Product Media magazine - September/ October 2022

productmediamagazine.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE PROMOTIONAL INDUSTRY

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

PROMOTIONS WITH BITE

Celebrating branded food & confectionery P16 ALL BACK TO MK

MERCHANDISE WORLD IS THE PLACE TO BE P24

EVERYONE WELCOME THE BPMA PRODUCT AWARDS ARE OPEN TO ALL P11 CANNES DO ATTITUDE MERCHANDISE MAKES WAVES ON LA CROISETTE P26

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Contents

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

4 News

Need to know information for the industry

8 Ask Clive

On the trail of organic cotton

24 Merchandise World Milton Keynes beckons the industry

35 Finance

28 BPMA Charter

37 Marketing

Newly inclusive, the awards are open to all

Members assembled to discuss hot topics

Branded options are a feast for the senses

Profiles of members Juniper and Sow Easy

16 Food & confectionery

The Essex distributor’s digital journey

26 Cannes Lions

Merchandise flies the flag for GB

11 BPMA Product Awards

34 Total Merchandise

32 Briman Voice

Take back control

Learn from classic campaigns

39 BPMA News

Latest from the Association

42 Roving Robey

The BPMA’s membership manager is on the road

WELCOME It’s show time! Welcome to the latest issue of Product Media and as we get ready to open the doors to Merchandise World in September, the BPMA’s magazine has been busy finding out more about the show and tucking into the content for our latest special feature on food and drink. Look out for the delicious special feature in this issue and our guide to Merchandise World.

Since the last issue, its fair to say a lot has been happening in the world.

Sadly, the war in Ukraine continues, heatwaves across UK and Europe, Covid spikes, inflation, further energy cost rises coming… and the change in Prime Minister which will be announced by Product Media Magazine is available to the whole promotional merchandise industry.

It is the official magazine of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA).

the time we are published, it’s a heady cocktail for the country, the economy and businesses.

At PM, whilst there isn’t anything we can do to influence many of the areas on that list, we can provide the inspiration to promote and sell more. In times of recession, it’s important for end users not to stop promoting and with a far greater return on investment for merchandise vs digital channels for example, our industry can go get those budgets knowing they represent amazing value for their customers.

The BPMA has also been busy over the summer and with planned meetings with the Minister for Exports (who was there one minute and replaced the next!), we are working closely with the Export Support Team to unpick the export and import issues faced by the industry.

British Promotional Merchandise Association Fetcham Park House, Lower Road, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9HD All phone enquiries: 01372 371183 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk www.bpma.co.uk

We’ve covered the highlights in this month’s issue.

Our next issue, Issue 45 NovemberDecember, is taking a refreshing look at Drinkware & Ceramics and we’re looking for your contributions. This is your platform to talk about your innovation and products so if you’d like to get involved in the feature, please let us know.

If you would like to contribute to the next issue with your news, articles or find out about special features, get in touch with us via editor@ productmediamagazine.co.uk. For advertising in the next issue, new media spaces and for opportunities in 2022 and 2023, please get in touch with Tom Robey at the BPMA. Carey Trevill BPMA CEO

Editorial editor@productmediamagazine.co.uk Advertising and Media Pack advertising@productmediamagazine.co.uk Circulation circulation@productmediamagazine.co.uk Editorial Services Stuart Derrick

Design and Production ATG Media, www.atg-media.com Printed by Mailing Guy Ltd Photography shutterstock.com, Freepik.com

The BPMA has the right to refuse editorial content and advertisements on sight of artwork, particularly where there may be a conflict of interest.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the publication or the editor. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage, nor can responsibility be accepted for any claims by advertisers, contributors, or other persons and organisations. No material may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

PRODUCTMEDIA NEWS

Product Media Magazine editor@productmediamagazine.co.uk

SOLO Group and midocean join forces for one-stop merchandise offering French promotional textiles company SOLO Group has acquired Dutch-based merchandise business midocean to better serve the needs of European buyers with a one-stop shop.

SOLO Group and midocean engaged in 2020 in commercial cooperation to explore the compatibility of both companies when offering a selection of the SOLO Group portfolio including decoration to resellers in Europe.

This proved successful and appeared a perfect fit in terms of geography, operational set-up and company values.

Alain Milgrom, president-founder SOLO Group, said: “The still fragmented promotional market today is more and more demanding service and efficiencies across the value chain. Our objective has always been to deliver the best service to our customers, always acting in ‘Fair Spirit’.

This includes offering a full-service solution to stimulate the appeal for promotional textiles with end-users. When combining the strengths of both companies, this is exactly what I envision to happen, in the best interests of all our customers.”

Stephen Gibson, CEO of midocean said midocean had always envisioned a collaboration with an established textile

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specialist of promotional textiles.

“This will instantly strengthen the company’s presentation as a multicategory-specialist supplier, resulting in the most comprehensive item portfolio in the industry, instantly available including print/ decoration.”

Audélia Krief, CEO of SOLO Group said that combining both companies would give customers direct access to extensive

inventories of promotional textiles that will be decorated and drop shipped to end-users as efficiently and quickly as resellers have become used to for hard goods.

Paris-based SOLO was established in 1991 and had revenue in 2021 of €160m, with more than 200 employees. midocean employs more than 800 people and had 2021 revenue of €130m.

Samoa from Castelli closes the book on recycling Castelli has created the new Samoa ruled notebook, made from 100% high quality recycled paper to satisfy the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable promotional products.

Its FSC certified cover has been engineered from 100% recycled paper fibres which consists of 60% post-industrial waste such as cardboard coffee cups and is available in a range of colours inspired by nature.

The durable, 120gsm dyed card cover has been tested to ensure that highest branding techniques can be achieved, including blind and foil embossing as well as full-colour digital printing.

Samoa’s 160 internal pages feature paper that is carbon neutral produced from 100% recycled fibres made from stationery waste and post-consumer waste, helping to save trees, water, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Bespoke advertising pages and bands on 115gsm 100% recycled white paper can also be inserted or wrapped around your Samoa notebook for a sound eco-credential promotional product.

Samoa products comply with REACH and all components have been curated to ensure the item is 100% recyclable in its entirety with any unavoidable CO2 emissions being offset towards controlled emission reduction projects within Europe.

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PRODUCTMEDIA NEWS

If you have any stories for Product Media Magazine, send by email to: editor@productmediamagazine.co.uk

DTB adds two to growing team

Double awards for Kingly boost organic credentials of textile supplier Clothing specialist Kingly has marked a double achievement by gaining an important textile standard and winning a major promotional gift award.

The company has been approved for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, making it one of only 52 socks manufacturers worldwide to meet the standard. It is the only GOTS accredited producer of socks in the UK. GOTS shows that the company has conformed to a certain standard for the organic composition of its socks. Organic cotton used in textiles must not have used chemical pesticides, genetically modified seeds, or artificial fertilisers.

There are further requirements in terms of employment conditions and production methods including the use of water, so achieving the combination is a challenge.

Kingly’s GOTS-certified cotton socks have

also been awarded the 2022 Promotional Gift Award.

The company has previously won a Promotional Gift Award in 2020 for its upcycled socks in compostable bags. The socks were made from fibres mechanically recovered from recycled clothing, and the bags were made of potato starch.

Kingly is also committed to zero-waste and has adopted this approach to eliminate textile waste in every aspect of production.

Offcut waste is retained and re-used, and waste fibres are retained and find a new life as stuffing for printed pillowcases, furniture, and so on.

Rob Armour, CEO of Kingly, said: “Kingly’s Zero Waste Facility is a benchmark that other manufacturers should aim to match.

Crucially, we have been able to introduce these changes and meet these standards, and remain profitable.”

Direct Textiles + Bags (DTB) has added to its sales team with two new appointments.

Carol Fairhurst joins as account manager, adding more experience to the already established team at the Old Dalby site.

Responsible for account management and general sales support, Fairhurst will help develop the valuable relationships DTB has with existing customers.

Kyra Lawrence, sales team leader at DTB said: “The team is growing rapidly at the minute. Carol is another fantastic addition who will help us all.

With her knowledge of DTB and its systems, she is, and will continue to be, a massive asset to the sales office.”

Meanwhile, Lisa Green assumes the role of junior account manager, handling the account management of select DTB customers as well as supporting the other team members within the sales office.

Lawrence added: “Lisa is a very bubbly, friendly character who has slotted straight into the team. Her training is going incredibly well, and she will be full of DTB knowledge and looking after her own accounts in no time.”

Gilt Edged Promotions moves as company develops Northampton-based promotional diary, notebook and calendar supplier, Gilt Edged Promotions, has purchased and moved into new premises on Moulton Park.

The new space, on Deer Park Road, has been completely refurbished, making it an exciting new chapter for the business just a few streets away was from their previous home.

Managing director, Natalie Eichmann, said the business needed to move to develop.

“We have been looking to move for some time, but finding the right space

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and location was of particular importance.

When this gem on Moulton Park popped up, it was the perfect fit. Our new office

and upgraded facilities have enhanced our operational efficiencies and will help us to continue to grow and evolve.

With the renovation we have been able to incorporate some environmentally friendly measures, which we continue to build on,” she said.

The new space will make operations more streamlined and efficient and allow for greater teamworking and brainstorming opportunities across the business.

Gilt Edged Promotions look forward to welcoming clients to the new space over the coming months.

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PRODUCTMEDIA NEWS

Product Media Magazine editor@productmediamagazine.co.uk

Premium Collection from Laltex aims high Laltex has launched a new 36-page catalogue featuring an exclusive range of executive promotional gifts.

The Premium Collection showcases a handpicked range of gift ideas from each of Laltex Group’s specialist promotional merchandise divisions.

Those who took advantage of the pre-sell special offer have already received their catalogues and have commented on how well the new style of catalogue is being received by their clients.

Available plain or overprinted with your logo, the catalogue is the ideal marketing tool to re-engage with clients and offers inspiration for those seeking a higher end option for their next promotional campaign.

There’s also a handy electronic version that can be downloaded and shared with customers in an instant, completely free of charge.

Throughout the catalogue beautifully crafted images reflect the quality of each item on offer.

All of these images are available to download at Laltex’s trade portal making them perfect for sharing on social media.

USB2U invests in UK facility to serve growing demand Tech gift specialist USB2U has moved to a brand new, state of the art purpose-built premises on Northampton’s Moulton Park Industrial Estate.

