As part of a continual member support programme, the BPMA will run educational seminars to provide relevant and important information to the marketing services industry and BPMA members.

An initial seminar for members is to take place at the BPMA in London on 22 November.

The BPMA China Trade Advisory Group comprises board directors Gill Thorpe, Margot Parker, John Mallows and Stephen Barker, all of whom have extensive experience of working with suppliers in the Far East and with the legislation that controls it.

Stephen Barker said: “The purpose of this new initiative is to open up a channel, create an active live debate and share the knowledge we have on this subject. Dealing with China is an increasing part of our industry and we all need to share our expertise in ensuring that customers have complete confidence that we operate to the highest standards and with professionalism.”

“Following the many recent product safety scares and recalls, this remit is being widened to other countries.We shall maintain a bank of information, particularly from countries where there is less adequate knowledge about, or control over, importing and exporting.” The areas the BPMA will be looking at include:

Identifying and selecting suppliers: Developing proactive measures, including approved supplier audit criteria and a BPMA approved code of conduct.

Examining the setting and checking of supply specification: Including audit/inspection services.

Communication, documentation and confidentiality: Including intellectual property, NDAs and the relevance of legal backup/insurance.

Risk assessment: Actions to identify and mitigate risks associated with sourcing from these countries.

Developing a foundation training programme: Including core general skills, and specific processes and principals.

Europe update: Measures that the EU has taken to put new checks on the Chinese production chain.

Stephen Barker concludes: “Recent news scares have raised many questions in the minds of brand managers about manufacturing overseas. We want to help buyers to understand and have renewed confidence in what they buy and where it comes from.”

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