Since its formation in 2000 the BCMPA has developed into a major force in promoting the services of the UK’s contract manufacturing and packing industry, encompassing a wide range of sectors including food and drink, nutraceutical, chemical, personal care, pharmaceutical, household and more. Over the years, with the increasing demand for end-to-end service and direct to consumer delivery, our members have applied their expertise right across the supply chain, resulting in the decision in early 2019 for the BCMPA to rebrand as the BCMPA - The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics.
BCMPA membership has grown year on year and now stands at over 200 members, offering a wide range of choice for customers looking to outsource their projects. The relaunch of the website in 2019 saw a fully responsive design with increased functionality, enabling free access to the BCMPA database and an enhanced Search Facility to shortlist members with the appropriate facilities and services required.
As part of the overall marketing strategy the BCMPA has always placed great emphasis on engaging with relevant trade magazines and associations, participating in trade exhibitions and constantly keeping abreast of the opportunities available to raise the profile of our industry. Most recently we have added a series of resources to our website, providing visitors with information on trade publications, trade associations, and other useful information.
The challenges from Covid-19 during 2020 led to a review of our marketing activity, and we were encouraged to see that new developments to the website were reflected in a significant increase in traffic, underlining the BCMPA’s position as the first port of call for brand owners, retailers, manufacturers and e-commerce companies. During this period the BCMPA membership has risen to the challenge, helping to ensure that vital supplies reach the end consumers and easing the whole supply chain process.
From modest beginnings the BCMPA celebrated its 20th year in 2020 and is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the leading trade bodies in its field.
A Brief History of the Association
2000
The British Contract Packers Association (BCPA), co-located with the Institute of Packaging in Melton Mowbray, is formed to promote the contract packing services of its members and the value of 3rd party outsourcing.
2002
The Association grows to around 35 members. And to reflect the broadening range of contract manufacturing and filling services, the name is changed to the British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA).
2003
Rodney Steel, with a background in packaging and contract filling, is appointed Chief Executive and the Association moves to Old Amersham in Buckinghamshire. The BCMPA attracts an increasing range of members from the food, drink, beauty, chemical, pharmaceutical and gift packing sectors. Early initiatives include the launch of the first BCMPA website.
2004
January sees the first BCMPA Conference at Nailcote Hall. In March the Association hosts the BCMPA Members Pavilion at the TOTAL Processing & Packaging Show, Birmingham.
2008
The Association negotiates with Easyfairs to feature the BCMPA’s Contract Pack Show as part of the Packaging Innovations Event at the NEC.
2011
Emma Verkaik joins the BCMPA Team, bringing extensive experience in the contract packing industry and marketing.
2012
The Association reaches agreement with Packaging News to publish regular BCMPA pages focused on contract manufacturing and packing.
2014
The BCMPA launches ‘Contract Packer of the Year’ at the UK Packaging Awards held at the Hilton Park Lane, London.
2018
Membership exceeds 150 Members for the first time.
2019
The BCMPA website is redesigned and features the new descriptor ‘The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics’ to reflect the end-to-end services that members provide across the supply chain. Nielsen McAllister are engaged as PR partners to build on the established relationships with the trade press to promote members across all key sectors. The BCMPA exhibits at a record 6 shows over the course of the year.
2020
The BCMPA’s zone within the Easyfairs Packaging Innovations show is renamed ‘Contract Pack & Fulfilment’, to align with the massive growth in eCommerce Fulfilment. The Association marks its twentieth year at the ’20 in 2020’ Celebration Dinner with members and VIP Guests at the NEC Birmingham.
2021
With the pandemic continuing, BCMPA members come to the rescue, helping thousands of brands, manufacturers and retailers meet their production deadlines. With restrictions starting to be lifted, the BCMPA exhibits at four shows in Q4. In spite of the challenges, it is an extremely positive year for the Association and membership passes 200.
2023
Rodney Steel retires as CEO, and Emma Verkaik is appointed new CEO.
BCMPA Conducts a Membership Survey with 89% of BCMPA members reporting that they are highly satisfied with the Association and achieving a +50 score on the Net Promoter Scale, which is used to measure loyalty and satisfaction (an average score is +32).
