Your Membership Benefits Guide

YOUR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS GUIDE MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN 2023-24

Representing the promotional merchandise industry in the UK, the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) exists to represent members, their businesses and contributions to the UK economy.

A trusted industry brand for over 50 years, the BPMA offers advice and guidance to buyers as well as leading the promotional merchandise industry in delivering service excellence and compliance through a strict Code of Conduct.

Leading best practice and governance in areas such as quality, accurate advertising, fair trade terms and managing customer complaints, the BPMA is at the heart of promoting the industry.

Promoting trust With a recognised symbol of trust, only BPMA members can use the logo. The BPMA represents excellence, standards and confidence for any buyer, providing businesses with elevated status when compared with others. With thorough checks and audits undertaken on every member, businesses that display the BPMA logo represent reputable, sound organisations.

Advice and support at your fingertips The BPMA has handpicked brilliant benefits for members; from complimentary online libraries boasting hundreds of business templates to helplines for HR, Legal and Tax, every member can take advantage of support worth thousands.

Providing essential business services such as credit checks and debt recovery, BPMA membership provides reassurance and advice. The BPMA also works closely with Government departments, representing the needs of the industry and communicating our industrial strategy.

Benefits that make the difference and pay back You’ve made a great choice to invest in your membership.

Now we need to make sure you make the most of the wide range of benefits available to you and your business.

In this digital guide, we’ve covered all the benefits and resources available under your membership and how to access them. Even by using a few benefits, you could save up to £2000 or more.

If you would like further advice on how to make the most of your membership, please get in touch with us on 01372 371184 or email membership@bpma.co.uk for support.

Some services are subject to change. New benefits, services and resources are added regularly.

Making sure we’ve got your details Every member has access for each person in their business for the BPMA member section of the website.

Owners, founders and senior personnel noted as the key contacts in our database will be able to participate in important areas such as BPMA voting or be the principal person for important documents.

Each member of the team can have a personal login linked to their company to access a wealth of information and resources.

Make sure we have a record of all members of staff and their emails to set up their profiles Encourage staff to log in and access materials Share this helpful guide with your team!

To update your profiles, please get in touch with us on 01372 371184 or email membership@bpma.co.uk for support.

Some services are subject to change. New benefits, services and resources are added regularly.

IN YOUR MEMBER BENEFIT GUIDE BPMA Member Benefits: overview StepForward Pledge Sustainability Resources and Partners BPMA Education Programme Conferences, Networking, Events & Exhibitions BPMA Membership Directories BPMA Preferred Providers Product Media Magazine & Newsletter Charter Membership Code of Conduct and Mediation Merchandise World AccountAssyst & Direct Route Credit Management & Debt Collection HR, Legal, Tax & VAT helplines BPMA Job Board BPMA Product Awards BPMA Annual Awards BRIMAN Group

01 Member benefits

MEMBER BENEFITS Our benefits represent a range of ‘must haves’ for businesses, large and small to provide support and advice.

With free-to-access services under your membership, make sure you tap into these high-value, expert benefits, worth thousands to your company.

Credit Management Access to AccountAssyst credit management and Direct Route debt recovery platforms, including credit checks to assist your business when securing new customers.

Debt Recovery Free debt recovery for amounts ranging from £1-£3,000 with further discounted services available.

HR / Legal / Tax / VAT and Health & Safety Helpline plus Business Document Library Helpline Unlimited Quest helpline access for employers for support on HR, Health & Safety, Legal, Tax, and VAT. Document Library Each member has access to an online resource library with around 800 documents across a range of topics. Additional paid for HR and Health & Safety services available.

Access your benefits: log in to bpma.co.uk/resources

MEMBER BENEFITS Make the extensive Resource section one of your first ports of call. You’ll need to be logged in to access this useful section.

The Resource centre has a wide and varied scope, ready to support members with business-critical questions and more.

Member Resource Library: Accessible via member logins, access a wide range of information and downloadable assets, including: Latest Industry Research and White Papers Infographic Downloads Presentations Guides & Checklists Export Support Case Studies Trade Associations Address Book Business Documents and Templates Legislation, Compliance & Product Safety BPMA Brand Guidelines Industry Marketing

The Resource section also complements the extensive documents available via the Quest Tax, Legal,HR, Health & Safety online resource library available to members.

