The IAA was established in 2012 as a not-for-profit trade association for independent ambulance services. We are the largest association representing regulated independent ambulance providers in England and also have associate members in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our original purpose was to represent the views of a growing number of independent providers to healthcare policymakers and key stakeholders. By coincidence, our launch was 40 years to the day since Michael De Charmant started Inter-County Ambulance Service, the longest established independent ambulance company in the UK. Today we represent over 50 companies providing ambulance services from over 70 locations, ranging from discrete to sizeable companies working across the UK providing a range of services.