BPMA August/September 2009

The annual Patrons dinner took place at the House of Commons on the 15th June, hosted by MP John Greenway and chaired by Gill Thorpe. A number of important subjects were covered including supplier/distributor channels, the environmental impact, industry research, Promota, creating greater brand presence for merchandise.

Patron, Jonathan Bailey, The Corporate Merchandise Company Ltd commented on the event:

The BPMA's Patrons' Dinner offers one of those rare opportunities to discuss critical industry issues in a constructive and well informed environment. As always the association is trying to promote dialogue and once again this year's event was a great success in provoking thought on how we can work towards improving the credibility of the industry.'

The bpma has received the highest level of responses from its annual members survey than in any other year. Retaining customers and increasing profits remain high on members concerns list as does turning more quotes into orders.

The largest segment of our members have under 5 employees 41% of those surveyed, in fact 61% if its less than 10 employees 47% of members operate a two tier price policy, whilst 40% are strictly trade only and just 13% present a single price for all

Promotions Buyer is still seen as the main magazine read by the members with 22% of those surveyed. Those that buy from overseas, Europe is seen as increasing source where China used to be so dominant. Time and time again in the survey there are clear indications of a clearly defined industry strategy for supplier channels to be more transparent. There are requirements for an industry rating system and the bpma already has plans to develop industry benchmarking.

Being part of an accredited trade organisation and keeping in touch is still seen as the main reason why people join the bpma as well as it being important for the industry.

24% of those surveyed were also members of Promota and there is a desire among some for a single trade body that represents the whole industry with clear segmentation for the channels.

An opportunity to engage in round table discussions and regional dinners was an area of particular interest which concurs with the success of our Patrons dinner and plans to extend around the UK in the forthcoming year. Over half 54% expressed interest in a nationwide conference particularly focussed on distributors but maybe supported by suppliers. Its also clear that events that allow for members to meet more frequently is important. Socially members put golf as a great networking event and this scored well, however there was interest to revist the Dragon Boat event and consider 5 a side football.



The Advantage Catalogue Group held its new catalogue launch and annual awards on 1st July. Over 90 distributors and suppliers met at the Sopwell House Hotel in St Albans. Supplier of the Year was Listawood with Hainenko and B Sanders commended with mug supplier Keramikos receiving the Highly Commended award. Best catalogue cover design went to Roantree Incentive Marketing. Winner of the Distributor of the year went to Arcadia Corprate Merchandise with Highly commended going to new company Stay Sourced and joint commended positions being shared by Gift Selection and Concept Incentives.

The Distributors meeting was well attended with a presentation from Gordon Glenister on 21 great ideas to make more profit from merchandise. Managing Director Lawence Angelow commented: Another great couple of days; a fantastic turnout, brilliant atmosphere with lots of good networking, plus of course unbelievable weather. Our tenth launch couldn't have gone any better and i think gave all who attended a real boost in these challenging times. Distributor of the Year Steve Barnes commented "The whole team at Arcadia is delighted to have received the "Distributor of the Year" Award at the Advantage Dinner on Wednesday. We strongly believe that this has been a result of our continual effort to work closer with what we consider to be the best suppliers in the promotional product industry.

The bpma pavilion brings together suppliers of all sizes who wish to increase their brand awareness and boost sales with distributors. Exhibiting alongside us in this live marketing environment â€" provides you, our valued members, cost saving benefits, free publicity and marketing opportunities. The pavilion is located in the Atrium which is a prime location. you are guaranteed visitor traffic in the pavilion, as its the only route to the main exhibition hall.

Gill Thorpe bpma chairwoman comments: " ... we are delighted Trade Only have agreed to support our members with our own pavilion. It allows first time exhibitors and supplier newcomers an opportunity to be seen and present themselves and their products in a cost effective and simple way. In addition, our full bpma secretariat team will be on hand at the pavilion for the two days to support our members at the show."