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Contents
4 Shapingfor thefuture
TheBPMA’s2025Conference prepared membersfor challenges ahead
10 Sustainable MerchandiseWorld
Changesatthe industry’s favouritemeeting place
12 Pens &stationery Promotion’swritten legacy remainsstrong
WELCOME
As theUKlooks to resetits relationship with itsbiggest tradingpartner,Europe, it appearsthatthe promotionalmarkethere is outperformingmostofour Continental neighbours
Accordingtothe thirdedition of research into theEuropeanpromotional products market by ASI, distributors’sales across Europe increased1.22% in 2024 compared to 2023,addinguptoatotal market of $14.24 billion
Within that,the UK hasthe second largest market afterGermany,but unlike theother membersofthe bigfour–including France andItaly –itsaw an increase of 4% last year compared to shrinkageinits competitors. At atimewhenthe rest of theUK
ProductMedia Magazine is availabletothe wholepromotional merchandiseindustry.
It is theofficial magazine of the BritishPromotional Merchandise Association(BPMA).
21 PAGE Awards
Thecatalogue group’ssummer gatheringwas ahot ticket
22 MerchMindset
JasonO’Connorongetting started, acquisitions,and giving back
24 Career development Training awards help thenext generation skill up
25 Finance Tips on deriskingyourcashflow
economycontinues to languish,itis heartening that merchandiseisbucking thetrend.Alarge elementofthismustbe putdowntocontinual innovation in the UKmarket. As theBPMAProduct Awards demonstrateevery year,there is an ongoing pipeline of greatproductsthatare produced to meet theeverchangingdemands of our clients. Some,suchasFirst Editions’Foamo reusable coffee cup, aregenuinelyexciting andmarketleading
BPMA CEOPhilGoodman hailed this sort of innovation as thelifeblood of thesector. Speaking at BPMA’s recent conference(seereportp4),hesaida failure to innovate wouldbetothe detrimentof the industry’s future
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Editorial
JULY/AUGUST2025
27 Technology
What effectwilltariffshaveon technology merchandise?
29 BPMA News
Thelatestfromthe Association
30 Golf Day2025
Theindustryhitsthe fairways in Nottinghamshire
With that in mind,the latest iterationof theBPMA’slinkwithComic Relief provides opportunityfor merchandisecompanies to provetheir ingenuity. TheComic Relief merchandisechallenge will invite companiestolet theircreativityrun riot to devise anew item of merchandisefor the leadingcharity (see p7).
Elsewhereinthisissue,we’re back in Europe reportingonthe UK’s involvement with anew body,the EAC, whichis exploringissuesofcommoninterestfor European promotionalplayers (see p29) With theUKlooking to play asignificant role, it is areminderofthe maximthat thereisoften more that unites us than dividesus.
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Shaping for thefuture
TheBPMA’sannual gatheringhighlighted changes accomplished and planned, as well as equipping members with practical business knowledge
Itwas all change in Marlowfor the BPMA’s 2025 conference where membersgathered fora packed day of sharing knowledge, collaboration, and inspiringinnovation.
After awelcome from BPMA Chairman Clive Allcott, BPMA CEO Phil Goodman outlined what wasonoffer.Although this wasGoodman’s secondconference, he admitted that lastyear he wasrunning an inherited eventwhichfocused on sustainability.
For2025, theBPMArungthe changes withatotal of 12 sessions crammed intothe dayacross threetracks, forcing attendees to makesome hard choices over what they wanted to attend.
Withsessions ranging from intersectionality, and wellbeing in the workplace, to business inheritance tax, and growth through internationaltrade,there really wassomething foreveryone.
AYEAR OF ACTION
Goodman kickedoff theday witharecap on what theAssociation hadbeen doing overthe past year,including theBPMA’s totalrebrand, thelaunchofthe new website, regular research formembers, a charitypartnership withComic Relief,and theongoing development of theindustry
sustainability charter, theStepFowardPledge.
“Wehavedeliveredall of this in thepast year,” said Goodman, thanking theBPMA team fortheir hard work.“We have a relatively small team and this wasdelivered by them on topofeverything else that they already do formembers.”
TheBPMArebrand, launched at the beginning of theyear and previewed at MerchandiseWorld hasseen the Association adopt anew colourful and more contemporaryfacetothe worldasitseeks to raise theprofile of theindustryasakey element of themarketing mix.
This new lookhas been incorporated into thenew BPMA webpresence, and Goodman promised morefunctionalityonthe wayfor thewebsite, including morepowerful search functionality and filtration.
TheAssociation hasalso been undertaking regular researchtoequip members with businessintelligencethatthey canuse in pitches. It has already delivered21pieces of individual researchand amonthly summary formembers. Futureresearch areas can be suggested by members.
“Lean intousand tell us what youwant insight on ahead of pitches. We areherefor you,”said Goodman.
It wasrevealed that thefirst part of the BPMA’s partnership with ComicRelief, whichsaw members take part in theStep Challenge, had raised “north of £40,000”with morethanone million stepsfromenergetic BPMA members.
The next exciting evolutionofthe partnership is theComicRelief Design Challenge, which will see theindustrylook to design apiece of merchandisefor the charity(see page 7).
Sustainability remains akey and as the StepForward Pledge looks towardsits third year,75% of members have pledged, or are in theprocess of doingso, whichisa huge increase on last year,Goodman said. More developments areaheadhepromised.
GROWTH AGENDA
Oneareawheremorefocus is required is in theareaofmembership numbers which understandably fell after thepandemic. However, this is an area that must be
said Goodman.
rectified and turned round, said Goodman. Athree-year strategy to return member numbers to thepre-pandemic levelisbeing implemented and showing early signs of bearing fruit.
“Whatwedeliverhas notdeclined and we need to get that message outasitwillgrow members and alsoalleviatethe pressure on existingmembers to continuously support theAssociation by bringing in new faces. We areturning things around with ourplan,” said Goodman.
Communications areanessential part of thestory with socialmedia key. LinkedIn is theBPMA’schosen channel and has seen more member engagement and a60% increase in followers to 4,300
“Moreeyeballs will help withthe membership drive and thequalityofwhat we aresaying is improving,” he added.
INTERNATIONALOUTLOOK
Withthe industry increasingly international theBPMAisstepping up its efforts to promotethe UK’s strengthsasamerchandise player on theglobalstage. Membership director,Tom Robey is leading on Europe and hasrecently been involvedinthe EAC summit in Brussels (see page 29)and has become aboard member of thebody
whichrepresents European promotional merchandiseindustries.
Phil Goodman and Clive Allcott recently attended aglobalsummit in theUSwhere therewas great interest in what was happening in theUK, not least in theBPMA’s strategyonsustainability.
As part of this growing internationalisation, theBPMAhas also launched an international membership categorytorecognise and provide avoice forcompanies that are looking to expand into theUKmarket.
MEETUPS
An overhaul of events has been another area of change forthe BPMA. The Association successfully held its first mixer event in Kings Cross recently and plans areafoot formore such gatherings.
With2025being theBPMA’s60th anniversary, therewill be lots of chances forthe industrytocome together,starting in July when theBPMAGraduation presentation returns to theHouse of Commons, givinglearnersafitting recognition oftheir accomplishments.
ChairmanClive Allcott has been instrumental in drivingforward theideaof moreregional meet ups, and these two areset to become aregular occurrence for members around thecountry. Aregional ambassador scheme is being devised to help furtherthis ambition.
MAKE MERCHANDISEMATTER
As well as focusing on providing platforms forthe industrytogather and network,an outwardfacing strategy will looktorevive the image of merchandiseamong stakeholders
and end users.
“Wewill launcha marketing campaign to increase therelevance of theBPMA among thewider marketing and end-user community,”said Goodman.
He alsopointed to theneed formore powerful lobbying of Government on issues that affect theindustry. Recent pronouncements from theGovernment on merchandiseas‘wasteful’ have shown theimportanceofmaking thecase forthe sector and improving understanding of what it actually does. The BPMA has made its stance known but Goodman anticipated that
greater engagement with Government and legislators is required in future
Oneareahighlighted, is that of business inheritance tax. Largely associated withthe vociferous farming community, many small businesses could also be affected, and their voice toomust be heard
“Weneed specialist support to make change happen rather than just challenging what is going on. We will become amore forceful voice in thecoming year,” said Goodman.
