Another Successful Merchandise World!

We would like to extend our thanks to all of the exhibitors and visitors who attended Merchandise World earlier this week in Milton Keynes. It was a pleasure to catch up with so many of our members, as well as meeting those of you who are new to the industry or membership for the first time. 

“Really pleased to have experienced my first Merchandise World. Lovely to continue to meet more and more people and to get to know others better. The number and quality of membership enquiries was really up on last year and we look forward to converting these and welcoming new businesses into the association in due course. Finally, thank you for the support of all Suppliers who supported the show and all those who made the effort to attend.” Phil Goodman, BPMA CEO.

Product Award Entries 

Being surrounded by so many innovative products ignited conversations about the 2024 BPMA Product Awards which launched at the beginning of the month. We have received many entries over the last week, including new, innovative and exciting products. All industry supplier members are invited to enter across a range of categories, with first entries complimentary to BPMA members.  

Hurry! Early Bird rates close today! 

Early bird entry rates close today (Friday) at 5pm! Closing date for entries is 9th October at 11.59am. All members are invited to celebrate the winners at the BPMA Product Awards LIVE 2024 taking place on 6th December in London. For more information on how to enter the awards and the event, visit www.bpma.co.uk/productawards. 

GOTS 

A recent wave of warnings issued by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to European businesses within the promotional merchandise sector, as a result of these companies offering GOTS-certified products without holding the relevant certification themselves, prompted a number of conversations this week. 

To ensure the BPMA can continue to advise members of the action they may need to take to be GOTS compliant, the BPMA has scheduled a meeting with GOTS UK early next week to bring clarity to the situation. Once we have met and the requirements within the UK supply chain are clear, more information will be distributed to members. In the meantime, please reach us at [email protected] if you have any questions on this topic.  

The BPMA puts on a wide range of events for our members and will be announcing more for the upcoming year.  

We look forward to staying connected and welcoming you to our future events.