BPMA News November 2009

The latest news and events from the BPMA for November 2009

The boards of the British Promotional Merchandise Association and Promota have agreed that the two associations will come together in the spring of 2010 to form one association. The new Association will have a base of c.1,250 members. The prime objective will be to offer both trade supplier and distributor members a strong platform to drive business and a framework that builds confidence amongst customers to buy from members. The new association will enhance the trade channel â€" supplier to distributor and distributor to end user, making it stronger and giving more clarity in the marketplace. Rod Duncan, chairman of Promota said "I believe that this is a positive move within the promotional industry and having one strong association will be of great benefit to all companies who are members of the regenerated organisation". Gill Thorpe, chairperson of the BPMA commented "Undoubtedly the new association will offer members greater strength in the marketplace as well as a range of benefits that will help them in their everyday business lives. We are all looking forward to the completion of the amalgamation so that we can truly be one association for one industry and offer members a 'best-in-class' service"

Major UK Gift Distributor, CMC has gone into liquidation. The company had been struggling to stabilize itself after some major client losses at the beginning of the year and the impact of the recession. The company recently sold its profitable sports merchandise business to Orb International. The loss is of major concern to the UK promotional merchandise industry which will have impacted many suppliers.

Datateam Business Media is delighted to be entering into a publishing partnership with the BPMA to produce the bi-monthly titles, Promotions Buyer and Promotions Buyer Trade. Andrew Castle, Datateam's Group Development Director said: "With a stable of more than 30 business publications, these two new titles are a natural addition to our existing portfolio, dovetailing neatly with our flagship monthly glossy, Printwear & Promotion. "These are exciting times for the BPMA, which has recently announced its coming together with trade association PROMOTA and we are looking forward to working closely with the new organisation, and building on our existing, strong relationship, to develop and relaunch both titles." Debbie Eales, who edits Printwear & Promotion, will be spearheading the relaunch of both magazines. Debbie has 36 years' experience in national, trade and regional journalism. The BPMA held its Charity Golf day on 23rd September at Chobham Golf Club, raising £1,600 for Myeloma UK through a charity raffle & auction.

A £10,000 Hole in one competition was run courtesy of BPMA member VCG Promorisk, but out of the 50 keen golfers who attended the event, nobody was lucky enough to hit a hole in 1 ball.

The team winners of the golf tournament were: Simon Tilley, Volume Exhibitions, Alan Stride, Premier Impressions and Jason Marwick Arcadia Group. The Longest Drive and Nearest to Pin competitions were won by Mark Glanville, Pod Packaging. All winners received a selection of Callaway Clubs & golf accessories

The bpma will again be hosting the annual Christmas Lunch at the Tower Hotel London on the 27th December. This has been a fixed date in the promotional calendar for many years. The famous goody bags will continue with wide ranging support from top suppliers in the industry. Gill Thorpe Chair of the bpma will be raising funds for Different Strokes charity and spelling out the vision for the new trade association in 2010. Those interested in attending should contact bpma Events Manager Daniela Arena

The bpma offers all its members free legal advice from Croners on a range of areas including Tax, VAT, PAYE, Payroll, Employment & Personnel, Health & Safety and Commercial Legal. An analysis of the last years usage suggests that members have used the service for advice on contracts debt and redundancy most. New member benefits will be launched soon.

The Ninth Promotional Union Catalogue Launch Day started with an exhibition of over 40 suppliers that was buzzing from the minute it opened until 4.30pm. Over 30 distributors old & new were there to soak up the atmosphere at the annual venue, The Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth. The new PU Website & Software was also launched at the show. Promotional Union Awards included the following winners 2009 Commended Supplier of the Year REMARKABLE PENCILS Ltd 2009 Highly Commended Supplier of the Year IMPRESSION EUROPE 2009 Winner Supplier of the Year SENATOR PENS Ltd 2009 Distributor of the Year IDEAL MARKETING Ltd of Slough 2009 'Above & Beyond' Service Award BIZZ BADGE Ltd The evening culminated by the incredible mind reading powers of Graham P. Jolley - an act that left everyone present absolutely spellbound.

Well that's it for this month on bpma news â€" look out for us next month