BPF Distributors and Compounders - PRW feature article

Now in its twelfth year, the BPF Distributors and Compounders Group continues to grow.

Established in 1996, the BPF Distributors and Compounders Group has gone from strength to strength, raising the profile of UK polymer distributors in membership, and firmly establishing itself as the leading voice of this crucial sector. The group boasts a sizeable membership and currently represents a large share of the total UK polymer distribution market.

2007 has been a busy year for the Group which has been focusing on a wide range of issues from credit risk management and manual handling practices to materials market trends and group promotion at exhibitions.

In December, David Cope former Managing Director at Albis UK stepped down as Chairman of the Group. Managing Director of Plastribution, Mike Boswell was elected to succeed in David’s post accompanied by the election of Fergus Hardie of Hardie Polymers as vice-Chairman. Mike is very optimistic about the future direction of the Group commenting that, Under the stewardship of David Cope, the Group has grown significantly becoming a highly professional organisation offering real value for its members. I am looking forward to building on this platform to help members and their customers exploit future business opportunities within the industry. Cope was instrumental in establishing the BPF Group which he chaired for five years.

On the benefits of membership Boswell adds, “Now more than ever Distributors are seen as the polymer producers’ frontline ambassadors for UK converters. There is growing pressure on the distributor to provide complete process solutions to customers by proving a high level of technical support and a thorough appreciation of the needs of the local UK marketplace. The importance of being a member of this Group is highlighted in this situation. All our members can demonstrate solid credentials as high calibre plastics suppliers and are able to participate in a strong forum where Members views can be shared and discussed”

Reflecting the concerns shown throughout the BPF’s Business Groups and wider networks, one of the main topics for discussion at Group meetings is the likely impact of REACH. The Group is hoping to stay one-step ahead in the race for compliance by participating in a workshop with a European expert. Group Chairman Mike upheld the importance of having REACH as the number one issue for the Group saying, “We must take all steps necessary to ensure REACH compliance without incurring any unnecessary costs. Through the BPF’s many activities in the area of REACH and particularly via the dedicated workshop that has been arranged the Group hopes to gather all the information and advice required to ensure this can be achieved.”

Although the Group’s primary concern currently lies with REACH, this is by no means the only topic for discussion. Since 2006, the Group has run a successful Credit Forum hosted by Experian. The forum is held quarterly and provides a confidential platform for open and honest discussions, highlighting warning signals from the industry whilst strictly observing competition law.

Sarah Plant, BPF Industrial Issues Executive – Raw Materials, who manages the Group believes, The number of business challenges affecting our members is growing. Intense, international competition and higher energy costs put ever more pressure on the Group’s customers. The BPF is able to support its members by providing a service which allows for the exchange of information on payment history and potential fraud. In return our members are able to benefit from tools to show seasonal trends, early indication of debt problems and provide comprehensive analysis.

Over recent months, the Group has been proactive and forward-thinking in marketing its image including launching a new publication under the BPF brand. The BPF Polymer Distributors and Compounders Group launched their Buyers Guide 2007-08 at the “K Show” in Dusseldorf in October. The Guide contains detailed information on each of the member firms including materials supplied and contact information.

The Guides are used extensively by the BPF, particularly at K, Interplas and other exhibitions and conferences in the UK and overseas.  The Guide is also made available to those who make individual enquiries about where to find reputable polymer suppliers in the UK. Boswell commented, I am particularly looking forward to the Guide being used at future exhibitions in 2008 and beyond, where our potential customers will be able to network with distributors directly and use this guide to help them. The Guide is also designed to work in tandem with the BPF On-Line Directory. This product-sourcing tool is one of the most popular features of the BPF website. Through their association with the BPF, companies get a boosted profile. All members must meet key membership criteria, such as the levels of technical support available so processors can have a high degree of confidence in products and services listed in the Guide.

Looking to the future, the Group plans to build on its continuing success by focusing on establishing a sub-committee for members from the compounding side of the industry. This will enable further, more dedicated, discussions on specific topics such as health and safety, energy costs, employment and other issues which are not covered in the main Group meeting.