Pest Control feels like it has ‘got off lightly’ this year – at least in comparison to many other sectors. Our status as key service providers to the food production industry has enabled many of us to continue trading throughout the year at a time when others have had to close their doors or shut up shop completely.
That’s not to say that it’s been easy. Many of us rely on business from the hospitality sector, which has taken a clear and obvious hit, and lots of industry colleagues will have felt that impact intensely. However, it now appears we have a glimmer of light at the end of tunnel – with vaccines hopefully providing a route back to something more familiar.
Throughout this period, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has been working hard to adapt. One of the challenges has been the continuing professionalization of the industry and professional development of its members. We had being getting pretty good integrating CPD into our working life. Organisations like the BPCA, NPTA and the manufacturers and distributor’s community had a strong programme of training events, trade shows and educational roadshows which made it easier than ever for pest controllers to update themselves on the latest news and developments, meet and network with other pest professionals and share best practice. Unfortunately all that took a bit of backwards step during this pandemic – both in terms of where CPD sat in our day to day list of priorities and the practicalities of making it happen. In a world where it’s too risky to visit elderly parents, the chance to mix in a room full of 50 pest controllers feels like a distant dream.
That’s why we are delighted to sponsor the next BPCA Digital Forum. Whilst we would dearly love to be engaging with pest controllers in person, but when this isn’t possible then we will go for the next best thing. Held on the 9th December on a Zoom screen near you, we will be discussing rodenticide stewardship five years on (Alan Buckle) and Natural England will be giving us updates on the 2021 Bird Licensing Scheme. I’ll also be talking about how Insecticides are changing and what we are doing about it, and Alex Wade will be attending to host a Christmas Pest Quiz – along with updates from Natalie and Ian from the BPCA. I believe places are limited at 500 for technical reasons so if you follow the link, please register to avoid missing out on the day.
Looking forward to seeing you in the virtual world on the 9th.
Jim Kirk
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