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Patrons Dinner reaffirms support

The BPMA's continued support through both the Supplier and Distributor sectors was the focus of this year's Patrons Dinner held at the House of Commons.

How to build on the success of last year's initiative, when the BPMA appointed four Vice Presidents, two for Supplier members and Two for Distributor members to pioneer activity was the major point of discussion.

Gill Thorpe, Chairperson of the BPMA, commented, “It was clear that many of the members were unaware of our defined refocus last year, where we appointed two Vice Presidents for Suppliers (Graham Winter - PF Concept & Andrew Hill - Senator Pens) and two Vice Presidents for Distributors (Neal Beagles - Roantree & Oliver Reynalds - Premier Promotions). We understand there are two distinct sides to our business and the structure, benefits and support services need to be broken down into the two key member areas to ensure we offer the right services and support for both sides of our business - representing the full supply chain. There is a great deal of development work underway already in this area by our VP's. Moving forward the structure of the organisation will meet the needs of all our members. Trade only suppliers and Distributors now have their own BPMA champions and we will ensure that their particular needs and requirements are not only understood but acted upon”.

The Patrons also discussed the need and benefits of continuing the education programme and that research was needed to demonstrate to end users the benefits of promotional merchandise in the overall marketing mix.

Andrew Hill – Senator Pens said;
'An excellent evening.....a dramatic setting and like-minded individuals all willing the industry to move forward....exactly what I've come to expect from the BPMA !'

Jonathan Bailey, The Corporate Merchandise Company Ltd said;
The BPMA's Patrons' Dinner offers one of those rare opportunities to discuss critical industry issues in a constructive and well informed environment. As always the association is trying to promote dialogue and once again this year's event was a great success in provoking thought on how we can work towards improving the credibility of the industry.'

Alex Turner - AT Promotions Ltd t/a Listawood said;
“The BPMA Patrons event provided an excellent forum to discuss key issues effecting the industry as a whole. Attended by Senior Managers from a cross section of leading supplier and distributor companies the debate delivered a well balanced view of the challenges facing us all. Some really interesting ideas emerged, which if implemented will I have no doubt be beneficial to us all.In the last couple of years we’ve seen the BPMA launching numerous exciting new initiatives to develop the industry in the UK – I look forward to seeing this excellent work continuing going forward.”

For further press information, please contact Val Mumby at

The BPMA Press Office,
Clareville Communications, 315-317 New Kings Road,
London, SW6 4RF
Tel: 020 7736 4022, Fax: 020 7736 3504,
email: valmumby@clareville.co.uk