The company has committed a significant investment to the new facility that has been perfectly designed and constructed to meet its current and future business requirements.

Sebastian La Porta, managing director, said: “With current market conditions impacted by Brexit, post Covid-19 economic recovery and global transport issues, we have found an increase in demand for our UK stock and production.

By offering UK stock printed and finished in house in our new facility, our customers can avoid the long lead times and increased costs involved with sourcing directly from China and rest in the knowledge that our team can deliver.”

An increase in demand has meant that the company’s print and production split has shifted to predominantly UK based in recent years. The office move will enable it to fully utilise the warehouse and production space needed to provide

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customers with the lead times and quality that they want.

USB2U’s new facility also boasts more

| SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

green credentials, including electric car charging points, making it more energy efficient in the long term.

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WHAT YOU BUY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN MAKE A MORE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE WITH OUR GREEN POINTS!

Scan the QR code and find out more!

SMALL ACTIONS, BIG DIFFERENCE

Ask Clive

SUSTAINABLE IMPROVEMENT

With more certifications available promising a clean conscience for cotton buyers, Clive Allcott takes a look at what they mean

O

ver the last month or so I have been asked on a couple of occasions what is the difference between organic cotton and ‘sustainable cotton’. It is a question that needed some research.

Let’s start with the basics. Organic cotton is grown and produced by certified standards which includes non-genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds and without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Certification for organic cotton comes in two types, a farm-level certification and a finished product certification.

Sustainable cotton is promoted heavily in America and has a broader brush which not only covers the above but also how the cotton crop is grown and harvested. It is promoted under the Better Cotton Initiative, a label that is becoming more visible. Certification takes into consideration the labour and human rights practices involved in addition to the environmental practices. It could be said that it’s a more holistic approach.

As a definition, ‘sustainable’ means

development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Sustainable cotton is therefore grown in a way that can maintain levels of production with minimal environmental impact, can support viable producer livelihoods and communities, and can do so in the face of long-term ecological constraints and socio-economic pressures.

Two of the biggest cotton garment manufacturers in the T-shirt business, Gildan and Fruit of the Loom, have

both committed to sustainable cotton manufacture using the BCI certification and are heavily promoting these benefits.

Organic cotton still has its place and commands a strong position. However, with only 1% of the world’s cotton production being organic, and with a high demand from the retail sector, prices are rocketing and there is a need for an alternative eco solution.

Sustainable cotton has to be another step in the right direction but will need to work hard on its communication.

Messages such as ethical manufacturing, transparent supply chains, independent certifications and responsible sourcing all need to be substantiated and become a true validation when choosing the next promotional garment you offer a client.

It still has a long way to go but it does offer the customer different choices and certification between organic cotton, sustainable cotton and regular cotton. Any choice that is better for the environment has to be supported.

Happy selling, Clive (The Bag and Clothing Guru).

Preseli has been a supplier of popular products to the promotional industry for 30 years. We have built our reputation on great service & time-proven reliability.

We pride ourselves in being experts in areas like Lanyards and are glad to help share our experience & knowledge.

If you would like to sign up to our regular e-shots & have access to our product guides for your reference and staff training then do please contact us to subscribe.

Lanyards and Conference items Keyrings and Metal items Business and Leisure gifts Umbrellas Ties and Scarves Extensive UK stocks

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Connect with us On the web: preseli.biz By phone: 01352 730 006 By email: sales@preseli.biz

| JULY/AUGUST 2022 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk Connecting Brands With People

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PRODUCTMEDIA NEWS

If you have any stories for Product Media Magazine, send by email to: editor@productmediamagazine.co.uk

Fluid - 15 years with the BPMA Fluid is commemorating 15 years of being a member of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA).

The team celebrated its 15th birthday last year, the company’s inception was in 2006 and this year marks 15 years of membership in its trade organisation the BPMA. The BPMA has been trusted for over 50 years to offer support and guidance to buyers as well as leading the promotional merchandise industry in delivering excellence and compliance through a strict code of conduct, governing areas such as quality, accuracy and fair trade terms.

Aaron Loveridge, operations director of Fluid said: “Being a BPMA charter member is very important to us,

especially as we continue to grow as a business. We’re really pleased the BPMA has decided to commemorate our 15 years of membership.”

Georgie Yeats from the BPMA added: “We are delighted that Fluid Branding Ltd is a BPMA 15-year member. On behalf of the Association, we would like to thank you for your continued support over the years and look forward to working with you throughout 2022 and 2023.”

Find out about the latest developments in Charter status on p28.

New features from PromoServe Promotional merchandise software company AIM Smarter has revitalised its CRM system PromoServe with new features.

These include processing reverse VAT charges, setup of products for multi-brand businesses, refining sales orders and commercial

invoices, as well as bespoke development features for streamlining order processing actions.

It is currently working to implement more new features to the software, such as an invoice unlock feature, drag and drop and multi-select options for job bags, dashboard reporting and an all new fully optimisable e-commerce website solution along with so much more in the future.

PromoServe is designed to allow promotional merchandise distributors and suppliers to manage their end-to-end business operations including marketing, sales, CRM, supply chain, procurement, financials, and projects.

The company has also announced the promotion of Nathan Wisniewski (pictured) to PromoServe general manager.

Fantasy football returns at AMT Trade The time has come to start tinkering with your Premier League team in a quest to become the greatest manager in the promotional merchandise industry.

AMT Trade’s fantasy league for the promo sector returns for the 2022-23 season with the chance to win £100 of Amazon vouchers and a leather vintage football.

Last season’s victorious manager was Graham Leach from Impress Ipswich. (pictured) This year is the fifth season AMT has been running the league.

To enter the private league, go to fantasy.premierleague.com/ and use the league code: mq5olt.

The league name is Promo Merch.

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League – AMT Trade. For help entering the league, please call Fabio 01483 447929

Everything Global links with military man Everything Branded, has teamed up with decorated former soldier Brian Wood and his sports clothing brand Keep Attacking.

It is supporting Keep Attacking’s KA Event Series, a series of three tough but inclusive events held on military training areas to give members of the public the chance to engage in either 4.5 or 9-mile challenges.

As a key sponsor Everything Global assisted in the launch of the second KA challenge event in July with a further two events to follow later in the year. They are open to those willing to break out of their comfort zone and rise to any challenge thrown their way.

Everything Global’s founder Paul Rowlett reached out to Brian Wood with the offer of corporate endorsement and soon forged a relationship beyond the commercial.

Both are entrepreneurs who have served with the British Armed Forces.

“It was a no-brainer”, explained Paul, “This guy is a national treasure and a war hero, and he continues to give back. His product is incredible and Everything Global is proud to endorse both the sportswear and the man.”

Brian Wood’s story was dramatised in the BBC series Danny Boy in 2021, exploring the former Colour Sergeant’s medal-winning career and the pivotal role he played in the battle of ‘Danny Boy’ in Iraq in 2004.

Brian Wood said: “I’m passionate about building a brand which appeals to all, regardless of peoples’ background or ability. With an exciting and innovative clothing range now established and the partnership with Everything Global in place, I felt now is the right time to engage the KA community in a challenge series which will truly test their ability to Keep Attacking no matter what’s in front of them.”

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BPMA Product Awards

best of the best ITS TIME RECOGNISE THE

IN THE INDUSTRY

I

The more inclusive BPMA Product Awards are open to all suppliers of merchandise

t’s time to get your entries in for this year’s BPMA Product Awards and with some changes in this year’s entry criteria, more suppliers can now take part in these internationally recognised Awards.

Previously, only exhibitors at Merchandise World could enter; the BPMA has now opened up entries to any supplier in or supplying the UK market. This change makes the BPMA Product Awards truly inclusive.

“The Product Awards have represented some of the best in the industry for many years and we’re now including the whole industry to be representative of what products are available in our vibrant marketplace. We’re really looking forward to seeing the quality of the entries and now it’s open to all, we’re expecting some great levels of competition for our judging panels to consider. We’ve also introduced a Grand Prix for this year,” says CEO Carey Trevill.

WHO CAN ENTER THIS YEAR? The BPMA has opened the Product Awards to any supplier who has registered status in the UK or another country, has been trading for more than a year and trades in the UK market, and is a trade only or multi-channel supplier. By expanding the remit of suppliers the BPMA aims to recognise a wider market and represent the industry.

WHICH PRODUCTS CAN ENTER THIS YEAR? With a range of revamped categories, suppliers will find something for every product in the scope of the Product Awards.

Suppliers can enter any qualifying products on the market which were available between January and November 2022, produced, marketed, or manufactured by the supplier presenting the product. There is no limit to the number of entries a company can submit (noting the charges that apply after the first entry submission unless stated otherwise) and you can, where relevant, enter the same product into more than one category. Entrants are advised to follow

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entry instructions carefully and include all requested and relevant images, information and certifications to ensure your entry stands a greater chance of success.

UPDATED CATEGORIES RECOGNISE EVERY SHAPE, SIZE, AND TYPE OF MERCHANDISE This year’s categories range from the traditional product specific and innovation awards to new sustainability awards. With winners to be announced in early January 2023, just in time for those exhibiting at Merchandise World, the BPMA will be showing off all the Product Award winners at the show.

“It’s been an important part of the Product Awards to keep recognition going across the year when they are winners,” says BPMA’s Membership Director, Tom Robey.

“The winners awarded earlier this year are still featured and talked about in places like Product Media, with winners proudly displaying their certificates and trophies at trade shows as well as highlighted by distributors to end users as industry recognised products.”

This year, one overall winner will be crowned 'winner of winners' with the Product Awards Grand Prix, awarded by the final panel judges. The lucky winner of this award will have to wait though to receive their Grand Prix as this won’t be revealed until the BPMA Awards Dinner in January 2023.

WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR? In every category, the BPMA has supplied the range of products related to the category, the evidence they look for to support the entry including images, videos, presentations and certifications plus prices of course.

DON'T FORGET YOUR SAMPLES The BPMA has asked PM readers thinking about entering the Product Awards that they have to be able to produce a physical item as part of the entry process. Any entrant unable

to produce a product when requested is likely to face immediate disqualification so it’s an important criterion to note.

