Why have we launched this initiative?

We launched the StepForward Pledge to enhance the reputation of the promotional merchandise industry and demonstrate that we are an industry taking our responsibility to positive action seriously.

The Pledge is also designed to help members identify the challenges that exist and signpost on how they can overcome them, with continued support, guidance and resources.

“Taking the Step Forward Pledge has been an awakening for us here at PAGE…In making the decision to take the Pledge it has forced us as a business and as individuals to examine the effect we have on the environment and those around us, and implement positive restructure to bring about results that truly reflect the values and ideals we as a company hold.”

Brian Hayward
PAGE Partnership

“When it was announced the BPMA were introducing the StepForward pledge, we couldn’t wait to be involved. The process of completing the Pledge really focused us our Sustainability Statement. We had all of the ideas, many of which were already being implemented, but simply by putting them all in to one document has been of great benefit to focus the whole team here at WCMA Ltd on our sustainability principles & how sustainability is at the heart of our business.”

Jules Adam
WCM&A

“Wherever you are in your sustainability journey, we would encourage you to complete the pledge, it has helped us to assess our current position and to plan and take control…By working together as an industry, alongside the BPMA, we believe, as an industry we can demonstrate our commitment to supplying sustainable merchandise. Proving that promotional merchandise is a effective, long lasting and sustainable part of the marketing spend.”

Susanne Langley
Juniper Trading

“A very well guided and supported programme, easy to follow and a good online platform. The BMPA Education team are very helpful”

Gordana Pavlovic
Clone Media Technology

“I thought the CPM course was really beneficial. The BPMA team were very supportive and always responded quickly & informatively on any queries I had. Although I have been in the industry for many years, I improved my knowledge in growing areas of importance, especially sustainability and CSR which I am passionate about and now feel more confident when discussing these topics with clients.”

Faye Grant
Geiger

“The TPM training course covers everything needed to be successful within this industry, it displays vital information through PowerPoint presentations which are engaging and useful. It is perfect for studying alongside the day-to-day job as the information displayed is put into practice straight away.”

Joe Humphries
TC Branding Group

“We are committed to ensuring our members maintain the highest industry standards. Our partnership with ACID will enable all members to access the highest quality Intellectual Property advice, helping to keep them at the forefront of our wonderful industry”

Phil Goodman
BPMA

“This is a fantastic opportunity to continue the BPMA’s fantastic reputation for building trust and compliance within the promotional merchandising sector by bringing IP into the mix of their already great offering. It is another area where we can really bolster our creative industries with IP support, advice and education, and keep growing this invaluable area of our UK economy. I’m really excited to see our relationship with the BPMA develop”

Laura Newbold Breen
ACID

“I’ve been proud to be a member of the BPMA for over 10 years. I couldn’t imagine running a business that wasn’t a member of its trade association, as it says to my customers and people that we are at the very top of our industry”

Andrew Dwerryhouse
Founder of Wild Thang Limited

What is involved in completing the StepForward Pledge?

Part One – The StepForward Pledge Assessment

In the Assessment you will see the 13 different commitments, laid out into three sections:

• Products
• People
• Planet

Under each commitment, the assessment will ask if you are able to commit to the ‘ask’, followed by a series of responses to demonstrate any targets set and evidence for this.

Part Two – Sustainability Statement

To complete the Pledge, you must also submit a public sustainability statement. This is usually no longer than one A4 side providing a summary of your organisation’s ESG initiatives. This document will be published to your membership profile on our website directory.

How to sign up

Register your interest here and the BPMA team will be in touch with more information.

Please reach out to sustainability@bpma.co.uk if you have any questions or need any support completing your Pledge.