Updates and information from the BPA team Thank you, Bex With a heavy heart, the BPA said goodbye to membership engagement manager Rebecca Harper last month. Bex joined the BPA in 2016 and her professionalism, adaptability and good humour quickly saw her move from membership events officer to membership engagement manager, and win the Young Parking Professional of the Year Award 2020. As well as becoming a familiar face, providing support to members and ensuring the smooth running of BPA events and webinars, she has become a friend to many and will be missed. However, her skills are not leaving the parking profession, and the BPA will gain her as a member! Bex has been my friend and line manager for most of my time at the BPA. She is tenacious, inspiring and incredibly knowledgeable, said Michelle Boshoff-Turner, membership events officer. She pushes me, supports me, and helps me believe in myself. Everyone loves her, as she is always smiling and upbeat, even my four-year-old, who has been telling everyone for the past three years that she is his girlfriend. I will miss her terribly. The BPA is pleased to announce that Alison Tooze has been promoted to head of public affairs and policy, and Julia Jepps has moved from business development manager to professional development manager. Dave Smith is now head of communications and marketing. BPA elections paused again The BPA elections have been paused for the second year running. Due to the impact of the recent government response to the Parking Code of Practice Enforcement Framework consultation and the huge disruption it has caused, the BPA s Council of Representatives has decided to postpone all elections scheduled for 2021 for 12 months. Representation is at the heart of our governance, with members playing the vital role of shaping the direction of the Association by nominating and voting for their preferred candidates to be elected to vacant positions. It is therefore with great regret that this decision was made. said John McArdle, BPA President and Chair of the Council of Representatives. Last year, the elections were postponed because of the Covid pandemic. Catch up online BPA News Upcoming events The BPA is hosting the second part of its Tough Conversations webinars on 10 June, offering support for businesses affected by the pandemic and concerned about the impacts of the new private parking enforcement proposals. See page 32 and check out britishparking.co.uk/Webinars Parkex takes place this month, on 15, 16 and 17 June. Find out more on pages 25-30 and at www.parkex.co.uk Theres still time to book an exhibition stand: contact Richard Gayle at r.gayle@hgluk.com The BPA s annual general meeting will take place via Zoom on Thursday 15 July 2021 at 2pm. Formal business will include approval of accounts for the year ending 31 March 2021 and receiving the incoming BPA President and Vice-President. If you would like to attend, please register at bit.ly/PNJun21AGM Dogs die in hot cars The BPA is again supporting the campaign to highlight the dangers of leaving dogs in cars, especially during the warmer months. With more new dog owners than ever this year, it s important to raise awareness that its never OK to leave your dog in a parked car, says Sarah Greenslade, BPA public affairs and communications officer. We encourage all members to join Dogs Die In Hot Cars, the campaign to get the message out to dog owners to never leave their dogs in cars, especially on warm days. To find out how you can do your bit as a member to keep our precious pooches safe this summer, visit bit.ly/PNJun21hot All the BPA past webinars and conferences, including the recent Women in Parking and Future of Parking Enforcement webinars, are available on the BPA website for you to listen to again. Go to britishparking.co.uk/Past-Webinars Park Active on film The BPA is thrilled to launch a new animation for Park Active. This initiative supports active travel by enabling options such as walking and cycling from out-of-town car parks to high streets and town centres. Watch the animation at bit.ly/PNJun21PA Fresh new look From 1 June, members will have access to a refreshed and revitalised corporate members section of the website: britishparking.co.uk/Corporate-Members-Zone britishparking.co.uk 43 PN June 2021 pp43 BPA News.indd 43 21/05/2021 11:50