The British Toy & Hobby Association was established in 1944 to represent the interests of British toy manufacturers and to raise standards of practice in the industry. Today it has around 140 members ranging from international toy giants to small family-run businesses that together account for over 90% of the UK toy market, valued at £2.7bn.

The BTHA carries out its work through four committees;

Technical (Safety)
PR and international matters
Toy Fair
Charity - the Toy Trust

Each committee reports to the Council. The members of all these committees are experienced industry professionals who give up their time to support the toy industry.

The BTHA represents the interests of the toy industry on a national and an international level, addressing issues and commercial problems which could have a profound effect on the toy business. With Brussels now a predominant force, the BTHA takes a leading role in European discussions and decision-making, ensuring that the UK's toy industry is at the forefront of international affairs.

The BTHA considers its most important duty is to promote the highest possible standards of safety in design and manufacture of toys and in 1989 launched the Lion Mark to assist consumers in identifying safe toys.

The Association also runs the only dedicated toy trade event in the UK - The Toy Fair - which will be taking place in January 2010 at Olympia, London. The show exists to give members, and non-members, an opportunity to showcase their products to buyers, suppliers and members of the media.