WHO IS JUDGING THIS YEAR? With a crack team of judges ranging from industry professionals and experienced BPMA distributors, there are two panels who will be looking for originality, innovation, creativity, ethical and sustainable credentials, value for money and any other criteria specified in the category. In addition, entrants will also be asked to submit trade prices available to BPMA distributor members to understand the value proposition.

Judging takes place over two rounds: two online rounds and a final face to face panel.

With different judges in each round of online judging, the selection process is rigorous and aimed at making sure every round is assessed in line with the criteria set out. The BPMA Product Awards is administered by the BPMA team, but they don’t get involved in judging, only ensuring the competition is run fairly – and of course settling the odd judging dispute!

Brian Hayward of PAGE is this year’s Product Award Chair and told PM: “We love these Awards. It’s a great high point in the year as we gather our judges together to really put these products through their paces, and recognise and reward the extraordinary too.

Like many Awards, we’ve evolved again this year and we can’t wait to see what comes through. I’m Chairing the final panel session where we bring the round two judges together to examine the shortlist and the products in person so we can examine the scores and allocate the Awards. With a Grand Prix now in the mix, it’s going to be exciting.”

WHERE CAN YOU ENTER? To enter these year’s Product Awards, visit bpma.co.uk/productawards for more information, terms and conditions plus prices for entry. Please note, BPMA members receive a complimentary entry and an early bird rate with non-member entries attracting a fixed fee.

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BPMA Product Awards

BPMA PRODUCT AWARD CATEGORIES 2022/23 and backpacks, laptop and tablet sleeves, drawstring bags, shopper and tote bags, carrier bags, gift wrap, cooler bags, can coolers and any item for carrying items of any description.

Get your products recognised, like these winners from 2021

DRINKWARE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR APPAREL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Entrants to this category can include all promotional apparel, clothing, headwear, ties, scarves, uniforms, workwear, and sports clothing. Items submitted in this category should be able to carry decoration for branding purposes. Does not include face coverings or PPE. Judges are looking for outstanding examples to demonstrate scope of apparel and innovation in the sector.

This category covers all drinkware, sports bottles, flasks, reusable coffee cups, travel mugs, mugs, glasses, coasters and bar accessories. All drinkware materials are permitted in this category (plastic, ceramic, glass etc). As a top 10 most requested item, the continued adaption of branding techniques, design and application gives entrants in this category a chance to demonstrate the refreshing innovation available in market.

EXHIBITION PRODUCT OF THE YEAR This category covers a broad scope to capture the high demand ranges for exhibitions and events. This can include

Entrants for this category can include any Award or Gift category product. In addition, this can include executive gifts that are not covered by the other categories. Products suitable for this category are executive desk items, personal executive products, trophies and awards, and gift packs. The description of ‘pack’ can cover packs containing more than one product or where the packaging represents a major part of the gift. As in all categories, you will need to include the way in which the product is packaged.

BAG & FOLDER PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Entrants can include folders, business bags and cases, bags and holdalls, rucksacks

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FOOD & DRINK PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Any type of edible product which can be directly branded or is presented in branded packaging as a promotional product. This can include sweets, drinks (cans, bottles), cakes, biscuits, chocolate, confectionery, re-branded trademarked or registered branded goods (e.g. branded Lovehearts), sachet drinks (herbal, tea, coffee, hot chocolate).

HEALTH & TRAVEL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

AWARD & GIFTING PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

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festive products for all faiths, party products, sweets, chocolate, biscuits, drinks, mints, fridge magnets, other magnetic products, badges, dog tags, lanyards, wristbands rosettes, medals, membership cards and holders, slap bands, logobugs, stickers, all other paper products (not considered stationery), seed products, balloons, small flags, small display materials and small signs.

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Entrants to this category can include keyrings (whose primary function is a keyring), trolley tokens (and holders), car accessories, ice scrapers, air fresheners, pedometers, health monitors, heat/cold packs, safety products (not including clothing), PPE equipment, sanitisers, thermometers, first aid kits, other health packs and ‘personal’ kits, tissues, facemasks, personal hygiene products, lip balms, ear plugs, shoe shines, eye masks, The BPMA Product Awards open on 01.09.22 and close on 01.11.22. All entries are subject to an entry fee unless otherwise specified and the fee will be determined on your BPMA member or non-member status. Only complete entries can be submitted. Each entry will be subject to vetting prior to judging. Winners announced in January 2023 and Grand Prix winner will be announced at the BPMA Awards Dinner in January 2023.

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small low cost mirrors, slippers, flip-flops, travel pillows, luggage accessories, airport products, travel adapters, travel wallets and documents holders, luggage tags, travel card holders.

INNOVATION OF THE YEAR Embracing the innovation across the industry is captured in this category. Products entered in this category must be able to demonstrate true innovation in their product sector. This will include products new to the market which have been launched and distributed in 2022 which represent an innovative design, significant change to an existing range, present a unique or first to market variation, an innovation in production or finishing techniques which provide a unique or first to market benefit. You’ll be asked to state clearly why your product should win this award to make the most of your latest innovation to hit the industry.

Tell your product story here

WRITING INSTRUMENT PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Entrants to this category can include all pens (regardless of cost), pen sets (with or without packaging), stationery sets, including styluses which primary use is a pen or stationery product, ballpens, gel pens, roller pens, pencils, fountain pens, highlighters.

STATIONERY PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Entrants to this category can include any stationery item; pencil cases, pen pots, stationery packs, activity packs where most of the products are stationery based, clips and fasteners, staplers, rulers, scale rules, paper products, pads, books, notebooks, note, page tag sets, block pads, block holders, binders, document holders, calendars and diaries.

UK MADE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Entrants to this category must be able to demonstrate the product

Making an impact with your product matters. Tell your latest story with new advertising space in Product Media Magazine.

Advertising now open to all industry suppliers.

Contact advertising@productmediamagazine.co.uk to find out more.

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NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES It’s time to recognise the best promotional merchandise products in our industry.

The BPMA Product Awards are now open and with entries accepted from any supplier*, these internationally recognised Awards welcome the best and brightest products in the industry to step forward for judging. A Grand Prix award has been added to the line up with the champion of champions revealed at the BPMA Awards Dinner in January 2023.

Find out more at bpma.co.uk/productawards for entry criteria, categories, entry fees plus terms and conditions.

*The BPMA Product Awards open on 01.09.22 and close on 01.11.22. Any supplier meeting the qualifying criteria can enter.

Please see bpma.co.uk/productawards for more information. All entries are subject to an entry fee unless otherwise specified and the fee will be determined on your BPMA member or non-member status. Only complete entries can be submitted. Each entry will be subject to vetting prior to judging. Winners announced in January 2023 and Grand Prix winner will be announced at the BPMA Awards Dinner in January 2023. Terms and conditions apply.

or here entered was either wholly manufactured in the UK, undergone substantial finishing or transformation in the UK to be recognised as British made. This means at least 50% of substantial finishing or transformation has taken place here. Entrants to this category can submit any qualifying product under the classification and should include details on production journey, the business in the UK undertaking the work and the team behind the work.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Entrants to this category can submit a product, product set or product line which is classified as sustainable, re-usable, recyclable, recycled including organic (e.g. organic cotton). Entrants to this category must include uploaded information on the product certificates or certificates on the production process, logistics etc. Uncertified products, product sets or product lines may also be submitted. Entrants in this category must be able to demonstrate their sustainable credentials in at least one aspect of the product material, production, presentation (including packaging). Classification of sustainable can include recycled materials which can be evidenced, biodegradable or oxo biodegradable with relevant certification and testing. Entrants should reference any membership or accreditation held relevant to this category. You will need to include the way in which the product is packaged.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION OF THE YEAR This category is open to those sustainable products launched to the market by a sustainable-focused company that is able to demonstrate a unique sustainable innovation.

Your entry will detail the background of the product, processes, its components, and the composition of the materials, testing and evidence. Aspects to include in this entry are the ecological footprint of the product and its journey and the team behind its innovation and production. In this entry, the overall contribution that producers make to environmental, social, and economic action in the context of a sustainability strategy is important. Awareness and focus are placed more on the production of sustainable products and the history behind it. You will

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need to include the way in which the product is packaged.

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Includes chargers, speakers, headphones, ear buds, phone stands (whose primary purpose is to hold a phone), USB hubs, charging and data cables, clocks, watches, webcam covers, mobile accessories, lens cloths, USB flash drives, computer memory & mouse mats.

WORK & PLAY PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Entrants to this category can include leisure, sporting goods and activity accessories: picnic accessories, whistles, outside activity accessories, inside activity accessories, puzzles, games, soft toys and plush products, balls, stress products, golf products and accessories, umbrellas, parasols, bunting, large signs, banners ad flags, tools, torches and tape measures.

With a chance to enter products that engage, provide hours of entertainment through to the practical and safe, products in this category highlight the diversity of products in the merchandise mix.

GRAND PRIX All winners from each category are automatically entered into the Grand Prix.

The Grand Prix award will be awarded after all category winners have been selected: during Round 2 each Judging Panel member will select their ‘top three’ products in order of preference and allocate 3, 2, and 1 mark accordingly. The Grand Prix winner will be the product that collects most points from the final Judging Panel. In the event of a draw, the remaining products will be subject to a second vote by the Judging Panel. The Grand Prix winner will be announced at the BPMA Awards in 2023.

Please note that for all product award categories you will need to include the way in which the product is packaged.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

To find out more about the new advertising spaces available in Product Media Magazine at competitive rates plus editorial feature support, contact 01372 371183.

Food & confectionery

A feast

for the senses

Food and confectionery managed to maintain demand during the pandemic. Now times are normalising, what’s on the menu?

F

ood and drink gifting has grown during the last two year as the recognition, reward and thank you gifting opportunities were presented in a unique way due the circumstances the UK found itself in. Gift boxes including sweets, chocolate and biscuits have become a staple of the branded gift market, with corporates ordering vast quantities to recognise their staff, say thank you or simply welcome a new colleague in style.

The demand for British made has also grown in this time too. Since our exit from the EU, the number of suppliers and distributors who proclaim their British made ranges has increased ten-fold. While we have experienced challenges with exporting food and drink items since the end of the transition, the internal UK market is booming and shows no signs of slowing.

Of course, not all promotional food and drink needs to be exported. There is a massive market opportunity on our doorstep that many suppliers and

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distributors may not be fully aware of, said Eat My Logo business development manager Daniel Clarke.

