productmediamagazine.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE FORTHE PROMOTIONALINDUSTRY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 STARTTHE YEAR WITH ABANG

FIND THENEWEST PRODUCTS AT MERCHANDISEWORLD P21

CREDIT WHERE COUNTDOWNTOGDPR AREYOU READYFOR THE IT’S DUE CHANGE? P37 BPMA RESEARCH INSPIRATIONALSPEAKERS SHOWSVALUE OF LINE UP FORTHE BPMA MEMBERSHIP P4 EDUCATIONDAY P31

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Contents JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 4 Industry analysis 21 Merchandise World 34 SourcingCityawards How financiallyhealthy is the Readour previewofthe new Find outwho tops theindustrycharts merchandisesector? Januaryshow 35 Tippingpoint 6 News 2018 could be theyearwhenAR 28 Showbusiness Around-upofall thelatestinthe becomesbig productmedia sector Update on howthe BPMA is supporting end-user shows 37 GDPR countdown 7 Productofthe month Getting readyfor data regulation What’s hotfor 2018? 29 Make an offer changes Howpromotionscan supportyour 16 AskClive business 39 BPMA news What does organiccottonoffer? Allthe latest news andevents

18 Professionalattitude 31 Education Day 42 Tenfromtwo Howthe Canadian merchandise What’s in storeatthe BPMA’s Debbie Willsmer andKiron Phillips sector is advancing annual festival of learning? answer thequestions

WELCOME Well anotheryear choosefrom. As partners to PSIand finalising thesuppliermystery shopper passes -how quick aco-founderofMerchandise World, resultsand we will be sharing this on wasthat? As Igo we hopeour membersdosupport 1FebruaryatMerchandise World. into 2018,Istartmy thesetwo major events.Ihaveto Thebig news storyof2017was 11th year at thehelm sayour suppliersinvest thousands thedemiseofDukes which certainly of theBPMA. In those on exhibitions to showcasenew affectedour industry considerably yearssomuchhas productsopleasedosupport them. butthe BPMA is determined to learn changed,not only in Thenextbiggestchallenge forthe from it.Our suppliers’ meetingfor the our marketplace,but in our society wholeindustryisthe General Data creditorswas very productive andwe at large. Thereare more sellersof Protection Regulation (GDPR) and nowhaveset up anew suppliers’ forum merchandisenow than ever before. those whodon’t know aboutitneed which will meet regularly.Wehave Thereisalsogreater awarenessamong to know thereare seriousimpacts for also conductedanindustrywidecredit consumersofbrandedmerchandise those that breach it.Underthe GDPR, checkwith interesting findings,which generally,which is no badthing. theInformation Commissioner’sOffice aresharedonpages 4-5. Wherewecan, However, on the flip side,distributors (ICO)can impose finesofupto€20 we will be helpingthosemembers in tell me it’s neverbeensocompetitive million or 4% of groupworldwide financialhardshipwith guidance and with buyers shopping aroundalot turnover.Ifthere is one seminarto support. Let’sbepositiveand hope more. Idon’t thinkthisisgoing to come to itscertainly theone on 31 foranother greatyearand Iwishall change much –it’sthe sign of our JanuaryatMerchandise World–each ourreaders aprosperousNew Year. times. Januaryisgoingtobethe show visitorwill getapractical guideon season of theyear -never before have what they need to do.The lawcomes Gordon Glenister, therebeensomanyexhibitions to into effecton25May 2018.Weare also director general of theBPMA

ProductMedia Magazine is BritishPromotional Merchandise Editorial Design andProduction available to thewhole promotional Association [email protected] ATGMedia, merchandiseindustry. BritishPromotional Merchandise Advertising andMedia Pack www.atg-media.com It is theofficial magazine of the AssociationAvenueBusiness Park,Brockley [email protected] Printed by BritishPromotional Merchandise Road,Elsworth, Cambridgeshire,CB234EY. Circulation Mailing GuyLtd Association(BPMA). Allphone enquiries: 0203 8757942 [email protected] Photography www.productmediamagazine.co.uk EditorialServices shutterstock.com www.bpma.co.uk Stuart Derrick

Theopinions,beliefsand viewpoints expressedinthispublicationdonot necessarilyreflectthe opinions, beliefsand viewpoints of thepublicationorthe editor.The publishers cannotbeheldresponsible forany loss or damage,nor canresponsibility be acceptedfor anyclaimsbyadvertisers, contributors, or otherpersonsand organisations. No We arealsomembers of thePPA material maybereproduced withoutthe writtenpermissionofthe publishers. News analysis

ANALYSIS CONFIRMS THE VALUEOFBPMAMEMBERSHIP With the merchandise sector under the spotlight following recent failings, Mike Collins assesses the comparative financial strength of BPMA member companies

he recent demise of Take DukesGlobalLimited industryeffect as, of course, Withthis in mind, the high profile industry forexample. Witharound themajorityoflosses suffered BPMA commissioned its distributors and £7 million sales annually,it should be by non-industry credit management partner Tsuppliers brought again is fair to surmise that with players. However, one very AccountAssyst, to provide intothe spotlight thefinancially industryaverage profit margins important secondaryissue analysis on its membership fragile natureofsome industry of roughly 30%, it should have that almost alwaysmanifests credit strength, in comparison players that previously may had abudget of £2.1 million itself,wheneither asupplier or to non-members’credit ratings. have been considered both forstaffing and overheads. adistributor fails, is that this is The results were revealing. successful and vibrant. The It is almost incredulous that likely to (often unfairly) affect phrase of ‘turnoverisvanity, abusiness of this structure others. Credit analysts react KEY FINDINGS profit is sanity’ springs to mind. and standing could not get withadowngrading of an It is often thecase that its numbers right, and was overall industrycredit rating. •BPMAmembers have a thefailureofany reasonably seemingly being badly runyear- Having thestrongest credit superior credit scoreof51.24 sized distributor impacts upon on-year.Eventually themoney rating and credit limit possible out of 100compared to 34.20 thegeneral industrymuch runs out if thelosses continue. is increasingly important. The out of 100for non-members. morethanasupplier due Quiterecently awell-known stronger your credit rating is in •At£38,511, theaverage to themajorityofcreditor supplier suffered alarge thefirst place then thebetter BPMA member’s credit write-offsthat aresuffered insolvencyand it’stempting to youare positioned to combat limit is morethan double by industrysuppliers. thinkthatthis mayhavelittle anyoverall industrydowngrade. that of non-members,

