As a trade association we are continuously asked by our members how best to go about winning tenders and contracts and what key factors influence that choice.

John Greenway MP announced the launch of the BPMA Academy to attendees of a recent reception at the House of Commons, organised by the National Incentive Show (NIS) and Print for Business Exhibition.

In recent years, the printwear and promotion industry has seen bespoke merchandise dramatically increase in popularity. It seems that the opportunity to design a completely unique item is becoming more and more appealing to customers. 

In 1958, the trade association now widely known as PROMOTA, was set up to promote ethical trading in quality goods within the promotional merchandise sector.

PROMOTA member BTC Group is a company that is proud to offer bespoke merchandise.

The Middlesex-based company was established in 1977 and has been actively selling bespoke clothing options for more than 20 years.

Why do referrals work? Simply because there is no more powerful marketing than a positive unsolicited recommendation from a trusted independent source that has benefited from your business service.

The England football team may not have qualified for Euro 2008, but there are still plenty of sporting events for those in the promotional merchandise industry to get involved in and generate business from.

Summer is the perfect time to take up a new sport, or one you may have neglected in recent months, and improve your health and fitness.

PROMOTA member LSI Limited knows how busy the summer months can be for those involved in the promotional merchandise industry.

The UK's £20billion promotional marketing industry has officially launched the search for the most dynamic entrepreneur to be this year's Entrepreneur of the Industry. And the 2008 initiative will be offering an exclusive new range of prizes.

Whether you use your website as a means of selling goods or services or just as a corporate brochure interface, websites have become a fundamental part of any business these days, especially in our industry. It is therefore not surprising that over 70% of businesses now have a website.

Health and safety legislation: a generic code of practice to which all businesses must comply. And that's it - right?  Whilst it's certainly true that regardless of size, industry or status, every business must adhere to health and safety regulations or face the consequences, it pays to remember that health and safety policies must be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual company.

Over the past few months I have attended several trade exhibitions and encountered a trend which, as a manufacturer and trade-supplier, is of great concern to me.

PROMOTA member Fanéla is a company that is fully aware of how health and safety policies affect its practices and workforce.  A supplier of printed and embroidered promotional garments, the company has 18 years' experience in the industry. 

As an industry we are increasingly seeing more and more businesses in the UK moving towards online interaction when doing business, as it is a business tool that is seen to be cheap, quick and easy to use. This is in sharp contrast to our European counterparts who seem to prefer face-to-face relations when conducting business.

• New BPMA Awards - New categories announced
• The BPMA Entrepreneur of the Industry Award 2008 - the 2008 search begins
• Hot Product Zone - A showcase of the industry's latest innovative products
• Advanced Membership - highlighting the key benefits
• BPMA website - see the latest developments
• Survey -The BPMA links with Source-e survey

Increased media attention to ethical concerns in recent years has raised consumer awareness to the fact that their purchasing decisions can have an environmental and ethical impact on the planet. 

Mantis World is a company that understands the demands of the printwear and promotion market. Since the company first opened in 2000, the PROMOTA member has witnessed many changes in the market.

With the year started and, as usual, passing all too quickly, many of us have seen that the level of enquiries in 2008 has been great, and business in general has been extremely buoyant so far. 

Exhibiting at shows needs to be cost effective, but simply turning up and manning a stand is not enough to ensure a marketing and commercial success. In fact, it takes a lot of foresight, planning and marketing activities to maximise the return on your investment at exhibitions.

PFConcept, the leading European importer of promotional gifts and corporate clothing, is a company that recognises the importance of CSR programmes.

The International PROMOTA Show 2008 surpassed itself this year with more suppliers, exhibitors and distributors attending than in 2007.

Increased media attention to a diverse range of social, environmental and ethical problems over the past decade has helped generate an ethical revolution. More than ever before, the general public is concerned with these issues and aware that their behaviour can help relieve or prevent these problems for future generations.

Calypso Rose, entrepreneur and creative force behind the "Clippykit" bag and range of PVC fashion accessories, has won the Entrepreneur of the Industry Award 2007. 

In a world increasingly affected by globalisation, increased competitiveness and maturing products, the need for creativity and entrepreneurship has never been greater. Luckily the attractions of becoming an entrepreneur have never been greater either, especially since a shift from predominantly manufacturing to a service-based economy has lowered the cost and barriers to entry for entrepreneurs.

Trade shows and exhibitions are the ideal events to generate new business, discover upcoming trends in the market, and meet face to face with existing and potential clients in a productive but relaxed environment.

Over the past 10 years, the promotional industry has become a more challenging and demanding market.

Mid Ocean Brands is a leading importer and wholesaler of business gifts and premiums, with a range of over 4,500 promotional gift items.

“The public won't accept it” is what Sainsbury's Justin King said on the Today programme when questioned about the possibility of an all-out ban on plastic bags. This is a stance which is shared by a number of other retailers and government who perhaps fear it would be unpopular with consumers.

A shortlist of five of the UK promotional marketing industry’s most innovative entrepreneurs has been decided by judges searching for the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Industry Award – an annual initiative from the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA).

New Year resolutions: perfect opportunities to assess what changes we need to make in order to ensure a more fulfilling year ahead. More exercise, less alcohol, quit smoking, for example…

2007 was an interesting and eventful year for PROMOTA. However, in terms of promotion and marketing effort, it is indeed now history.

Established in 1990, UK Leisurewear (UKL) specialises in the distribution of leisurewear and associated products to the print, embroidery and retail trades.