SIMON Forrester, leader of the British Pest Control Association, has been named chief executive of the year in a national initiative.

The 47-year-old scooped the highest-profile category at the UK Association Awards, which aims to reward talent and recognise success.

He said: “I’m delighted and honoured to win such a prestigious award, which is a massive boost for the BPCA.

“It’s a reflection of the success of the organisation but also on the professionalism, hard work and dedication of the entire team.

“We are the leading trade body for pest control in the UK and I am the figurehead, but as Isaac Newton once said, I am standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Simon has this year instigated a string of initiatives which have delivered massively increased revenues – leading to more benefits and services for members.

Sustained growth has reached unprecedented levels and turnover has passed the £1 million mark with new staff appointed to cope with the expanding workload.

The total number of servicing members reached a record 700 in 2016 – an increase of 11 per cent year on year – and the retention rate was above 95 per cent despite the introduction of new criteria.

The judges said:

“With only a small team and some effective initiatives, Simon has transformed the BPCA into a modern, relevant and progressive organisation.

“He engaged the association in extensive international activities and generated a commercial drive.”

During past 12 months, Simon instigated a root and branch review of BPCA governance, prompting revisions which led to a stronger, more streamlined structure for its various committees.
His campaign focusing on professionalism led to this year’s introduction of rules requiring every member company to be assessed against a new European Standard – for which he helped to develop the protocol.

The BPCA joined the British Cleaning Council in 2015