BPIF celebrates 125 years at annual Members’ Day
The London event acted as a chance for members to network, learn, and celebrate the federation’s history, and the achievements of individuals in the industry

Representatives of Formara Print & Marketing were invited by their local MP to a reception at 11 Downing Street hosted by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves

Essex-based printer, Formara Print & Marketing, was invited to a reception at 11 Downing Street hosted by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
The reception was designed to celebrate small businesses and SMEs across the South East and Eastern regions, bringing together politicians and business owners to discuss the support of entrepreneurship at a national level.
Formara was invited to the parliamentary event following a recent visit by member of parliament (MP), David Burton-Sampson, at the company’s facilities in Southend-On-Sea.
During the visit, Burton-Sampson, the Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, met with Formara’s managing director, Andy Pond, and marketing and PR executive, Russ Turner, discussing topics including sustainability, apprenticeships, and education.
Following the visit, Formara reports that “a strong working relationship” developed between Pond and Burton-Sampson, with the latter then inviting to Formara to the 11 Downing Street event.
Pond says: “It was a real privilege to welcome David and his team to Formara, and to then represent Southend at 11 Downing Street alongside other outstanding regional businesses.
“Meeting Rachel Reeves and discussing the crucial role SMEs play in driving the UK economy was a true honour.”
Pond, who was appointed to the role of managing director of Formara in 2023, started as a trainee at the company in 1988. A recent exclusive feature for Print Monthly delves into Formara’s history since its founding in 1972.
