BPMA Meeting Opportunities

As part of the BPMA’s membership team, Kian Clews Braddon will be supporting the industry at exciting upcoming events

The membership team at the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) is expanding and I am the new Membership Executive. I am delighted to be working with so many amazing people.

The association is a great place for supplier and distributor businesses looking to grow their presence on the market, support their teams and benefit from the resources and networking opportunities that all members do. There is so much on offer to our members, and I will be there along the way to introduce and support throughout.

I joined the BPMA at the perfect time to be able to attend Merchandise World September 2023 as well as many other events in the second half of this year. What an experience to see so many businesses and to be able to meet the people behind them. It’s great to have an opportunity to catch up with our members. Also, to potentially meet many new ones as well.

Supplier visits

Recently, the membership team headed over to Old Dalby for a BPMA education programme factory visit to DTB, hosted by Clive Allcott, the company’s commercial director.

As part of TPM (Trained in Promotional Merchandise) and CPM (Certified in Promotional Merchandise) education courses, we offer factory visits to learners who then achieve credits towards taking their exams. So much happens at supplier facilities behind the scenes before a final product is received by distributor clients. A big thank you to Clive, and DTB for affording a chance to sector individuals to be able to see the effort and processes behind the products and services they offer.

On board

At the BPMA, we are always thinking of ways that we can aid member businesses to grow and face industry challenges. Frequent meetings are held at our office in Fetcham with Membership Director, Tom Robey, CEO Carey Trevill, and all members of the BPMA Board. It was also a useful opportunity for me to be able to meet more of the individuals who help our organisation’s growth, over a great lunchtime spread in a beautiful venue (our offices).

There have been so many exciting experiences in my time here already and the BPMA team and myself will be seeing you at St Pancreas Renaissance Hotel in London, on 1 December for a fantastic Networking, Sustainability Workshop and Product Awards Presentation. If you haven’t yet booked, you should. So, get in contact with us and we can change that.

• Kian is Membership Executive at the BPMA. Contact him on Kian.cb@bpma.co.uk