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Join forces to make a difference in 2024

04/12/2023

As another year comes to a close, we reflect on the highlights and challenges of 2023 and we prepare for what will hopefully be a prosperous new year.

The covid pandemic was a damaging time for many businesses, and the Baby Products Association is no exception. When money is tight, the first thing we tend to cut back on are the things which are not considered essential and consequentially many companies decided not to renew their membership in 2022 whilst getting finances and priorities back on track. However, we urge those lapsed members and other companies in the nursery industry to support their trade association and join forces with numerous organisations to retain the safety of baby products and to ensure that our businesses have a wider voice.

Did you know that it was primarily due to the efforts and lobbying of the government by the Baby Products Association that VAT on Isofix bases was reduced to 5%? Did you also know that the Baby Products Association has been lobbying tirelessly for more than 10 years to have baby and nursery goods removed from the scope of the new Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations – the result of which is really close to coming to fruition, to the benefit of many manufacturers in the UK?

This is just a small part of the work that goes on behind the scenes to the benefit of the industry. The Baby Products Association has its own Technical Committee to discuss safety standards for baby products. Participants of this also sit on committees for working groups in CEN  BSI and more recently ISO. As a member of the Association, members’ employees with relevant experience and expertise can be nominated to participate in this committee. Members can also nominate people to join the Association’s Executive committee, which makes important decisions and drives lobbying activity to support members and industry challenges faced.

As a member, you have a number of great benefits available to you including discounted legal and IP advice from Brabners; discounted rates with SGS and Intertek China on testing services; discounted insurance specific to the nursery industry with Ethos Broking; and up to 20% discount on Dell computer products. You will also receive a preferential rate when exhibiting at Harrogate International Nursery Fair and can participate in International UK Pavillions (these have been on hold during covid, but expect to reinstate for 2024).

You will also have full access to the Association’s technical team, so if you have queries regarding safety standards, or need help and support with product recalls or similar challenges, they are on hand. In addition, the Baby Products Association and Nottinghamshire Trading Standards have a longstanding Primary Authority Coordinated Partnership within which we work together to support members.  This is a nationally recognised partnership administered by the Office for Product Safety and Standards. As member, if you require advice relating to a matter which is specific to your business and/or is commercially sensitive we would be able to support you.

Full details of membership benefits can be found on the website at www.b-p-a.org

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas & a happy and prosperous new year!

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