Withthatrousing statement, the conference commenced
KEY LEARNINGS FROM CONFERENCE 2025
Phil Goodman– it has been ayear of action from theBPMAwitha rebrand, new digital approach,and enhanced service offering. Watchout fornext year!
MabintyEsho – intersectionalityis something that all organisations need to be awareof, and embracing diversity meaningfully canbegreat forbusiness.
TomLawton– innovation comes from allowing arestless sense of inquirytolive in your organisation. Brilliant ideas can come from anywhere, butnurturing them canbehardwork.
RobHinchcliffe– compliance never sleeps. Risk assessment needs to be considered seriously and approached withdiligence.
Simon Cook– business inheritance taxisn’t just an issue forfarmers. Small
businesses, particularlythose that are family owned, could also be affected. Thereare lots of strategies that could help, but don’t buryyour head in thesand
Angus Murray – doingbusiness outside of theUKcan makeyou more profitable, competitive,and innovative,and thereis lots of help available.
James Shorey – supply chains are coming under greater pressureto decarbonise. Business must continue to deliverannual incremental improvements, and watchout forgreenwashing claims.
Melina Lee– competition forattention on TikTok is brutal, but if youcan hook customers, it provides agreat channel to people of all ages, and is increasingly a search source in itsown right.
Members attend and save on exhibition space
EDUCATION 2025
Anti Copying in Design: Members save 20%
Memberonlyaccess to the industry’sonly CPD Accredited Education Programme
TheBPMA represents andlobbys fordistributors,suppliersand service providers Forthese anddozensmorebenefits exclusively available to members, visit www.bpma.co.uk/member-benefits
KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS
Organisations thatrecognise andembrace the differencesintheir staffand customers are stronger for it, theBPMA Conference heard
Asthe BPMA recently discovered through its owndiversityresearch, theindustryisnot made up of asingle blockofpeople who identify in aparticularway.The individuals who makeupthe merchandise sector vary by gender,age, ethnicity,and in many other ways.
MabintyEsho,head of diversity, equityand inclusion, Comic Relief brought her experience to theBPMA conference in Marlow, explaining why intersectionalitymatters.
She described intersectionalityasthe way that manylayers make up our identities, and that eachofthese can be ablockertous, or aprivilege that opens theworld up forus.
IDENTITYMATTERS
An intriguing session sawEshobring the group intothe conversation to consider aspects of their identityand lifeexperience that they brought to theworkplaceand whichcould benefit their business. It quicklybecame apparent that issues such as theexperience of being aparent,grief, health issues, and ageing areall important considerations about howyou treat members of your team, but also howyou understand and engage with customers.
There areother issues whichmanypeople maynot have considered as affecting how they treat others, suchas their education
“I wasatanevent recently wherea blackwoman told meabout an event she attended. When she mentionedthat she had been to CambridgeUniversity, the conversation opened up to her,” said Esho “Then awhitewoman mentionedthat when she said she hadn’t been to university, she felt theconversationshift as there wasprobablyanexpectation that she should have.”
PLAN FORDIVERSITY
By fostering inclusive policies in the workplace, companies embrace thebreadth of their workforce, andthis is something that potential employees and also customers nowlookfor.Researchshows that 63%think that brands shouldreflect diversity, and 81%ofGen Z-erswant brands to have aDEI focus
Speaking specifically about merchandise Esho said that it often reflects stereotypes in
DESIGN ANEW COMIC RELIEF PRODUCT
Following on from theBPMA’s fundraising partnership with Comic Relief and its involvement in the historyofmerchandisemuseum, the Association is looking to deepen thelink.
societyand that therewas agap in the marketfor moreconsidered merchandise.
“Whatisthe broader audience? And whatisthe diversityofsuppliers? This is something that ComicRelief is looking at.”
Thereare plentyofexamples of companies that arealready doing so,she said, pointing to examples suchasAdobe’s CreateChange merchandiseline which wascreated by engaging with queer,black and disabled creators, and benefitted them. Nikehas workedwithqueer designers of colour forits Be True range of Pride-themed merchandise.
However, others have got it wrong by second guessing whataparticulargroup wants and by failing to engage with them. Pepsicofaced backlash after it launched RainbowDoritos withoutmeaningful engagement with LBGT groups. Companies suchasGilletteand Uniqlo have alsobeen criticised foralackofinclusivityinmarketing, said Esho
This could have been avoided by greater engagement, she said and pointed out practical steps to enhance diversityin promotional merchandisestrategies:
■ Partnerwithdesigners andsuppliers with intersectingidentities
■ Design forinclusivityconsidering things likebodyshape, gender expressions, and accessibilityneeds
■ Tell thestories of thelived experience behind themerch
■ Audit your supply chain, emphasising diversityand ethicalsourcing
■ Use inclusive language and visuals
■ Avoid tokenism
■ Educateyourteam on diversity.
Attendees at theBPMAConference in Marlowweregiven asneak preview of theBPMA’sComicReliefDesign Challenge which is to be launched exclusively to BPMA members.
CEOPhil Goodman said: “Thereis no better example of acharitybuilt on merchandisethanComicReliefsoitisa natural partner. This is an opportunityto deepen that relationship and to create something different.”
The competition challenges BPMA members to come up with something that could potentially be apiece of merchandisethatComic Reliefwill commission. The winning entrywill be chosen from ashortlist of the best entries which will be judged in a filmed Dragon’s Den-style format (in theDragon’s Denitself). Judges will be drawnfromthe BPMA, Comic Reliefand mayinclude acelebrityjudge.
Although therewill be some suggested exclusions –mainly in areas whereComicRelief already has merchandise– entrants areinvited to let their imaginations runriot and to take a blue skyapproach
“It could be completely conceptual based around asketchorAI, or it may be afinished product,” said Goodman. “I would encourage members to think less about thepossibility of acommission than theoriginalityoftheir idea. Maybe thereisanidea that servesanunderservedgroup.”
Comic Relief will have theopportunity to commissionthe winner on a first chancebasis forits ‘alwayson’ merchandiserange.
BPMA Chairman, Clive Allcott said that theprocess of developing an entry would be agreat opportunitytounleash thecreativityoftheir teams. “The journey of theideation is theprizeas muchaswinning,” he said.
“Itgives theindustry achance to flex its wings, learnand be crazyinaway that youcan’t necessarilybewitha more prescriptive brief,” added Goodman Should anytrade onlyconflicts arise, Goodman said that theBPMAcould act as an agent forthe deal.
Formoredetails in thecompetition, go to bpma.co.uk.
society and there was a gap
ASENSE OF WONDER
With innovation held up as oneofthe pathways to business growth, theBPMA conference’s keynote speaker delivered atimelyand inspirational presentation
This year’s Conference keynotefrom inventor and serial entrepreneur TomLawton, took thespellbound BPMA audiencethrough his rollercoaster career
Lawton explained howhecomes up with off thewall inventionsand thehardyards of bringing them to market, his successes and knockbacks, amedia career,and the development of productsthat help bring a sense of calm to theworld.
BPMA CEO Phil Goodman said BPMA members should also continue to innovate to solvegenuine business problems.
“Wewill have failed as an industry if we do not do that. Innovation is crucial,” he said. “Tom worksina spacebetween art and science, and while everyone can be an original thinker youhavetodaretodream.”
WAKE UP TO WONDER
His first successfulinvention, theWakeYoo alarmclocksaw him experiment withnovel ways of helpingusstart theday,including thepossibilityofaclockthat deliveredthe smellofbacon as thecue to wake up
Developed as afinal year universityproject thedesign wasaprogrammable alarmclock that ended upbeingstocked by Argos and soldmorethanaquarterofa million pieces.
Although he presented himself as a slightly ethereal character obsessed by the wonder of new ideas, Lawton’s careerarc contained plentyofinvaluable lessons in the harsh realityoflaunchingnew products.
