Things may have moved on from the Yellow Pages, but if you are looking on the Internet for a contractor to formulate your product, conduct clinical trials or pack pills into blisters, you are likely to be confronted with a bewildering array of packaging companies or consultants who cannot in the event help. That is why the enhanced search facility on the BCMPA website can be a winner – and save masses of wasted time.
The British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA) has more than 130 members, many of whom are involved in third-party production and packing of pharmaceutical, medical and healthcare products. The website enables users to search by sector, process, packaging format and accreditation with a series of drop-down menus to refine the search. Many members also offer pack design, print and label production, fulfilment, warehousing and logistics – in other words, provide a full service.
Create your own shortlist
Once users have created a shortlist of companies that meet their key requirements, a click to each member’s profile page will give a summary of their services, full contact details and a link to their website.
The site attracts more than 20,000 page views per month and the cry from clients: “I wish I had found your website before” is a regular occurrence, says Rodney Steel, BCMPA Chief Executive.
Let the BCMPA do the work
Another feature on the website is the Send an Enquiry online form where customers can have the outline details of their project circulated by the BCMPA to the membership. This is a free service and those members with the appropriate facilities will respond to the customer direct. Alternatively, if the client wishes to keep their name confidential, the BCMPA can circulate the project details only and interested members will register their interest via the Association.