Connecting, Learning, Educating
Factory visits are a great example of how the BPMA can help members build their industry knowledge, says Kian Clews-Braddon.
One of my favourite things about our industry is being able to connect with so many knowledgeable sector specific professionals. A primary mission of ours at the BPMA is to help and educate the sector to the best of our ability. We believe that continuous learning and professional development is key to driving our industry forward, and we are dedicated to providing the resources and opportunities necessary to help our members succeed.
At the BPMA, we offer an extensive education platform tailored to the sector. This platform is designed to be beneficial for both entry-level professionals and seasoned veterans of the industry. We ensure that the content is always relevant and informative, aimed at helping individual’ s career progression. From the basics of promotional merchandise to sales, procurement and industry marketing, our courses cover a wide range of topics that are crucial for success in our field.
Factory Visits
As part of our education programme, we encourage distributor learners to participate in factory visits. These offer a unique opportunity to witness the incredible work that takes place behind the closed doors of our suppliers’ workplaces.
A big thank you to Clive Allcott BPMA Vice Chair and Commercial Director at DTB, for hosting our most recent visit. DTB is a BPMA Charter member, which means they represent the highest standard within our industry.
During this visit, I had the opportunity to present alongside Clive. Our presentations were followed by an insightful factory tour and in-depth discussions on decoration methods and industry challenges. The feedback from learners was overwhelmingly positive; having left with a deeper understanding of the different print methods and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for their work.
Seeing the production process first-hand not only enhances technical knowledge, but also fosters a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and effort that goes into creating high-quality promotional merchandise. We were pleased to host attendees from BDA, Pinksheep, and Promo Trade Co, and were delighted by their enthusiasm.
Building Connections
These factory visits and educational initiatives are perfect opportunities for us to bring businesses together and help create lasting connections within our membership. Networking is a cornerstone of our industry, and through these events, we foster a collaborative environment where knowledge and experience are shared freely. Our members consistently tell us that the connections they make through the BPMA are invaluable to their professional growth.
In addition to factory visits, our education platform includes webinars, workshops, and certification programmes. These resources are designed to provide ongoing learning opportunities and keep our members at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, understanding regulatory changes, or exploring new market opportunities, the BPMA is committed to helping our members stay ahead of the curve.
Professional Growth
We look forward to welcoming more of you to our future events and educational programmes. These interactions not only enhance individual knowledge but also contribute to the collective strength and innovation of our industry.
Stay connected with us and be a part of the vibrant community that is driving the promotional merchandise industry forward. Together, we can achieve great things.
If you have a member of staff who is interested in our education platform, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at education@bpma.co.uk for details on pricing and intakes.
For more information on our programmes and how to get involved, visit our website at https://www.bpma.co.uk.
• Kian Clews-Braddon is the BPMA’s Membership Executive. Contact him at kian.cb@bpma.co.uk.