Lawton gave insights intoimportant areas to consider,suchaspatentstoprotect ideas, and theimportance of PR-ing them to be able to demonstratea productfootprint in thenew world.
charitylink witha West Countrymental healthcharity, SeaSanctuary, whichdonated £10for everysale.”
FINDING FUNDS
He said that it proved to be mucheasier to collaboratewitha company that he could easily get face time with than one that was on theother side of theworld
PERPETUAL MOTION
Throughouthis career,Lawtonsaid he alwaysstarted with asense of wonder, and this became thename of his latest mesmerising moving sculpture which takesthe hypnoticmovement of theUplift structuretothe next level.
“Broadening thestory of theproduct is important as away of helpingprotect your IP.For my Uplift sculpture, we included a
He alsoexplained that he hadused crowdfundingsites suchasKickstarter to provide capital forabout six of his projects Collaboration is another area that Lawton stressed, providing greater marketing boost forhis products. Broadcaster Julia Bradbury interviewed Lawton abouthow his Uplift sculpture could be an aid to meditation. He has also receivedplaudits from celebrities such as Jamie Oliver, Derren Brown, andSir David Attenborough.
IP. For my Uplift we included a the advantages of with UK
The Uplift used which was as “an artisan familyowned company”
In anod to Briman, Lawton spoke of theadvantages of working withUK manufacturers. TheUplift used plastic waste from beaches whichwas repurposed by what he described as “anartisanfamilyowned injection moulding company”.
Whether it is art, an aid to meditation, or something else, theresults have been astonishing. Theperpetuallymoving object notched up sales of £1m in just threemonths.
It mayevenfind anew use as away to mixorganic matter into soiltoimprove its fertility.
Proof positive that likehis intriguing inventions, Lawton doesn’t stand still.
TOM’STOP TIPS FORINNOVATION
■ Everything starts with asimple idea
■ Remember theimportanceofquality
■ Inspiration is all around
■ Aim forthings that lastand canbemended
■ Collaborate, don’t copy
■ Find away to makethatdeal work
■ Use experts when needed. AI can’t replicatetheir experience
■ Don’tgiveup
Changesfor MerchandiseWorld
The industry’s leading show has introduced anumber of enhancements
The Merchandise Worldexhibition to be held in MiltonKeynes on Wednesday10September 2025,will have anew environmentally friendly product focus, anew uniqueformat, and a new name, Sustainable Merchandise World.
Sustainable Merchandise Worldin September will continue as it always has, as an exhibition forprofessional trade distributors to discovernew products and to meet withtrade suppliers.
The revamped showwill nowalso provide theopportunityfor distributorsto inviteaselection of their ownclients to the showfor anominal cost. This will createa unique experience forthe personally invited clients and showthem awindowinto theprofessionalism of thepromotional merchandise industry.
The September showwillalso exclusively featurespeakers on sustainabilityissuesand opportunities.
WHOISINVITED?
As always, all management and teams from professional distributors arewarmly welcomed
Manydistributorclients highlyvalue the expert advice,support, and service they get from distributors, and have no interest ingoing direct. Having areliable distributor withthe expertisetogenerateideas and to administerordersacrossa myriad of suppliers issomethingmanyclients value. These wouldbeideal people to invite
Sustainable Merchandise Worldprovides aunique experience fordistributor clients, will createbusinessfor everyone, and is the perfectplace to reinforcerelationships with important clients
Only invitedand pre-registered distributor clients will be admitted in September(not January). Their identitywillbeprotected at all times. General end-userswillnot be able to gain entrytoany show.
PRODUCTS
The Sustainable Merchandise World exhibition willfeatureenvironmentally friendly promotional merchandise, but not exclusively,asall best-sellingquality promotional merchandise will be of interest to all visitors.
Anew addition is professional speakers, whowilleducateand inform on important sustainabilityissuesand opportunities.
The sustainability speakerswill be courtesyofthe industry’strade association, and joint owners of Merchandise World, theBPMA(British Promotional Merchandise Association).
■ Formoreinformation, go to Merchandiseworldco.uk
Regional mayorisafan of Foamo
Innovativemerchandise gets athumbs up from Midlands’ politician
RichardParker, theMayor of the West Midlands, got aclose-up look at First Editions’ ground-breaking Foamo cup when he visited thesite whereitismanufactured
Mr Parkerwas invited to tour Tyseley Energy Park (TEP) by Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Zafar Iqbal, and wassoimpressed withthe Foamothat therevolutionary cups will nowfeature at aforthcoming event forMPs whichthe regional mayor is hosting.
The Tyseley andHay Mills area of east Birmingham wasonce thecradle of the
Industrial Revolution. Now, withunrivalled green credentials in future mobility,low carbon and electrification technologies,itis hoped that theWestMidlands is poised to lead anew,green industrial revolution.
Themain purpose of themayoral visit wastoshareavisionfor theareaasa catalyst forchangeacrossthe region, and howitmight becomea world-leading innovation district forclean technologies and thecircular economy.
FirstEditions’MDMarkAlderson saidthe event wasagreat opportunity to present Foamo and to learnaboutthe other
businesses at TEP
“It wasa real honourtohavebeen invitedtothisroundtable to discuss the futureofsustainable UK manufacturing. It willbereallyinteresting to seeifour effortsaffecthow the£1billion funding promised foreast Birmingham and north Solihull is spent,” he said Foamo waslaunched earlier this year at MerchandiseWorld as an alternative to singleuse cups. It is made in theUK from plant cased material, includingused cooking oil,and is dishwasher safeand fullyrecyclable.
DAVID LONG RETIRES FROM SOURCING CITY
The industry boss takes astep back as EllaLong assumes newrole
Sourcing Cityfounder David Long has announcedhis retirementfromthe business to be replaced as CEO by Ella Long
In astatement, Long said that aftera career of morethan 50 years, he was looking to focus on newchallenges.
“Myjourneytookmetothe promotional merchandise industrywhere Ihavenow had38enjoyable years, it is also 22 years since foundingSourcing City,and thetime nowfeels right to take astepbackfromthe frontline of the business,” he said.“Over past years, Ihave got moreinvolvedinsupportingmylocal community, and nowapproaching my 69th birthday, Iwish to do other things, and give moretimetogiving back.”
Long said that thecompanywould continue as previously withElla stepping up immediately from operations director to CEO role, whichhesaid she had been fulfilling forsome time.
Headded: “I will not be completely disappearing from thebusiness. Whilst moving away from thefront line, Iwill remain as themajor shareholder,and as chairman in an advisorycapacity. This change is purely on apersonal level and thereare no plans to sell thebusiness –it will remain in themorethancapable hands of our highly-respected, loyal, and dedicated SourcingCityand Promotional Office teams.”
Long thanked everyone who has supportedhim, especially theSourcing Cityand Promotional Office teams, many of whohavebeen withhim since the
early days
“I move on very proud of SourcingCity and our associated brands and services whichhaveinnovated across theindustry since their inception.
Over theyears we have invested in new concepts to provide services of true value to distributorsand suppliers alike –and this will carryonintothe future.There remain exciting plans of new innovative services to come, and Ilookforward to thecompanycontinuing to go from strengthtostrength,”hesaid.
Long formed SourcingCityin2002 to provide specialist services to the promotional merchandiseindustry, such as sourcing, skin sites, data, business management software,and events.
In 2017,Sourcing City launched Merchandise Worldinconjunction with theBPMA. The biannual exhibitions have become thesector’s must-attend events forprofessional distributors in the UK andIreland.
Pens &stationery
Writinginstruments and stationery remainas popular as ever for buyers of promotionalmerchandise
Itwas Victorian playwrightEdward Bulwer-Lytton whocame up with thephrase“thepen is mightier than thesword”.
Bulwer-Lyttonprobablypenned those immortal wordswithawritinginstrument that would be relatively unfamiliar to us today. He mayhaveused adip pen or even aquill to scratchout thewords in his historical play CardinalRichelieu
He would be dumbfounded to discoverthe richarray of pensnow available coveringarange of price
points, innumerable designs, and ahuge selection of colours. The popularityof pens as items of merchandisewould also have struckhim as incredible giventhe relative lackofsophistication of marketing methods in the19thCentury.
