Patrons of the BPMA, met once again for the bi-annual dinner at the Carlton Club in London on Tuesday 20th May. The historic building founded by the Duke of Wellington dates back to 1823 and  is the former Head Quarters of the Conservative Party.   Representatives from Staples, Brunel Trade Services, Listawood, Brand Addition, Impression Europe, Arcadia, Will International, Pen Carrie, SPS, Merchandise Mania and Essential Embroidery  joined new BPMA Patrons IGO Post, Desktop Ideas, Liquid Lens, TC Group and Fluid Branding for a lively debate around topical issues.
Gavin Mooney from IGO Post attended his first Patron Dinner and comments “It was a great night – it was nice to meet fellow Patrons and have the opportunity to discuss important industry topics with likeminded people. We are all want to move the industry forward.”

A debate question requested by a majority of the Patrons which led to a lengthy discussion was based on the challenges of finding quality staff across production, warehousing, sales and marketing departments. There were discussions on where the next generation of talent was going to come from.  Gordon Glenister, Director General of the BPMA confirmed that the trade association will be attending a Graduate Recruitment Fair at a leading university to gauge interest about a “Career in the Promotional Merchandise Industry”. A number of companies have worked successfully with Apprentices, although others had mixed reactions to this.  Training and education were still seen as key to developing a sustainable professional industry.   
Brian Binley MP who chaired the debate was keen to see what Government can do through training and development and support in supplier selection through factory auditing and agreed to follow up with Patrons individually.  

The important but controversial issue of compliance was again raised and heavily discussed. The view point as to why some companies pay lip service to compliance while others invest in ensuring products meet worldwide standards were discussed.  The BPMA also put forward a question on encouraging more BPMA members to buy from each other ensuring that both suppliers and distributors ask the question of who is and who isn’t a member of the BPMA. Pinky Van-lare, Membership & Marketing Manager and Daniela Arena, Events & Training Manager attended the event.
“The BPMA Patrons Dinner was a great evening. It was good to see some new faces and hear some alternative opinions”. Commented John Travis from Will International.

The BPMA Patrons are a select group of companies spanning across suppliers, distributors, service providers and manufacturers who promote the work carried out by the BPMA and act as ambassadors on its behalf.

The next BPMA Patrons Dinner will take place in September, during Promotional Products Week.

Published on: June 3rd, 2014