INTERNAL MARKETING “Customer buying reasons are varied, including brand anniversaries, achieving targets, special occasions, charity days, product or system launches, collaborations, outstanding achievements, motivation and just because’s. But looking at our order books, there was one thing that stood out – the amount that were for internal use.”

Geiger first worked with Eat My Logo several years ago but following some guidance on buying reasons and some proactive promotion have seen regular large-scale orders from key customers.

Account manager Simon Kaye said: “Late last year, Eat My Logo helped us pull off one of the largest time sensitive orders we

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have ever been involved in. They needed to turn around 72,000 Halloween decorated cupcakes and get them delivered to 36 sites within a two-day period.”

Eat My Logo supplied a neat spreadsheet with all the delivery details and the goods were delivered on time and in good condition and thoroughly enjoyed by my client’s teams up and down the country.

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Food & confectionery

Project Merch also landed several large projects for products to be used internally.

The distributor was able to offer their established clients products for celebratory events, giving them a whole new sales angle.

Sales director Chris Dawson said: “Edible gifts have always been a great option when companies are looking to celebrate anniversaries or milestones. With the addition of a vegan range, offering individual delivery and as always fantastic service, Eat My Logo has helped increase our sales and

deliver some rather tasty treats.”.

During the pandemic, Eat My Logo successfully pivoted its product range towards bites that could be sent to the huge numbers of people working from home.

It landed the coveted Platinum Award for its Cupcake Gift Boxes in the Merchandise World Award & Gifting Product of the Year.

The Postal Cupcake Giftboxes were designed to allow customers to send branded cupcakes via Royal Mail in a zero plastic packaging solution. With each box holding either 4 or 6 cupcakes, its delivery

Celebrate… business on a plate

Three quarters of orders placed with Eat My Logo are purchased by businesses to use for internal events with their own workforce. Whether it is just a tray of cupcakes to one location or 80,000 bespoke biscuits to hundreds of locations, end users are seeking engaging and impactful edible products to help them celebrate in style.

While distributors are used to dealing with marketing teams, it’s more often than not the HR and internal communications personnel that hold the responsibility for ordering internal celebratory products.

Distributors that make the connection with these teams can enjoy access to a whole new budget and increase their revenue without cannibalising other sales opportunities. Eat My Logo has helped hundreds of distributors become their clients ‘go to’ for edible branded treats.

A large majority of the UK’s leading organisations utilise branded treats as part of their internal engagement strategies. A LinkedIn survey of more than 600 HR and internal comms contacts by Eat My Logo

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found that 60% of them had used branded cupcakes and biscuits.

With the current landscape (rising cost of living, disparate workforce, hybrid working, retaining workforce), end user businesses are fighting to boost staff engagement and positivity. Small gestures go a long way to creating a genuinely

option as a Royal Mail small parcel made it a very attractive and versatile gifting option.

It was also created to have as little environmental impact as possible. The box was designed to protect the cupcakes, keep them fresh and also avoid the use of plastic.

Everything from the outer cardboard box to the internal product inserts are cardboard based.

COMPLEX MARKET Debbie Willsmer, managing director of Willsmer Wagg has noticed a massive growth in supplying food, drink and gift boxes to the corporate sector. While the demand has always been there at

healthy work culture. Eat My Logo can send as many or as few products as needed to either a single site or hundreds of different locations. Its products range from traditional bakery items such as cupcakes and shortbread biscuits, along with innovative choices such as cake jars, millionaire bites, and doughnuts.

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Register Today at

eatmylogo.trade

Food & confectionery

Christmas, since Covid the market has evolved. Willsmer Wagg is now sourcing and supplying custom seminar, wellness, onboarding, virtual festival and celebratory gift boxes as a standard part of its offering.

“For over 25 years we have supplied corporate hampers and have long standing relationships with the artisan food manufacturers, which goes hand in hand with our alcohol licence. I believe there will always be a mix of virtual and face to face along with hybrid working not location specific so it is really important to make all staff feel part of a team and receiving a welcome or seminar celebratory box does just that,” she said.

“Working and communication patterns have changed and simply because you cannot physically attend an award ceremony does not mean that you cannot sit virtually, have your bottle of fizz, popcorn, chocolates and celebrate with your colleagues and company,” she added.

This brings with it a new level of complexity. While an attendee at a physical event can choose what they want or are able to eat of drink, if a company is sending out items, they have to find out beforehand and ensure they only send what is suitable for the individual.

“We have just had an order for 1,500 boxes where each person is grouped by food allergy, non-alcoholic, alcoholic cocktail or beer, so there is a lot of picking and individually named items,” said Willsmer.

Laltex marketing executive, Lucy Kinney said the company has seen a surge in orders for staff appreciation gifts over the last two years for delivery both at home and in the workplace.

“With many staff members working remotely during and post-pandemic, thoughtful gift packs are a great way to keep staff engaged and boost morale within your team,” she said.

Laltex’s treat-filled ‘Take a Break’ Pack has been a popular option this year, she said.

“This is a lovely gesture that will go a long way in showing your staff members how much you care and, as it’s one of the lowest cost options it won’t blow your budget.”

The company also offers a Deluxe Weekend Wind-Down Pack – a treat filled pack containing a small bottle of Prosecco, Boston bottle opener and a sleek stainless steel travel mug, plus a selection of

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premium snacks including luxury chocolate, crisps and biscuits.

Laltex offers a complete fulfilment service, and while there isn’t a menu of options as such, it will endeavour to accommodate special requests such as specific confectionery brands or to meet dietary requirements.

For branding, customers can choose to have a full colour A6 label applied to the box, inside or out. Alternatively, or in addition, there is also the option of a full colour sleeve that wraps around the box – perfect for larger messages.

Christmas starts early for Distinctive The High Wycombe-based confectionery supplier was established more than 20 years ago and has been a BPMA member for just as long.

ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT 2022?

We are very optimistic about 2022 and the build up to our busy season. Advent is our busiest season. It starts in June and has us all flat out until they are delivered by mid November. We have a large range of premium advents to offer such as Lindt, Lindor, Milka, Mini Mars, Toblerone, and Ritter Sport. All of our premium calendars are eco-friendly and climate neutral.

We also have more sustainable options such as biodegradable and compostable inlays or fully compostable calendars.

However, most of our premium options need ordering early, so we do encourage clients to think ahead during the summer months. Especially if they are considering one of our shaped options such as the Lindt Laptop, the 3D truck, or bespoke individually shaped Lindt advent options.

HOW IS THE POST-PANDEMIC MARKET? The demand for edible products has always been there, even in the pandemic.

In fact we saw a rise in companies ordering chocolate boxes, advent calendars and biscuit options as a sweet treat to keep in touch with clients and keep their staff happy.

WHAT ARE CUSTOMERS LOOKING FOR? Our clients look for high quality, and often sustainable products. Many are asking for a complete fulfilment/postal service, which we offer. We have different mailout options to save on postage too. This was a big hit over lockdown as companies wanted to send to home addresses, and this has continued.

HOW HAVE YOU TAILORED YOUR PRODUCTS? As well sustainable and eco-friendly packaged products, dietary requirements such as vegan chocolate and sugar free sweet options are in demand. We have added some new shaped calendars into the range: the luxury Lindt extra large Christmas Tree Advent and Luxury Lindt Laptop Advent with two different fillings.

We have included Lindt Countdown Calendars suitable for Ramadan, Diwali and other important occasions. We are adding more and more products to our range that offer either only biodegradable packaging or the option of having this.

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Member Networking Lunch

15 November 2022 | Birmingham Join us for an exclusive member networking lunch at Gaucho in Birmingham on Tuesday 15th November 2022. Enjoy a welcome drink and delicious threecourse lunch, connect with your peers and hear from our guest speaker to fuel conversation, discussion and debate.

Tickets for this members only event are available now and are on a first come, first served basis.

Please visit bpma.co.uk/events or contact the BPMA for more information via events@bpma.co.uk.

Interested in hosting a table? There are two supplier host opportunities per table.

BPMA supplier members please contact Tom Robey on 01372 371183 for more information.

This is a members only event. Tickets for distributors are limited to a maximum booking of four per company.

There are limited spaces for this event. Suppliers can only attend in a table host capacity. Please contact the BPMA for more information by emailing events@bpma.co.uk. Booking terms and conditions apply.

Food & confectionery

Exporting food & drink

It’s been a challenging time for promotional merchandise and exporting branded food and drink items has been no exception. In some instances, British manufacturers have decided to forgo these previously lucrative markets due to the challenges at customs borders.

WHY HAS IT BECOME MORE COMPLEX?

Popkakery anticipates premium vegan treats market growth ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT 2022?

Yes, we are seeing a huge uplift in orders which is of course good news. We have expanded our vegan, gluten free and dairy free range of products as there are more and more enquiries for these products as they tick all the boxes. It is much easier to manage various dietary requirements if you buy vegan as it caters for most requirements. We have also refreshed our brand and we have a new logo. We are looking to grow the business substantially this year.

AFTER THE COVID FAMINE, ARE WE SET FOR A FEAST? Well, we certainly hope so! We are looking forward to the run up to Christmas this year as many of our clients choose to buy edible products for corporate and client gifting. We have a wide range of premium and indulgent products which are more in tune with what clients are considering for corporate gifting especially for Christmas as they tend to look for something a little bit different.

WHAT DO CUSTOMERS WANT? After all the hard times that we have been through and even in the tough economic times, everyone would like to reward their staff or send a little something to clients to show how much they appreciate them. Our products even though they are more premium than the

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rest are still very competitively priced.

And with a wide range of vegan and gluten free products which taste exactly the same as the premium products, there is a wide selection for everyone.

WHAT’S NEW FROM YOU? VEGAN, VEGAN and VEGAN but premium VEGAN!

ARE EVENTS COMING BACK, AND REQUIRING CONFECTIONERY? We do see an uplift in events but we are still closely watching what’s happening with the new wave of Covid. Let’s hope that the events carry on.

Unfortunately, there is no single source of information of those individual products to country export requirements. When commercially exporting food or drink from the UK, it is the exporters responsibility to check the restrictions and export conditions that apply before you export.

In Great Britain, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is responsible for issuing export health certificates (EHC) for certain products of animal origin (POAO) to specific countries.

In Northern Ireland, DAERA is responsible for issuing these EHCs for POAO.