4 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk News analysis

coming in at just £17,567. £2,132 lowerat£12,361. out of 100asopposed to 34.73 CONCLUSION •Onaverage, BPMA members This suggests that more out of 100for non-member have almost twoand ahalf creditworthy distributors, suppliers. The average BPMA Onegeneral conclusion times greater asset value than empoweredtopass credit member is morethanhalf forconsideration is that non-members -£628,204 lines on to sizeable end-users, waytowards theperfect thereisaninevitabilitythat as against £274,319. instead of pro-forma, are credit scoreof100,while theaverage asset value of better placed to deal with theaverage non-member is suppliers when compared It could be said that over futurerepeat orders. Price athirdofthe waythere. to distributors ought to be thelonger term,itpays to alone is one thing, but Withanaverage credit limit of higher.Asupplier often needs be amember of theBPMA. being enabled to offer credit £66,024for supplier members, to invest in manufacturing Membership certainly can only to corporateend-users compared to £31,474for machineryand premises, raise thecredibilityand potential is an added benefit. non-member suppliers, aBPMA so will provide abig swing strengthofany reputableand •The difference in net assets supplier member can expect in this area. Realistically,if serious industryorganisation, between BPMA members at to receivedouble theamount adistributor accrues assets but do all thesepositive trends £217,992and non-members’ of credit. This could mean then this is only likely to be in favour of BPMA membership £152,226 mayperhaps be BPMA supplier members have either in cash held in the extend to bothdistributors regarded as minimal, in so thecapacitytoout-perform bank or if thebusiness is a and suppliers? Let’sbreak muchasit’sonly £65,000 or non-member competitors. A little bigger,perhaps in the down thedatafurther. so in monetaryterms, but this further benefit is theadvantage ownership of abuilding. stillrepresents almost amajor of being able to moreeasily In summary, there’sawell- DISTRIBUTOR MEMBERS strengthdifference between obtain finance fornew known saying that thereis IN COMPARISON TO thetwo.Whichdistributor machinerycosts forexample. strengthinnumbers. Being doesn’t want thesatisfaction BPMA supplier members have part of theBPMAbenefits each NON-MEMBERS to knowing that their business an average net asset value of member in manymoreways •BPMAdistributor members waswortharound 50%more £1,117,922. This illustrates that than first thought. It is more have an average credit than their competitor’s, membersbusinesses maybe than simply being part of a scoreof49.50 out of especially if thereisafuture twiceasstrong as non-member support organisation forthe 100, as opposed to only exit strategy planned? suppliers whose worthis badge, it is an essential part of 34.08out of 100for £577,698.Accrued asset values building abetter business. In non-member distributors. SUPPLIER MEMBERS areasign of bothstrength short, in thecut throat world •The BPMA distributor IN COMPARISON TO and profits. Profits areasign of of financial comparison, it membership average success, thus indicating that pays to be aBPMAmember. credit limit comes in at NON-MEMBERS BPMA supplier members are £14,493, while non-member BPMA supplier members have potentially twice as successful MikeCollins is director distributors averagesome an average credit scoreof53.57 as their non-member peers. of AccountAssyst www.productmediamagazine.co.uk JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | product media | 5 If youhaveany storiesfor ProductMediaMagazine, PRODUCTMEDIA send by emailto: [email protected] NEWS

Alan Weston Sharron Davies to host jailed for the Professional Clothing £80,000 Awards 2018 fraud British Olympian swimmer,Sharron Businessman Alan Weston has Davies, MBE, will again be hosting the been sentenced to 40 months in prison and disqualified from Professional Clothing Awards 2018. being adirectorfor eight years. The Awards will be held on Wednesday sponsored by InvistaCorduraand YKK. Weston, who rancompanies 20th June at The Park Plaza London The awards will be running alongside that offered promotional Riverbank to recognise theinternational Safety&HealthExpo from 19-21 June merchandise, defrauded uniformsupply chainand reward at London’Excel, withthe winners morethan £80,000 from exceptional workwear,corporateclothing announced at agaladinner and dance. companies through aseries and PPE from around theworld. Last SharronDavies, who will be sharing of scams. These included year’s event wassoldout and attended her experience about theimportance taking advance payments for by morethan400 industryfigures. of uniformatthe awards,said: “I am goods and not honouring Awards will coversuppliers, honoured and delighted to have orders, as well as offering free manufacturers and distributors, and all been asked once again to present the gifts that never showedup. facets of theworking garment industry prestigious Professional Clothing Awards. When pursued, Weston used including business management, PPE Ispent most of my workingcareer in various excuses to ward off innovation, and industryrecognition. professional clothing, so Iunderstand complainants, suchasclaiming 2018 also sees thereturnofVision, thegreat importance of this sector.” to be in hospital, to be which shines alight on student designers Formoreinformation on howtoattend suffering from abrain cyst, and looking to maketheir mark on the or enter theProfessional Clothing Awards, claiming family members were professional clothing industry. Vision is visitprofessionalclothingawards.com dying. Between 2011 to 2015 thecourt heardthat Weston defrauded manycompanies. He pleaded guiltytotwo MERCHANDISING PROVES ITS counts of fraudulent trading withregards to thecompanies REACHFOR EVENTS of Promoprods Ltdand 8th Wonder Merchandise Ltd. The BPMA has worked Event Merchandising recently plush giant octopus sold particularly withLeicester CityTrading produced themerchandise, well at thedeep-sea adventure. Standards and had superstores and online storefor “The range and displaylook discussions withmembers Winter Wonderland in Hydepark superb. Iamveryproud that our in its BPMA LinkedIn group JeremyGoldsmith, managing creative merchandising tentacles regarding Weston. From director,Event Merchandising, said a reachintothe deep blue,” he said. this, 24 businesses have made complaints to Trading Standards. Onebusiness went bust due to his activities. Aseparatehearing is set for this year regarding confiscating proceeds made from Weston’s fraudulent activities. Councillor PiaraSingh Clair,Leicester deputycity mayorwithresponsibility forregulatoryservices, said: “Weare pleased withthis prosecution whichisthe result of alot of hardworkbyour Trading Standards team. “Dozens of companies were affected by this fraud, which totalled morethan £80,000. “This prosecution shows that we will, and do,take action against fraudsters, as well as looking to recover theproceeds he made from illegal activity.”

6 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY2018www.productmediamagazine.co.uk Productofthe Month PRODUCT OF THEMONTH –STOJO COLLAPSIBLECUP

very year 500billion disposablecups are thrown away –it’san Eastonishing amount of waste. Of course, reusable cups areavailable, but even travel versions can be bulkytocarry around once thehot beverage is consumed.Whatdoyou do with the cup afterwards? Step forwardstojo,agreen alternativefor travellers. It is afull-sizedcoffeecup completewithasip through top, providing alightweight, reusablevessel with easy- cleanproperties. Its collapsible designallows youtoenjoy hotorcolddrinks, anywhere, at anytime,and afteryou’ve who bring theirown cups, whereitattracted alot of microwavesafe. Availablein used it, it collapses to be easily users willsee savings mount attentionfromvisitors. multiple colours,all stojos stored in your pocketorbag, up on theirdaily cup of Joe. The leak-proof cup is crafted comewithaheatsleeve that ready forthe next time. With Branded Bobblehad the from food grade, recyclable can be branded withyour manycoffee shops starting stojoonshowatthe recent materials, andstojo is also free logo, with asingle screen print to offer discountsfor people Merchandise Worldexhibition, from BPAand is completely or afull colour digital print.

JOIN US AT MERCHANDISE WORLD VISIT STAND 177 TO DISCOVER OUR LATESTOFFERS AND NEW SPRING PRODUCTSONCROSSAND SHEAFFER

A.T CROSS COMPANY |LEADING BRANDED SOLUTIONS If youhaveany storiesfor ProductMediaMagazine, PRODUCTMEDIA send by emailto: [email protected] NEWS Promotional merchandise in the spotlight Marketers from around Peterborough messages areresponded to positively who created theevent, said: “It was took away ahost of new ideas following a by different audiences. Dean Lynn, great to bringtogether marketers from recent seminar organised by promotional associatedirector of Datify,adigital across thecity, andfrompost-event merchandise firmVibrant Colour. marketing agency, went back to basics, feedback, it seems likeeveryone took Morethan 40 people attended ensuring delegates knew what to plan away at leastone piece of new learning. thefreehalf-day‘Celebrationof forintheir marketing strategy.Gordon “I wasdelighted to learnacouple of Communication’event whichwas held Glenister,director general of theBPMA, delegates have had conversations between at theAllia FutureBusiness Centre, shared ideas on making themost of themselves after theevent developing plans, and coveredarange of topics. promotional merchandise, alongside a and I’ve already helped several businesses Marketing psychologist Katie Hart, comprehensive merchandise showcase. develop exciting and effective promotional of Rhetonic, coveredthe differences in Christopher Smith, director of Vibrant merchandise making use of theideas and marketing to different genders, ensuring Colour Print and Promotional Merchandise, inspiration they pickedupfromthe event.”