Today, billions of pens areproduced everyyear,and manyofthem carry promotional messages, forthe simple reason that they areincredibly useful. Even in thedigital age, fewdesks are completewithout apot of assorted writing instruments,ready to be grabbed
Still thewrite choice
Writing instruments remain one of themost effectiveand enduring tools in promotional marketing. Specialists TanciaGroup explain howtochoose from abewildering array
Selecting theright pen is about more than matching aprice point. Tancia worksclosely withcustomers to understand their drivers from budget, audience,toapplication.
Whether it is ahigh-volumegiveaway or aprestigious corporategift, a recommendation should alignwith theclient’smarketing goals, target demographic, andESG commitments. Increasingly,distributors also look forhelp in visualisingthe finished product with pre-production mock-ups to secure client approval.
GETTHE LOOK
When it comes to branding,Tancia offers some of thelargest branding areas available on themarket, including full-colour 360° wraparound printing on pens and pencils as well asUltra HD photographic finishacrossmorethan 60 cylindrical products. An exclusiverange of in-house designed pens has been developed to maximise this capability. We areone of thefew companiesin Europe able to provide full-colourtransfer wrapping.
Printing on soft-feel finishes, traditionally achallenge in theindustryisalso achieved using specially formulated inks and advanced screen and padprinting techniques, fordurable, high-qualityresults.
LASTING IMPACT
Sustainabilitycontinues to shape the futureofour industry. Tancia Group
whenever inspiration, exasperation, or perspiration is near
And wherewould awriting instrument be withoutits attendant paper accompaniment? Notebooks have become an equally everpresent, readyto record thoughts,takeorders, or simply doodle while pretending to be fully present in ameeting (on or off-line).
In this article, we lookatsomeofthe options available to thoseinsearch of the writestuff,and howtochoose what it right foryou
istransitioning ourproduct range to GRS-certified writinginstruments, reflecting thegrowing demand for verified recycled content.
However, when responsiblysourced and recycled, plastic stillhas an important role to play.Popular ranges, including the Contour,Albion, Absolute, and Supersaver Extra, nowfeature recycled plastic materials, supportingcircularityand responsible sourcing. Tancia Group hasalsoheld FSC accreditation formorethan10year
MATERIAL CHOICE
Thepressuretomovebeyond virg materials is also drivingthe resurgen
metalpens.Pens craftedfromrecycled aluminium and stainless steelincludethe Astra-i, theElectrarange, and theBella range.Natural materials such as paper,wood, andbamboo are also seeing aresurgence, offering a sustainable alternative
Partner, Chili
Concept leads on carbon neutrality with verifiable carbon offsetting programmes, supporting hydroelectric power projects in Africa and extensive tree
NPD
Tancia is investing heavily in new product development. Akey highlight for2025 is adesign-patented, four-colourrefill penmadefromrecycledaluminium and certified as carbon neutral.The Blade ballpen, made from recycled metal and carbon neutral, is alreadyproving extremelypopular
Pencils remainanimportant tool forthe legalsector,schools, and heritage sites, wherefull-colour wraps andlogos such as crests areappreciated. Technical features areincreasingly part of theconversation withend-users. Jumbo refills,writing lengths (premium lines reachupto 3,000m), and theweight of thepen areall factorsthat influence theperceived quality and longevityofthe product.
BOXING CLEVER
The conversation is moving beyond the pen itself withupselling opportunities
Laserfocus
Castelli has unveiled theWhiteLaser notebook, whichitpromotes as ideal for premium brandpositioning and creative customisation.
Its blend of modernsophistication and vibrant expression has been meticulously designed to elevate corporatebrandingand is exclusiveto Castelli.
Crafted at its Italian headquarters,the WhiteLaser is described as clean, easy andpowerful –anotebookthat reflects adaptabilityand grace, withadistinctive balance between elegance and energy
Thepristine whitesoft-touchcover features vivid lacquered edge trims available in 13 eye-catching colourways, offering aboldcanvasfor dynamic branding.
Designed to impress through simplicity, features include a coordinated vertical elastic closureand ribbon marker,combining practicality and premium aesthetic appeal.
Sustainabilityisdesigned in combining luxury and responsibility withFSC certified natural paperand a
such as gift boxes, carded sets,ormulticolour combinations. By packaging pens thoughtfully, theperceivedvalue is increased.Technologyisalsoplaying arole, withQRcodes creating adigital interaction.
PVC-free soft-touchcover
Likeits blackcounterpart,White Laser branding options includeembossing, metallicfoils, and digitalprinting.
Customers can also include custom advertising pages, branded wraps, matching pens,and FSC presentation boxestodeliveralasting impact.
MarkPoland, managing director of
It is important to recognise thewider positive impact that writing instruments have.Handwriting has well-documented benefits formental health, promoting mindfulness, improving memory,and offering abreak from screen time. Fidget products have alsohad asurge in popularity as they assist with concentration.
RETAIL STANDARD
Retail has alwaysplayedapart in shaping thepromotions industry,and in recent years, thedemand forcrossover products hasgrown. Customers arenow lookingfor morefashion-led colourways.The Pastel Contour,SupersaverRange,and Mood Collection arearesponse to this reflecting thelatest styles and trends.
Looking forward, thewritinginstrument sector is settoremain resilient and relevant, poweredbysustainability, technology, and arenewed appreciation fortraditional formsofcommunication
Castelli, said: “The WhiteLaser notebook is apowerfulexpressionofwhat today’s forward-thinking brands value most –sustainability, style, and substance
Designed forthose whowant to make an impression whilestayingtrueto theirenvironmental commitments,it reflects theessence of Castelli’sdesign philosophy.”
PREMIUMBRANDS PERSONALISED
Writingtrends
In adigital world, thehumble pen continues to hold its placeasone of the most effective toolsinthe promotional merchandise landscape. Pencom, the specialist pen division of theLaltex Group,has seen first-hand howwriting instruments continuetoevolve, balancing style and function inaway that speaksto modernbrands and theiraudiences.
Innovation meetsplayfulness
This year Pencom expanded its collection with25new modelsand morethan 40 fresh colour optionsacross popularexistinglines. Theseinclude theFidget Spinner Ball Pen, acleverly designed product that’s already turning heads.It offers thetactile satisfaction of astress-relieving fidget toywhile maintaining the sleek, corporateappeal clients expect in abranded giveaway.It’sproving to be ahit across awide range of industries.
Anew pastel soft-feel pen responds to thegrowing demandfor on-trend colour palettes. This pen combines aesthetics with
Buythe book
Qualitynotebooks have become one of themost popularitems of promotional merchandise in recently years. Offering users ahandsome and handy wayof keeping trackofthoughts on themove, they areendlessly customisable and come in avast arrayofoptions. So,how do customers find what it right forthem?
Andrew Langley,managing director of Juniper Trading says that specialist manufacturers can offer ‘buildyour own’ or ‘haveityour way’ products and this differentiates from stockists or wholesalers, who sellwhattheyhave.
“This customer choice means that it is market-led, not production-led,but comes withgenerallylonger lead times, and morecost,especially if made in the UK,” he says.
This offers distributors opportunities forenhanced marginovercommodity items that areoffered by everyone in thetrade, and have afixedprice point, or aprice that diminishes as marginis chased down.
According to Andrew Langley, Juniper gets moreenquirieswhere the clientisn’t surewhat they want, as it is known forofferingbespokeand creative requirements.
“Wehavetohandle complex enquiries,
environmental responsibility featuring abar crafted from recycled alumini andaclearly pr recycled symbo offering asubtl powerful messag about brand va
environmental a barrel aluminium and a clearly printed symbol, offering a subtle yet powerful message about brand values.
Spend trends
Demand is growing at both ends the budget spectrum:
Demand is grow atbothends of udg spe foraffordableplastic pens that deliveron style, and forpremium,refillable metal pens that supportasustainable, long-term brand message.
Mindful of theenvironmental impact of lower-costproducts,Pencom has expanded its range of budget-friendly pens madefromrecycledand responsibly sourced materials.A standout is the glossyrecycledball pen, combining bold branding withalighter environmental footprint–all at acost-effective price point.
