Strategic Mailing Partnership launches new membership scheme for trade associations

Direct Mail Solutions

The Strategic Mailing Partnership has partnered with British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), the Data and Marketing Association (DMA), and the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) to launch a new membership scheme for trade association members.

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 association businesses by providing them with additional resources and training material that they can distribute amongst their members to help them execute effective mailing campaigns.

Charles Jarrold, chief executive of the BPIF, 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, said: ‘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, DMA’s director of customer engagement, said: ‘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.

The SMP benefits include networking and opportunities to attend various events throughout the year with senior contacts in the industry and a chance to be represented on the board, access to advice, and a network of valuable contacts. Members will also gain free access to the SMP annual awards event and discounted IDM mail training courses.

Businesses will have the opportunity to become Jicmail certified in just over an hour with regular training sessions and same day qualifications.

Free resources such as ready made sales PowerPoint decks and research papers to help facilitate new business will be available. Members will also be party to the latest product and service briefings.

With an SMP membership, businesses will also be able to input into Royal Mail’s strategy and product design.

Lucy Swanston, chair of the Strategic Mail Partnership, 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 are excited to educate and inspire the next generation of printers by opening the door to many new and established industry contacts and exciting opportunities.’