A toast to the year ahead

Amongst many of the highlights of the Merchandise World event is the BPMA Awards Dinner, recognising the member’s choice for suppliers and distributors of the year. The previous Awards held in February 2020 held the promise of a brilliant period ahead for the industry and we were all looking ahead to what promised to be a bumper 2020. As we soon found out, the Merchandise World show and BPMA Awards that February was the last time for most that we were able to get together freely and easily. Two years on and we’re able to come together to celebrate the industry’s achievements once more.

In 2020, the roll call of BPMA Awards celebrated the standout companies in promotional merchandise; Xindao, CHX Products, Total Merchandise, Premier Print & Promotions, Printed 4 You, Bounce Creative… presented and hosted by the lofty talents of Martin Bayfield, rugby player boasting 31 England and 3 Lions caps turned actor sharing stories of his time on the Harry Potter set.

Cue 2022, and with a pandemic that halted shows and celebrations, the industry is looking forward to 26th January 2022 at the CBS Arena at Coventry (formerly the Ricoh Arena). With tickets selling fast, suppliers and distributors are coming together to not only attend a much-needed show to build business relationships but thank the industry for its staying power. The BPMA Awards are nominated by members, selecting their ‘best of the best’ votes in categories up to £500k (Distributors only), £2m, £2m-£5m and £5m+ turnover, unsung heroes for suppliers and distributors plus the BRIMAN Award recognising distributors who have championed British goods.

Reasons to celebrate and bring together the businesses who have shone in the last two years. The voting approach means the Awards could literally go to any BPMA member business so it’s always a nail biter to see who has won the respect and thanks of the industry.

The BPMA has undergone much change in the last two years itself and with a new Chair at the helm, Haydn Willetts of Mid Ocean fame, those gathering for this sparkling event will be looking forward to hearing from the man himself and finding out who walks away with the coveted trophies this year.

Supporting cast

Like all great events, The BPMA Awards boast a range of fantastic sponsors supporting the industry; and without them, these events simply wouldn’t be possible. PM pays tribute to some of the sponsors involved.

This year, the BPMA Awards has support from suppliers PF Concept, DTB, Presili and Listawood to distributors Geiger and Fluid Branding. With a long history of getting involved in high profile events, suppliers to the industry PF Concept, DTB, Presili and Listawood will all be exhibiting at Merchandise World giving everyone a chance to enjoy new products and talk firsthand to the experts about fulfilling the orders coming in. The event kicks off with a drinks reception, supported by CBTax, benefit provider to the BPMA and R&D Tax reclaim specialists.

With Crystal Galleries providing the beautiful BPMA Awards, we will also be able to see who has landed the coveted Product Awards from BPMA members exhibiting, provided by Laser Crystal. A sumptuous dinner is rounded off by some delicious treats from long time BPMA member, The Sweet People.

Whilst most are probably familiar with Geiger and Fluid Branding, their support has also been constant for events like the Awards. Sponsoring the ‘up to £2m supplier’ category, Fluid Branding is one of the largest promotional merchandise distributors with offices spanning the UK and Europe with a team over 100 strong, with ambitious growth and acquisition plans, both domestic and international. The UK based company is very proud to be a certified B Corp, using better business as a force for good. This means they meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability, thinking beyond profit to make a positive difference to people and planet and leading the way in their commitment to becoming carbon net zero by 2030. The company’s vision is “Meaningful Merchandise. Exceptional People.”. Miles Lovegrove, MD at Fluid comments about “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the BPMA awards once again. We think it’s more important now than ever for our industry to celebrate excellence after such a turbulent time. We are looking forward to 2022 with huge optimism and ambitious growth plans backed up by our exceptional teams.”

Geiger are supporting the ‘£2m supplier’ category and Vicky Kinasz told PM ‘I am truly delighted that Geiger can support the BPMA Annual Awards in 2022, and that after a difficult two years for everyone, we will once again be able to collectively gather and celebrate the best of the industry. It is an opportunity for us to thank our supply partners for their support and hard work during what has been the hardest of trading times for us all. In 2022, Geiger UK has exciting growth plans, as we continue to expand our reach internationally, and build our business globally as part of the Geiger Group. We look to the future with much excitement!’ With HQ in Maine (USA) and West London (UK), Geiger are the largest privately owned promotional products distributor in the world, and an award-winning global industry leader. Geiger state they create and brand meaningful merchandise, clothing, retail products and gift items to support many of the world’s leading organisations. With a wide breadth of knowledge and an abundance of creativity Geiger offer clients a full in-house, end-to-end service from design and digital print, to warehousing, fulfilment and worldwide shipping. For Geiger also put emphasis on their environment, social enterprise, and corporate responsibility committed to achieving the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.

PM wish all the contenders for the BPMA Awards the best of luck on the night. The BPMA still have a few tickets and tables available, extending the available seats due to demand but don’t delay as the deadline to book closes soon! If you’d like to book, please email events@bpma.co.uk or call 01372 371184.

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