At thepremium end,investment in high-quality, refillable metalpens continues to rise,withcustomers increasingly seeing them as asmart, longer-termbrand investment.
and this means it can be slowertoanswer, as we have to research and solvedifferent constraints.Thisrequires morestaff,and moretime, whichclients don’talways understand,”hesays.
So howdoyou ensureyou getthe perfect notebookfor thejob?Hereare Andrew’stop
the job? Here are Andrew’s top tips. – we did an audit of 25 random enquiries and measured how many conveyed target price, lead time,
■ Agood brief –wedid an aud 25 randomenquiriesand measu manyconveyedtargetprice, leadtime, colour, branding and volume. None had all five.Mosthad volume. Less than half specifiedleadtime, and fewerthana third mentioned colour. Almostnone hada target price.
■ Getexpertadvice –customers don’t always knowwhattheywant and may need guidance. Qualitydistributorswill direct solutions that willworkfromthe get-go,pinpointing product early on rather than firingout an undefined brief to multiplesuppliers,which is amassive time wasting and productivity issue for theindustry.
■ Supplier guidance –inahighstaff turnoverindustryit’sdifficulttomaintain knowledge butlikemanysuppliers,we can providedistributors withtraining on
Customisation and craftsmanship
omisation and smanship
An area Pencom has been the Klio Eterna range, crafted Germany. These pens offer customers the freedom mix and match components create bespoke colourways tailored to their branding. custom builds and minimum order quantities for Pantone matched starting at 3,000 units, Klio Eterna gives
exciting growth area for ncom hasbeenthe exclusive oEternarange,crafted in rmany. These pensoffer omers thefreedom to mix match components to ebespoke colourways ed to their branding. With custombuildsand low nimum orderquantities antone matched options ting 3, 0units,KlioEternagives clients accesstofully personalised pens without thehighbarriers that traditionally come withbespoke manufacturing. The combination of European qualityand creative flexibilityhas made this rangea favouritewithcustomers
Looking to thefuture
Thepromotional pen has comea long way, butits relevance remains as strong as ever.It’sa versatile, high-impact product that provides an everyday reminder of your brand.Pencom is celebrating its fifteenth year in theindustry and remains focusedonthe future,delivering innovative,design-led writinginstruments that helpbrands acrossthe UK tell their storyinstyle.
what we offer howtoidentify abrief, informingand educating what they can and can’t offer.
■ Keycriteria –there aremany important criteria: target market, budget, ESG concerns,corporate/marketing message, packaging, and so on but the numberone is time. Thereisnopoint walkingthe kidintothe proverbialsweet shop,enticing with wonderful options, if theresulting time forproduction is 4-5 weeks and theclient has two weeks.
■ Personalisation –dependingon thebudget and lead time, this is almost unlimited. Visualisation tools, suchasour www.MyVisual.ukapp,allowcustomers to geta preview of their notebookbefore it is actually produced
Pens &stationery
Sustai by BIC
aina lity
Since 1995 Graphic aspecialise di Gr on high-qualit cust pr pr re associationwith thebrand.
1995, BIC has been a specialised division of the BIC Group, focused on delivering high-quality, customisable promotional products, and pens remain a strong association with the brand.
Most people will the iconic BIC which is celebrating 7 launch of the Cristal Expression, a customisable version of the world’s most pen, now available
Most people will recognise theiconic whichiscelebrating launchofthe BIC highly customisable ld’s most recognisable pen, in theUK.
While preserving its classic transparent barrel and distinctive cap,the Cristal Expression offers full-colourdigital personalisation,turning this everyday item intoapowerful branding tool Whether formuseums,cultural institutions, creative agencies or modern businesses, it enablesUKbrands to tell their storyina fresh, memorable way.
Witheachpen capable of reaching up to 100people, the‘Brand an Icon’ campaign brings newenergytoa timeless design,provingthat great ideas never go out of style.
Partner notebooks
The BIC Partner Notebook series wasalso made available in theUKinearly 2025 merging European craftsmanship with modernbranding
modern branding
needs. in Italy with FSC-certified materials, these notebooks offer elegance
Crafted in Italy withFSC-certified ,these notebooks offerelegance sonalisation, makingthemideal ssional gifting and brand visibility.
The range includes:
■ PartnerHardcover(A5) –witha patented semi-rigid coverand 144white lined pages made from eucalyptus-based FSC paper.
■ PartnerFlex(A5) –asoftcover version in threecolours,designedfor lightness and portability
■ PartnerFruitCover(A5) –featuring a covermade from 39%apple wasteand FSC recycled ivorypages, available in nature-inspiredcolours.
Eachnotebookincludesa ribbon bookmark, elastic closure, and pen loop Branding options include debossing, hot stamping, screen printing, and BritePix, allowing everybrand to create apremium,practical statement. For projects requiringa bespoketouch, notebookscan be made100%tailormade, with options to selectyourown Pantone colourfor thecover, customise the
interior layout, and incorporateunique branded detailsthroughout.
Partneritwithawood effect BIC4 Colours ballpen forgreater impact. The iconic4Colours is nowmoresustainable, with13% lessplastic on theupper part
Sustainable style in pastel colours Bic’sbestselling MediaClicBiobased Ecolutions pen reflects thebalance between environmental responsibility and everyday functionality.Made from 69%biobasedmaterials and coloured with100%biobasedpigments,it reducesenvironmental impact without compromising on quality.
Nowenhanced withthree new pastel colours,the Media Clicisan ideal choice forbrands wantingto conveyeco-conscious values.Itisfully customisable withlogos and messages.
Bic is also boosting sustainability withits KidsEvolution Colouring Set whichhas 12 ultra-resistantpencils made from 51% recycled materials,including reused consumerplastics likeyoghurt pots and fridges.
The pencilsare splinter-free, shock-resistant, and safeevenif chewed.Housed in afully customisable FSC-certified cardboard wallet, making them great forschools,family-friendly events,and campaigns aimedat youngcreatives.
Heavyweightf
t f m Prodir
celebrate its instrument has the expanded instruments. last year as the pen is now available colours and limitless for
To celebrateits 50th anniversary, Swiss writing instrument specialist Prodir ha released theexpanded QS50 family of writing instruments. Launched lastyea as QS Stone, thepen is nowavailable in arange of new surfaces,exciting coloursand almost limitless options fo brand personalisation
Withits hexagonal grip,the QS50 Stone is theshape of writing for anyone who grew up withapencil. Like all writing instruments in theSto series, theelegant casing of theQS50 Stone is made of aspecial material enriched withminerals.This results in asustainable 60%lessplastic,a difference youcan feel.The QS50Stone is pleasantly heavy– up to 50%heavier than astandardABS pen.This extra weight adds to thevalue perception when gifted to business partners, prospects and employees.
Like all instruments the Stone the elegant the QS50
The pen is available in 12 redesigned mineral and metallic colours for this year, including Malachite Green, Black Carbon, Rose
Amethyst Purple, BlackCarbon, Rose Quartz,and Lazulite Blue.
Also new this year,QS50isavailable asanABS writing instrumentinmatt and soft touchsurfaceswithalarge varietyofplastic and satin finished metalclips, buttons and clip holdersas standard.All this and alarge clip printing area forbrands to express everything that makes them unique.
Look good anddo good
2024 BPMA Product Awardwinners
Alwaysthe place to find thelatest trends in promotional merchandise, themost recentBPMAAwardscame up trumpsagain with judges picking products that showcased sustainability.
Inthe Stationery Product of theYear category, Castelli’s OceanoRecycled Bottle Notebook pickedupthe Platinum award.
Continuingwith Castelli'ssustainable centric design,the Oceanonotebooks aremadefrom recycled bottles. They arethen craftedand repurposedintohigh qualitytextile fabric covers andcombined with100% high quality recycled paperpages.
Giorgio Pagani, founder and CEO of Prodir, called the QS50 a timeless classic. “It’s a proud testament to the of our Prodir brand, which
longevity of ourProdirbrand,which Ifounded back in 1975.It’salso a testament to theenduring power of writing instruments bothinour everyday livesand as promotional items forthe business market. QS50isan elegant brand messengerfor companies strivingtocontinually distinguish themselves and showwhat makes them unique.”