Access your benefits: log in to bpma.co.uk/resources

MEMBER BENEFITS Strategic Business & Industry Advice: Access a 1 hour strategy session for your business, face to face or remotely, to suit you. Additional advice and guidance on a range of topics.

End User Industry Research: Research allowing you to better understand consumer habits, trends and behaviour.

Exhibitions: Event benefits, including generous discounted stands at B2B Marketing Expo, PSI and Merchandise World.

BPMA Job Board: Free job vacancy postings on the BPMA’s online job board. Each job post is worth over £130!

International Trade Surgeries: Expert one-to-one consultancy through the Institute of Export.

Product / Compliance Testing: F10% discount on product and compliance testing services through Intertek, SGS and BSI.

Access your benefits: log in to bpma.co.uk/resources

02

Our industry is embracing sustainability; changing the way we work and the work we make.

To represent the steps our members are taking on this journey, we launched the StepForward Pledge in 2023. Whether you are starting your journey, or you have been working on sustainability for a while, members can register interest in the StepForward Pledge today.

The StepForward Pledge is a BPMA-led initiative helping members take proactive steps to improve their sustainability performance, accelerating the pace of change towards a more sustainable future for our industry. 89% of members who responded to a recent survey stated sustainability plays a central role in their business. Taking the Pledge helps your customers, staff and the industry understand the path you are on.

Any new member joining from June 2023 will be required to take the Pledge as part of the Membership Application process. All current members will be required to complete the Pledge from June 2024 onwards.

Why take the Pledge now?

Members are reporting to the BPMA the significant and permanent shift in the adoption and approach to sustainability in their own businesses and from their customers.

41% Members already committed to taking the StepForward Pledge

63% Members reporting end user demand is high for sustainable products

65% Distributors reported 25-100% of sales

are generated from sustainable product options

Benefits of signing on to the StepForward Pledge Join a network of forward-thinking businesses helping the industry transition to a low carbon future Enhance your reputation among customers, staff and local community as a business committed to supporting the transition to net zero Help raise the profile and relevance of the promotional merchandise industry; addressing climate change and environmental challenges

Find out more about the StepForward Pledge

03 Sustainable Resources

INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES AND PARTNERS Ensuring we support members with the latest thinking and sustainable resources has been paramount.

A resource section covering a broad range of sustainability topics to help every member on their sustainability journey. Resources are added and updated on a frequent basis, with members updated when new information is available Sustainability Directory: Compiled for members as a helpful starting point to identify companies offering a range of services to help meet sustainability goals. Ensure you mention BPMA when you contact companies in the sustainable directory to release BPMA offers and discounts for services, where available.

Sustainability Statements: The BPMA's StepForward Pledge requires every member submitting their Pledge assessments to provide a Sustainability Statement. To help every member create their own Sustainable Statement, we have prepared advice and templates.

Sustainability resources: Including greenwashing guidance and notes, Net Zero Marketing advice, Scope 123 outlines and general glossary of important terms, available to members.

Codes and Guidelines: Access guidance on marketing, CMA and DEFRA Green Codes.

INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES AND PARTNERS We have curated a selection of important sustainable partners to work with BPMA members.

Official BPMA Certification Partner PlanetMark Planet Mark work closely with the BPMA providing free to attend and discounted workshops for members.

Member offers with this partner.

Their core services consist of: Business Certification Carbon Neutral Social Value SECR ESOS Compliance Net Zero Programme Net Zero Pledge (in partnership the UN’s Race to Zero) BPMA member offers available

Other recommended partners ClimateWise ClimatePartner

Reuse & Donate Services A Good Thing A Good Thing is a matchmaking app that makes it easy for businesses to donate unwanted items directly to a local charity. The industry has already found homes for thousands merchandise items via this service. Member offers available.

Recycling Services First Mile With services available across the UK, First Mile are working with the BPMA to help understand recycling for the industry.

