Commission paid to National Trust from Greys Court Exhibition

At our AGM, held just before Christmas I highlighted the proposed changes in the commission being applied by the National Trust at Greys Court. The National Trust (NT) had decided to both raise their commission from 15% to 20% and to apply VAT. When combined with the 7.5% commission that OSG applies to meet our operating costs we were being faced with an overall rate of 31.5%.

Up until now we had paid a commission of 15% to the NT plus 7.5% to OSG, a total of 22.5%. Our aim is to get the best possible deal for our members and to keep the overall commission to as close to 30% or below.

We have managed to renegotiate with the National Trust bearing in mind that the application of VAT was a non negotiable element and have agreed the following:

• For 2026 the commission rate paid to the National Trust will remain at 15%.

• In 2027 the rate will rise by 1% annually until 2031 when it will be fixed at 20%.

• VAT will be applicable to their commission rate each year.

This means that for 2026 the total commission taken from sales will be 25.5%. You will then see an incremental rise of just over 1% year on year until 2031 when the total commission will be 31.5%.

Keith Appleby

Chair OSG