Hello, yes it’s a bit of a mouthful, but in simple terms it’s a group of 15 people from various backgrounds selected by the BBC to advise external suppliers on how best to work with the BBC commissioners.

The BBC Approved Supplier List (ASL) was created to hold a multitude of suppliers (over 300 in fact) in a pool for commissioners to dip in to for assistance with projects. All these suppliers have pre-qualified through the ASL system.

There has been numerous occasions where suppliers have found it difficult communicating through this system, so the advisory group was set up to make this process driven relationship more efficient for both parties.

I have recently been appointed onto this group and will be representing BIMA at these meetings. I feel that BIMA will be able to offer a great deal of support to the BBC Future Media team, and be a perfect body to communicate it’s members comments, issues and needs back to the BBC.

To start with, the advisory group will look at the commissioning process, we will run a system audit and suggest ways in which the BBC can enhance the process and experience.

Also, BIMA will be running a series of events with the BBC for BIMA members and the ASL. These will be in the format of open workshops where ideas can be shared and further face time will be given with BBC commissioners. These will be open to non BIMA members and non ASL suppliers too.

Please keep an eye on the BIMA site for these events which will take place later this year.