As part of its efforts to protect and grow the UK print industry, the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) has paid a visit to No 10 Downing Street, where its chair, Charles Rogers, met with special advisors to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The IPIA is now gathering representations from leading associations belonging to the Graphic and Print Media Alliance (GPMA), which includes the BPIF and Picon. It will work in partnership with them to further strengthen these advocacy efforts.
On the agenda for discussion with the special business and political advisors was a detailed overview of the place of the UK as top-six global print producer, its responsibility for nearly 8% of total UK manufacturing output, and the critical part it plays in the social, cultural and economic fabric of the country. Print and paper’s role in developing sustainable technology and its contribution to the advancement of the circular economy was also highlighted.
The IPIA also set out the challenges that are inhibiting the growth and competitiveness of UK print and paper, before presenting a package of structural and strategic support requests. A case was also put forward for the print, paper and allied sectors to be recognised as an ‘industry of strategic value’ – a term that describes industries that play a fundamental role in the economic health and competitiveness of the nation.
“The opportunity to participate in this meeting presented itself at short notice, and I was honoured to represent the IPIA on behalf of print and paper at No 10 Downing Street,” said Rogers, who continued: “Meeting with special advisors, who report to the PM, was a critical and rare opportunity to push our agenda for all those involved with print and paper in the UK.”
The IPIA said the special advisors welcomed the information and valued the dialogue, which gave them a chance not only to learn key facts about one of the UK’s few remaining world-class manufacturing industries, but how it can be supported to grow with Government assistance.
The meeting was facilitated by Puneet Gupta from PG Paper Company, as part of its ongoing initiatives to support the paper and print industry in the UK, who commented: “In today’s fast-paced digital world, the paper and print industry faces a range of challenges that require innovation, collaboration, and adaptability to overcome – it’s important to have open and honest conversations about navigating these. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors of the industry we look to develop strategies to overcome the challenges and support growth.”
Rogers added: “The meeting represents the culmination of years of hard work spent talking to Government, creating and attending industry events, networking and beating the drum for print and paper by the IPIA.
“Both advisors expressed positivity regarding follow up meetings and currently we are looking forward to a return visit – where we can expand on suggestions to aid UK print and paper supported by the GPMA.”
The information and proposals presented were garnered both from the ongoing feedback of IPIA members and the wider industry on the support they need, and in detail from the 20-strong IPIA Council that span the supply chain.
The structural support requests put forward included:
· Inclusion of print businesses in the Energy Intensive Industries Exemption Scheme, which provides utilities costs relief, and similar support initiatives in the future.
· Expansion of the existing capital allowances scheme on plant and machinery investment for the print industry.
· The introduction of a subsidy or tax scheme to reduce the cost of core industry manufacturing materials for print and postage.
· Implementation of post-Brexit policies that prohibit imports of paper products that are below UK environmental aspirations or standards.
· Identification of the UK print and paper sector as an ‘industry of strategic value’ to the UK economy and thus its inclusion in all Government manufacturing stimulus and support schemes in the future.
· Special classification placed on print and paper exports to Ireland to mitigate a significant loss of competitiveness with European print businesses.
The strategic support requests put forward included:
· Leveraging of the UK print and paper industry’s sustainability performance as part of the Government’s ambition to become a world leader in green technologies and carbon reduction.
· Engagement with print industry associations to assist with Government’s levelling up agenda and apprenticeship schemes.
· A national government led campaign that drives awareness of the role of the print industry, and in particular the social impact and importance of our manufacturing capabilities – which support our citizens in their everyday lives.
The IPIA is urging PSPs to provide feedback on trading conditions and ideas for targeted industry support by emailing the association.
