3 June 2021

Jacky Sidebottom-Every, Sales Director at Glossop Cartons reminisces about the early days of BPIF

As I start retirement, it got me reflecting back over the years in the industry, and my career and my involvement in the BPIF. Most people know our difficult starting years with the death of my dad in 1984, the BPIF knocked on the door later that year, and a young man sold the idea of support and advice. Being very young in my early 20's and beyond green, this was the type of advice we needed. So we signed up, little did I know that I would reach the heady heights of non-executive-director in time! 

As we were now members, it was time to participate, so I went to my first district meeting, full of awe at all these men in the room discussing the union, national agreement and such things, I sat at the back and listened. After a few meetings when I started to feel at ease and relax, the dreaded time came to elect a new district chair, yes you guessed it I was voted in, this was not for my knowledge or competency, it was because I was attending and keen.  

In those days BPIF had districts, regions and national levels, we had no internet or emails so this was the method of information going up and down the organisation. District meetings were held, and the chairs then went to the regional meeting to report back. I was definitely intimidated by the greats at these meetings – Peter Sherlock, Colin Baker and John Beardmore to name a few! These meetings were lavish affairs. A nice lunch was served at the office, being in Seymour Grove, it was all wood panelling, the tables were arranged in a horse shoe, and the three course meal was served with wine, by lovely ladies in black dresses and white aprons. I will always remember Andy Galloway and I being by far the youngest members, giggling like mad during the meetings after one chap used to fall asleep and snore through the afternoon meeting part.

The BPIF then had members that were happy to sacrifice their free time to go to conferences, the highlight of the regional year! Conferences were often held in places such as Blackpool, the Lake District and Southport, in a nice hotel, and were a mixture of lectures, both informative and amusing. The ladies and children were doing things like meeting exotic pets for the morning before the fun Saturday afternoon where rock climbing, shooting, canoeing and abseiling were the order of the day. Followed by a grand dinner for everyone! Good times and great memories. 

One thing that is impossible to bottle or sell is the feeling that belonging to the BPIF gives owners/directors. It’s hard to articulate, the friendships that are grown over the years, which allow you to ring up or meet, lean on, ask advice and take comfort from. They are invaluable, and to my husband Brian and I, are treasured. These people have helped us get over the bad humps in our companies past, celebrate with us when things are going well and I would be vice versa when these friends were in need over the years. Wonderful people both from general print and the carton sectors. I would say the more you put into the BPIF the more you get out. It is no good paying subscription and standing back, you are not getting the full benefit, so get involved! 

I have had roles such as regional chair and then as a non-ex director over the years. All a great experience and enjoyable, but as a member you have no idea that it is like running a company in its own right, however the time is well worth it to me to see it change and develop, as it has to stay relevant and of value. 

I sign off thanking the BPIF for the opportunities it has given me personally to develop and grow, and for the service it has been to my company. But most of all thank you BPIF for the friendships we made.