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8 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY2018www.productmediamagazine.co.uk If youhaveany storiesfor ProductMediaMagazine, send by emailto: [email protected] PRODUCTMEDIA NEWS

Logo Bug Appreciativeapproach from US business Almost aquarter of American businesses their spending, up from 9% last year. confusion intended to spend more than $100 Timothy M. Andrews, ASI president and Trade only supplier,Logo on eachspend employeeasaholiday CEO,said:“Employees and customers alike Bugs Plus would liketoinform thank you, according to theannual alwaysappreciate getting alittle extraover distributors that it has no corporategift-giving report released by theholidays, and smart companies know connection witharecently theAdvertising SpecialtyInstitute(ASI). corporategenerositypaysdividends allyear formed distributor,the Logo Bug ASI's nationwide 2017 CorporateGift long through repeat business or employee Companybased in Scotland. SpendingSurveyfound that 23% reported loyalty–especially when thejob marketis Acompanystatement said: “It they would spendthis amount, with tightand thepossibility of arecessionlooms.” has come to our attention that a an average of $79spenttothank each Whenasked forone word to describe distributor has set up acompany employee. All told, 75%ofcompanies howthey feel when they receive agift in East Lothian,Scotland under planned to spend thesame amount from acompanythey do businesswith, thename Logo Bug Company. as last year on giftsfor employees and themajoritypolled said ‘appreciated’, Logobugs Plus Ltdwould like customers, while were 17%reducing followedby‘thankful’ and‘grateful’. to makeitclear we have no links withthis companyor anyone associated withit. We remain committed to supplying Chancellor ponders single useplastic tax our valued trade distributors Chancellor PhilipHammond hassaidthat he cost of a500ml drink.Supportersofthe idea, withour extensive Low Cost willinvestigatethe potential forusing atax on including charities Greenpeaceand WWF, Motivators range and enjoying single useplastic items, such as drinks bottles, point to thesuccess of theplastic bagtax in continued success in thefuture." cupsand takeaway packaging,tocut the reducing usageby85% in theUK. amount of plasticwastepolluting seas and Oneproposal is that consumers would be BPMA members can contact oceans. charged thetax, and have it refunded when its free legal advice helpline, Hammond said he would work with they recycled theitem. It is estimated that 10% to discuss legal issues. environmentsecretary MichaelGove to look of the300 million tons of plasticproduced Moreinformation at at theproposal,which could add30p to the globallyeach year,ends up in thesea. bpma.co.uk.

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If youhaveany storiesfor ProductMediaMagazine, PRODUCTMEDIA send by emailto: [email protected] NEWS

Briman Group SPS acquired by PF Concept develops new

Promotional products company website Polyconcept has announce theacquisition The Briman Group of British of SPS (EU) Ltdbyits European subsidiary, manufacturers has launched anew PF Concept International BV.Polyconcept websitefor distributors to highlight says theacquisition will enhance PF British made promotional products Concept’sproduct offering and position to their clients. across Europe. Britprods.co.uk is askinsite Blackpool-based SPS is amanufacturer that distributors can send to their and supplier of promotional products with clients. It allows clientstosearch threemanufacturing sites in theUK. As forproducts by categories suchas well as new product development and product type, price, lead time and manufacture, SPS also offers awide range of colour. on-sitebranding techniques plus bespoke positioned itself as aleader in British-made Briman Group represents tooling facilities. These capabilities will promotional products, particularly in the almost 20 British manufacturers of give PF Concept theopportunityfor faster drinkware sector,withseveral keylines in its promotional products. Formore UK-lead times combined withaBritish- range. The companyattributes its success information, go to Britprods.co.uk. based manufacturing and branding team. to afocus on innovation, quality, lead times Ralf Oster,CEO of PF Concept, said: “We and value formoney. areexcited about thegrowthopportunities The SPS product range, manufacturing that theSPS product line and production capabilities and branding expertise will be capabilities bring to PF Concept, and we well received as part of thePFConcept welcome theSPS team to thePolyconcept portfolio,added Tracey Bowen, director, family.” PF Concept. “Thissignificant investment in Phil Morgan, CEO of SPS, said: “Weare theUKpromotional merchandise industry delighted to join hands withPFConcept to clearly demonstrates PF Concept’slong- deliverthe best solutions to our customers term and continued commitment to the across Europe. Ourtwo companies UK market. Ican see huge benefits to our complement eachother very well andwe customers in theyears to come.” areexcited about our futuretogether.” Polyconcept wasacquiredby Over thepast five years, SPS has Charlesbank Capital Partners in 2016.

Goldstar expands in Germany Promocompany aids localfoodbank GoldstarEurope has recruited anew The PenWarehouse and Snap Farnham Foodbank wasopened sales account Products has supported its local in 2010 and last year helped more manager forthe Trussell Trust foodbank witha than 1,500 people in crisis. Withone westernarea donation of supplies. Staff collected in five people belowthe poverty of theGerman tins, packets offood and other line, its work is moreimportant market. essentials whichweredeliveredto than ever.The centreisrun by the Elvir Rizvic theFarnham Foodbank by customer Trussell Trust, anationwide charity joinedthe services manager Charlotteand that has anetwork of morethan Goldstarteam production manager Terri. They 400 foodbanks across thecountry. in November and met Rose and Mel, two of the To find out moreabout your local has workedwithin thepromotional centre’shardworking volunteers. foodbank, visit trusselltrust.org.uk. products marketfor two years.He joins from Swiss penproducer, Burger Pens wherehis main territories of responsibility were Germany, Switzerlandand Austria. Rizvic also has experience working with customers in Italy,Swedenand theNetherlands. ColinLoughran, general manager, GoldstarEurope, said: “I am delighted Elvir hasjoined ourteam. He is motivatedand energetic, withso muchpotential,and passionateabout providing thebest customerservice.” Goldstar is set to makeatotal of five appointments in thecomingmonths to coverbusiness in theDACHregion of Germany, Austriaand Switzerland.

