10 February 2005

Environment, training and partnership top BPIF CEO agenda

Eighteen CEOs of BPIF member companies met in central London this week to discuss crucial industry issues at the BPIF’s fourth CEO Forum. Following an introduction to the national wage negotiations, which also take place this week, BPIF Partnerships Director Andrew Brown gave the group a brief overview of progress on the Partnership at Work (PAW) project which has undertaken a root and branch review of the National Agreement. The BPIF expects to distribute a draft copy to members for consultation in early March. Southernprint MD and member of the PAW review body Stephen Clark emphasized that the document must be seen ‘in the round’. “There is no doubt that everyone will find elements which they don’t like. However this agreement has been negotiated with a view to best industry practice to maximise productivity. All of those employers on the review body are convinced that that is what it will deliver in the whole,” he says. Polestar chief executive Barry Hibbert then highlighted his three key challenges for the future: environment, training and partnerships, emphasizing the opportunities to be gained from tackling the issues early on and the potential threats of ignoring them: “Polestar’s investment in apprenticeships is already making a contribution and bringing a freshness to our business. Alongside this we are also tackling lean manufacturing which is having a major impact, “ he says. “The government has statistics which suggest that 60% of printed literature is never read. The good relationship that the BPIF has with government and the supply chain will delay attempts to legislate in this area, however unless we’re seen to actively address this issue, regulation may not be far off the horizon. The BPIF has improved itself dramatically and is now an organisation that has great impact across a wide range of organisations, particularly government. The industry needs to get behind the BPIF and show support.” Clowes managing director Ian Foyster was delighted to be at the event: “Not only was it an informative evening, it was also stimulating and very enjoyable. A real opportunity to network and to listen to the views of so many industry professionals,” he said. If you are interested in attending future CEO events, please contact Michael Johnson on [email protected].