The US trade association for promotional products, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) is alerting members to a bill that cuts US government spending on promotional products.
Christmas brings distinct challenges to cashflow. Don’t get caught out, says Mike Collins Whisper it but the ‘C is on the Yes indeed, Christmas is coming and no matter how much we may not like it or be looking forward to it, you must be prepared for it. Regular readers will know that we at Direct Route like to keep BPMA members informed and educated as to handy hints and tips to ensure their credit management is as up to date, and as robust and successful as it can be.
The UK seems to have avoided a no-deal Brexit, for now at least, but for businesses, the uncertainty does not go away. A Brexit Summit organised at breakneck speed by the BPMA sought to throw some clarity on how companies could get ready for a no-deal Brexit.
The Ignite group made its annual pilgrimage to Warwick Racecourse on October 3rd for the eleventh time. Although the outing was not blessed with the wonderful weather enjoyed in previous years, at least it stayed dry. Ignite’s outstanding attendance record continued with more than 100 suppliers and members making the trip.
Products made of the natural material may not be all they seem and should be tested accordingly.
Recently, I was asked if we could supply ‘vegan leather’ and was sent a link to a website by the distributor. We discovered that vegan leather is actually made of water-resistant polyurethane and not leather, and is therefore made from petrochemicals, with associated environmental questions. If a distributor makes a claim for a product that isn’t correct and the end-user finds out, there could be huge ramifications, including legal ones.
With Brexit creating uncertainty and confusion about import-export changes, our members contact us regularly to seek confirmation and clarity and it was clear that training and development on Brexit readiness was required.
As a joint partner in Merchandise World with Sourcing City, the BPMA was out in force in Milton Keynes. The Association held an informal drinks reception on the evening prior to the show to give members a chance to network ahead of the following day’s activities.
Briman members are demonstrating greater sustainability, says Mark Alderson.
The speed at which we browse, download and upload data are about to get a whole lot quicker due to a refresh of the Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax to give it its technical name is just around the corner – the sixth change of the standards since it was invented, so how will it affect us?
More BPMA members have contacted the Association with queries about Brexit. New resources have been made available to aid their preparations.
This important change to employment law is looming, so what do businesses need to know?
A BPMA compliance seminar by SGS explained the importance of taking toy safety seriously.
The latest moves by business to cut the use of plastic has seen fast-food giants Burger King and McDonald’s announced they are to end the giving of free plastic toys with children’s meals. Burger King announced the decision, which could save approximately 320 tonnes of plastic waste a year, following a petition by two schoolgirls. Sisters Ella and Caitlin McEwan launched a petition on Change.org to get McDonald’s and Burger King to “think of the environment” and stop giving children the plastic toys.
Listawood are pleased to announce that Nicola will be joining their account management team from the 1st January as Senior Account Director in the UK.
Total Merchandise has announced the expansion of its Essex headquarters, with the business revealing its acquisition of a new office.
The recent Promotional Merchandise Expo 2019 has proven to be the biggest and best yet. Held in September, this marks another great year for an event which is already the most significant promotional merchandise show in the North East.
BPMA Distributors, you have until 29th November to use your money saving vouchers.
We regret to inform that Source That Ltd has gone into liquidation.
PSI will again be taking place in Düsseldorf from 7th to 9th January 2020. At the show, the latest trends and the opportunity to network throughout the entire promotional product industry await you. A perfect opportunity on the one hand to establish new business relationships and get to know potential new clients, on the other hand to find innovations and to exchange ideas with existing partners.
© Copyright 2018 The BPMA | All rights reserved.