WHERE CAN YOU GO FOR HELP? Local authorities or district councils can provide export certification for certain products not covered by official EHCs issued by APHA and DAERA. This can relate to products that are: • not of animal origin • processed meat products • manufactured food and drinks The type of certification that needs to be provided is specific to the product being exported and the requirements of the destination country.

You should provide the information you have gathered on the import requirements of the destination country to your local authority or district council. This will inform what the export certification needs to say.

The minimum required by non-EU countries in such certification is usually confirmation that the product is: • produced in accordance with domestic hygiene rules • fit for human consumption • freely available for sale within the UK While it is complex to export, there is a huge market for UK made food and drink.

If you would like more support to grow in new markets, you can contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) and speak to one of its advisors who are there to help any UK business looking to export.

REPORTING TRADE BARRIERS The DIT has also asked every exporter and trade body to highlight its service to report trade barriers. If you are experiencing issues, you can either report these to the BPMA which is working collaboratively with the trade teams or visit great.gov.uk/report-trade-barrier

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Merchandise World

LET’S DO IT

AGAIN

The industry returns to Milton Keynes to help build for a successful end of the year

T

he September edition of Merchandise World is nearly upon us, barely a year from its return to Milton Keynes Arena at Stadium MK. That 2021 edition of the show marked a return to the live events arena for many, and what started out as a tentative exploration of face-to-face meetings quickly became an opportunity to reacquaint with the industry.

Suppliers and distributors put aside months of Zooms to press the flesh (hand sanitiser provided), see products up close,

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network, and smile with industry friends.

Now a year on, the industry is back in Milton Keynes for more of the same and ready to build on the success of Spring’s show in Coventry.

Any concerns anyone may have had whether the industry was ready for a major event proved unfounded, despite the show organisers having to prove their agility and shift the dates to the winter wave of Covid.

As soon as the doors opened it was clear that the pull of seeing 145 exhibitors with

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

a wide range of products overrode any apprehensions.

Over the two days, 896 quality distributors streamed through the door and the show hall remained busy right up until closed on day two.

Show organiser, Ella Long said: “Watching people so happy to be together again, and to see old and new relationships developing is always rewarding. The industry is back together, and we were pleased to hear people telling us during, and at the end of the show how positive it has made them feel and of the various benefits they had gained from coming.”

For Milton Keynes, David Long, founder of Sourcing City, organiser of the show notes that times are again “interesting”.

“At present the promotional merchandise market seems buoyant, and after the ‘Covid years’ this is very welcome. However, inflation, soaring energy bills, UK political and economic instability and international crisis are in the background and it is hard to predict how this will affect the market in the coming months and beyond,” he said.

In this scenario, everyone needs to win as much business as possible and Merchandise World is going to provide the ideal opportunity to discover products for end users, and will be the best place for exhibitors and visitors to meet and build relationships, he said.

“The industry stands on relationships and whether a visitor or exhibitor, an investment in time or money to be at the show will reap dividends. We all know that we learn more from talking to people, and Merchandise

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Merchandise World

THE ESSENTIALS

World is the ideal place to do this.”

Carey Trevill, CEO of the BPMA, which is co-owner of the show, agreed on the need for businesses to take a proactive stance.

“Over the past couple of years we have seen our members demonstrate levels of ingenuity and creativity in keeping going during Covid. They will now turn that to ensuring that they adapt to whatever the market throws at them, with innovative products, great service levels, and the agility for which they are known.

Merchandise World remains our industry shopfront and the place where we come together to do business, working hard and playing hard.”

A main feature of Merchandise World will again be the ECO World section. Recent shows have demonstrated the extent to which environmentally friendly and sustainable products have moved into the mainstream with 100 exhibitors at Coventry

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offering them within their range. The move is clear and ECO World will again prove a popular stand for discovering new ideas.

As well as the top suppliers exhibiting from across the industry, Merchandise World will also have plenty of new exhibitors to meet, such as BonBox, Briki, Delvaux, Ocean Bottle and Plastoria. Finding new products is the lifeblood of the industry and there is nowhere better to see everything in one place.

The September show is perfectly timed as people return from summer breaks and then focus on the rest of the year and Christmas. Businesses looking to recognise and reward staff, clients, customers, and suppliers, should all be on the lookout for products and ideas to make their mark.

David Long concluded: “Visitor registrations have recently opened and it is clear that a bumper turnout of distributors is expected.”

We hope to see you there.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

WHERE – Marshall Arena, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes WHEN – Wednesday 14th September 2022. Show opens from 9.00 and closes 17.00. Breakfast is served from 8.00-10.00. There’s also free lunch, tea and coffee.

WHY – this one-day event for frontline teams and leaders from professional distributors will help them discover new products for the Peak Season and learn about product branding techniques.

A relaxed atmosphere allows time for quality conversations, negotiating trading partnerships, and building relationships with top suppliers.

HOW - visitors can register at merchandiseworld.co.uk. There is a free station transfer shuttle bus to Milton Keynes Central station between 8am and 5pm (no pickups between noon and 1pm). Free airport transfers from Luton are available by prior arrangement. Call 0844 504 5006 for details.

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Merchandise in action

MERCHANDISE

CANNES DO The BPMA helped ensure that merchandise was part of the picture at adverting’s annual showcase in the south of France

W

hen the BPMA found the UK trade delegation was setting off to Cannes Lions, the annual gathering of advertising and marketing’s finest, they worked with a range of BPMA members to secure fantastic merchandise to represent the ‘Great’ campaign, the flagship of Department of International Trade.

Supplying badges from WCM+A, bags from DTB, pens from The Pen Warehouse and Senator, notebooks from Juniper and fans from midocean, the trade delegation hosted by the Advertising Association at The Croisette in Cannes, sported their red, white and blue with pride!

Whilst some of the people may not look familiar to the promotional merchandise industry, they represent the good and

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great of advertising, influencing spend and direction in the wider industry.

The festival focused on the continuing need to invest in marketing, how effectiveness is made from a wide range of channels and mediums and with the UK scooping a large percentage of Cannes Lions this year, as a creative industry we are going from strength to strength. With calls to keep spending, highly influential advertisers like Procter & Gamble advocate keeping up the presence rather than letting it drop away during hard times, citing the recovery from absence is harder than maintaining a presence.

PM’s advice is let your end users know the best way to keep connected with their customers is to keep those long-term reminders on order!

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• • • •

• • •

BPMA Charter Day

BPMA

Charter Day Charter members assembled to work through key issues facing the industry, including sustainability, procurement and exporting

T

his year, the BPMA has completely overhauled its Charter membership, open to those members who have reached additional standards in the industry. Representing some of the most established suppliers and distributors in the country, they gathered for an inaugural Charter Day on 30th June this year in the beautiful surroundings of the BPMA’s head office at Fetcham Park.

SUSTAINABILITY, STANDARDS AND TALENT BPMA Board Director Clive Allcott responsible for Charter standards, Commercial Director of DTB, opened the meeting, paying homage to his fellow members for their continued leadership on standards in the industry and introduced the topics of the day. The BPMA set the scene further with end user views and the positioning of the industry on sustainable business, encouraging members to look beyond just the product as the stories of the overall sustainable progress in our industry were just as important.

This included sustainability of current business models, adaptation to the current economic climate, stabilising the industry, supply chains and their continued feasibility in light of significant pressures from different sides, promotion of UK standards and business to EU/ROW, looking at developing new markets, and leading on best practice.

Innovation and communication of the goods available to the industries, focused on end-to-end sustainable solutions, ensuring our industry acts responsibly in its role as part of the circular economy, actively pursuing

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solutions which answer the sustainable requirements and high expectations of businesses and consumers.

In addition, the BPMA pledged to continue researching and delivering effectiveness models which prove the role of merchandise within the communications mix and its responsible role to uphold exceptionally high standards, providing an industry model with sustainable business at the start point of compliance and policies placing the UK as a leader.

Together with the adoption of a wider diversity and inclusion policy to aide businesses in their recovery, the BPMA stressed the need for the search and acquisition of people to build back the core skills and talent needed to deliver now and in the future. BPMA CEO Carey Trevill stated this will ensure the new talent the industry needs

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can see itself working in the industry and the career path ahead.

LIFTING THE LID ON NEGOTIATION The day was split into two halves with guest speakers addressing Charter members on the state of negotiation and buying with procurement expert, Mike Lander. As a regular contributor to marketing end user trade press, The Drum with his procurement column, ‘Ask Mike’, his long career in procurement produced some eye-opening observations on buyers behaviour.

Providing actionable insights for the collected businesses in the room, Mike provided some stark warnings about the economy and the likely ways we could see contracts being negotiated in the future.

Sparking debate and discussion, Mike

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BPMA Charter Day

provided an ex-buyers view on what he usually saw from the industry and ways to navigate and avoid a race to the bottom by qualifying hard every opportunity to avoid wasting time and resources.

THREATS TO THE INDUSTRY With every part of the supply chain under strain, the focus turned to the knock-on effect of the challenges the industry faced during the current climate. The BPMA reported on the continued high level of complaints from every corner of the sector and invited discussion on how this can be addressed.

In every instance, both distributors and suppliers pointed to communication being at the heart of making sure jobs could move forward. Every member in the room

recognised the very real issues facing supply, delays, continued staffing absences due to Covid, courier issues but the lack of communication was causing serious problems and damaging reputations.

The collected members all requested a far greater recognition and commitment to communication, even if the news wasn’t good to allow each party to manage their responsibilities and avoid significant and permanent loss of business.

The BPMA is actively following up with select businesses where issues appear to be particularly acute.

UNDER THE SKIN OF EXPORT CHALLENGES In the last session of the day, Carey Trevill

asked the assembled Charter members for their contribution to a planned ministerial meeting in July. Introducing customs expert, Christopher Salmon from clearBorder who had been invited to help facilitate the discussion and work with Trevill on the preparation of the papers, he shared his qualifying experience as Michael Gove’s advisor during the Brexit process.

Listening to the collective experiences of the members, it was clear the ongoing and inconsistent customs approaches and freight issues were just two of the tipping points affecting exporting outcomes. Working through a range of options for ‘asks’ from Government, Salmon underlined the need for a clear, single-minded proposition to ensure Government sat up and took notice of the importance of the industry and the detrimental impact on British business, contracts and jobs. Look out for the further article on the outcome in this issue.

