After the world wars, a period of reconstruction was needed, and our organization played an active role in this. There was a concern for the well-being of members, and a fund for widows was established in 1946. This fund was created because there were significant risks for men being traveling salesmen, and today it constitutes our scholarship fund.
In the 1970s, we initiated business activities with the fashion fair in Älvsjö, the proceeds of which still benefit our members today. Moving forward to 1984, an agreement was added, now known as EÅ 04. It was a standard agreement originally developed by the Agenturföretagen, Svensk Handel and Svenskt Näringsliv, a so-called “agreed document” which means it is designed by both the agent and supplier side.
In 1991, Agenturföretagen became co-owners of the Svenska moderådet, which is an industry-owned forum that also includes the Shoe Industry Council. The following year, 1992, a law on commercial agencies came into force on January 1st (NA 92). This was a significant event as the law provided strong protection for the agent in relation to their principal. In 1994, we had our first female CEO, Anna Wigardt-Duhs. This year also marked the beginning of a collaboration with IHM Business School, where members were offered to attend the international business school.
On January 1st, 1995, we became members of the EU, simplifying the purchase and sale of goods within the EU by abolishing tariffs. In 1998, we changed our name to Association of Trade Partners Sweden from Sveriges Handelsagenters Förbund, to better reflect our focus on partnerships between agents, distributors, importers, and suppliers. Towards the end of the 20th century, the Agency Companies further evolved to adapt to the modern trading world.
In November 2007, Helena Waker took over the CEO position, a position she still holds today. Furthermore, entering the 21st century, we entered a period of digitalization. New initiatives like Stockholm Shoe House and Stockholm Fashion District became important hubs for the fashion and textile industry.
New challenges and adaptations came in 2020 when the pandemic hit the world, and the trade landscape changed. To help our members navigate through this changed situation, Trade Partners Sweden made innovative decisions about digital solutions.
We have a visionary view of the future where we constantly strive for responsible trade and sustainability. We continue to promote modern trade and are a leading voice both nationally and internationally. With over a century of experience, Trade Partners Sweden continues to be driven by optimism and innovation.