IN MEMORIAM 

BPCA is saddened to report that our former president, Phil Halpin, has passed away after a prolonged illness.

Longtime member and BPCA volunteer, Phil was the chair of the servicing committee from 2015 to 2019 and was instrumental in developing the BPCA Registered CPD scheme. 

Philip Halpin led the Association through the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring guidance was quickly made available to the pest community. Under his leadership, BPCA secured critical worker status in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Leadership through challenging times

BPCA president, Chris Cagienard, said:

“Phil served most of his time as president during the Covid pandemic. This meant Phil was deprived of many opportunities to get out and physically meet with members.

“However, it was also the time when the Staff  team and Executive Board did more to support and help our sector than in any time preceding.

“Phil led the Association through our first digital-only exhibition with PestExtra during lockdowns, which won the TAF Award for Best Event.

“Phil spoke passionately at BPCA’s 80th Anniversary Event in Westminster Palace, sharing the historic success of the Association and the vital role pest professionals play in society.

“His support was the reason why I chose to stand as vice-president and then president of BPCA."

As BPCA president, Phil’s role saw him work closely with the Staff  team. Phil was well thought of throughout the team. He will be remembered for going out of his way to engage with all staff throughout the organisation.

Philip Halpin (centre) alongside is Executive Board colleagues at the BPCA AGM 2019.

A part of our team and the BPCA community 

BPCA operations manager and company secretary Lorraine Norton said:

“Phil was a real gentleman and an absolute pleasure to work with. He was popular amongst his colleagues on the Board and members generally.

“He was a great Chair of the Board and spokesperson for BPCA.

“He was rarely seen without a smile, even when things weren’t going to plan.

“He was calm, considered, supportive, motivated, committed and went above and beyond in his volunteer role.

“He always spoke of his family so fondly, and he was committed to professionalism and the mission and values of BPCA – and a hard worker, both for BPCA and, I have no doubt, in his own business.

“He was positive throughout his journey. I’ll miss him very much."

Philip Halpin opening PestEx 2019.

Phil on volunteering 

In his last foreword in PPC magazine before passing the torch to Chris Cagienard, Phil wrote:

“Being on the Board has made me think more strategically about my own business. […] I’ve never left a Board meeting or a [BPCA] Forum without feeling at least a little inspired to make a change in my own company.

“So, if you can, get in those rooms. Have those conversations. Enjoy those sandwiches. Come to an event or volunteer for a committee. You won’t regret it. We’ve got plenty to celebrate together. 

“So until next we meet... stay safe!”

BPCA’s thoughts are with his wife, young family , and his colleagues at Countrywide. 

Phil’s passion for BPCA, its members and the industry as a whole will be deeply missed by the BPCA volunteers and team he served with. 

Contributions to the Association

• Winner of the BPCA Special Contribution Award 2023
• Immediate Past President: May 2022 – October 2023
• BPCA President: January 2019 – May 2022
• BPCA Vice President: June 2017 – January 2022
• BPCA Board Member: June 2015 – October 2023
• BPCA Servicing Committee Chair: June 2015 – January 2019.

Condolences 

If you would like to share your condolences or memories of Phil, please send them to hello@bpca.org.uk