12 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY2018www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

Advice ASKCLIVE Organic cotton may cost more up front, but there are long-term benefits, says Clive Allcott

is used which attracts and arebetter forthose on farms encouragesantstoprotect the and small-scalefarmers save cotton from attacking insects, money by not having to buy creating anatural pesticide. large amount of pesticides. Consumers benefittoo,some What is sustainable suggest that organiccotton clothing? products aresofter and Sustainable clothing is that easier on your skin. Recent whichaims to minimise overall awareness of thesebenefits environmental damage. This has increaseddemand for means clothing that’s comprised organic cotton in theretail of pesticidefreefibres, made arena whichisnow filtering Cotton is oftenreferredtoas but it is better forthe land, in closed loopsystems or down to branded promotional 'the fabric of ourlives,' and for thefarmworkers andyour withafocusonrecycling and/ clothing. As demand increases, good reason. We come into wellbeing to chooseorganic or reducing theoverall water costswill comedown. contact withcotton every whenever possible. and chemical waste. This Thereare manybrands in the day, from theclothes we wear sustainable clothing is trackable marketplacethat offer Fairtrade to thesheets we sleep on. What Is Organic Cotton? from thefield to thefactory. cotton or organiccotton Conventional cotton uses man- According to theOrganic solutions so next time you made pesticides and fertilisers Trade Association, organic Should your customers go arespeaking to your clothing in thegrowing process which cotton is grownwithout the organic? supplier,ask what options they do have an impact on the use of toxic pesticides or Besideshelpingthe have in sustainable clothing. environment andthe farms. It fertilisers. Forinstance,instead environment, thereare other maycost less to manufacture of spraying chemical pesticides benefits from organic cotton Clive and buy conventional cotton, forinsect control,sugar spray products. Working environments The branded clothing guru

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FORENQUIRIES CONTACT:01933 673111 OR [email protected] International PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE Canada’s trade body for promotional products is helping its 1,300 members address the changing nature of the sector in North America

he promotional products market branded website. It is an ongoing process in Canada is a$1.8 billion industry of continued development and upgrades, CANADA’S withapparel and drinkware/ necessarytomaintain our strong position in T housewares leading thedefined theCanadian promotional market. MAIN PLAYERS product categories sales with39% and 14% The promotional products industryhas respectively.The largest growingproduct seen remarkable change overthe past few These are 12 of the larger categoryisbusiness and recognition gifts years. Today’sbuyer expects orders to be promotional product distributors in whichcontinues to increase year after year. received, processed and deliveredwithout Canada In today’sworld of promotional products, anydelays. Industryparticipants need the distributors arefacing manychallenges, the capacitytoprovideservice at that level. The ● ASD Promotions Inc. main one being theon-line availabilityofthe on-line promotional products industrywill ● Brandalliance, Inc. entirearray of products. Corporatebuyers continue to expand intogaps that will fill ● Cotton Candy Inc. arebetter educated and can effectively thelatestneeds of thebuyer demographic. ● Gagnon Levesque Inc. source out everything they could use for Besides theone constant that is change, the ● Genumark Strategic their marketing needs without adistributor. humanelement and relationships forged Merchandising Distributors must shift from being order in this industrywill continue to play arole ● Promogroup takers to marketing consultants and bring in thetraditional supply chain providing ● Shippam & Associates value to thecorporatebuyer.The majorityof companies adapt and address theneeds of ● Staples Promotional Products distributors in Canada aresmall businesses thefuture. ● SVS Marketing withless than five staff members, which ● Talbot Marketing mayhinder their overall success as the Formoreinformation on theCanadian ● The Marco Corporation needs of thecorporatebuyer changes. Many promotional products industry, visit ● TPS Promotions &Incentives distributor companies arelooking at forming promocan.com or joining buying groups to poolresources to competeintoday’smarket. The Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC)was founded in 1956 by agroup of people actively engaged in thepromotional products business. They legally formed anot-for-profit, federally chartered organisation in Montreal called SpecialtyAdvertising Counselors of Canada (SACC). Thename waslater changed to SpecialtyAdvertising Association of Canada (SAAC) in 1982, and updated to The Promotional Products Association of Canada (PPACanada) in 1992.InNovember 2007, thecurrent name of Promotional Product Professionals of Canada Inc. (PPPC)was adopted. PPPC’s head office remainsinMontreal today, staffed by twelvefull-time employees, eachaprofessional in theirfield. They serve morethan 1,300 members in bothofficial languages. Besides advocating forthe industry, PPPC looks at providingour members with great value fortheir investment in membership,as thenumber one goal. We provide industry participants theopportunitytojoin PPPC and gain access to our main member benefit, Promocan. Promocan provides our distributor members access to more than 150,000ofPPPC member suppliers' products while marketing our distributors to thecorporateworld withtheir own

18 | product media | JANUARY/FEBURARY 2018 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

MerchandiseWorld 2018 STARTTHE YEAR WITH ABANG The first January Merchandise World is just weeks away. Find out how to get off to aracing start at Silverstone

SPS

he start of theyear is thetraditional in atraditional exhibition Merchandise World. time foreveryone involvedwith format, or hold business review All professional distributors that sales in merchandise distributor meetings by appointment in a take either of these catalogues are Tcompanies to want to knowwhat’s conversation area on an exhibition stand, invited to attend Merchandise World. new and find out about thebig selling or in aconversation pod. Thereisnolimit products in theyear ahead. on thenumberofcompanypersonnel KNOWLEDGEGATEWAY Following thesuccess of theinaugural able to attend from anyinvited distributor Merchandise WorldatStoneleigh in company. As well as thechance to meet new suppliers September,thereisanew kid on theblock and view thelatest products, therewill also in theshape of aJanuaryMerchandise DOWN TO BUSINESS be several seminars to updatevisitors on World. The two-dayexhibition is aimed at developments in theindustry. Computer providing ameeting place forthe industry, Silverstone’s The Wing venue will play host company, Apple will be talking about the including suppliers, distributors and trade of more than 150exhibitors forthe two importance of personalisation on thefirst bodies. days of business and is theperfect time day. Therewill also be an important session The showistaking place at The Wing, to see thelatest and hottest promotional on thethorny issue of GDPR,covering Silverstone, whichsuccessfully hosted the products forthe coming year.Visitors will everything businesses need to know. Visitors BPMA Showin2016. Merchandise Worldis also be able to discoverthe Merchandise will also be able to take away afreeguide to acollaborative joint venturebetween the WorldPromotional Product Awardwinners GDPR.Day two sees BPMA director general BPMA and Sourcing City, bringing together at theshow. Gordon Glenister presenting thefindings therespective strengths of theBPMAShow Moresuppliers arestill joining the of thesupplier mysteryshopper research and Sourcing CityMarketplace. industry’sbiggest names to be at whichshould be essential forall. Merchandise Worldisaunique concept Merchandise World, and this is theonly Speaking of theevent, Graeme Smith, whichcombines atraditional exhibition, place wheretheywillall be exhibiting chairman, BPMA, said: “Sourcing Cityand anetworkingevent and optional together in January2018. Around 300 theBPMAhaveaproventrack record appointments. The event is forall sales visitors have already registered to come, in delivering high qualityevents to our and administration teams, management anumberwhichisalsoincreasing as the industry, andwe'rethrilledtobeworking and directors from professional distributor event gets nearer. together to raise thebar even higher.We companies from across theUKand Ireland. Catalogue providersPremium Portfolio knowwhat it takestodelivermaximum Visitors can choose to see thehottest (byLatex Group) and The AGFCatalogue value to both suppliers and distributors, products from theindustry’stop suppliers Group (led by SPS) areofficially supporting particularly in retaining afocus on the www.productmediamagazine.co.uk JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | product media | 21 MerchandiseWorld 2018

qualityand professionalism of those attending this exciting new event. MerchandiseWorld essentials David Long, chairman and founder, Sourcing City, said: “Weare delighted to WHERE TheWing,Silverstone Circuit,NN12 8TN createthis joint ventureinMerchandise WHEN January 31 -1February, 2018 Worldwiththe BPMA, and our team is WHY morethan 150 promotionalsuppliers will be exhibitingcoveringthe excited to deliveragreat experience for gamut of merchandise.Januaryisthe maintime when everyone topindustrydistributorsand suppliers. involvedwithsales in professional distributor companieswishtosee Moreimportantly,wewant to createa thenew andbest-selling promotionalproducts. unique event that will bring true value to everyone'sbusiness.” Ahighnumberofbusiness leaders, together with their front-lineteamsare expected to attend in January, which is theperfect time to see thelatestand PRODUCT FOCUS hottest promotional productsfor thecoming year.