04 Education

EXPERT INDUSTRY TRAINING FROM £200 Study a wide range of industry topics online, across relevant subject categories Why Enrol?

Only available to BPMA members A flexible, structured learning programme 24/7 online portal Gain expert industry knowledge Quarterly intakes across the year Cost effective, supported learning for the whole team Six month programme access Complements company training and development Find out more about subjects covered here.

TPM Our TPM level – Trained in Promotional Merchandise, is our most popular course, offering leaners a wide selection of study materials fundamental to the promotional merchandise industry.

Continue your professional development journey by securing your Certified in Promotional Merchandise qualification.

CPM Aimed at promotional merchandise professionals with a minimum of 3 years’ industry experience.

Access your benefits: log in to bpma.co.uk/resources

05 Conferences, Networking & Exhibitions

CONFERENCES, NETWORKING, EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS Expand your horizons The BPMA runs a series of conferences, networking lunches, seminars, annual industry awards and annual product awards.

Additionally, the association in partnership with Sourcing City holds Merchandise World twice a year.

We also partner with further event organisers, offering our members discounts to attend as well as exhibition space discounts at exhibitions both in the promotionnal merchandise and wider marketing spheres.

The Association’s goal is to provide members with a pipeline of industry professionals to tap into and expand your business network.

Using our comprehensive member database to ensure we proactively bring relevant businesses to events and exhibitions to meet your teams face-to-face in varied professional and social atmospheres, they build personal rapports with industry partners and start new business relationships.

Fundamentally people buy from people, and this underpins how we support our members in growing businesses.

Access your benefits: log in to bpma.co.uk/resources

06 Membership Directories

BPMA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORIES Find the businesses you need Distributor Directory Through the BPMA's Distributor Directory, end users and brands find vetted BPMA members to help advise on the promotional merchandise solutions your business needs.

From expert buying advice, gifting and reward solutions through to webshops, our members are happy to assist.

Supplier Directory Accessible only to BPMA members, the supplier directory represents verified and vetted suppliers.

Service Provider Directory Accessible only to BPMA members, the service provider directory represents verified and vetted service providers.

If you’ve taken the StepForward Pledge, this is displayed on your profile or to find a fellow member has taken their Pledge, you can also search. You’ll find the year the Pledge has been taken and their sustainability statement.

Access the Member Directories here

07 Preferred Providers

PREFERRED PROVIDERS To help grow your business Alongside our benefit providers, BPMA members can also access a pre-vetted list of preferred providers.

Representing a range of supporting services for businesses, the companies listed here have qualified for inclusion through exemplary service, sound financial records and recommendations.

From export advice to insurance, compliance to artwork through to SME marketing, service providers are listed in over 15 categories. Member offers are also displayed with their profiles.

Access your benefits: log in to bpma.co.uk/resources

08 Product Media Magazine

PRODUCT MEDIA MAGAZINE & NEWSLETTER The Magazine for the Promotional Industry Product Media Magazine is the UK’s dedicated promotional products industry publication, published by the Association. The popular bi-monthly magazine, in line with the Association‘s sustainability position, is delivered digitally, reaching out to the wider promotional industry.

Our digital edition gains an average 2,100 impressions with an 8 minute average read time. Advertisers enjoy an average digital advertising ctr/64 with linked digital adverts, provided as part of the advertising package.

Advertising in Product Media Magazine is open to any supplier in the industry.

BPMA members are able to take advantage of preferential rates.

We also welcome submissions from across the industry for news, views and press releases. Supported with special product features in each issue to this highly engaged audience delivers a targeted message to customers.

Product Media magazine also publishes a fortnightly enewsletter featuring industry updates and news.

Submit press releases to: editor@productmediamagazine.co.uk Media Pack Available Now productmediamagazine.co.uk

09 Charter Membership

CHARTER MEMBERSHIP Stand out recognition for your business BPMA Charter status is the ultimate in industry standards, promoting the highest level of business practices and customer service; representing the most respected and reputable companies within our industry.

As your organisation already stands for quality assurance, product conformity, ethical and environmental values, trust and transparency, compliance and service, BPMA Charter is perfect for you and your business.