The day concluded with a summary of discussions and actions to be taken forward and with more events to come, PM will report back on further Charter thought leadership and actions supporting the industry.

BPMA Charter members can access the documents and resources via their Charter Asset page. Interested in becoming a Charter member? Speak to Tom Robey on 01372 371183

Charter member B-Loony’s BalloonGrip Wins PSI Sustainable Product Award B-Loony Ltd’s revolutionary cardboard balloon stick balloon holder was proclaimed winner in the ‘Sustainable Product’ category at PSI’s seventh annual Sustainability Awards ceremony in Düsseldorf.

BalloonGrip balloon holders are the world’s first truly sustainable balloon sticks, designed to secure and distributte air inflated natural rubber latex balloons for giveaways and promotions.

B-Loony answered the urgent need for an alternative to plastic balloon sticks by inventing the now patented BalloonGrip balloon holder.

Plastic balloon sticks are banned in the EU and Scotland with a proposed ban set for England and Wales.

This innovative product is made from PAP21, a non-corrugated paper fibreboard, which can be recycled with domestic paper and card, and is sourced from sustainably managed forests. The product also conforms to EN71 Toy Safety regulations.

The evidence of certification, which was provided to the jury included ISO 9001, ISO 14000/1, BRC Certificate, ISO 5001 SGS/FSC PEFC and SEDEX IMPRIM‘VERT. The jury judged the product “worthy of the award”.

The PSI Sustainability Award recognises the achievements of businesses from the promotional products industry in the areas of economy, ecology, and social affairs.

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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SUPER CLIP

MADE IN EUROPE

MAKE IT EVEN MORE PREMIUM...

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Growt h Briman Voice

STORY

Plant based merchandise is a market that continues to thrive and Briman member Sow Easy y leads the field

S

ow Easy has been active in the gardening and seed-based promotions market since 1988.

A family firm formed by Steve Gray, the father of current managing director Jamie Gray, the business came about after Gray senior left Wilkinson Sword where he had worked, taking a product idea with him.

One of the company’s offshoot products was books of matches, and looking to use spare capacity, it had come up with idea of using the matchbook format to distribute seeds.

Thus, Sow Easy was born as a standalone company that marketed Seedsticks, the company’s most well-known branded seed product. Each matchstick in a customprinted matchbook contains a seed which germinates when it is popped in the soil.

Offering branding of matchbooks and custom shapes ranging from planes and beer bottles to burgers and phones, the company has carved out a lucrative niche.

Its product range has also expanded to include lots of other seed and plant-based offerings including promotional plants, branded seeds, printed seed packets, seed pencils, seeded paper and seed bombs.

“It’s important to keep the business developing and to come up with new ideas all the time,” says Jamie Gray. “We try and produce Seedsticks book shapes that will fit with any industry.”

Given the rise of interest in and demand for more environmentally responsible promotional products, Sow Easy found itself in a sweet spot to respond to a changing market.

As well as being a BPMA member, Sow Easy is a Licensed Seed Handler accredited by FERA and supports the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the PEFC. Seedsticks covers are made from recycled paper and if a client asks for a product made from 100% recycled materials this can be provided. All virgin material used is replaced by fast growing trees in managed forests.

Its printers are certified to ISO14001 and it adheres to guidelines on environmental issues such as air pollution, water, waste management and efficient use of resources.

All of the company’s energy needs for in-house manufacturing are met by solar

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panels installed on its roof.

Although the company has undertaken some retail work it remains predominantly a promotional specialist.

“It’s more straightforward for a small company as there is a lot of red tape in the retail market,” says Gray.

He thinks that there is still plenty of growth in the promotional seed market which was worth around £19m in 2020, according to Sourcing City.

“As we’ve made the sector more visible, other bigger players have started to target it. It wasn’t a category when we started, so you can’t stand still,” he adds. “We’ve grown every year from about 2015-16.”

During the pandemic there was a muchnoted shift towards appreciating nature and plants which obviously benefitted the company. However, it was a tough time, and like many businesses Sow Easy struggled.

“Our turnover was down about 40% but we never shut our doors,” says Gray. “The pandemic changed the perception of the products with people spending more time at home and in their gardens. They have so many positive connotations whether its helping kids learn about growing, mental health awareness, or the fundamental message of CO2 in and oxygen out. It’s so powerful.”

Going into the pandemic the company was set to have its best year, something that is merely postponed Gray hopes,

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

although he is alert to other clouds on the horizon in the shape of inflation and possible recession.

However, he remains optimistic for the future.

“One thing I did during the pandemic was start to call clients and just speak to them.

Learning about their business and them as people. It worked too. We got one of our biggest orders during the pandemic.”

As a member of the Briman and Made in Britain, the message about buying closer to home is one that is obviously important to the company. With supply chain issues ever more front of mind, it is also a competitive advantage with more customers looking to source merchandise from closer to home.

Looking ahead there is plenty to keep Sow Easy busy not least an upcoming move of premises, new machinery, and staff recruitment. It is also alive to the possibility of acquisitions, says Gray.

Exports are also on the cards too, although he says that it will probably have to be from a base in Europe due to the problems of exporting post-Brexit.

Whatever is around the corner, Sow Easy is intent on keeping growing.

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

Briman Voice

MAKING MEANINGFUL

merchandise

Juniper has carved a niche with quality, British made products that are made to last, says MD Andrew Langley

BPMA platinum award-winning Jute bag which has hundreds of combinations.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE BRITISHMADE MESSAGE?

Very. We are members of the Briman Group of the BPMA and also Made in Britain, and see more and more enquiries stipulating UK made. Interestingly, in France where we export, we are seeing a distinctive anti-China message playing out and being UK made appears not to be an issue. Buying local and supporting local communities with reskilling, while reducing the carbon footprint of merchandise, are key messages.

WHAT PRODUCTS ARE MOST POPULAR?

WHEN WAS JUNIPER FORMED?

Juniper was formed by myself and my wife Susanne, in 2003, solely to serve the promotional merchandise field as a trade only supplier. My father ran a shoe components business which I initially worked in and led the diversification into non-shoe business and led me to the promotional merchandise trade. People often ask if it’s called Juniper because we like gin.

We do, but the rather boring answer is that our first home was called Juniper Cottage.

HOW DID THE COMPANY FIND ITS NICHE?

Our initial offer, was mainly as an importer of a variety of PU and real leather products, well made, with good UK branding facilities, both as stock lines but also made to order even for smaller volumes. We set out to be a specialist with manufacturing skills and knowledge born from our background in the shoe trade, and differentiate ourselves from generalists with less specific product knowledge. Over time we redeveloped and upskilled our UK production.

Our eco notebooks are UK made and in a huge number of build your own options. We also have launched a Wellness notebook and specific Business Planner, as well as quarto sizes for general lined books. Also new is a folder range made in our very popular COMO rPET, available ex-stock in black, or made to order in colours. We are also working on an artisan range of UK made leathergoods, which will be made to order, but with a distinctive natural, and arts and crafts feel.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOU?

Like everyone in the trade – badly. More so because we have a 22,000sq ft factory with a high fixed overhead and 40 staff. We weren’t able to pivot overnight into selling PPE, aside from our popular sanitiser holders, which kept us going. Then we started seeing good sales on work from home items, like flexible

roll up desk mats. As firms started to want to reconnect with staff we saw good sales of notebooks sent to homes. It was very tough and stressful – Susanne and I worked all hours.

IS THERE A REBOUND?

Yes, we are well on the way to full recovery.

The last four months we have traded back at pre-Covid levels for the first time, but overall for the last year we have averaged back to 85% of 2019 turnover.

WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

We will continue our journey of the last few years, by investing and expanding our UK production (which now equates to over 60% of all sales) and towards sustainable products and materials. We are actively working on ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and have recently signed up to 100% renewable electricity. We also want to better communicate why we feel real leather is a very sustainable option, which I know can be controversial. New product and material development is never ending, and we continue to refine our marketing package to help our clients promote our goods.

More than anything we want to play our part in the wider industry goal of demonstrating that ‘meaningful merchandise’, that is embodied by quality, sustainable products, built ethically and to last, has a place in the future of brands marketing budgets. We are not an industry of ‘throw away’ or ‘straight to landfill’. Merchandise sourced through the BPMA, a reputable chain of dedicated professionals, is the right channel to access these products.

WHAT’S THE USP?

We sometimes joke that Juniper takes a simple product and complicates the message. We want to create merchandise that can be supplied in a variety of colours and materials, and that had variable component options, so that we could stand out as a company that can achieve a huge range of options, rather than just sell the same off the shelf items with logos to every distributor. This has been the Juniper USP from day one and one we still incorporate in product development, such as our new

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

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Profile

MOVING ON Total Merchandise is celebrating 18 years in business and 15 as a BPMA member. Product Media hears its story

P

eople find their way to the promotional merchandise sector from a variety of intriguing routes, and none more so than Jason O’Connor, co-founder of award-winning supplier Total Merchandise.

The spare bedroom origins of the company may be common for many startups in the sector, but his background as a DJ and music magazine publisher is slightly more exotic.

Having bought merchandise for his own business, O’Connor, and fellow Total Merchandise founders David Stoddart and Michelle Rae Stoddart, perceived an opening.

“We were quite green and had no preconceived ideas,” he admits from the company’s Colchester offices. “It was a huge, exciting learning curve.”

Back in 2004, when Total Merchandise founded, this lack of knowledge, or perhaps respect for received wisdom, turned out to be something of a benefit as the business was not set in its ways from the start.

This resulted in an approach which was, at the time, quite unique within the industry.

He describes Total Merchandise as aggressive on price. “It’s a competitive industry, and we like to lead the way,” he says.

The company also pursued a singular approach to not selling a particular catalogue of goods but to picking its own products and developing its own website.

“We wanted complete control of what we do in terms of what we sell and its pricing. You choose where you can be most competitive and that’s where we have an edge,” he says. “Now lots of businesses are doing it – not just in merchandise but more widely, like the retail discounters.”

Price on its own is not enough, he admits, and the company does not want to fall short on areas such as customer service or product knowledge.

“Price is still the main driver for getting people through the door, but you need to offer more if you want to get their future

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orders,” he maintains.

Now celebrating its 18th year in business, and its 15th as a BPMA member, O’Connor says that merchandise buyers now have consumer level expectations.

“It’s the Amazon-model. They want it online and faster and they don’t want to be sold to. People have shifted towards that.”

