With the end of 2019 in sight, now is arguably the perfect time for a business to reflect on its various achievements throughout the year – and for Total Merchandise, a year of ‘giving back’ has certainly given them something to be proud of.  

After a career in promotional merchandise spanning more than three decades, Haydn Willetts has lost none of his love of the sector. The regional director, UK & Ireland, for midocean, one of Europe’s main wholesalers and decorators of merchandise, says he feels fortunate to enjoy his job and relishes the challenges an evolving market presents to both suppliers and distributors alike.

It’s been a hectic nine months both in our industry and at the BPMA. Taking on the role of Chairman, having been Vice Chairman for the past two years, has not only meant getting more involved with the team but also with engaged members and the wider-reaching trade association network both in the UK and in Europe. Juggling the voluntary role of Chair for the BPMA, my own business, and my family can be tough at times, especially with two teenage daughters.

A household name, BIC became synonymous with quality and reliability in 1950 with the launch of the BIC Cristal, the first high-quality ballpoint pen at an affordable price. BIC took its first step in the promotional sector 50 years ago in 1969, the same year Neil Armstrong took his first step on the moon. In the 1970s it launched the iconic BIC Lighter and BIC Shaver, and today sells 32 million BIC products every day worldwide, 20.2 million of which are stationery products. BIC is known for pens but sees itself as selling solutions.

With Merchandise World taking place this month, Clive Allcott advises you to plan to get the most from the event –

As a seasoned attendee and exhibitor, it’s only fair to pass on my top tips for getting the most out of your visit. You have one day, so use it wisely.

Research carried out in 2018 indicated that 40% of millennials who don’t receive the necessary on the job training to become more effective in their role will leave their positions within the first year. That’s quite a high percentage, but it’s not only the modern workforce that ranks training and development opportunities in the workplace so highly.

If you’ve ever wondered what a credit control company actually does, Mike Collins can explain

Noise-canceling headphones are the latest tech product to cut through, says Matt Pluckrose

Of all the inspirational business people from the last 50 years, perhaps no-one has made a bigger impact than Apple’s founder, the late Steve Jobs. His career is one I followed closely over the years, and I rarely failed to find something worthy of emulating.

Make the most of golf day opportunities, says Clive Allcott.