UK – On January 24 and 25, 2024 the CBS Arena in Coventry was once again the venue for the Merchandise World, the largest and most important meeting point of the British promotional products industry. According to the organisers more than 150 promotional products suppliers presented their products and services to the promotional products trade at the spring edition of the trade show that is jointly organised by the British industry service provider Sourcing City and the BPMA (British Promotional Merchandise Association).
Alongside the big players and numerous specialists from the United Kingdom, once again many international importers and manufacturers exhibited at the show. David Long, the founder and Executive Chairman of Sourcing City, stated that the share of exhibitors from the European mainland has declined slightly since Brexit, however the show is evidently still just as relevant for those companies that are still doing business with British members. According to Sourcing City, approx. 1,500 visitors came to the show over the course of the two days (Spring 2023: 1,354). Many of the exhibitors praised the frequency of the visitors and the quality of the discussions and leads. Overall, a busy and positive mood prevailed. Some of the exhibitors consider this to be a barometer for the macroeconomic situation – according to a current survey by Sourcing City the British promotional products industry was able to record a growth of 4.2% compared to the previous year in spite of the many challenges brought about by Brexit, inflation etc.
As usual, on the first evening of the show the BPMA invited guests to their popular Awards Dinner, which according to the association was attended by a record number of 540 guests. In the scope of a festive ceremony, the BPMA presented the awards “Supplier of the Year” (Desktop Ideas, Preseli, The Bizz Badge Company, Laltex Group), “Distributor of the Year” (Ellenell, Get Yourself Noticed, Big Bear Promo, TC Branding Group, Allwag Promotions, Fluid Branding), “Distributor Marketing Campaign of the Year” (Fluid Branding), “Supplier Marketing Campaign of the Year” (The Outdoors Company), “Briman Award” (Total Merchandise) and the Grand Prix of the Product Awards, which went to The Sweet People. Graeme Smith (Allwag Promotions) was distinguished with the BPMA Recognition Award, which honours outstanding industry personalities. Smith was a member of the BPMA board for almost ten years, most recently as its President.
Tribute was also paid to Carey Trevill: The Managing Director of the BPMA announced that she was stepping down during the dinner – she wants to dedicate more time to her many other professional projects. The search is on for a successor for Trevill, who during her term of office navigated the association through Brexit and significantly further developed it.
A detailed report will be published in eppi magazine No. 151 (February 21, 2024).
// Till Barth
Photos: Till Barth, © WA Media