He likens the shift to Total Merchandise’s digital approach, to Clive Sinclair’s C5.

“Everyone thought it was nuts at the time but now we have scooters for hire on street corners. Some ideas take time to find their place. Buying patterns in merchandise have shifted to our way of doing things on the internet.”

Given the focus online when it comes to promotion, O’Connor theorises that social media, with its algorithms and adverts, doesn’t have a huge part to play in the world of promo, beyond offering a likeworthy window front. While he agrees that maintaining an active presence is important, he doesn’t believe that many would-be clients turn to the likes of Twitter and Instagram for merchandise inspiration.

“It’s started to become white noise,” he says. “The audience is there, but for merchandise it doesn’t work in the same way. Our customers don’t go on Facebook to look for pens.”

Like all businesses, Total Merchandise was hit hard by the pandemic. However, it gave the three founders and their team a chance to take stock and think ahead to the future.

“In a lot of ways, we came out of it with a renewed sense of purpose. We have more plans now than ever,” he says.

The team is looking at tech products as a big growth area and wants to make it even easier for buyers to transact with the company by improving its processes and online offering. An internal art department has also been introduced, which, due to

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

UP its speed and efficiency, is already proving hugely popular with clients.

“There will also be radical changes to the website in the next couple of months,” he says.

An advocate of giving back, Total Merchandise has donated products worth tens of thousands to charities across the UK over the years, including Little Haven’s Hospice and WellChild.

As part of the company’s 18th birthday celebration, it is planning to donate £1,800 to EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices), a local charity.

From being start-up outsiders, Total Merchandise is now firmly one of the mainstays of the British merchandise industry. It was named BPMA distributor of the year (£5m+) at the 2020 awards and has scored a hat-trick of gongs in the Sourcing City’s Distributor of the Year awards over the last three years.

With business really starting to come back from about mid-July last year, according to O’Connor, he and his co-founders are optimistic about the future of the company.

The best is yet to come, he predicts.

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

Finance

TAKE BACK CONTROL

Storm clouds are gathering for businesses with inflationary fears and spiralling costs. A new credit management solution could be the answer, says Mike Collins

N

ineties pop chanteurs D’Ream once famously sang…

“Things can only get better” but sadly in a business sense, they are currently wrong. Inflation is at a record high. Oil and utilities likewise.

Supplier and transport costs are also on the rise, with no immediate end in sight.

It is more apt to say… “things are only going to get more expensive”.

Now more than ever, is the time to keep tight control of your exposure and risk.

Now more than ever, is the time to maintain and regulate your essential business cash-flow.

Now more than ever, is the time to invest in business continuity and growth for business survival.

With all of this in mind, now could also be the time to invest in Account Assyst 2.0, a system that is designed for you.

NEW PLATFORM Direct Route AccountAssyst is proud to announce the launch of the new and improved Account Assyst 2.0 Credit Management Platform that will transform your business.

After many years of extensive redevelopment, Account Assyst 2.0 is now an essential requirement for your business when it comes to managing your customer risk and exposure and ultimately preventing bad debt.

Packed full of new pioneering and crucial functions and practices, all especially designed with the purpose to navigate you through these ever increasingly challenging times, AccountAssyst 2.0 is now the must-have business support solution for promotional goods suppliers and distributors alike.

Being leading credit management innovators for more than 20 years, Direct Route AccountAssyst knows that it is listening to

the market and delivering client’s needs that is key to producing cash flow returns that are second to none.

ACCOUNTASSYST VERSION 2.0 KEY FUNCTIONS INCLUDE: New customer recruitment: • Efficient online credit application facility - open new customer accounts in under 3 minutes.

• Optional director guarantees built in - plus free robust and effective terms and conditions.

• Accurate contractual formation supported by data from major credit reference agencies.

Circle of Knowledge: • Real time invoice payment information, shared anonymously by fellow supplier credit control departments.

• Exclusive early warning alerts on defaulting seriously overdue customers.

• Personalised customer support - you can talk directly to a real person when you need.

Credit Control: • Chase more than 1,000 customers hourly using proven, customisable and effective online templates.

• Fully automated, intelligent, slick chase processes that keep you informed and in control.

• Access to Zero Cost Debt Recovery, including guarantor enforcement as required.

To find out more simply visit www.accountassyst. co.uk or alternatively contact Ian Jenkinson on 0330 229 1991or ijenkinson@directroute. co.uk to transform your credit control, your cash flow and your business.

Local Support Contact Details Please contact a member of our local support team for advice on any matter related to debt and credit management.

London and South David Barker dbarker@directroute.co.uk 07766 545871 Midlands and East Anglia Ken Brown kbrown@directroute.co.uk 07795 214426 Wales and North West Ian Jenkinson ijenkinson@directroute.co.uk 07860 197476 North East, Scotland and Northern Ireland Mike Collins mike@accountassyst.com 07866 427363

Mike Collins is managing director of AccountAssyst

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

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Business outlook

WE’RE ALL IN THIS

together Challenges keep coming for the promotional merchandise sector. The BPMA advises keeping a clear head and upholding high standards

2

022 has already presented the industry with a heady cocktail of Covid, pent up demand, supply chain issues, raw material price hikes and with the rest of the year looking like it’s got a few more surprises up its sleeve still to come, PM reports back on some of the challenges we’re experiencing and what, if anything we can do.

SUPPLY CHAIN AND RAW MATERIALS The commodity market seems to have been on overdrive as raw material shortages are now a long-term watching game to see just how far they will go. For a market used to maybe one or two price increases or changes a year, for some materials, the increases would have numbered more than eight and between 50-90% increases are now not uncommon. Bad news for margins for those on fixed contracts and with no clear picture of how 2023 will look, the industry is bracing for further increases.

The only potential positive is this globally reported issue means there is widespread awareness and acceptance of costs are more broadly understood even if they are not readily accepted.

While we are dictated to by global markets, we can make sure that all changes are communicated well and clearly. With so

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many factors and influences affecting our marketplace outside of our control, there is some cold comfort in knowing this is out of our hands.

FREIGHT AND COURIERS In the words of Willy Wonka when facing the ascent of the Great Glass Elevator, we have no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going when it comes to costs and whether that next delivery will actually arrive or even make it through customs. The BPMA has been putting pressure on Government and the relevant industry bodies to address the artificial high the freight market has settled at which might be bearable if the packages arrived smoothly.

With BPMA Charter members reporting they now have dedicated staff who “just locate parcels all day”, the situation is acute and again, out of our hands. No one courier or freight business is better than any other, yet the stress inflicted by the loss of consignments, costs incurred and of course reputations damaged is universally felt.

Government is listening to this complaint from many sectors as one that is pivotal to reputations and success of every British business.

CONDUCT AND COMMUNICATION Everyone in the industry expects good conduct

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

especially when it comes to how we operate; how orders are processed, work undertaken, payment terms and more.

Central to all of this is communication. When things are going wrong, we all know it's how we behave that can make a massive difference to how we manage the outcomes. With more and more complaints coming through the BPMA, Membership Director Tom Robey said: “We get it. It’s tough out there and everyone is flat out doing their best to deliver. We know no one sets out delay an order or make a mistake but we’re encouraging everyone (and we mean everyone) to check their briefing, not assume anything even if it’s a repeat order, issue a detailed order for both parties, check all the details and most importantly ask the question about realistic timelines. It’s not the same and for a long time we have worked to unrealistic timescales so we must check. We know everyone should be able to deliver fast but right now, it may not be possible.”

This comes down to talking about what’s happening and keeping everyone updated.

Lack of communication is at the heart of the majority of complaints where no information has led to issues with being able to update end users especially around missed deadlines.

With stress and costs mounting, the industry has made an overall plea to all parts of the supply chain to get past the crisis talks and back to normal negotiations, knowing that what we face, we face together.

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

Marketing

HOOKED ON CLASSICS Marketers can learn a lot by studying the campaigns of the not so distant past, says Melissa Chevin

T

he world of digital marketing has evolved dramatically over the years, but there are still important principles to be mined from classic campaigns of the past. In this column, I want to look at object lessons in marketing from two major brands, Volkswagen and Old Spice.

VW’s iconic Kombi van had been a huge favourite since the 1950s – but by 2013 it no longer met increasingly demanding safety standards.

The company chose to turn around what could have been a sad, minor footnote of farewell into a celebration of this much-loved vehicle, soliciting user-generated content focusing to say goodbye.

During the campaign period, Kombi sales went up by 12% and the last production run was sold out twice over. VW turned a potential negative into a real positive, securing precious customer engagement in the process.

Old Spice was an iconic brand in the 60s and 70s, with its dramatic surfer TV ads featuring

Carmina Burana. However, by the time the digital age it had become somewhat ‘passé’.

Marketing executives realised that Old Spice needed a fresh, integrated push which spanned old and new media.

‘Hello Ladies’ was initially rolled out on YouTube, followed by TV and other social channels, at one point filing around 185 videos in just two days. Old Spice also blazed a trail in collaboration, working with top influencers like Ellen DeGeneres and leading brands such as Taco Bell.

The results tell their own story, and include around 105 million views on YouTube, 1.2 billion media impressions and a 300% increase in traffic to the Old Spice website.

Why isn’t it making such a splash (excuse the pun) today? According to entrepreneur and media expert Gary Vaynerchuck, it’s because Old Spice failed to continue to engage with its followers.

The takeaway is that companies engaged in digital marketing must be prepared to

use these channels consistently and continually. It’s no use making a big splash if you can’t maintain that initial impact.

Of course, you may already be thinking that the size of your own operation, compared with these two mega-brands, would make it difficult to translate what they achieved to your own strategy.

The good news is you don’t need to do this on your own – this is the very reason many companies partner with digital marketing agencies and SEO companies to complement their own in-house marketing.

These principles behind these campaigns remain the same. Focus on user-generated content, and organic interactions. Create a persona consistent across all channels. Then sit back (but not for too long) and watch the rewards roll in.

Melissa Chevin is BPMA board director and marketing consultant with GF Consulting – mchevin@gf-consult.co.uk

GET UP TO SPEED

When it comes to tech, how fast is fast? Find out with a quick guide to the future of charging, by Matt Pluckrose

T

he daily chore of charging your phone is something we all have to make time for. This has however created good sales opportunities for our industry over the past five years as sales of power banks, cables and charging plugs have resulted in a truly useful and versatile promotional segment in the market. While these regular devices will remain very popular today, here we look into the future and the holy grail of charging, and how to achieve it.