Helping you represent your standards to your customers, Charter promotes the highest level of business practices and customer service. Be part of the Charter community, representing the most respected and reputable companies within our industry.

How does BPMA Charter status benefit your business?

BPMA Charter demonstrates best practice and compliance BPMA Charter is an independent professional endorsement BPMA Charter logo is a mark of trust, confidence and excellence BPMA Charter is an endorsement of your business professionalism BPMA Charter is a clear differentiating factor for your business

Interested in Charter?

Email membership@bpma.co.uk or call 01372 371183 for more information or visit bpma.co.uk/Charter

10 Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT AND MEDIATION With membership comes responsibility and accountability With membership comes responsibility and accountability.

Our industry supplies a multi-disciplined industrial landscape which, in turn, has to abide by legal and ethical practice guidelines.

In order to fulfil the standards expected of members, this Code of Conduct is set out to reinforce a qualitative and enhanced value-chain perception of our Association and, as such, is not open to re-interpretation or alteration.

All BPMA members are, without exception, required to comply with the Association’s nine point code of conduct.

The BPMA Board of Directors are empowered to enforce this Code of Conduct and to consider any complaint made against a member company, and to act accordingly. The BPMA expects its members to be responsible, ethical, and to competitively trade in a genuine and transparent manner at all times.

For more information to to ask for support, call 01372 371183 or visit bpma.co.uk and search ‘Code of Conduct’

11 Merchandise World

MERCHANDISE WORLD Exhibitions and Networking What is Merchandise World?

Merchandise World is a unique concept which combines a traditional exhibition, a networking event and (optional) appointment booking. The event is for the sales and administration teams, management and directors from invited professional distributor companies across the UK & Ireland and beyond.

Merchandise World is a joint venture between the Association and Sourcing City.

New Year Event The start of each year is the main time when everyone involved with sales in professional distributor companies, venture out to meet suppliers. The New Year event is the perfect time to discover new and best-selling promotional products for the coming year.

Over 1,600 business leaders and their front-line teams attend the UK’s largest promotional merchandise trade exhibition, which is held at the perfect time to see the latest and hottest promotional products.

Peak Season Event September is a one-day event for both frontline teams and business leaders from professional distributors.

Front-line teams are warmly welcomed to discover new products for the Peak Season, and to learn about product branding techniques.

At the same time, the relaxed atmosphere allows time for business leaders to have quality conversations, negotiate trading partnerships, and build relationships with top suppliers.

This event provides the opportunity to establish and build top-level relationships with any distributor or supplier.

Visit Merchandise World or call 01252 224191 for more information

12 Credit & Debt Management

CREDIT MANAGEMENT & DEBT COLLECTION A business asset you can’t do without Cash flow is vital to business survival so get in touch for robust credit management systems and processes and for support in chasing overdue debtors.

This BPMA credit management package is worth in excess of £5,000!

AccountAssyst Members receive: Up to 100 Credit Reports And/or 75 new customer account openings including credit report And/or 75 existing customer reviews including up to date credit report And/or 600 Credit Control chases A Complimentary Credit Management Healthcheck Consultancy (valued at £1,000) All Set Up and Service Activation free of charge Free Training, Site Navigation and familiarisation Working hours helpline to discuss any uncertainties or get advice

Because bad debt can damage your wealth!

Direct Route Membership feedback on this service is always positive. Chasing overdue invoices is a time consuming burden and an unwelcome distraction that takes time away from more productive activities.

Outsourcing seriously overdue debtors is never wrong - often when customers are not paying it is simply because they are paying somebody else. Long overdue customers expect to be chased - if you don't they may not end up paying you at all.

A sale is never a sale until it is paid for. Direct Route has a long history of proven results for members of all sizes and standing.

No debt value is too small, or too large!

Activate this benefit now Call 01273 223190, quoting your BPMA membership number Credit Management & Debt Recovery (bpma.co.uk)

13 Member helpline

HR, LEGAL, TAX & VAT HELPLINES Unlimited advice line and document library access Advice available covers four key services: Employer focussed HR service Health & Safety Premium quality legal advisory service Tax and VAT specialists Covering everything from advice on HR, health and safety, legal including contracts, tax and VAT, the resources available to you are unlimited with this member benefit.