Even though the coverhas been engineered from 100% recycled materials, it maintainssuperior brandingcredentialswithfullcolour digital print, foil or blindembossing options.
Available in astrikingrange of colours, its recycled pages have agreydotted ruled format, page numbering and indexing
In thepenscategory, Goldstar’s innovative Reborn Spinner Recycled Aluminium Pen+Stylus wasthe Platinumwinner With its sleek design,the pen features arecycledAluminium barrel witharubber finish crafted from robust RABS material. The plunger is madefromabamboocomponent sourced via responsible forestry, spinning smoothly on ball bearings
It includes ablacktouchscreen stylus andgunmetal stainless steel clip.A1.0 mm ballpointhas ahigh-capacity Parker-style inkcartridge for1,800m of scribbling. The barrel is adornedwithalaser-engraved symboldenoting its recycled materials.
HOTPROSPECTS
Despitesoaring temperatures, PAGE’s annualexhibition, awards, and golf tournamentwas the coolest event to attend
On19June, thePAGEgroup hosted its annual conference, exhibition, and awards dinner at aspectacularnew venue, the Walton Hall Hoteland SpainWarwickshire.
More than 120delegates showedupatthe period manor building forone of thehottest days of theyear
During thetabletop exhibition in the afternoon, 50 suppliers took full advantage of theopportunity to network face-to-face withPAGEmembers. Withthe exhibition ending at 5pm, delegates had time to enjoysome alfresco networking before theevening.
MAGIC EVENT
As guests were seated fordinner,magician Owen Strickland made his wayaroundthe tables, performing his unbelievable closeup magic tricks that bothentertained and amazed his audience. He rounded offhis performance by engaging withthe whole room in adisplayofmagicthat leftthe everyone stunned.
Afterwardsitwas time forthe PAGE awards whichrecognise an exemplar level of quality, service, and efficiencyfromboth distributors and suppliers.
Scores forsupplier service and efficiency aretaken from thePAGEmembers’ annual surveys to determine thewinners. Preseli
wasnamed theGoldSupplier of theYear awardwinner,withsilver awards forLaltex, Bizz Badge and Tancia.
Suppliers alsohavethe opportunityto score PAGE members in their annual survey. The winners of thedistributors’ silver awards were Impress Ipswich,Get Yourself Noticed, and LSi.The gold awards went to Boosters, Navillus, and Allwag.
SPECIAL AWARDS
This year therewas anew categoryfor the awards forUKManufacturer of theYear, whichwas pickedupbyWCM+A. Silver awards went to Adco and Umbrella Co
Afurther specialaward forSupplier Superstarofthe Year wasgiven in recognition of asupplier contact who has helped PAGE members over and above what would normally be expected. This year theaward went to Bizz Badge’s Yvonne Blackhurst
After theawardsweregiven out, guests were treated to an entertaining performance from comedianRoger Monkhouse, whose observational banter brought some lighthearted humour to theevening.
SWINGINGGOODTIME
Networkingcontinued in themain bar intothe small hours, and thefollowing morning wasdevoted to theGBH Golf Day at theWelcombe Golf.Instituted last year in memoryoffondly remembered friend and PAGE founder George Hayward, 28 brave delegatestookpartincourse. The teams arrivedslightly hungoverafter theprevious evening’s festivities.
After akeenly foughtcontest in 30°heat (without buggies), in true Ryder Cupstyle bothteams ended up with3½ pointseach, so acountbackofall theteams scores was required withthe distributors taking theprize forthe second year withascoreof352 to 339.
The event proved useful warm up forthe BPMA’s ownGolfDay whichtookplacethe following week (see p30).
The day’swinners were:
n Individual Winner –
Eden Merrylees (34 points)
n Nearest thepin on – Neil Pitcher
n Nearest thepin on 14th –Matt ‘BigDawg’ Dyl
n Longest drive on the16th–
OliverSimpson
“I ENJOY IT MORE THANEVER…”
Jason O’Connnor and fellowEssex boyJamie MarshallofPremierPrint & Promotions, on getting started, acquisitions, andgiving back
JASON O’CONNOR: Ithink the industry’s on apivot.It’sbeen abit stale –we’ve known foralongtime what sellsand who buys it. Andnow some fresher minds have comeintoit: let’smakeitautomated, let’scut down our range. And Ithink, “wow,that’s crazy–but it’sworkingfor them”.
JAMIE MARSHALL: Lifeevolves. Everything you’re doing todayisvery different from what youweredoing 10 years ago.But whatdoesn’t changeis theset rules of life, theold-fashioned values. Youcan throwthose newideas intothe mix but youshouldn’t take away what already works– like human contact.
JOC: We’removing back to more human contact at Total. It’s acase of findingthe sweet spot. Talking to acustomer will alwaysbemore impactful than emailing,because people buypeople. You’ve been in the industryaround 35 years, haven’tyou?
JM: Igot into it by mistake. Iworkedfor a really successful print farmer,who wanted to go into manufacturing and expectedme to be hisproduction manager.Hewanted me to do alot of extraworkand refusedto give me apay rise.I saidI’d leave and he called my bluff.
Iwas 19.Mydad told me Iwas good at selling and suggestedI setupbymyself.I startedselling advertising forlocal football clubs and offering them print. From there, it movedintoproducts.Mybiggestsuppliers atthe timewereImpression’sMalcolm and Adrian Stephenson, who ranAlmalad, which we wouldlater acquire Onenight Igot talking to aguy at thepub who worked forapharmaceutical company. He got me ameeting with hismarketing manager and their first enquiry wasfor 50,000 pens, 1,000clocks and 50,000 Post-It notes.I think thebiggestorder I’d done at that pointwas 1,000pens The client received the50,000pens but they hadblueink.So, we hadtoget allthe pens back and change therefills, but they’re still aclient today. Those pharma days were
unbelievable.I kind of undercutthe market forthat. Everyone hatedme–abit likethey hatedyou when youfirst launched.
JOC: We said from theget-go that we’d createour ownwebsiteand price things howwewantedto. If it wasn’t us cutting up themarket, it would have been someone else.
JM: Iusedtoswear about youabit when we’d find ourselvesupagainst you. But thinking about it,you didexactlywhat Idid BothEssex boys, seeinga gap in themarket and attacking it.
JOC: There’snopoint enteringan industryand saying,“I’mgoing to fit in withthe crowd”.Ifyou don’thaveaUSP, what’sthe point? Youneed that to drive your passion.
JM: And it’saboutbeing honestand upfront. My rulesare really straight:you lookafter thestaff,you lookafter thesupply chain, and youlookafter thecustomers.If
youget that right, you’ve got happypeople everywhere.
JOC: Ididn’t know youtoo well during Covid, when everyone wasjoining together and being very philanthropic. And Istill see that alot with you, which is almost out of whackwithhow you sell yourself to people. You’ve got this amazing heart and youliketogive.
JM: If youknew me 20 yearsago,you’d have thought Ididn’t give a‘damn’, but I really do.I’vegot anice business and a nice life, and if you’re blessed with that, you should help people who arelessfortunate. I’minaposition whereIcan help –isn’t that agreat place to be?
JOC: Let’stalk aboutacquisitions.
JM: We buy companies to acquire databases and then we work those databases. There’sanart to doing it, and it’s takenalot of years and alot of acquisitions to get it right. We have certaincriteria and we also have to like theperson involved.
Cardinal rule number one: never buy off someone youdon’t like
JOC: Is it something you’re goingto keep doing?
JM: If therightones comeup. Ithink we’reveryeasy to deal with–wedon’t do complicateddeals and we have themoney to back us up,soitcan be done very quickly.
JOC: Youstrikemeasverycontent with howeverything’sgoing at Premier
JM: Ienjoyitmorenow than I’ve ever enjoyedit. MakingRyan(Askew) MD is the best decision I’ve ever made. We’reinthe sweetestspot we’veeverbeen in. The EOT(EmployeeOwnership Trust) hasbeen reallywell received–it’snicefor thestaff that they’regoing to end up withit. And then they can decideifthey’re going to employmeornot…
JOC: So,when they’vepaid up,you’ll headoff intothe sunset?
