Gleeson Marketing and Digital have partnered up with the Birmingham Publicity Association (BPA). Who are they? An organisation run by (and for) the creative, media and marketing industry in and around Birmingham. They been around in some form or another since the 1930s and their aim is to create a better community for all of their members. So, we asked Mark McDonagh (Organising Council Member) to give us an insight into the BPA community and the opportunities that they create in the Midlands, here’s what he said…
What are the BPA’s aims and objectives for the year ahead?
The BPA was created to promote and support the industry which it represents. Bringing people and organisations together to create a better working environment for us all to thrive. Our three key objectives for the coming 12 months are; Knowledge, Networking and Charity. Everything we do will be focused on delivering these to our members.
Why should people become members?
It offers a great opportunity to generate business. Contacts and introductions made at BPA events have developed into plenty of business wins over the years. We all have similar challenges in our roles and knowing that there is a fellow member who you can bounce ideas off is really valuable. I know I’ve used my contacts to do exactly that on a number of occasions.
Being a member gives you access to a lot of member only events such as; training sessions and seminars. We also offer members discounted tickets for the big social events throughout the year. If you become a member, you are not only playing your part in supporting the industry that you are part of but helping a very deserving local charity – Acorns Children’s Hospice.
What events do you have throughout the year?
Loads! In terms of knowledge, this year will see more business skills focused events on the calendar, such as LinkedIn for Business Development and a presentation skills course with a difference. These have already proven to be massively popular.
We have free-for-members networking events, which have slightly different focuses each time. For example, it could be meeting freelancers or an event for the media industry. Then we have paid events: over the years, we’ve had quiz nights, golf days, spa days, race nights, assault courses and even dragon boat racing!
But our three big flagship events are Spring, Summer and Christmas. Held at a top city location (think The REP, Villa Park, Digbeth Dining Club), the whole industry will get together, network and have some fun doing it – all in the name of a very good cause.
Who are on the (Council) board? How will having someone from Gleeson add value to your Council?
There are a real mix of organisations represented on the current Council, reflecting a cross section of the member organisations. We have agencies, freelancers, media owners and suppliers... and that’s the key - we need a mix of people and experience as we work within such big community that has different needs and skills. As we all know, fortunes change very quickly in this industry and having Gleeson represented is a real plus. I think everyone knows the value of a recruitment consultant, whether you are a candidate or employer.
As a valued Patron, Gleeson Recruitment will be amongst the hundreds of members exhibiting at this year's Made in the Midlands Exhibition, which takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on June 20. To join them, register for tickets by clicking on the banner below and don't forget that for more details on the event, visit our new website - www.madeinthemidlandsexpo.co.uk