Everyone wants to knowwhat’snew HOW visitors can registeratmerchandiseworld.co.uk in merchandise, and topsuppliers at Merchandise Worldwillhaveplentyto show. Here arejust afew examples of what visitors will find at theshow.

SPS

Thanks to thehuge popularityofBritish- made drinkware,SPS has continued to improve itsproduct range. The bestselling H2O Active Sports Bottle range sees the introduction of astylish new spout lid on selected models, giving ahigher perceived value. Meanwhile, theBaseline Plus Sports Bottle is nowavailable withrelief-moulded branding, giving it atactile and durable finish. The Americano Mugrange, also benefits from some new additions, suchasthe introduction of theAmericano Midnight Thermal Mug. The Americano spill-proof MID lid is nowavailable in an extended range of OCEAN colours, giving customers even moreways BRANDS to createtheir perfect promotional mug. "Weknowwhatittakes to MID OCEAN BRANDS Technology is increasingly popular for delivermaximumvalue to merchandise campaigns, and Mid Ocean suppliersand distributors, Brands has some great new ideas. Sports fans will love itsTritan 500mlwater bottle particularly in retaininga withsport toweland integrated speaker. focusonthe qualityand Multifunctionalityisalso thenameofthe game withawireless flowerpot speaker professionalismofthose withnight light. If youremember the attendingthis exciting Nineties, its colour changing sublimation ROSSI ICE CREAM mug will be afun item fornostalgics. For If you’re after something cool, then look newevent." getting down to serious business, Mid no further than Southend on Sea-based Graeme Smith, Ocean will be showing items including Rossi whichcan produce high quality, a15-inchbackpacktrolley,and A5 fully branded and personalised tubs of chairman,BPMA ROSSI ICE notebookset including stylus. ice cream withacompetitive turnaround CREAM deliveredstraight to your required location. The corporatebranded tubs give you the opportunitytooffer premium, award winningRossi Ice Cream while promoting acompany, product or brand in aunique way. Thereare seven flavours available and 360-degree digital printing fortubs.

THE PEN WAREHOUSE

NewfromThe PenWarehouse, theStealth Inkredible Roller is suretostand out from thecrowd thanks to its ultra-smooth Inkredible ink technology,whichallows a

22 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

MerchandiseWorld 2018

premium writing experience in abudget- friendly pen. The Stealthalso uses thelatest double injection moulding manufacturing forseamless joins and asmart contemporaryaesthetic. The black barrel has alarge print area and is complemented by asubtle hint of colour beneaththe clip.It’savailable in arange of colours and is printed on a5-dayleadtime.

OLDEANI

SNAP PRODUCTS Snap Products’exclusive Auto-Scent Air Freshener has been developed to offer long-lasting fragrance, while its smart contemporarystyling will complement any OLDEANI car interior.The Auto-Scent’sspecifically designed membrane refill slowly releases Chelmsford-based Oldeani is enthusing its fragrance, can last up to 25 days and about theSpeedy USB charger,whichcan can be easily replaced. This unique air charge gadgets four-times faster than a freshener can be attached to avent or standardUSB using Qualcomm 3.0quick SNAP rear-view mirrorwiththe integrated clip charge. The Speedy chargerhas two PRODUCTS and elasticated loop,meaning it’salways regular USB ports and one speedy charge. on displayand offers great brand exposure. Qualcomm 3.0iscompatible withiPhone Available in arange of colours and SE and above.The Speedy is available in fragrances, it is digitally printed on a3-day blackand whiteand comes supplied in a lead time. whitegiftbox withlift off lid.

24 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk MerchandiseWorld 2018 Networking evening It’snot allwork. The firstnight of Merchandise Worldsees a EASTER BPMA organised networking andsocial eventatthe nearby WhittleburyHall hotel. PROMOTION Continue thenetworkingafter theshowwiththis free informal gatheringwhichoffers thechance to letyour SPECIALS 2018 hairdownwithcolleagues andcontacts, as well as meet theBPMAand Sourcing Cityteams.Ahot fork buffet is included. The event startsat8pm -bookyour free tickets at NEW bpma.co.uk. The BPMA has negotiated special ratesatWhittlebury Hall forthose attendingthe show. Contact whittleburyhall.co.uk.

Gubor Easter Bunny approx. 50 x70x25mm

XINDAO Newproducts from Xindao include an air powered soccer ball withcolourful LED. Afoambumper keeps it from damaging walls and furniture, making it great afor stress-free kickabout indoors. Amore serious products include theBobby Anti-Theft backpack family featuring ahost of securityfeatures, suchashidden zippers Egg box and an integrated anti-theft lock. Wireless approx. 80 x77x45mm charging is abig thing, and Xindao offers mouse mats and desk lampsthat provide it.

XINDAO

www.ksw24.eu Sales hotline: 0049 76 43 /801-17 MerchandiseWorld 2018

DESKTOP IDEAS The technology specialist is also getting on Newproduct boardthe wireless charging bandwagon withsome stylish chargersfromZens which awards is bringing great looks to functionality. The companyhas also dug up some innovative The industry's best promotional new products in theshape of asmart products willberecognised with umbrella that predicts theweather and thePromotional Product Awards at has an anti-loss function, and abackpack MerchandiseWorld in January. direction indicator forcyclists to stay safe There willbePlatinum, Gold and on our streets. Silverwinnersintwelvecategories: DESKTOP ● Desk Product IDEAS ● Pocket Product ● ExecutiveProduct ● Edible Product ● NoveltyProduct ● Eco Product ● PromotionalPen ● PromotionalBag ● PromotionalClothingItem ● TechnologyProduct ● Most InnovativeProduct ● Best Design Product of theYear

To find outmore, go to Merchandiseworld.co.uk

MULTI TOOL - CARD SIZE ● ShortLead Times ● 18 Functional Tools ● 5Colour PrintAvaliable Available KEEP On Our 7 NEW EXPRESS*DAY PRODUCT CALM LANYARDS We offer arange of Lanyards and AND we candoanExpress Service ● PantoneMatched ● Woven ● DyeSublimaimatteded ● Tubular ● Reflectiiveve NEWNEW ● DogLeads PRODUCT ● Glitterr NEW SAY YES UPDATE TO WishingWishing youyou a URGENT LANYARD ORDERS HappyHappy NewNew YearYear fromfrom

08456 17 16 15 *T &C's apply. [email protected] www.promotrade.co

26 | productmedia | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

Awareness EXHIBITIONSSET TO HIGHLIGHTMERCHANDISE

he BPMA is heading into2018 motifsand writing, embroidery, theroles of withastrong platformofshows yarnsand software,and transfer printing. to promotemembers and their PSI 2017 saw988 exhibitors from 37 Tgoods and services. As well as countries presenting their companies to theindustry’snewest show, Merchandise 18,094 visitors. PSI 2018 will take place in World, at theend of January, theBPMAis Düsseldorf from Tuesday, 9January, to leading acontingent of UK companies to Thursday, 11 January. thetraditional curtain raiser forthe year that Getmore information from psi-messe.com. is PSI in Düsseldorf. This year,the showfeatures an expanded MARKETING WEEK LIVE textiles selection in Hall 10 withmorethan 200exhibitors showcasing thevast array The BPMA is also again supporting of options. Finishing will play aparticularly Marketing Week Live on 7-8March at significant role at PSIin2018. Forthree days, Olympia. The most recent version of the B2B MARKETING EXPO visitors can stop at five stations featuring live showattracted 5,500marketers to learn Gordon is also appearing at Excel for demonstrations and best practice, including from and 120leading exhibitors to do theB2B Marketing Expo on 21-22 March business with. As well as providingan when he will be delivering asession on ‘21 interactive experience industryexperts, Great Ideas to Engage Your Clients Using suchasBPMAdirector general, Gordon Merchandise Creatively’. Witharound 700 Glenister,are delivering seminars in a exhibitors and 500seminars, theshowis packed agenda. one of theUK’sleading marketing events. More information from More information from marketingweeklive.co.uk. b2bmark.etingexpo.co.uk

28 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY2018www.productmediamagazine.co.uk Business

AN OFFERYOU CAN’TREFUSE?

