presented to Phil Ratcliffe for his outstanding contribution to enhancing and developing awareness and knowledge of the importance of play for the good of children of all ages, through the development of the BTHA’s Make Time 2 Play campaign.
Phil’s award was proposed by MV’s John White and Nicky Hall, by Toy World’s John Baulch and the BTHA’s Roland Earl, with the unanimous support of all of the BTHA Council. The Association recognised Phil Ratcliffe's transformative influence and driving force that meant after austerity measures in the 2010s pushed play and children down the political agenda, the BTHA took some part in filling a gap.
During the BTHA AGM, there were planned changes to the BTHA officers. Phil Ratcliffe was replaced as president by Jon Diver, Simon Pilkington’s term as chairman came to an end and he becomes vice president, Colin Houlihan was welcomed as chairman and Jacqueline Taylor-Foo as vice chairman. Phil was thanked for being a dedicated member of the BTHA Council for 23 years of service.
Roland Earl, director general at the British Toy & Hobby Association, said: “Phil has been a valued member of the BTHA Council for over two decades now and a long-time champion of the work of the BTHA and play. I’d like to thank him on behalf of the BTHA for all of the support he has given to the BTHA, and the industry, over the years. This award is very well deserved. We look forward to working with Phil in some new ways in the future.”