It’s been a double whammy for tackle stalwart Gregg Holloway in recent weeks – resigning as European trade body president and ending a major distribution deal.

First to come was Gregg’s decision to stand down as president of the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) and quit the board for what were termed ‘personal reasons’.

Gregg announced his decision at the last board meeting and said afterwards: “I am sad to be stepping out of the day-to-day involvement in the running of EFTTA, an organisation very close to my heart. But circumstances mean I am currently unable to devote enough time to the role of president.

“I’m very proud of what I achieved as president in a short time and I am delighted to have played a key role in the success and development of EFTTA and EFTTEX.”

Gregg had worked his way up the board and saw the major role as something he could really get his teeth into and help push the industry forward.

During his 10 months as president, he oversaw a number of initiatives to improve the trade body, including employing a professional marketing agency, improving communications through its newsletter and even supporting the launch of a new trade magazine.

However, following his announcement, Pierangelo Zanetta, managing director of Shimano’s Fishing Division for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, has assumed the role of acting president until EFTTA’s Annual General Assembly in June.

T&G also understands the organisation has appointed a chief executive officer, in the shape of Jean-Claude Bel, who has held senior positions with some of Europe’s biggest tackle firms, including Rapala, Mepps, Mustad and Mitchell SA/Garcia Europe SA (now Pure Fishing).

Meanwhile, Gregg’s business – Hopkins & Holloway – will no longer be distributing the Hiro range of sea fishing products across the UK.

An official statement from the Warwickshire-based tackle manufacturer and distributor, says the decision was taken jointly between managing director Gregg and Louis Tchertoff, managing director of Portugal-based Hiro Products.

It is understood that the move is in direct response to the continuing strength of the euro, which has made the distribution of Hiro over here no longer viable.

As a result, Barry Jeffreys, the man who has driven the sale of Hiro for Hopkins & Holloway, will leave the company at the end of June.

Gregg said: “Barry will be missed. He has a tremendous work ethic and has really driven the sale of Hiro and our other brands in the retail sector.

“Unfortunately, the current economic climate simply made the distribution of the Hiro range untenable for us. I wish Barry well and would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his efforts.”

Hopkins & Holloway will continue to deal directly with all retailers selling its other product ranges which include fly-tying tools and bags brand Stonefly, Seymo coarse fishing products and rod-building rings and accessories, Spot On catapults and Trev Tomlin catapults and accessories.

Barry Jeffreys is now on the lookout for a new role within the trade. He believes his 20 years’ experience of launching and reinventing brands and selling them in shops will stand him in good stead.

He told T&G: “It is really disappointing that Hiro will no longer be available in the UK. In a little over two years IO had managed to open up around 200 new accounts. All the distribution was in place so it is sad, to say the least.

"Of course, I have untill the end of June to find a new position and I hope something will come along. I would welcome any interest on 07716 512029 or e-mail barry.jeffreys1@byinternet.com."