Atacticaloffer can benefitsuppliers, distributors and end users, but only if they know about it, says Phil Morgan

hether it’saprice discount in adefined direction. They can shape or something extrafree, who thedirection of their business growth, doesn’t love bagging abargain? by using supplier offers to full effect. WBut when it comes to our And it’seasy fordistributors to do that, industry, does thesame apply? Do discounts either by using end-user versions of and other offers helptoclose asale for email campaigns, getting themessage promotional merchandise or arethereother out therevia social media, or just getting moreimportantfactors to consider? on thephone to let customersknow As asupplier in this industry, we’re about an excellent short-termdeal. Even alwaysexploring innovative ways to asimple advertonanemail signaturecan engage withour customer base. Over the generateawareness of products or offers. years, we’verun avarietyofoffers, such To be honest though, no matter how as exclusive discounts, reduced prices, good theincentive,the very best offer voucher incentives, andprizedraws. chancesofdistributors benefitting will will alwaysbeaguarantee of quality, Without sharing toomanysecrets, these depend on what their end-user customers excellent service, good lead times, have often been very successful. Butthe choose fortheir campaign. If distributors strong relationships, guaranteed stock questionis, what really worksfor the arepushing pens to their customers, levels and innovative products. Idon’t distributor? Withthousands of products then adiscount offer on drinkwareisn’t think there’sany discount deal that’s on themarket, howcan youensurethe particularly relevant. That’swhy suppliers ever worththe compromise on these one youhaveaspecial deal on works? looktodistributors to pushthese offers standards. Wouldn’t youagree? Asupplier maybelooking to push a and ‘pay it forward’.Distributors have certain product range or service but the thepowertotakethis marketforward Phil Morgan is CEO of SPS EU

HIGH QUALITY BANNER SPECIAL OFFER * £48.00* for all your needs this comingexhibition year Printthat gets you noticed Quote PMM16 when ordering ✓ Brochures ✓ Desk Calendars ✓ Leaflets ✓ Wall Calendars ✓ Business Cards ✓ Pop-up Banners ✓ Business Stationery ✓ Pads ✓ Posters ✓ Invites

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01895 823 718 [email protected] www.bicgraphic.eu Education Day LEARN TO SUCCEED This year’s event has brought together an impressive line-up to help the industry keep developing its skills base

ne of the key delivered by great speakers services, with an emphasis on LEADERS DEBATE planks of BPMA will run on 30 January at technology and multimedia Education Day will also membership is Whittlebury Hall, Towcester. marketing across all platforms. foster debate with audience career development. participation throughout the O TIM ANDREWS’ KEYNOTE The most successful business day, and an industry leaders people never stop learning or This year’s keynote, ‘Future debate tackling the future being influenced by others. trends of the Promotional role of the distributor. And in our fast-changing Merchandise industry’ will be BPMA director general, world, there are always new delivered by Tim Andrews, Gordon Glenister will take skills that we need to learn president and chief executive part in the in-depth session and new perspectives that officer of the Advertising which will have input from we need to appreciate. Specialty Institute (ASI). He will representatives from a Even those who have discuss current trends along number of key distributors, been around the block with the 2018 forecast for the including Fluid Branding’s a few times can pick up $23 billion North American Matt Franks, and Chris Lee pointers from others. Simply promotional products industry. from Brand Addition. listening to somebody else’s Tim joined ASI as president Last year, more than experience can unlock a in 2003 and is responsible for 90% of delegates said that new approach that can feed the vision and operations of the event exceeded their back into your business. the privately held company. expectations. For more details The latest BPMA Education Under his guidance, it has Tim Andrew, president, on this year’s event, and to Day aims to provide just become the industry leader ASI is set to discuss book a place at Education industry trends at the this sort of inspiration, in the development and BPMA Education Day Day, go to bpma.co.uk. education, and skills buffing. management of print and A series of engaging seminars web-based products and

SEE THE FULL EDUCATION DAY LINE-UP ON THE NEXT PAGE

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | product media | 31 EducationDay

This year’s speakers at theBPMAEducation Day -30thJanuary

Getting inside your Business networking in the client’s head 21st century Stefan Thomas Michelle Mills-Porter The author of Business Networking forDummies and As CEO of EnsizeUK, Michelle’ssession will showyou howto Instant Networking is atrueadvocateofjoined up identifybehaviour typesataglance,toreadbodylanguage networking. In afast-paced seminar,Stefanwill give at an advanced level,tounderstand facialexpressions and youhints,tips and tactics youcan use to buildahuge microfacialexpressions, to tell what peoplereally mean competitive advantage through face to face networking, despitethe wordsthey use, andtospeak in theirlanguage. combined withsocial media and other marketing. By pre-emptingwants andneeds, youcan createrelationships that areimpenetrable to thecompetition,aswell as pitching perfectly, pricingright andwinning morebusiness. How to handle social engagement on the move No, Iamnot interested: how Warren Knight to handle sales objections In this seminar youwill discoverthe latest apps to save time, Anthony Stears thebestsocial networkstobuildacommunityand drive traffic andmaintain asocialmediapresencewhile on themove. Better known as ‘the telephone assassin’, Anthonywill share It’s easy to get sucked intosocial media platformsfor hours thebasic principlestoachieving success on thetelephone. at astretch,but Warren will explainhow to manage them in From mind-set to call structures, from specifictechniques muchlesstimewiththe right apps andsome planning. and objectionhandling, you’re guaranteed to walk away feeling moreconfidentaboutpickingupthe phone.Turning cold-callersintoproactive experts, thesession finishes Millennials: changing the withashort Q&A, giving youthe opportunity to find the face of buying answers to tackle your biggest challenges on thephone. LeeGilbert

Leewillbeexplaining howtoengage with Millennials, whoare today’sbusiness-to-business,middle-ageddecision makers andthe generationspending themost disposable income on thehigh street(and online). Theirweb-based behaviouris at odds with olderBaby-Boomers andGeneration Xand any digital marketing strategy needs to recognisetheir analogue childhood means they stilldemand brick andmortarstores with cross channelmarketing, buttheydoenjoy the benefits of digitalautomation, personalised offersand social influence.

