As previously reported by Print Monthly, the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) recently met with special advisors to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at No 10 Downing Street. Since, Charles Rogers, chair of the IPIA, has detailed the progress of his meeting.
The event was hosted by recently appointed Deputy Prime Minister, MP Oliver Dowden, following the stepping down of Dominic Raab.
In conjunction with government meetings, the IPIA has encouraged businesses and individuals to feed specific market challenges, trends, and topics to the association in order to aid with targeted support from the Government.
Speaking about the visit, Rogers says: “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.”
Rogers adds: “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.”
The event was attended by leaders from sectors like banking, healthcare, and construction
In attendance at the event were special business leaders from around the UK who were brought together to discuss the topic of “Identification of UK print and paper as ‘industries of strategic value’ to our economy.”
The meeting included professionals from the worlds of banking, healthcare, IT, construction, hospitality, and other key industries.
“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,” says Rogers.
“One attendee told me they regularly bought print products online, and following our conversation, would be expanding his interests in this area. He also encouraged other attendees in our group to look to print as a valuable route to market.”
Rogers concludes: “The environment at No 10 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, who proactively seek to engage attendees in conversation, so they can highlight information and trends that can be brought to the attention of senior policymakers.”
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