JM: Idon’t think Iwill. There’salwaystons of things youcan advise on, help with. Idon’t knowwhatthe futurebringsbut hopefully it will be abit morechilled.Afew moreweekendsaway.
JOC: Ihad theopportunitytogobefore ItookoverTotal but Iwasn’tready to sit back.Ican’t play golf!Having nothing to focus on can be thedeathofsome people.
JM: You’ve got to keep your brain active whatever happens.But Ihaven’t thought that farahead. I’mlucky that I’ve found something in life that Ienjoy and am good at. I’masalesman, I’mveryempathetic and I’mgood withnumbers.You put that together and it’sperfect forbusiness. And don’t youthink alot of businessiscommon sense?
JOC: 100% –though not forsome people…
• Jason O’Connorismanagingdirector of TotalMerchandise
RISING STARSGET CAREER BOOST
Winners of traininggrants include BPMA member companies
BPMAmembers will benefit from training grants provided by itspartner The Printing Charity.
Young staff will be able to use thefinance to undertake industryspecificlearning to further their careers.
Tancia Grouphas announced that twoofits outstanding team members, Eloise Le Poidevin, assistant accountmanager, and Michelle Green,artworker, have been named winners of the 2025 Rising Star Awards by The Printing Charity.
These awards recognise young professionals aged 18–30across
theprinting, paper, publishing, packaging,and graphic arts sectors, supportingtheir training andpersonal development
RIGOROUS PROCESS
Applicants were invited to sharetheir career aspirations background,and nominatea trainingcoursetohelp achieve their goals. Those shortlisted were invited by The Printing Charitytoafurther discussion in an informal interview
Following arigorous selection,Eloise and Michelle stood out fortheir dedication, ambition, and vision forthe future. Their awardincludes
fundingtowards their chosen training courses, ensuring they continue to build their skills and advance their careers.
Bothwill also have thehonour of attending acelebratory awards ceremony at theHouse of LordsinJuly.Everyone at Tancia Groupisimmensely proud of their achievement, whichreflects not only their individual talent but also the cultureofgrowthand excellence Tancia fosters as acompany. Congratulations once again to Eloise and Michelle on this welldeservedaward
RECOGNITION
believeitbut feeling truly grateful to be recognised and so excited to be heading to the House of LordsinJulyfor the awardcelebration.”
Eachyear,The Print Charity offers up to £1,500 to boost the career development and unlock thepotential of young talent in theprintindustry.
Applicants cancomefrom anyareaofthe print and packaging to paper,publishing, and graphics. Past winners have come from all kindsofroles across thesector
Another recipientofone of theawardsisIsabel Peckett, marketing manager at Monmouthshiresupplier samedaybags
They’veused their awards to fundtraining that’shelped them level up their skills, opennew career doors, and bring fresh ideas and expertise back to their workplaces.
Shesaid:“I’msohonouredto share that Ihavebeen selected as a2025Rising Star by The Printing Charity. Still can’tquite
l Applicants must be aged 18-30and workinginany role in theindustry. For moreinformation,goto theprintingcharity.org.uk
FIRM FOUNDATIONS
Puttingthe groundwork into your cash flow processes will pay dividends, says MikeCollins
Not to getall political –life’stoo short –but as Rachel Reeves’ wage and PAYE increasesstart to take effecton abusiness’s bottomline, wecan review howbest to managein thecurrent climate.
We believethere’s only two ways to managing cash flow stress. Getthe groundwork right in thefirst instance and then manage thecash collections process properly
As thesaying goes, youcan’t build ahouse without good foundationsand thesame applies foreffective credit management. Youshouldn’t expect payment unless your initial details areall good.
FAILURE RATE
Despitefalling since thepeaks of thepandemic, UK company insolvencies continue to be high with23,872 in 2024.The only wayfor youtoavoid the pain of baddebt from aclient insolvencyistonot sufferitin thefirst place.
Formanythe new financial year brings new opportunities foryou to take alookatyour accountprocesses and make sureyou’reall fullyprepared to maximise your chancesof being paid
ASK YOURSELF THESE THREE SIMPLEQUESTIONS…
1Do we knowwho we’re actually dealing with?
Secureaprospect’sfull details, research them, their historyand anyuntowarddebt information to help youmakemeasured decisions as to whether to deal with them or not.
2Do we knowhow much financial risk to take?
Credit checks and referencing will give apictureastothe liquidity of aprospect but this information can be up to 12 months old. Constant referencing and measuring is key.
3
Do we have aprocess for recoveries if things ‘go South’?
Doyou know when to ‘let go’? Does your creditcontrol process have theprovision to escalatemattersbeyond what youcan do as abusiness?
LEARNTODERISK
Regularreaders knowthat we advocatelearningand understanding as thekey to business growth.We’re always trying to educatethe readers that thereare solutions available that will:
n Remove uncertaintyasto who your client actually is n Minimiserisk and exposurewhen dealing withclients.
n Maximise your chancesof recovering your hard-earned money.
Rest assured there’snoinitial costs just to pickupthe phone and have achat.
We’reagoodbunch really and likenothing morethan helping other busy business owners remove thepressures and pains of experiencing baddebt.
Simply drop us alineorgive us acall.Now morethanever is thetime to act.
l Mike Collins is managing directorofDirectRoute AccountAssyst
LocalSupport
Contact Details
Pleasecontact amember of ourlocal support team for advice on any matter related to debt and credit management
London and South David Barker dbarker@directroute.co.uk 07766545871
Midlands and East Anglia KenBrown kbrown@directroute.co.uk 07795214426
Walesand North West Ian Jenkinson ijenkinson@directroute.co.uk 07860 197476
North East,Scotland andNorthern Ireland MikeCollins mike@accountassyst.com 07866 427363
BIGSHOWS VENUES IDEAS
Nothing compares to real life and liveevents, so we are delightedtoannounce the BIG showsare back: register nowand get engaged!
Now incorporating and co-locating The BIG Wearables Trade Show as well. The BIG Promotional Trade Shows are the promotional merchandise and wearables events to getto: nothingbeatsthe power of meeting face to face!
HOWWILLTARIFFS AFFECTTECH?
Trade skirmishes are gettingevermore common in the technology area with inevitable knock-on effects for promotional buyers, says Matt Pluckrose
FRIENDSHORINGOR NEARSHORING
To avoid tariffs, companiesmay move production to politically alignedcountries. This couldincreaseproduction in places like EasternEurope, India, Mexico,and Southeast Asia. Long-term,thismay stabilise prices butwilltaketime to transition fully and possibly cause blipsordelays with ordersand lead times.
PRESSURE ON INNOVATION AND MARGINS
Companies, suppliers and factories may be forced to cutbackoninnovation to preserve profit margins and at worst uselower-quality components to keep prices competitive.Thisenforcesthe needfor our markettouse recognised sources of supply forelectronics and not chasemarginwithunknown factories and riskdamage to theirclient’sreputation withpoor qualitysupply.
International trade has hardly ever been morevolatile than right nowwiththe effects of war, global tariffs, economic uncertaintyand shifts in consumer demand making life tricky forboththe retail and marketing B2Bsectors.
Consumer electronics including promotional accessories arenot immune to this withprices, availabilityand innovation possibly affected.Here’swhat to lookout for.
HIGHER PRICES
Tariffsonimported components or finished tech products generally raise overalltotal landed costs and areoften passed up thesupply chain in our industrythrough suppliers and distributors to endusers. This could result in increasedretail prices forelectronics, dampening consumer demand and impacting generaleconomic performance, whichinturnaffects volumes being ordered so that pricesbasedon volume can rise. It can also mean reduced discounting during sales seasons like Christmas, BlackFridayorback-to-school events as demand is unstable and with rising costs retailers cut back on price-drivenactivity.
SUPPLYCHAIN DISRUPTIONS
Tariffscan cause companies to shift manufacturing to avoid affectedregions,
such as moving from ChinatoVietnam India, or Mexico.This mayleadtotemporary shortagesascompaniesrestructuresupply chains –atrend happening nowinthe electronics sector as tensions runhigh between China and theUS.