What your brand says about you Karen Newbold

Your brand is so manythings.It’swhatpeoplesay about youwhenyou’renot in theroom. It’sthe reason they do or don’t choose youoveracompetitor.It’sthe first thing people notice aboutyou and thelastthing they remember. But howdoyou know what your brandissaying? And more importantly howdoyou discoverwhat it should be saying? Karen’ssessionlooks at rbl’s approachtoastrategic branding programme,fromunderstanding customerperceptions to creatingabrand that hasadistinctive voiceinthe marketplace. The outcomesare relevant not only to customers, butare critically important to employees,strategic partnersand investors. rblisoffering areportfromits online Brand Strength Test to thefirst 20 participantswho complete it. It only takesa fewminutes to completeand askssomesimple multiple- choice questions around your company’s vision, offer, identity, cultureand itsexecution.Participantswillreceive an individualreport on theday,and Karenwillsharean overviewofcommon issues and challenges duringthe session. To participate,email [email protected].

Book your place at bpma.co.uk

32 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk

Sourcing City Awards

SUPPLIERS ANDDISTRIBUTORS RANKED BY PEERS he winners of the10thannual Sourcing SUPPLIER AWARDS CityAwardshavebeen announced. The awards showhow well both Specialist supplier of theyear Major wholesaler of theyear suppliers and distributors areregarded 1. Crystal Galleries 1. Laltex Promo T 2. PenWarehouse 2. SPS (EU) by eachother. In thedistributor categories thewinners were 3. Bizz Badge Company 3. PF Concept UK Fluid Branding, Mojo Promotions and Bounce 4. Umbrella Company 4. Impression Europe Creative Designs. Laltex Promo woninthe 5. Listawood 5. Mid OceanBrands major wholesaler categories forthe second year 6. Bags HQ 6. Xindao running and Crystal Galleries wasthe specialist 7. Bagco 7. Preseli supplier of theyear. 8. TheSweet People 8. Promo Trade Co. Distributors and suppliers eachhad threevotes 9. WCM&A 9. Easy Gifts UK on afirst to thirdbasis foreachcategory.. 10.Screenworks 10.Clipper Gifts WINNERS

Distributor of theyear -£3m+ Distributor of theyear -£1-3m Distributor of theyear -<£1m 1. Fluid Branding 1. Mojo Promotions 1. Bounce Creative Designs 2. Allwag Promotions 2. AD Merchandise 2. Go Promotional 2. TotalMerchandise 3. Pellacraft 3. BH1 Promotions 3. 4imprint Direct 4. AMTMarketing 4. PinfoldPromotions 4. Brand Addition 5. BMM 5. ASPPromotions 5. Dowlis Inspired Branding 6. Hype Branding 6. Connect Promotions 6. Everything Branded 7. Creative Emporium 7. Brandroom 7. Premier Print &Promotions 8. Beeline Promotional Products 7. Cre8TiveBrand Ideas 8. Arcadia CorporateMerchandise 8. Ross Promotional Products 7. JDMMerchandise 9. LSI 8. Steel CityMarketing 10.RTPromotions 9. Firebrand Promotions 8. Willsmer Wagg

34 | product media | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 www.productmediamagazine.co.uk Technology THEVISION THING Augmented reality is still relatively unexplored, but it is reaching atipping point, predicts Matt Pluckrose

anyofuswereveryunfamiliar Information about theenvironment and withaugmented reality(AR) its objects is overlaid on thereal world. until Nintendo launched Originally,immersive AR experiences MPokémon Go to theworld in were used in entertainment and game 2016.The app soon had millions of kids businesses, but nowother industries and adults chasing animated prey in the arealso getting interested about AR’s real worldvia theGPS in theirsmartphones. possibilities, forexample in knowledge So,has AR gone on to inspireour sector? It sharing, educating, managing the seems theanswer is ‘not yet’. information flood and organising distant Over thepast tenyears we have seen that meetings. marketers can be slowtoadopt thelatest AR and promotionalcampaigns gadgets, software andtechnology,with marketisforecast to top$150billion by manychoosing to watchand wait and see The AR experience enables themarketerto 2020. if apassing fadisheretostayornot? communicateina‘live’ waywiththe target AR is starting to be offeredbyinnovators WhatisAR? marketvia video, 3D graphics and other in our sector and has thecapacitytodeliver calls to action. It can assist apromotional amessage in amodernand interactive way. Augmented realityenhances your perception product that couldbegenerally rather flat Stayingahead of thegame is keyintoday’s of reality,offeringenriched experiencesor and uninspiring, suchasacoaster,badge, competitive markets. Whynot offer to add situations. It is related to aconcept called powerbank or lanyard,tocome to lifeand extravalue foryour client on their next computer mediated reality,inwhich aview tell astory or push theconsumer to avideo promotional product and open theireyesto of reality is modified by acomputer.With message to deliveraninteractive message. anew digital age? thehelp of advanced AR technology the Brands arealready using it in campaigns, information about thesurrounding real world including Tesco,Disney,Lacoste, NewLook, Matt Pluckrose is managing of theuser becomes interactive. BMW Z4,TOPPS trading cards, and BIC. This director of Desktop Ideas A gift box is not just for Christmas.

Call: +44(0)1525 371371 | [email protected] | www.thesweetpeople.com Business

UBER CASE SHOWS NEED FORGDPRPREP

ber’s recent admission that 2.7 forceon25May 2018,introducing new regulation will be higher than those million people in theUKwere accountabilityobligations and stronger presently administered. Companies could affected by asecuritybreach rights and restrictions on international have to payupto€20 million or 4% of Uunderlines thefact that even dataflows. Businesses that handle data globalturnover, whichever is higher. thelargest and most technology-oriented need to start preparing forthese new Forcompanies looking to understand businesses can be affected by dataissues. obligations, whichinclude theduty and preparefor GDPR,the BPMA is The EU’sGeneral Data Protection to inform of anydatabreaches. running aseminar at Merchandise World Regulation (GDPR) is due to come into Penalties forinfringing thenew runbydataand marketing consultancy DAMM Solutions. Visitors to theshowwill Preparingfor GDPR also be givenafreeguide to GDPR. inspire| educate |connect On the25May,2018, thebiggest of these positions will be created changes in dataprotectionfor 20 in theUKinthe next five years. years will become legally enforceable, •Severepenalties arebeing put in place: withthe EU General Data Protection -Upto2%ofglobalrevenue forfailing Regulation (GDPR) coming intoeffect. to comply withGDPR. The GDPR applies to anycompanies -Upto4%ofglobalrevenue (irrespective of size) that process (or €10million) whichever is or handle EU residents’personally greater foradatabreach identifiable information (PII). •Don’t be confused by ‘Brexit’. Action is required now. GDPR commences well before •Larger organisations, or thosewith anypotential Brexit date. more complex datasystems will need APractical Introduction to the General Data Protection Regulation to employadesignated Data Protection Source: DAMM Solutions Written by DAMM Solutions, on behalf of theBPMA Officer (DPO). Estimates suggest 7,500 (dammsolutions.co.uk)

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Behind the scenes film focuses on branding

arrative Glue Creative,the lifeand thejourney it takesbeforeitgets BPMA’s video production agency to thecustomer is alwaysaneye-opener. partner,has produced aseries We ended up withsome beautiful vibrant Nof films of thenew education footage whichreally demonstrated theskills, programme, focusing on theprinting of technology,and creativeness of thestaff branded items. and themanymachine processes used to The companyspent twodayswith makebranded promotional products.” its crew in Blackpoolfilming ‘behind the Thecompleted film can be viewedat scenes’atSPS. The brief wastocreatea narrativegluecreative.com/bpma. series of films whichdemonstrated the Narrative Glue is pleased to offer all manydifferent printing processes involved. BPMA members a10% discount on any Suzi Jones, creative director,Narrative productionwork. If you’re thinking about Glue, said: “Thereisalwayssomething using video foryour business, talk to Suzi fascinating about the‘behind thescenes’ at [email protected] or call format. Seeing howaproduct starts its 01494817575.

