PPMA-Group-News-Autumn-2018
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Full steam<br />
ahead<br />
One of the newest recruits to<br />
the <strong>PPMA</strong> <strong>Group</strong> is Membership<br />
Executive, Sharon Mason. While<br />
Sharon only joined the <strong>Group</strong><br />
in July, she has already made a<br />
positive impact with both members<br />
and colleagues alike.<br />
After being fast-tracked into the<br />
processing and packaging industry<br />
from a vertical manufacturing and<br />
engineering trade association,<br />
Sharon has already visited over 30<br />
members, which stem the length<br />
and breadth of the country. <strong>Group</strong><br />
<strong>News</strong> caught up with Sharon prior<br />
to this year’s <strong>PPMA</strong> Show at the<br />
NEC, Birmingham, to gauge her<br />
initial thoughts of the industry and<br />
her time with the <strong>PPMA</strong>.<br />
“I am pleased to have been<br />
able to hit the ground<br />
running,” says Sharon. “The<br />
members have been very<br />
receptive and welcoming of<br />
me and I’ve been privy to have tours of<br />
a number of facilities, which have been<br />
a real eye-opener. If there’s something I<br />
don’t know, each member has taken the<br />
time to give me a detailed explanation.<br />
It’s clear that they take pride in what<br />
they do, so they’re more than happy<br />
to explain and run through what each<br />
supplier and tool does.”<br />
“Similarly, I’m keen to meet and speak<br />
to as many members as possible to<br />
communicate what the <strong>PPMA</strong> <strong>Group</strong> is<br />
proactively doing for them,” continues<br />
Sharon. “There are the obvious things<br />
like the <strong>PPMA</strong> Show and the forthcoming<br />
<strong>PPMA</strong> Conference next year, but there<br />
are lots of other benefits that members<br />
can tap into as part of their membership.<br />
It’s my job to understand the nature<br />
of their business and put them in touch<br />
with the various stakeholders within the<br />
Association to help add value to what<br />
they already to do; whether that be<br />
publishing, training and events, or even<br />
<strong>PPMA</strong> BEST – as getting fresh recruits<br />
into the industry remains high on the<br />
corporate agenda.”<br />
Although Sharon is predominantly<br />
based in the West Midlands, her<br />
member visits have already taken<br />
her everywhere from north Yorkshire,<br />
Somerset, Bristol, Wiltshire and<br />
Cambridgeshire – to name a few.<br />
“Irrespective of their location,<br />
members appreciate having someone<br />
they can contact,” explains Sharon. “It’s<br />
also important that members know<br />
that, if they provide the <strong>PPMA</strong> with<br />
information, we will take it on board and<br />
act accordingly. Our role is as much about<br />
being proactive as it is reactive,” she<br />
adds. “We are here to help members get<br />
the most out of their membership.”<br />
While there continues to be a<br />
lot of interest regarding the events<br />
and training currently on offer, the<br />
<strong>PPMA</strong> is also looking at other bespoke<br />
training, which is targeted at more<br />
specific personnel within a member’s<br />
organisation. These could range from<br />
the managing director or CEO, to an<br />
employee working in a niche area on<br />
the shop floor. It’s about making the<br />
<strong>PPMA</strong> as inclusive as possible within the<br />
current operational framework.<br />
Make the most of your<br />
membership<br />
To arrange a time for Sharon to visit your<br />
business, contact<br />
sharon.mason@ppma.co.uk<br />
T +44 (0)20 8773 8111<br />
13 www.ppma.co.uk