Valued at over £1200 per member, the helpline and online library are all within the cost of your BPMA membership.

What can you ask?

The helpline covers a wide range of topics and members can talk to legal experts for advice on areas such as contracts, IP questions, help with HR matters and everyday business questions.

What‘s included in the online library BPMA has arranged for members to have access to nearly 800 business documents covering HR, Health & Safety, Legal, and Tax, available to download.

Included are useful calculators to help with key areas like maternity leave.

In addition, using your login, you will able to download and store key documents for your business.

Advice Line 0116 274 9111 Quoting your BPMA membership number Document Library You can log into the BPMA online document library here.

14 Member Job Board

JOBS IN THE INDUSTRY Join the best The promotional merchandise industry represents a wide range of exciting and engaging roles. With much change across the industry, the industry is looking for new starters across the UK. The BPMA has an industry jobs board where our members can advertise their roles, free of charge.

Have a new role or opportunity you’d like to advertise?

If you have a new role in your business, you’re a BPMA member and would like to take advantage of this complimentary service, simply send your job description how to apply closing date information to enquiries@bpma.co.uk and we will add your role(s) on your behalf. Each job posting is worth at least £130!

Please email enquiries@bpma.co.uk your job description to activate your free benefit today.

Jobs in the Industry (bpma.co.uk)

15 Product Awards

PRODUCT AWARDS Be the best The BPMA Product Awards include the entire promotional merchandise industry, celebrating the exceptional innovation, expertise and quality available in the market today.

Entrants are asked to answer key questions around price, product and sustainable credentials together with supporting evidence to complement their entries.

Judging takes place across three rounds, involving senior industry distributors, guest judges including Made In Britain, PPAI, APPA, PPPC, Sourcing City and Sourcing Machine plus catalogue heads who meet to agree final winners in each category.

View the current Product Award Winners here.

2024-25 Product Awards will be launched in September 2024.

16 Annual Awards

ANNUAL AWARDS The BPMA Annual Awards are voted by members each year and celebrated at a sumptuous dinner in Coventry.

Each member is invited to vote in the categories listed below. Our independent expert judging panel assess the Distributor and Supplier Marketing Campaigns of the Year alongside the BRIMAN Group, who judge BRIMAN Award entries.

Winners are announced at the Merchandise World New Year Even, together with the Product Awards Grand Prix winner.

Supplier of the Year | Up to £2m Supplier of the Year | £2m - £5m Supplier of the Year | £5m - £10m Supplier of the Year | £10m+ Distributor of the Year | Up to £500k Distributor of the Year | £500k - £1m Distributor of the Year | £1m - £3m Distributor of the Year | £3m - £5m Distributor of the Year | £5m - £10m Distributor of the Year | £10m+ Distributor Marketing Campaign of the Year Supplier Marketing Campaign of the Year BRIMAN Award Product Awards Grand Prix

17 BRIMAN Group

The BRIMAN Group supports British Manufacturers of promotional products.

The group’s main aims are: Promote British Manufacturing Support members by sharing best practices Educate distributors on the benefits of buying British Group marketing and networking opportunities Grow industry sector share

Our Members BRIMAN members are UK based, using a range of different manufacturing techniques to produce the highest quality promotional products.

Discover more about BRIMAN members here.

BRIMAN Benefits BRIMAN members benefit from media discounts, collaboration and industry support.

Email membership@bpma.co.uk for more information

We’re here to help We want you to make the most of your membership and we’re help to help you every step of the way.

If you’d like a 1:1 session with the membership team, just have a quick question or need some advice, a member of the team is just a phone call away.

Logging in to the website Don’t forget you will need to login to access resources and details. If you aren’t sure what your login is or need to set your login up, let us know.

Call us on 01372 371184 or email membership@bpma.co.uk

Some services are subject to change. New benefits, services and resources are added regularly.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS GUIDE MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN 2023-24