Awardsnapped up by BrandAddition

Brand Addition pickedupan awardfor Best SubjectLineatthe Communigator conference and awards. The merchandise company’s Golden Gatoraward wasfor thebest subjectline by average CTR overa year. Communigator provides B2Bemail marketing software,and gathered 120 marketers to itsannualevent.Speakers included BPMA director general Gordon Glenister,who presented an overview of themerchandise sector.

www.productmediamagazine.co.uk JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | product media | 39 ∞ Multichannel Supplier Diamond BrandedCompany T/A BPMA News EssentialMarketerLtd Newmembers joining theBPMAinthe last 12 months ∞ Distributor Ice HotLtd ∞ Distributor Logo Bug Company ∞ Distributor Manic Merchandise ∞ Distributor Hartlands Promotions ∞ Distributor Ice Communications T/a Ice Creative ∞ Distributor Pillory BarnDesignLimited ∞ Multichannel supplier Farrah’s of Harrogate ∞ Distributor Brandables Limited ∞ Multichannel Supplier Villeroy &Boch ∞ Distributor Aquatint Limited ∞ ServiceProviderUltima Displays ∞ Multichannel SupplierThe Brilliant BakersLimited T/A The Cake Store ∞ Distributor Peratone ∞ Distributor UR Promotions Limited ∞ Distributor Connect 2Sussex ∞ Multichannel Supplier Rossi (SouthendonSea) LtdT/A ∞ Distributor Another Planet Rossi Ice Cream ∞ Multichannel Supplier Geoffrey Parker ∞ Multichannel Supplier Arca Industries Limited ∞ Multichannel supplier Logo International ∞ Distributor Shout PromotionalMerchandise ∞ Multichannel supplier RGMM Ltd ∞ Distributor UKOS Plc ∞ Distributor IdentityPromotions ∞ Distributor M&M Printingand Promotions ∞ Distributor The ExtraStep ∞ Distributor BrandRepublic ∞ Distributor Buy Promoproducts limited ∞ Multichannel Supplier In your face advertising ∞ Multichannel SupplierAmoreBakery ∞ Distributor BroadfoldBusiness GiftsLimited Thumbs up from have updated my marketing strategy,and invaluable, and Ileft withamuchclearer to sayIamexcited about thepossibilities insight intothe merchandising industry. I newmembers forthe futureisanunderstatement. The would recommend this to anyone who is Merchandise Worldvouchers have already starting out in theindustry.” The BPMA’s latest new member seminar paid formymembership–Iwish Ihad Newmember seminars help orient in London received positive feedback joined theBPMAtwo years ago.” newcomers to theindustry, providing an from attendees. Chani Martin, director, Chris Pooleofthe Ice Agency, agreed. overview.Further seminars will be held M&M Printing &Promotions, said: “If you “The sales and marketing tips were in 2018. arecompletely new to thepromotional industrythis event is essential -itwill give your business exactly thestart youare 31 January looking for. If youhavebeeninthe industry BPMA CALENDAR forawhile,but arewondering which Merchandise Worldnetworking direction your business should take,you will evening, WhittleburyHall, Towcester receive invaluable advice. Since attending I 2018 7-8March Marketing Week Live,Olympia, 9-11 January London PSI, Dusseldorf 13-14March 14-18January Sedex, The Brewery, London PPAI, Las Vegas 21 March 30 January Haptica, Bonn BPMA Education Day, Whittlebury Hall, Towcester 21-22 March B2B Marketing Expo,Excel, London January31-1February2018 Merchandise World, The Wing, 12-13September Silverstone Merchandise World, Farnborough e appy N w Year H What’s new with Preseli? ! By the windy Sons Come and find out at… Woof! What’snew of Astroeus Mark, Marketing Mike? what’snew?

Amazing new Seriously quick From Wednesday 31st Jan websiteportal for full colour range, customers, Ziggo! Promoman! to ThursdayT 1st Feb, 2018

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Formoreinformation on these or any other products in our range, contact us nowon01352 730 006 by phone; [email protected] by email or find us on the webatwww.preseli.biz. People If youhaveany storiesfor ProductMedia Magazine,send by email to: [email protected]

Tenfromtwo MOVES

Newdirectorsfor BPMA TheBPMAhas appointedtwo newboard directors:Andrew Hill, managing director, SenatorPens, andClive Allcott, commercial director, Screenworks. The appointments were announced at the14thAGM in Londonin November. BPMA chairman,Graeme Smith said:“Ourassociation is in strong shape, particularly with thesuccessofthe firstBPMA show andthe newpartnership with Sourcing City on MerchandiseWorld.Weare really lookingtoinvestinour industry Debbie Willsmer KironPhillips in 2018 with anumberofkey industry initiatives.Iamdelighted to welcome on boardtwo very experiencedindustryindividuals in Andrew andClive that will Managing director Head of marketingand help us move theassociation Willsmer Wagg media forward.” CliveAllcott,said: “I am GreatCentral Plastics reallydelightedtobeinvolved in theBPMAatthislevel,and particularly playingmypart What are youreading at themoment? What are youreading at themoment? to help drivethe association TheBreak by Marian Keyes I’membarrassed to admitthatIam forward. Thereare so many What’s on youriPod? notreadinganythingatthe moment exciting initiativesplannedin BrunoMars aside from my Instagram newsfeed 2018 andour industry needsa What are themost important What’s on your iPod? strong association likethe BPMA lessonsyou’velearned in life? Ilikeall sortsofmusic,for examplemy to drivethese forwards.” Be kind,listenand treatothersas recent downloadsinclude albums from Andrew Hill said he was youwould like to be treated Skepta andSam Smith. Abit of amix pleasedtoberejoiningthe board. CappuccinoorLatte? What are themost important “Asatrade association,the BPMA Neither. WhiteAmericano lessonsyou’velearned in life? undoubtedlyworks hard and What makesyou feel warm andfluffy? Theimportanceofpatience.Progress hasnotchedupmanynotable Blackand whitemoviesinfront of alog fire is stillprogressnomatterhow slow achievements in recentyears. Bestplace in theworld? Cappuccino or Latte? So much moreisplanned, and St Lucia Cappuccino Iamhappy to provideasmuch If you couldchangeone thing? What makesyou feel warmand fluffy? assistance as Ican in helpingitto Brexit –weshould have stayed Blankets achieve itsaims.” Howwould you like to be remembered? Bestplace in theworld? She livedlifetothe full andthensome! London What are youproudestof? If you couldchangeone thing? My sonwho is 21 andrunning National speedlimit. Ilikefastcars hisfirst marathon Howwould you like to be remembered? What’s been thehardest Someonewho worked hard to get momentofyourlife, andhow wheretheywantedtobeinlife didyou getthrough it? What are youproudestof? My lovely dadMikediedsuddenly Graduating with adegreeinbusiness 17 yearsago.The supportoffamily management andmarketing andfriends wasinvaluable What’s been thehardest momentofyourlife, andhow didyou getthrough it? Itookpartinatrekthrough the Himalayasand became sick dueto drinking some bad water. Trekking for thenextfourdays, eighthoursper day withoutfood wastough.One step at a Left to right: CliveAllcott, time gotmetothe end, eventually! Andrew Hill, Graeme Smith

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