Search begins for first entrepreneur of the industry

The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) has launched a nationwide search for the leading entrepreneur of the promotions and incentives industry.

Set to be launched at the National Incentive Show in September, the BPMA, will be searching for an individual showing new initiative, innovative concepts and a proactive business approach which has proven successful.

Criteria for the winning entrant includes:

- Entrepreneurial flair, including commitment to quality, risks taken, overcoming barriers and perseverance.
- Innovation ñ new market, new approaches, ability to adapt, marketplace randd etc
- Personal integrity ñ values and personal style
- Development of people and delegation
- Financial performance ñ profitability and long term sustainability
- Strategic direction ñ vision, going for growth, measuring progress
- Impact ñ market share and expansion

The Entrepreneur Of The Industry Award is open to all individuals who are involved in any aspect of the promotional marketing industry; i.e. agency, manufacturer, service provider, supplier, printer, buyer, sourcer, distributor, product designer etc.

This new initiative has been developed by the BPMA, which comprises hundreds of member companies, following strong demand for greater recognition of excellence in the 20 billion promotional marketing industry.

David Lebond, Vice Chairman of the BPMA commented: ìThere are a number of exceptional businesses and concepts in this industry started by individuals with brilliant foresight which have gone largely unnoticed. We aim to change this as part of our drive to instil greater knowledge and recognition for the enormous effort our industry contributes to promotional marketing as a discipline.î

The Entrepreneur Of The Industry Award will be presented at the BPMAís annual Christmas lunch in December 2006. The judging panel will include the Chairman of the BPMA and Bhavna Mistry, editor of Promotions and Incentives magazine.

This new industry award is supported by Promotions and Incentives magazine and the National Incentive Show.

Further details of the judging panel and full criteria for entries will be launched at the BPMA stand at the National Incentive Show with further information being available on the BPMA website from 19 September. Visit www.bpma.co.uk