Following the IPIA’s recent meeting with special advisors to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street, the Government has delivered on a key strategic support request from the association.
IPIA chair, Charles Rogers, has attended an event hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister, MP Oliver Dowden, to represent the UK print industry at a business leaders reception at No10. The invitation is in response to the IPIA’s formal request for the “identification of UK print and paper as ‘industries of strategic value’ to our economy.”
Rogers said: “It’s hugely encouraging for our industry that I was invited to attend an event designed to foster collaboration between different sectors of the economy – demonstrating that print and paper is now firmly on the Government’s radar. The call for proactive engagement from Government with the sector at our previous meeting has been heeded. I am optimistic for the future as we continue to advocate for targeted support for our industry.”
He added: “I was introduced to the Deputy Prime Minister, MP Oliver Dowden, who is now fully aware of the UK’s place as a global leader when it comes to innovation in printing processes and the production of print. He is also aware of its strategic importance to the multi-national technology developers and media suppliers at the core of its supply chain.
“Our goal at the event was to impress on other guests the importance of print and paper to the UK economy and the health of its society, which was well received. The environment at No10 does seem to focus minds on the importance of cross sector collaboration, while encouraging discussion on how we can work together to collectively grow the UK economy. The networking opportunities are also very apparent. A range of special advisors to ministers attend so they can highlight information and trends that can be brought to the attention of senior policy makers.”
Since its formal meeting in April with special advisors to the Prime Minister, the IPIA has engaged closely with other trade bodies within the Graphics and Print Media Alliance (GPMA). It is now in the process of canvassing its members for feedback that will shape the IPIA’s ongoing engagement with Government. PSPs are invited to provide input.
