Positive day for print

Print Solutions

BPIF Members’ Day was held at One Birdcage Walk, Westminster on Wednesday 6 July. Beginning with a conference on ‘negotiationn, nationally trained negotiator for the police, Graham Curtis, and BPIF trainer, Dominic Wing, gave insight into the psychology behind negotiation and helped members develop their abilities in this key business skill.

The conference was followed by the eigth annual general meeting of the British Printing Industries Federation. The meeting was chaired by Ian Wilton, managing director of Oxuniprint – Oxford University Press, with BPIF chief executive Charles Jarrold reviewing the federation's performance over the year and highlighting how the BPIF will support its members in the future.

After the AGM members moved on to the All Party Parliamentary Print Group reception on the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons.

Hosted by Stephen Metcalfe MP, the 144 guests, including Print Solutions, were treated to drinks and canapés while admiring the fantastic views across the Thames. Over 20 MPs and peers were in attendance and members made the most of this opportunity to network with them.

James Buffoni from Ryedale Group commented, ‘We were very pleased that our MP Kevin Hollinrake responded to our invitation and took the time to meet with us at the APPPG. Following on from the APPPG we plan to develop a line of communication with Kevin so that the priorities and importance of the printing industry are clear. We feel that this type of dialogue improves communication between our business, our industry and parliament.’

Charles Jarrold and Louisa Bull, industrial officer for Unite, both addressed the audience, highlighting the renewed positivity in print.

Three Awards were presented at the reception. Nigel Lyon, managing director of Pinstripe Print Group, received the Outstanding Contribution to the UK Printing Industry Award and commented, ‘It is a real honour for me to receive such an award from the colleagues who I hold in the highest of regards.’ Melanie Fox received the Kathy Woodward Award for Learning, sponsored by Webmart, and Katie Craven was awarded the Victor Watson Trophy for a young person of outstanding achievement.

Charles commented, ‘It was excellent to see BPIF members, MPs and peers mingling and discussing all the great things that our industry epitomises. It was a fantastic day, a real celebration of all things print, as well as an opportunity to highlight our sector’s priorities.’