After a successful meeting with the Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart MP and Andrew Lewer MP, representatives from the BPMA, Department of International Trade, the BPMA have secured a further discussion relating to the export burdens placed on SMEs.
The meeting in April was secured after Andrew Lewer MP presented a question in the Commons a few weeks ago on behalf of the BPMA, detailing the challenges faced by BPMA members and many other SMEs in exporting to the EU, instigated by BPMA Board Director and Juniper founder Andrew Langley. BPMA Chair Angela Wagstaff (Allwag Promotions) and Andrew Langley presented the case for distributors and suppliers during the meeting.
Collaboration with Government
The BPMA were delighted to report the meeting and subject of support for SMEs linked to VAT burdens was well received. As a result, the BPMA have secured dedicated time with the Department of International Trade to work collaboratively with the BPMA and other Government departments to address the challenges faced by our industry.
Recognition of the financial burden faced by businesses has been central to the BPMA’s position to Government; solutions to provide funding, simplify processes, and further resource are under discussion. BPMA Chair Angela Wagstaff said; ‘The case the BPMA has presented to the Minister gives the promotional merchandise industry a voice. We urge everyone to complete the survey so we can share an accurate picture in our report to Government.’
With news also released in April advertising and marketing spend is set to grow during the remainder of 2021 to 15.2%, this indicates a spend recovery stronger than any other global economy, signaling incoming demand to the promotional merchandise sector as other services such as events are reintroduced. With order levels set to grow, favourable trading conditions and meeting end-user expectations will be more important than ever.
Presenting the case for Promotional Merchandise
The BPMA are now conducting an industry wide survey to collate the picture of gains, losses and challenges experienced because of the Transition period ending to help examine how the specific needs for the industry can be addressed.
Take part in the survey now and share your views.
Reporting back to industry
The results of the survey will be shared in a special industry session alongside trend reports from Sourcing City to look at the true levels of business in the last 12-18 months.
Impressing on the Minister the integral role promotional merchandise plays to many adjacent industries, the need for agility, competitive pricing and retaining business with British companies, the BPMA will be representing the needs of its members to examine trading conditions.
Experiencing the toughest trading climate in living memory, the BPMA are working hard to provide advice, guidance, and training to support every member. This latest development will help the BPMA find further backing for the whole industry and BPMA members.
Take part
If you would like to take part in the survey, please access the survey here. Responses will be collected until Monday 17th May where they will be compiled into a report together with fresh industry insights.
Contact the BPMA for further information
If you would like to speak to the BPMA about the survey, please contact the BPMA via enquiries@bpma.co.uk
Published on: May 7th, 2021
