The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) held its 11th AGM at their London offices on the 28th October 2014 in Russell Square, London. After almost two years as Chairman of the BPMA for the last time, Viv Blumfield (Pro-motion Consulting) presented an overview of the last year.

Viv stated “I have been honoured to hold the role of Chairman for the last 21 months and with everyone’s help, I am delighted with the progress that has been made during that time. We have established two new major initiatives which are now firmly on the promotional merchandise calendar; Promotional Products Week and the BPMA Conference. I know there will be many more great events to come and I leave the Board happy in the knowledge that it will be in very safe hands. It has been a pleasure working with you all and I wish the BPMA every success for the future.”

Matt Franks, (Fluid Branding) was then announced as the new Chairman after being in the role of Vice Chair himself for 3 years.
Matt comments “I’m excited and honoured to accept the role of Chairman. I thank Viv for an amazing contribution and for all her work in advancing the association. I’m privileged to be working with an experienced and passionate Board and Secretariat, and I look forward to building upon the great work the Association has already achieved. ”

Angela Wagstaff (Allwag Promotions) was voted as Vice Chairman and Neal Beagles (Roantree Incentive Marketing) as President for the next two years.

Val Mumby (Claireville Communications) stepped down from the board of the BPMA after dedicating four years to the BPMA.

Matt Pluckrose (Desktop Ideas) and Phil Morgan (SPS) were officially voted on to the Board of the BPMA. Three new directors were also voted on; Graeme Smith (Cyan Group), Mandy Hastie (Liquid Lens) and Richard Mack (RT Promotions).

On proposal by the board it was unanimously agreed that the following are elected as Board Directors of the BPMA.

Graeme Smith comments, “I see my contribution as an informed view from the role promotional mechanise plays from a print management, digital agency and advertising agency perspective as well as how to ensure that the role of print remains as prominent in the market place as possible.”

Mandy Hastie comments, “The BPMA does a very worthwhile job with the limited resources and I feel that some of my professional experience may be useful. My particular area of interest is the further development of the BPMA Charter, it needs to be widely recognised as the marque of a reliable, professional and compliant company.”

Director General of the BPMA Gordon Glenister adds “Matt Franks brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the promotional merchandise industry, not least his 3 years plus serving as a Board Director. I have worked with Matt for a number of years now and I’m very keen to work together to move the Association to the next level. Matt Pluckrose, Phil, Graeme, Mandy and Richards bring a wealth of skills and experience that will benefit the BPMA.”