The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies has announced that it is making a strategic change in focus, in order to reflect the needs of the current economic climate. The body has unveiled a new set of objectives, key among which is attracting more picture buyers to the BAPLA membership.
Under the leadership of new executive director Simon Cliffe, BAPLA intends to aggressively seek and develop new revenue-making opportunities for its members. Cliffe said that the business model has and continues to change, which brings both fear and opportunity. “We can not give members business, but we can do everything within our resources to help them help themselves develop more revenue opportunities,” he explained.
In order to become “fit for a 21st Century recession,” BAPLA is also working on plans to develop its international membership. The organization now represents some 400 picture libraries, mostly from the U.K. Cliffe feels it is imperative to ensure that a larger membership percentage is international. This will attract more picture buyers and provide BAPLA with a “louder and a much braver voice on the lobbying stage,” which is needed to ensure the industry is heard on issues such as potential changes to U.K. copyright laws.
Specific planned initiatives include a new training academy, whose first session will focus on “Turning your Business Global.” The session is designed to assist smaller agencies break into the international market.
Additional changes are planned for next year’s Picture Buyers Fair, the BAPLA annual event that connects image buyers and sellers, and the organization’s Web site. BAPLA has invested in a new Web site referral system that will direct traffic to relevant members, as well as a jobs page and seekers database. Additional initiatives will target improving communications between members and international agents and photographers.