UK – The Advantage Buying Group, Kenilworth, celebrated its 25th anniversary in style in November 2025 with a Members’ Day, a product presentation and a concluding gala dinner.
The celebrations began with a general meeting, during the course of which, Phil Goodman, CEO of the British BPMA association, described the present status within the industry and talked about the current trends and challenges. The “Sustainable Genius Bar” was next on the agenda – where specialist suppliers examined common assumptions about sustainable branded items, debunked myths, gave practical advice and presented innovative approaches for integrating circular principles into the daily procurement processes.
After lunch, approx. 50 suppliers took part in the Advantage product presentation, offering an initial insight into new products and innovations. The Gala Dinner was staged in the evening, where outstanding achievements within the Advantage Group were distinguished. Among others, initiatives promoting innovation, sustainability and exceptional service received particular recognition.
There was a surprise in store for Lawrence Angelow, co-founder of the Advantage Group: First of all, Gill Thorpe (The Sourcing Team) and Debbie Willsmer (Willsmer Swag) paid tribute to him in “This is your life” style, before taking a selfie with Angelow, who noticed when he turned round that everyone in the room was wearing a mask with his face on it.
