YOUR ASSOCIATION | PPC101 DECEMBER 2020

Earlier this year, at the 2020 annual general meeting, five new representatives were elected to the BPCA Executive Board. We spoke to them about their reasons for throwing their hats into the ring and what they hope to achieve in their time on the Board. 

Jason Cholerton

CSS Pest Services

Aims to promote and demonstrate the benefits of what BPCA can offer to existing members and potential new members. To share my knowledge and experience, to learn from others and provide any support for those who need it.

“Over the years BPCA has provided myself and others within our business with a range of valuable resources like training, networking opportunities and technical advice.

“Now I feel it’s time to pass on some of my knowledge and experience. Having said that, no matter how much experience I have, I feel there is always something new to learn and I look forward to doing that.”

Mick Kilburn

Elite Pest Management

Aims to help raise professionalism and drive excellence both to our members, supply chains and the industry as a whole, as well as ensuring that we progress with the Association’s strategic objectives.

“A few years ago, I began to get frustrated with the major changes in our industry and the impact it would have on the SMEs. I wanted to make a difference and see if I could help change the way the industry was being driven.

“I am passionate about our industry. As a professional association, we need to ensure we offer quality training, technical advice and comprehensive support to all our members, no matter what the size of their business, and I look forward to helping achieve that.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to all the successful candidates, and I am looking forward to working alongside them, representing BPCA and all its members.”

Paul Westgate

Veritas Pest Consultancy

Aims to challenge the status quo and provide ideas to drive the Association forward. To help the Association to have its voice heard louder than before and help support the objectives of CRRU and any future stewardship schemes that may be encountered.

“BPCA has been instrumental in raising the profile and professionalism of the urban pest control sector.

“The pest control industry has provided me with so much over the last 20 or so years, so I felt it was the right time to give some of my experiences and skills back to the industry.

“As a trainer, I consistently encourage individuals to develop themselves and I see this role as a significant opportunity to develop my skill base further as an individual.

“BPCA is its members and as a collective voice we must be heard. It sounds strange to say, but people outside of pest control generally do not think about pest control: it’s not top of most people’s agendas!

“By having a strong association such as BPCA, the importance of our work can be heard at all the right levels. It is also important to me and many other members to make sure BPCA continues to meet the requirements of its members and be their voice whilst offering value for money from memberships.”

Michael Taylor

Contego

Aims to continue to push for further development of standards, training and professionalism in pest control, while promoting grassroots entry and support into the industry.

“I’d really like to see guidance and professional standards develop and continue to grow, with further progress being made on training and apprenticeship schemes, encouraging new talent into the industry.

“One thing I’m keen to discuss are audits and membership categories: can we go further? Maybe look at new categories of membership? More in-depth auditing? Can we become a new ‘standard’ of criteria for pest control buyers and larger national tenders?

“BPCA is the quality standard to follow within the industry - the voice of the professional pest controller. I’m looking forward to representing our membership, so please feel free to reach out to me.”

Mark White

Dealey Environmental

Aims to achieve better representation of bird control, increase the standards of bird control for members of BPCA and possibly into government so our industry remains workable.

“While BPCA represents most of the pest control industry very well, I feel the bird control section is underrepresented.

“With the current changes in the general licences and specific licences for bird control, I feel we need a more professional standard and to lobby the government for the sake of public health and safety.

“BPCA can give our members a voice, increase knowledge in the industry with training and create change where needed.”

They work for you

Got something to say directly to the BPCA Executive Board? Contact the Executive Board today and have your voice heard.
president@bpca.org.uk

Source: PPC101