First step is to look at the tech jargon for this area. So called USB-C Power Delivery is a fast charging technology, supported by certain iOS/Apple and Android/Google/Samsung devices, which delivers much higher levels of power than standard charging. So how do we achieve this and what do we need?

For fast charging (USB-C Power Delivery), you will need: Device - A USB-C PD-enabled smartphone or tablet Cable - A USB-C charge cable Charger - A USB-C PD-enabled wall or car charger

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

BENEFITS OF USB-C POWER DELIVERY

USB-C PD can charge your device up to 70% faster than standard 5W charging. This means less time plugged in while your smartphone reaches 100% charged and of course a much more desirable marketing solution for your client. When you’re looking for an urgent battery boost, a quick 10-minute charge with USB-C PD might be all you need – this will soon become the charging solution family fight over, and marketing gifting campaigns ‘can’t be without’.

USB-C PD PROVIDES UP TO 100W OF POWER

With up to 100W of power available, USB-C PD can even charge larger devices, like tablets and laptops. All you need is the right wall charger and USB-C PD cable – and then you can leave those heavy laptop power cables at home.

Incorporate these into a gift set and your clients have the travel accessory for the future. So, what do our devices need in terms of power?

• Laptop 29-100W • Tablet 18-30W • Smartphone 18-45W • Power Bank 18-25W

USB-C PD IS UP TO THE JOB

USB-C connectors have been designed hand-in-hand with USB-C Power Delivery, to handle these new higher demands/levels of power. USB-C circuit boards have been specially designed to carry this increased wattage without being damaged or overheating.

Older connectors, such as USB-A, were first introduced in 1996, when much less power was needed than that required by today’s smartphones and tablets. So, the conclusion is to watch out for fast charging. It is coming quickly so be informed and up to speed.

Matt Pluckrose is managing director of Desktop Ideas

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Powered by

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For 20 years, the famous communication prize has been distinguishing haptic advertising media, which create that special difference and ensure you the appropriate exposure.

It pays to be quick off the mark: The “September Deal” is valid until September 30: EUR 200 per entry (Regular fee: EUR 280).

All information, the terms of participation and application forms can be found at: www.promotionaward.com Entry deadline: November 25, 2022

Challenging exports In July, in the midst of the biggest political turmoil the UK has seen, the BPMA had planned as part of the ongoing push with Government. Meetings with the Export trade teams were due to be held with the Minister for Exports, MP Mike Freer. Much discussion and preparation were afoot in the weeks leading up to the meeting and a week before, BPMA Board Director Andrew Langley and Carey Trevill put forward a set of ‘asks’ in a paper to the Minister to aid not only members of the Association but the whole industry.

No sooner had papers been submitted, Mike Freer stepped down around five minutes later, one of the many Ministers using their resignation to make a point. As we know, a few days later Boris Johnson finally announced his resignation.

Never ones to waste a good meeting slot, the meeting went ahead with the

head of Export Policy and after a very productive discussion, Langley and Trevill left the meeting understanding the direction of Government on matters of export.

The team behind the Export helpline were in the meeting and have a list of challenges presented by trade associations and SMEs all over the UK. Nodding vigorously as Andrew Langley laid bare the scope of challenges facing the industry from inconsistent border treatment to the types of transaction recognised in the Transition agreements, the BPMA is now proactively working on a set of proposals with Government, using case studies to illustrate specific examples.

With a new Minister now in place, MP Andrew Griffiths (pictured), further meetings and working groups will be rapidly addressing the areas affecting trade. Whilst

not promising to wave a magic wand, it’s clear Government is listening.

PM will continue to report back in the next issue and look out for updates from the BPMA on their website. If you would like to raise an issue with the BPMA on this topic, please contact Carey Trevill via email on carey.trevill@bpma.co.uk

Robey steps up The BPMA shared news over the summer that membership lead, Tom Robey, has been promoted to Membership Director at the BPMA. Part of a longer term plan to develop the offering and support for its members, this next important move by the BPMA sees the Association strengthen the internal team further.

Robey joined the organisation in late 2019, recruited by Jon Birrell ahead of the appointment of CEO Carey Trevill in early 2020, he had already made an impact and great impression with members. During the pandemic and the transition from the EU, he provided endless support for the industry in his member facing role, proving himself

knowledgeable and resourceful on behalf of members. Together with encyclopaedic knowledge of product sourcing, he’s a force to be reckoned with.

CEO Carey Trevill said: “Tom is a fantastic asset to our members, and we’re delighted to announce this promotion. With great feedback from the Board and our members on his service to the industry, Tom who is already a sound right hand at the BPMA will continue to develop the membership team here as we focus on the needs of our members and industry.”

PM will be keeping an eye on his progress and look out for his Roving Robey report in this month’s edition.

BPMA CALENDAR

2022

Wednesday 14 September

training, Milton Keynes

19 October

Merchandise World Peak Season Event - Milton Keynes

Promotional Showcase - High Wycombe

28 September

20 October

The Big Promotional Show Manchester

7 October

BPMA Professional development

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

22-23 November

B2B Marketing Expo - London

2023

10-12 January 2023

Promotional Showcase - Leicester

PSI Dussledorf

15 November

January 2023

BPMA Member networking lunch, Birmingham

Merchandise World New Year Event Coventry

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Part of the club: the latest members to join the BPMA Being part of the BPMA comes with many perks and includes the use of the logo to represent your membership status. Unlike many other trade associations, the BPMA is a member to member organisation and requires references from other members as part of the process. This means a strong referral base and importantly, exemplary standards are maintained.

Together with this rigorous process which also includes BPMA Board approval, financial checks form an important part of the process. Like many good things in life, BPMA membership is reassuringly hard to secure!

Recent additions to the BPMA are noted below: Distributor • PMG Print Management Ltd Distributor • Tomato Source Ltd Distributor • Coast Promotions Ltd Distributor • Apple Print Limited Distributor • Big Bear Promo Ltd Distributor • Mr Bamboo Cup Distributor • 1WorldPrint Distributor • Rosslyn Marketing Services Ltd Distributor • Scribes Digital Print Ltd

Companies who are no longer members of the BPMA are also noted below • JE Group Ltd Distributor

Distributor • Project Agency Ltd T/A Project Merchandise

• Juice Promotional Ltd. Distributor

Distributor • Firefly Merchandise

• Logo X Distributor

Distributor • Cotswold Outdoor Multichannel Supplier • Victorinox Retail (UK) Limited Multichannel Supplier • R D & M GREGG LIMITED Multichannel Supplier • Regal Toys Multichannel Supplier • Bru Print and Packaging Multichannel Supplier • Insignia16 Ltd Multichannel Supplier • Brightways Concepts Multichannel Supplier • BeeNoticed Limited Trade Exclusive Supplier • ANC Manufacturing Trade Exclusive Supplier • Promotional Ceramics Ltd Trade Exclusive Supplier If you’re interested in BPMA membership, visit bpma.co.uk or email membership@bpma.co.uk

• Magellan World Ltd Distributor

• Sussex Promotions Ltd Distributor • The Promotion Group Distributor • Applewhite Gifts Ltd Distributor • Aztec Group (UK) Ltd Distributor • Blue Mole Ltd Distributor • Carmel London Ltd Distributor • Colorway Graphics UK Limited Distributor • Connect 2 Sussex Distributor • Direct Promotions (North West) Ltd Distributor • Express Corporate Ltd Distributor • Image Logo Uk Ltd Distributor • Expert Print Management Ltd T/a Expert Promo Distributor • Jo Group Multichannel Supplier • Squire Golf Multichannel Supplier • StayDry Rainwear Limited Multichannel Supplier • Chili Concept UK Multichannel Supplier • Branded Products Services Ltd Multichannel Supplier • Collins Debden Ltd Multichannel Supplier • Crest Designs Bocking Ltd Multichannel Supplier • Baxter Murray Multichannel Supplier • The Cedarwick Consultancy Ltd Service Provider • Clearway Sales & Promotions Ltd Trade Exclusive Supplier • TKG Europe Trade Exclusive Supplier

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arly July and a well-known BPMA member’s product showcase caused a lot of social media and distributor activity after a successful event hosted by Andrew Kouroushi, Stormtech director of UK sales and founder and CEO Blake Annable. With the introduction of new ranges, including the Polygiene Stay Fresh technology range which will be added to the company’s UK product lines in 2023, growth plans for Stormtech seem set to continue.

The launch was well attended by many BPMA distributor members and displayed high performance jackets, T-shirts and the company’s range of bags.

Later in 2022, Stormtech is due to offer decoration services to UK distributors.

Stormtech founder Annable explained: “In North America, a lot of our resellers ask us to do the decorating as they maybe don’t have access to a decorator who is confident enough to print on them.”

STORM

PREMIER PRINT & PROMOTIONS With a successful and eagerly awaited BPMA Charter package launch, the first members sales and marketing teams.

My first visit was to Premier Print & Promotions. Welcomed by Jamie Marshall, the office team and Winston the rescue dog, we managed to grab half an hour to cover why Charter membership is sought after by end users and the messages through collateral that can be communicated to the client base.

PREMIER PRINT @ PROMOTIONS THE OUTDOORS COMPANY IN CONVERSATION WITH WEBINAR

BPMA Charter networking event took place at the BPMA offices in Surrey (see report on p28). Attended by many BPMA Charter suppliers and distributors, the association presented the exciting new Charter package, Charter toolkit and assets to attending members. Post event, we booked in Charter member visits to communicate the importance of Charter membership to

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

Jamie also took part in the first BPMA ‘In Conversation With…’ webinar in July.

Hosted by myself and taking the regular Industry Update slots on a Thursday at 12.30pm, alongside The Outdoors Company’s Paul Morley-Smith, we discovered a little about Premier Print & Promotions distributor history and The Outdoors Company supplier profile. It was interesting to discover how branded apparel is increasing in demand in the sector and the challenges high quality clothing as branded merchandise orders pose.

In Conversation With webinars are due to re-start in September with recordings later released as podcasts. We’re looking for willing BPMA distributors and suppliers to take part in these sessions, so if you are a BPMA member and have subjects you’d like to cover as a panellist, please let me know.

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