The BPMA Brexit Summit aims to answer questions and provide some clarity over the looming event
With the industry’s main exhibition and networking opportunity, Merchandise World taking place in Farnborough on 12 September, it makes sense to use the gathering to share advice and air views on one of the biggest issues facing business in Britain – Brexit. The BPMA Brexit Summit takes place on the afternoon prior to Merchandise World. With Britain set to leave the EU on 29 March 2019, businesses have only six months to prepare for an event that still has many question marks around it.
Some businesses are already starting to act. According to CIPS, 63% of EU businesses are expected to move their supply chains out of the UK. Anglo-Dutch brand giant Unilever has opted for Rotterdam over London for its headquarters. Airbus has warned that a Brexit no-deal could see it leave the UK.
To help its members better understand and plan for Brexit, the BPMA has brought along four keynote speakers to share their knowledge with BPMA members: • Allie Renison, (pictured top left) head of Europe and Trade Policy at the Institute of Directors • Christopher Mills, (top right), UKIP spokesman on business, and managing partner of Harwood Private Equity. He sits on the board of 25 companies. • Lesley Batchelor, (bottom right) director general of the Institute of Export & International Trade • Tom Brake, (bottom left) Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington, and Lib Dem spokesman for Exiting the EU.
After the successful industry debate in January 2018, the BPMA is holding another industry debate on the eve of Merchandise World. The leader debate promises to be an informative and engaging event to finish the day off. The key subjects that will be discussed include:
Product innovation ● Trends in branding techniques ● Supplier service levels ● What true partnerships look like ● Credit terms – what’s reasonable? ● The ‘British effect’ ● Where growth is coming from?
Six key suppliers will be answering questions and sharing their experiences. They are:
Andrew Hill, Senator ● Andrew Langley, Juniper ● Mark Alderson, First Editions ● Matt Pluckrose, Desktop Ideas ● Mandy Hastie, The Sweet People ● Alex Turner, Listawood
THE BREXIT IMPACT
On 29 March 2019 the UK will leave the EU. Here are some questions you may want to ask at the event?
- I have European clients and suppliers. How will this affect my business?
- What if there is currency fluctuation and the pound drops against the dollar?
- How will lengthy border delays affect my lead-times?
- Might business confidence affect our industry?
- Some have predicted a loss of UK exports of £4.5bn. Will our goods be less competitive?
- Could we lose European tenders on the basis of Brexit?
- Could Brexit be an opportunity to reach other non-European markets?
- Might there beareduction in foreign investment – some have predicted a 22% drop?
- Vodafone has warned it could move its HQ out of the UK. Could other major players follow?
- How will it affect staff requirements for those who have relied on overseas workers?
BPMA members are requested to send any further questions that they would like to be considered to emma@bpma.co.uk
WHEN & WHERE?
The Brexit Summit takes place on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 1pm for 1.20pm start. It will be held at Farnborough Exhibition Centre, Etps Rd, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6FD Entry is free for BPMA members, who can obtain tickets on bpma.co.uk. The event will finish around 4.45pm and will be followed by the Leaders Debate
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE POSED, PLEASE SEND THEM TO EMMA@BPMA.CO.UK.
