PPAI’s Barnett Visits Industry Members In The UK

BPMA Director General Gordon Glenister (left) and PPAI Diversity Development and Engagement Manager Seth Barnett met to discuss common challenges and opportunities in the U.S. and UK markets.

PPAI Diversity Development and Engagement Manager Seth Barnett connected with industry members in the UK during a recent trip to London. Mirroring many of the conversations going on in the U.S., the discussions focused on globalization and trends in the international marketplace.

Barnett sat down with Gordon Glenister, director general of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) to discuss common challenges, areas of collaboration between the two associations and the value the organizations can bring to their members by working together. The conversation also turned to product responsibility, as the BPMA has launched a product safety program that shares many commonalities with PPAI’s own initiative.

“The BPMA has established a uniquely valuable presence in the UK market,” says Barnett. “Gordon and his team work tirelessly to deliver the utmost member value to a market that continually shifts. I believe that with further collaboration, we can learn just as much from them as they can from us.”

Barnett (second left), met with Outstanding Branding's Sales Director Andy Thorne, Sales Manager Chris Dawson and Managing Director Sarah Penn at their offices in London.

London-based distributor Outstanding Branding invited Barnett to visit its offices, meet the staff and discuss the challenges they face in the UK market, and the tools PPAI can provide to help streamline business.

“Outstanding Branding has built a really positive environment for their employees,” says Barnett. “They maintain an effective, engaging workplace and have done a lot to build collaboration among their staff.”