Our Team
The ATA Executive Work Group (EWG) was formed in 2020 by chairman Andrew Race to push forward the initiatives and policies agreed by the ATA board at regular board meetings throughout the year. Members of the EWG meet on a regular basis to report and progress ongoing projects.
If you have an angling industry related question for ATA, or want to know more about the things we are doing to support the industry, you can contact us via info@anglingtradesassociation.com
Andrew RaCE
Chairman
ATA Chairman Andrew race has been involved in the angling industry for over 30 years.
A lifelong angler, Andrew began fishing with his grandfather at an early age and quickly became involved with the junior match angling scene in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s competing in several All England Junior National events.
A keen hockey player, antique tackle authority and one time racing driver, Andrew has settled on angling as his main hobby with fly fishing now replacing the shooting and match angling of past seasons.
Having completed a three year HND in fish farming and fisheries management, Andrew entered the angling industry 1989 working at Reuben Heaton. Now managing director and owner of Reuben Heaton Ltd, he has expanded the product range and developed the Reuben Heaton into the well respected heritage brand we see today. A member of the ATA for many years and a board member since 2014, Andrew took up the mantle of Chairman in April 2020.
Mike Heylin OBE
Vice Chairman
Lifetime pleasure angler, Rolling Stones fan and Rugby Union enthusiast, Mike Heylin has been a devotee of the angling cause throughout his life.
Alongside an extensive business background in the power tools industry, Mike has amassed many years in a consultative capacity both in business and angling sectors.
A lifetime of experience across Europe in sales, marketing, product development, trade exhibitions and even a stint in the computer security business, has put him in good stead for a role in European angling.
“Having been active in an international trade association in my Robert Bosch days I know the value of sharing information across companies”. “The ATA has an important role to play in developing the market for fishing tackle – working with its members to do so. I am excited by that challenge”.
An angling club secretary over 20 years, Mike has been involved with many pivotal groups within angling including Specialist Anglers Conservation Group, Specialist Anglers Alliance, Canal & River Trust Fisheries and Angling Advisory Group and European Anglers Alliance to name a few.
Past chairman of British Record (Rod Caught) Fish Committee and Angling Trust Committee, Mike is a member Fish Legal and a qualified L2 Angling Coach.
Join the ATA
Join the Angling Trades Association and become part of our influential body, dedicated to supporting the tackle industry and promoting the wider angling agenda that is so important to us.