Demand for outsourcing services remained high during 2020 as many brand owners and manufacturers sought to respond to changing market requirements brought about by the pandemic, according to the BCMPA, the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary last year and recognised as the ‘go-to’ resource for companies seeking third party solutions, the BCMPA saw major increases in traffic to its website, particularly since customers were unable to visit trade shows and exhibitions. At its peak, the site was receiving over 5,000 unique views each month, with enquiries directed to relevant members increasing by over 40% compared to the previous year.
The BCMPA’s reputation as the authoritative voice of the outsourcing sector was further underlined by the Association increasing its membership by over 30 companies during the year.
“Despite all the challenges of 2020, from Covid-19 to Brexit, contract manufacturers, packers, fulfilment and logistic companies were busier than ever, with many brand owners and manufacturers so stretched that outsourcing quickly became the only answer,” commented BCMPA chief executive Rodney Steel.
“This has made the role of the Association all the more vital, in helping match these companies to the appropriate outsourcing partners.”
Among key trends identified during the past year, the BCMPA says there has been phenomenal growth in supporting e-commerce requirements, especially with the impact of lockdown and other restrictions on traditional retail markets. There was also an increased focus on white label and private label manufacturing as both new and established brands reacted to rapidly changing markets and product demands.
In response, the BCMPA expanded its website project enquiry facility to reflect the broadening range of outsourcing services that companies were seeking and simplify the process of finding the right solution. Enhancements also reflected how an increasing number of BCMPA members have expanded their offerings to provide comprehensive ‘full-service’ support for all stages of manufacturing, packing, fulfilment and logistics.
With conventional sales and marketing activities such as customer visits and exhibitions unable to take place during the pandemic, the BCMPA has proven to be a valuable marketing asset for outsourcing companies looking to expand their reach. To further raise the profile of its members’ capabilities, the Association also implemented a targeted media campaign, resulting in valuable coverage across the food, drink, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, fulfilment and logistics trade press, and strengthened its contacts with other leading trade bodies, including the UK Warehousing Association and the Food & Drink Federation.
“The many challenges of 2020 have helped to demonstrate the value of outsourcing, and the expertise, experience and flexibility of our membership have been instrumental in helping their customers cope and adapt to changing market requirements,” concluded Rodney Steel.
“As an Association, we are proud of our ability to provide a shop window for outsourcing’s many benefits and to support our members as they seek to raise their profiles and build further on their successes in 2021.”
