The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) is to continue as the representative body for independent forecourt operators. The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) today said that, following a full strategic review, it had been decided that the PRA would continue to be the voice of the industry. In a statement entitled "PRA – 2009 and beyond", the RMIF stated: "The role of the Petrol Retailers

Association (PRA) as the pre-eminent representative body for the independent forecourt has been reinforced by its parent body, the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), following a full strategic review by RMIF Chief Executive Rob Foulston.

"The RMIF has reaffirmed its full commitment to the growth and development of the PRA, further cementing its position as THE voice of the industry - dedicated to ensuring the survival of the independent sector in a challenging economic environment."

The RMIF added that it was to strengthen the PRA’s lobbying role, while bolstering its comprehensive benefits package with the introduction of "exclusive sector-specific financial products, essential member services and partnerships that make membership a vital proposition".

Foulston commented: "Membership has increased in recent weeks, demonstrating the need for a strong trade association in difficult times and we are welcoming all sectors of the petrol retailing community into membership and onto the executive in an effort to ensure the sector is fully and proportionally represented."

Further developments within the PRA will be announced over the coming weeks.