Latest News from BPCA

12 December 2024

Pestguard's Brian Sowerby to retire after 44 years

INDUSTRY NEWS

Brian Sowerby says farewell to pest control after nearly half a century in the industry. 

brian-sowerby-to-retire-pestguard-hero

Brian started out catching moles for farmers in the Durham area in 1980.

"After training through MAFF (now Defra) to use strychnine for the control of moles, work really took off and farmers started spreading the word about my services," said Brian.

He continued, "It wasn't before long that the farmers were asking about rodent control, so Killgerm provided me with all the training and then work exploded after that. That was 44 years ago and I never looked back.

"I registered Pestguard with the IPO for the trade marks and other pesties followed suit, registering their businesses too.

"It's been a long 44 years in the industry, and what with all the new legislation coming into force over the years its been an up and down slog. So, at the ripe old age of 69, it's time to call it a day, retire and sell up. 

"I have so many people to thank for my long service to the industry, the list is so long I would be here all day typing (and I'm sure the editor would just shorten it for publication), So, with a grateful smile and gratitude to so many people, I'll say 'many thanks for the ride of a lifetime'."

Congratulations to Brian on a well-earned retirement, from all the team at BPCA!

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

09 November 2026

Latest news

GET INVOLVED: Members wanted to star in short documentary

We’re looking for up to five small and medium-sized BPCA servicing member companies to feature in a short documentary that shows the people behind professional pest management.

Read more

15 October 2026

Latest news

BPCA Chief Exec defends working dogs at Stormont

BPCA gave evidence at Stormont to make sure the draft Hunting with Dogs (Northern Ireland) Bill protects the use of working dogs in pest management.

Read more

26 August 2026

Latest news

SOFHT announced as first strategic partner for PestAware Summit 2027

British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has announced the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology (SOFHT) as the first strategic partner for PestAware Summit 2027.

Read more
Latest View all news

09 November 2026

Latest news

GET INVOLVED: Members wanted to star in short documentary

We’re looking for up to five small and medium-sized BPCA servicing member companies to feature in a short documentary that shows the people behind professional pest management.

Read more

03 November 2026

Latest news

PGM & Son launches Who Gives a Rat’s Arse? winter campaign

Press release: With rodents accounting for 48% of PGM & Son’s recorded pest activity in Herefordshire during 2025, the BPCA member has launched a public awareness campaign.

Read more

02 November 2026

Latest news

SURVEY: General Licences for wild bird control

Natural England is inviting pest professionals to take part in a user survey for General Licences.

Read more