The aim of the new scheme is “to be the engine room of the mail industry”, by innovating, inspiring, and educating members to move the industry forward, deliver better mail, and protect the future of the mailing industry.
The scheme supports trade associations by providing them with additional resources and training material that they can distribute among their members to help them execute effective mailing campaigns.
BPIF CEO Charles Jarrold said: “The BPIF is absolutely delighted to be partnering with the SMP, to help support the growth and development of print and mail.
“This partnership will enable us to continue to support the sector with the latest research, insight, and education, so that printers can support their clients with excellent, effective, and sustainable print and mailing advice and services.”
Brendan Perring, general manager of the IPIA, added: “The IPIA believes passionately in collaborating with industry bodies such as the SMP so that we can pool our respective resources, networks, and strengths, to help advance the cause of the print and allied industries. We look forward to building our partnership and helping our respective memberships to flourish.”
Rachel Whitter, director of customer engagement at the DMA, also commented: “As the UK’s marketing trade body, we champion the value of learning and industry collaboration.
“Education should never stop, regardless of our job title or career seniority, so being able to share our industry expertise, pioneering research, and best practice insights with SMP’s community is a great way to further this cause.”
Trade associations can offer the SMP membership programme as an extension of their provision, with benefits including networking opportunities – with free access to the SMP annual awards event and discounted IDM mail training courses; the opportunity to quickly become JICMail certified; various free resources including readymade sales PowerPoint decks and research papers; and the ability to input into Royal Mail’s strategy and product design.
Lucy Swanston, chair of the SMP, said: “We are thrilled to have teamed up with BPIF, DMA and IPIA to launch this new membership scheme for trade associates to help shape the future of mail.
“We’re excited to educate and inspire the next generation of printers by opening the door to many new and established industry contacts and exciting opportunities.”
