A bounceback for the UK independent vape industry

[Janita Barnes]

Gillian GoldenGillian Golden: Independent British 20 vaping kit Vape Trade Association (IBVTA)

After a very difficult year in 2020, the bounce-back of the independent industry in the UK has been a moment of pride for the sector. The new NICE guidance published this November will accelerate the number of health professionals recommending vaping to smokers. The next evidence review by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (formerly part of Public Health England) will demonstrate that lingering fears about safety have been misguided.

It’s been clear for years now that to achieve the government’s smokefree goals across the UK, “traditional” quit smoking frameworks and NRT products weren’t doing enough. The new Tobacco Control Plan for England will see a greater emphasis on promoting vaping to reach this goal. I CBD oil predict that the devolved nations will take this as an impetus to relax their more hesitant stances and get behind vaping to a greater extent.

2021 will certainly be remembered as a “phoenix” year for the disposable e-cigarette, with incredible growth in their popularity in the UK. Although seen as controversial by some, disposables will have increased the number of people making a quit attempt with an e-cigarette. I think next year’s smoking rates data will reflect this change.

The increase in independent brands present in convenience stores in 2022 will be seen as a threat by some vape shops. However I think on balance it will be good for the independent sector as a whole, as non-tobacco owned vape brands become better known. People will better understand the importance of good quality vape shops as vaping gains wider acceptance. This will reward businesses that have invested time in smoking cessation training for their teams.

I also think there will be a return to the importance of ‘independence’, as more people see through the efforts of the tobacco industry in trying to influence policy.