PPMA-Group-News-Autumn-2018

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