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Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the furlough scheme for one month until the end of April 2021.

The pandemic this year has and will continue to impact every sector, business and household. With further restrictions announced, the new year still presents the industry with uncertain trading conditions with Brexit transition.

In October, we invited BPMA members to take part in the first stage of an ongoing industry survey to monitor how we continue to respond to the ongoing trading conditions

New year, new features list

Look out for the next packed issue of Product Media magazine out in January.

In October, the BPMA was approached by the GPMA, the Graphics and Print Media Alliance, to join its ranks to approach Government with further lobbying on behalf of the wider industry.

On Monday 9^th November, the BPMA took part in its first debate as a sponsor of the Debating Group, partnered with the IPIA, the Independent Print Industries Association.

Presented during the virtual BPMA Conference, CEO Carey Trevill revealed a summary of consumer reactions to merchandise. The research, paused at the start of lockdown, examined topical questions about consumer expectations for merchandise and goods such as face coverings and hand sanitiser together with recall for merchandise.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday a new Jobs Support Scheme operating from 1^st November, leading from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme closing on 31^st October, available for another 6 months.

End user research carried out by the DMA has indicated a mixed bag when questioned about the impact Coronavirus has had on the ability to carry out marketing programs. With 52% still feeling pessimistic, evidence shows that customer trust is building back in brands to as much as 40%. When considering impact of the ability to carry out marketing programs during this period, 40% of marketers reported it was the same with 27% saying it had improved.

If you tried to apply early on in lockdown for a discretionary grant or didn’t think you would be successful, local councils have reopened this to businesses. BPMA Chair Angela Wagstaff advised Supplier and Distributor forums to not delay seeking this extra available funding.

On Thursday 6th August, the BPMA hosted the first of a new regular series of Supplier and Distributor forums for members. To be held monthly, these forums will provide an invaluable platform to share best practice, ideas and address challenges.

The government released details of training grants, calling on traders and intermediaries needing to make customs declarations from next year to apply for training grants from a £50m dedicated fund.