Apple is pushing production to India and Vietnam to avoid punishingextra importtariffs on its iPhone range
Rushed bulk shipping to avoid thetariffs canalsoaffectglobaltransportcosts as capacity suddenlybecomes limitedas tech giants buyuphugeamounts of air and seafreight capacity and ultimately driving costs up forthe rest of themarket. This can delay productlaunchesor availability, especially fornew technology suchasthe latestsmartphones, computers or VR headsets
REDUCED PRODUCTVARIETY
Smaller or nichetechbrands maycut back on R&D to save costs and focus more on variations of their existingitems than investment in new products. At the extreme, somefactories or companies even pull out of certain geographic markets duetohigher importcosts which reducesvolumeand pushes up costs Some factoriesinChina areturning to their domesticmarketratherthanthe traditional export focussed model againreducing choice in themarket.
US-China tariffsduringthe Trump and Biden administrationsincreased costs on keycomponents like semiconductorsand PCBs,which affected US tech companies and had knockoneffects forsuchsectors when planning their marketing spend which directly affects our market.
In thecomingyear,potential trade tensions –between theUS, China and EU overissuessuchasEVs and tech dominance –could expand theseeffects particularly forAIhardware, 5G equipment and consumerelectronics
THEBOTTOMLINE
If tradetariffs escalate,fluctuateor expand in 2025-26 we all need to be morecareful withwhat we promise and be prepared to acceptthe consequences forthe promotional marketing industry This willmeanbeing moreagile, with creative thinking on marketing,messages and productsthatshowthat clients marketing campaigns can be deliveredin an ever changing economicclimate.
To summarise, our marketmight be forced to expecthigherprices, less product availabilityand slower innovation in the shortterm. In thelong term,companies will adapt, buttransitions will bringvolatilityto pricing and availability– it could be arocky road ahead.
● Matt Pluckroseismanagingdirectorof DesktopIdeas
PSI ACADEMY 2025
11 SEPTEMBER, COLOGNE
MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUNDHERE:
GLOBAL GROUPEXAMINES SHARED ISSUES FORPROMOTIONAL SECTOR
The BPMA was present at anew globalsummitthat explored issues surrounding the future of the promotional products sector
Seventysenior leaders from 13 countries were presentatthe International Leadership Summit in Brussels. Acollaboration between theUSPromotionalProducts Association International (PPAI) and thenewly-formed EuropeanAssociationCooperation(EAC), theevent sawattendees focus on shared priorities such as sustainability, transparency in thesupply chain, and thestrategic role of promotional productsinglobalmarketing.
BPMA membership director, TomRobey said: “Attending theinaugural International Leadership Summit alongside BPMA Chair Clive Allcott, reaffirmed thevital importance of globalcollaboration in our industry. The Summitprovided aplatformtoengage with peers worldwide on shared challenges and to champion astronger,united voice forthe futureofbranded merchandise.”
Keynotespeakers at theevent addressed topics including howcircular business models arereshaping thefutureofbrands; globaldynamics and their impact on business, and theroleofAI.
Theevent included paneldiscussions, breakout sessions, and workingroundtables whichexamined:
n Commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship
n Transparencyinsourcing and production practices
n Challenges withregional or government legislation
n Coordinated messagingtoenhance industrylegitimacyand impact
“ThisSummit allowedustobreak silos and build bridgesbetween markets,” said EACChairman of theBoard,Steven Baumgaertner. “The challengeswefaceare global andour solutions must be,too.”
Drew Holmgreen,President and CEO of PPAI saidthe summit represented a pivotalmoment forthe industry.
“It laidthe groundworkfor deeper
trust, strongerrelationships and more unified action on theissuesshaping our shared future. Partneringwith visionaryleaders like those at theEAC we’recommitted to championing brand merchandiseasa coreelement of everybrand’ssuccess and building amoreconnected, collaborative global marketplace.”
It is hoped theevent will be repeated next year
afterseveral years absence. Those who attendwill receive their certificates as well as refreshmentsand the opportunitytonetwork with peers and industryleaders. Tickets forgraduatesare complimentaryand learners mayalso bringaguest to theevent whichruns from 1.30-5.00pm. Tickets for guests are£25 per person, withall donations goingto Comic Relief,the BPMA’s charitypartner this year Formoreinformation, go tobpma.org.uk BPMA GRADUATION
RETURNSTOWESTMINSTER RESEARCH ROUND-UP
The BPMA is delighted to announce aBPMA Graduation Ceremonyto celebratethe achievements of learners who have successfullypassed their TPMorCPM qualifications. Learners from the past 36 months will be able to attend theformal graduation ceremonyon 24 July at theHouse of Commons, TerracePavilion, Westminster The ceremonymarks areturntothe Palace of Westminster forgraduates
The BPMA conducts researchonaweekly basis on subjects that areofuse to members. The weekly insights areexclusively available to members and canbeshared with clients to underlinethe powerofpromotional merchandise. Recent research haslookedat:
n Themost usefuland desirablepromotional tech products
n Howmuchimportanceconsumersput on theproduct information labelling
n Thepromotional items that users take with them when travelling
n Where promotional tote bags aremostlikelytobeused
n Whatconsumersunderstandbythe term greenwashing As well as theweekly reports,the BPMA also provides members witha monthly roundupofthe latest findings. If thereisasubject that youwould liketoinclude in an upcoming pieceofBPMAresearch,contact theAssociation and let them knowabout it.
CLUB TOGETHER
Merchandise big hitterstook to the fairways for the annualday of funand competition
The BPMA Golf Dayreturned in style on 24 June 2025 at thebeautiful, but blustery, Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club.Withthe wind adding achallenging twisttoevery teeshot, it was atruetestofskill, strategy,and team spirit.
After breakfast, themorning beganon The SignatureCourse witha9-hole Texas Scramble,wherecollaboration waskey Teams battledmorethan alightbreeze to select their best shotsand makeuse of everyone’s tee-offsatleast twice –nosmall feat in theconditions
REDBALL CHALLENGE
After lunchand achance to regroup, theafternoon action kickedoff on The Championship Course.The 4-ballbetter ball Comic Relief format, completewitha rotating redball fordouble points, brought added
fun and pressure.The redball’ssurvivalrate becameahot topic by the12thgreen Individual playerswerealsocompeting forthe BestIndividual Golfer trophy on Stablefordscores,whilesomelucky (and accurate) playerswalked away withprizes forNearestthe Pinand Longest Drive, and a fewevenbeatthe protowin acelebratory bottle of Prosecco.
Ahuge thank yougoes to all who participated and supported theevent. Special thanks to Clive Allcott, BPMA Chair,for not only takingpartbut alsoplaying apivotal role in organising theday –his efforts and score cardmaths ensured asmoothand enjoyable experience foreveryone.
WHATTHEYSAID
“Thank youtoBPMAfor hosting an amazing dayout at The NottinghamshireGolf&CountryClub Afantastic opportunitytorepresent Premier Print &Promotions alongside Juniper Trading. Great people, sunny skies, abrilliant dayall around.” Jack, Premier Print &Promotions
“Whatagreat day– thank youBPMAfor organising another cracker! Andthe Red Nose golf balls were inspired!” Matt, Desktop Ideas
“Whatafantastic dayatthe BPMA Golf Tournament in Nottingham. Fantastic golf course and even better company. ” Shaun, Stormtech
The Chair’s DTBteam wonthe 4-ball competition, withits MikeWhitebeingthe tournament champion.
The dayconcludedwiththe presentation of awards by CliveAllcott andPhil Goodman, BPMA CEO
Roll of honour
The day’swinners were:
n Nearest thePin Hole 2: Ryan
Christian
n Nearest thePin Hole 5: Mukesh
Kanabar
n Nearest thePin Hole 12: Shaun Rolfe
n Nearest thePin Hole 14: Mike White
n LongestDrive (Hole4): James Rahill
n Winners 9-hole BPMA Scramble: Team Desktop Ideas
n Winners 4-Ball Better Ball: DTB
Blue Team
n Runners-Up 4-Ball Better Ball: PF Concepts
n Individual 2nd Place: Stuart
Sheppard
n Individual Champion: Mike White
EDUCATION 2025 GRADUATION CEREMONY
Celebrating industry success HouseofCommons
24th July 2025
TPM &CPM graduates
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