For those who have no interest in Golf, the idea of a corporate Golf Day, and its validity as a worthwhile business event might be questionable. Indeed, against the backdrop of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this viewpoint may even have gained traction in some quarters.

However, for many others, being able to enjoy a shared interest with customers, colleagues and business associates is a welcomed opportunity, and one which they argue offers tangible benefits.

It was the latter viewpoint that encouraged the BPMA to develop its first Golf Day some 20 years ago. The plan was to create a focused ‘networking’ event to which BPMA Members, who might not otherwise have the inclination or capacity to arrange their own corporate event, could invite key customers to enjoy a pleasant day away from their usual workspace, in a relaxed, neutral and above all enjoyable environment.

The opportunity to mix with other companies and individuals operating with the pump sector, to exchange ideas and to meet up with existing contacts, and to make new ones, was seen to offer a practical and worthwhile business event, and one which dovetailed nicely with the BPMA’s core objectives. Two decades on and the annual Golf Day is still a well-attended event, which Members, and their customers are keen to get scheduled into diaries.

Furthermore, its core deliverables are as important today as they have always been, and arguably, given the current COVID-induced restrictions, even more so!

We all now recognize the ease and value of ‘conference calls’ via the various online platforms, but never-the-less, we remain social beings, and the desire to physically meet and engage with each other to help develop, maintain, and enhance those all-important business relationships, is ever-present.

The BPMA was therefore extremely pleased to be able go ahead with its 2020 Golf Day, at the impressive Belton Woods in Lincolnshire on 10th September, a postponement from its usual May dateline. Despite the change in season, fantastic weather combined with a great course to ensure a superb days golfing was had by all, with a socially distanced prize-giving dinner held in the evening.

Steve Smith, Assistant Director at the BPMA commented: “We’ve visited some excellent venues over the years, and it was by popular demand that we returned to Belton Woods for this year’s event. We have certainly not been disappointed as the course, hotel facilities and overall service have all been excellent. There has been some fantastic golf played too!”

He added: “In these quite extraordinary times, where every promotional pound spent needs complete justification, it’s great to know that our members still value and support this activity. Given the opportunity to engage with business contacts from across the pump sector, be they suppliers, distributors or end-users, it is evident that the event still provides a key networking environment.”

This view was echoed by Marek Lukaszczyk of WEG UK, one of the event’s main sponsors, who said: “It’s not just about the golf, but more about having the time to engage and nurture, whilst fostering business relations that might otherwise not exist. As a leading electric motor manufacturer, we do a lot of work with the Pump sector, and so the BPMA is a great association to be involved with. We do as much as we can to support their activities, including this event which is always a great day out.”

He concluded: “It’s a great way to meet with people, especially during these challenging times. This is the first event we’ve been to since lockdown, and we’ve enjoyed catching up with people in person.”

The BPMA has been fortunate to stage its annual Golf Day at some of the most prestigious Golf Clubs across the UK, and to negotiate some really good prices into the bargain! Next year will be no exception with the BPMA’s 2021 Golf Day being held at the stunning St Pierre Park near Chepstow, Monmouthshire on Thursday 20th May.

If you would like to find out more, or wish to book a place for your team of four, please contact Steve Smith on s.smith@bpma.org, who will be pleased to furnish you with all the details.