Solopress has announced its membership of two major trade associations: the IPIA and the BPMA.

The IPIA, or the Independent Print Industries Association, is a not-for-profit trade association that’s committed to supporting growth within the print industry. Through an array of promotional opportunities, training, certification and networking events, the IPIA nurtures media exposure and business development for its members. In addition, members gain access to a range of benefits offered by the IPIA’s external partners, including intelligence, arbitration and logistics.

Solopress has taken full membership with the IPIA as a manufacturer and has high hopes for the relationship. Solopress managing director Simon Cooper:

We see membership of the IPIA as a gateway to some exciting opportunities. We’ve always appreciated the value of developing relationships within the industry and across related sectors. As IPIA members, we hope to take full advantage of its events, conferences and publications to lift our profile, extend our network and broaden our insight.

Chair of the IPIA, Charles Rogers said:

The IPIA is very happy to welcome Solopress to our Membership. They are an excellent example of a print business that is continuously innovating, diversifying and inventing new ways to grow and strengthen the service it delivers to customers. They work in partnership with a significant number of IPIA Members already and we look forward to assisting Solopress to broaden its network further and supporting the team through our range of events, member benefits and initiatives to help print business members grow. Adaptability must be a core focus for print businesses to grow and thrive, and Solopress is a great example of a highly adaptable organisation.

The BPMA (British Promotional Merchandise Association) on the other hand looks after both producers and buyers of promotional products. Solopress has taken accredited membership, entitling it to marketing and recruitment opportunities, business services, networking and consultancy as well as perks closely geared towards manufacturers of merchandise, including discounts on product and compliance testing. Cooper commented:

For some time now, Solopress has sought to print beyond paper and large format. Mass customisation of promotional products has become a crucial part of how we position ourselves as a one-stop-shop for business branding. For example, businesses looking to attend a trade event can rely on Solopress for printed handouts and signage, but also for branded pens, bags and gifts to give away. Accredited membership of the BPMA allows us to show our commitment to this significant part of our catalogue, and to demonstrate our readiness to meet the BPMA’s strict code of conduct.

These newly announced memberships sit alongside existing relationships with the BPIF (British Print Industries Federation), ISOQAR (for accredited certification in management standards) and Two Sides (the advocacy group concerned with environmental issues in the print industry).