Entrants could win the opportunity to display their invention to trade buyers at next year's BPA Baby and Child at the NEC, Birmingham, and go on to full production and substantial sales as with previous finalists. Finalists also receive a cash prize.

This year's winner, Andrew Trainer, has been astounded at the interest in his Pouch Baby Carrier since being presented with the award last month. “Everything is going nuts at the moment! I made lots of contacts with manufacturers and distributors at BPA Baby and Child, and had my first meeting last week regarding obtaining a licensing deal. Entering Concept 2007 has definitely been worthwhile! Being able to showcase your product at an event where all the relevant contacts are together under one roof really makes things much easier.”

For more information or for an entry form contact Lorraine Brophy at the Baby Products Association on 0845 456 9570 or email L.Brophy@b-p-a.org.   

BPA Retail - committed to taking customer service to a new level

BPA Retail is increasingly providing the link between the manufacturers or distributors of baby products and the end consumer with many new retailers signing up to be part of the scheme.

BPA Retail's ultimate aim is to enable the general public to make an informed choice when choosing a nursery retailer whilst offering support and a whole host of benefits to its members. Since last month's BPA Baby & Child, the scheme has continued to grow in popularity as retailers seek official BPA endorsement.

One of the newest members is Paula Oppenheimer of Blue Daisy, an internet retail site and boutique store in South End Green in London. Paula joined BPA Retail whilst visiting BPA Baby & Child in October. When asked what she was hoping to achieve from becoming a member she said “Although I know that all our customers can buy with confidence, being able to display the BPA Retail Sticker both on the website and in the shop window ensures that our customers will know it too. What's more the other services that come with the package are also very valuable to us.”

To become a member, retailers must satisfy stringent criteria and qualifying members are provided with a membership certificate and window stickers for public display. As recognition of the scheme increases, it will become more important than ever for retailers to opt in, thereby demonstrating that they hold the needs of the consumer as paramount.

Joining BPA Retail can genuinely be viewed as an investment; the PR received and positive impact on the business can help the top line and this combined with savings on operating costs from the membership services will all flow through to the bottom line.

For further information about how you can join please call 0845 456 9587.

The imperative to Co-exist!

At last month's BPA Baby & Child the annual awards were announced. This included the Retailer of the Year which was sponsored by Recaro.

As the announcements were made there was a real air of excitement in the room. The obvious pride at being nominated for this prestigious award was plain for all to see. Kiddicare, the overall winners, mounted the stage as a team, all overjoyed to be named Retailer of the Year.

The independent retailer, both large and small, is tremendously important to us. They give a personal service to prospective parents at one of the most important and exciting times in their lives. Many of these retailers are family operated stores; in many cases run by parents for parents a fact that can provide amity with customers.

Yes, of course there are many consumers who would prefer to go to larger out of town multiples and it is important that there is this freedom of choice. Likewise we must always strive to ensure that this choice is maintained by supporting the diversity offered by independent retailers of all sizes.

Moreover, the knowledge, expertise and personal service offered by our independent sector is vitally important to the well being of our industry and we believe that there exists a place in the supply chain for all.

Staff Changes at the BPA

After 11 years in the service of the BPA, Jenny Burrows has decided that it is time for her to seek a new challenge. Jenny will be leaving the BPA at the end of December. Jenny started with the Association as support for the then General Secretary and as the organisation grew so she grew with it. Jenny became Event Manager for BPA Baby & Child in 2001 and has been instrumental in the development and delivery of many successful events not least this year's exhibition that was simply one of the best ever.

Jenny said “the BPA has grown dramatically over the last eleven years and I feel privileged to have been part of this development. I have got to a certain stage in my life now where I am seeking new challenges but leaving the BPA will be very hard as it has been such a big part of my life over the last decade.”

For those of you that know Jenny and I imagine that is many, I am sure, like me, you will be sad to see her go. I would like to thank Jenny on behalf of the Association and all its members for her tremendous contribution and wish her well in her future career.

The task is now for us to replace her and that won't be easy.

Tel: 0845 456 9570
Email: info@b-p-a.org
Web: www.b-p-a.org

Peter White

Chief Executive BPA

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