Another year of progress for IBP in 2004

This year looks set to mark another year of important progress for IBP. Significant new developments are inthe pipeline both on membership services and in terms of IBP social and business events.

On membership services IBP will be devoting time andresources in the first half of the year towards the development of a Freelance Journalists‘ Directory to form part of the IBP website. Freelance journalists within the construction industry are being invited to supply core information on their areas ofexpertise, their client lists and their rates of charging forservices. This information will be incorporated into the website in directory form but, unlike the previous printed membership directory, the freelance directory is intended to be available - completely free of charge - to anyone visiting the website who is looking for freelance journalists‘ services.

A major regional initiative is also being planned to expand I BP influence and activity in major regional centres. The aim here is to expand IBP membership recruitment and also greater involvement of regional journalists in the journalism awards scheme for 2004 and beyond. The initiative is intended to be based on a series of ‘showcase‘ events involving key regional members as well as IBP leaders. A progress report will be made later in the year. Meanwhile a full programme of business and social events for 2004 is set out elsewhere in Up-Date and all members are urged to support the various events and make them the success they deserve.