Martin Althorpe Begins His Second Term as BPF President

BPF has re-elected Martin Althorpe of Epwin for a second year in office as President until May 2021. Martin was confirmed for a further year in the role at the BPF’s recently held Council meeting just prior to its AGM. His theme of closer community engagement, particularly with local Members of Parliament, will continue. In his address to the AGM, held online, he emphasised that whilst the virus precludes physical meetings it is still possible  to make contact with local MPs and their assistants online and by phone.He said that a classic example of what could be achieved was the BPF co-ordinated meeting on Teesside in late 2019 where the local plastics industry met with three MPs, including the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury and a shadow Cabinet member. He said that as soon as public safety permits ,BPF would be organising more meetings similar to this .

Also elected at the same meeting was a new Vice President of the BPF , Karen Drinkwater , of JSC Rotational Ltd. Karen has been involved in polymers since 2004 when she established JSC Rotational with her husband , Mark, following invaluable experience in the food and logistics sector. Between 2011-15 Karen had a very successful time  chairing the BPF’s Rotational Moulders Group with an emphasis on engaging with undergraduate designers. Outside of the plastics industry Karen is also an adult volunteer for Sea Cadets UK and is Chair of the Trustees of her local unit.