The Printing Charity reunites industry in London

The Printing Charity, which provides practical, emotional, and financial support to workers in the print industry, has celebrated its 195th Annual Luncheon. The event included a speech from the Charity’s chair, David Phillips, as well as a keynote speech from Baroness Nicky Morgan.

150 representatives from across the print, paper, packaging, publishing, and graphics industries attended the event in London’s historic Stationers’ Hall which also hosted Power of Print just over a week earlier.

Recognising the location she was in, Morgan introduced herself as a self-confessed stationery nerd, often getting lured into shops by the various books, diaries, and the various tools that compliment them. “There are times when only the written and printed word will do,” said Morgan.

Baroness Morgan continued with a light-hearted and entertaining speech in which she related the importance of print to both her own career but also society as a whole. “The print sector and your businesses are of huge importance not only to the economy but also for other sectors and businesses within them.”

Morgan was also recognised by the Chairty for her recent appointment as the chair of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), an organisation that plays a huge role in the regulation of print, digital, audio, and broadcast advertising.

It was noted that Morgan is the first female chair of the ASA, a role she took over following the stepping down of Lord Currie of Marylebone, David Currie, on November 1st, 2024.

Speaking about the importance of The Printing Charity at the Luncheon, Morgan said: “Asking for help is the first step towards feeling more prepared for what life throws at you,” after which she highlighted her positive experience at the Rising Star Awards in the summer.

The Luncheon also acted as a chance to acknowledge the work of the Charity’s outgoing vice chair, Julia Cole, and outgoing treasurer, Pauline Blake.

Neil Lovell, Printing Charity chief executive officer, said: “This year, it was important also for us to use the occasion to thank Julia Cole for her nine years as trustee, latterly as vice chair; and Pauline Blake for her eight-year stint as honorary treasurer. We’re incredibly grateful for their considerable support throughout this time.”

At the beginning of the Luncheon and following dinner, the Charity’s patron King Charles III was honoured by all in attendance with Phillips also sharing a message from His Majesty the King.

In his welcome speech, Phillips said: “The Luncheon is an annual staple of the print calendar, and an important way for the charity to say ‘thank you’ for all the support the industry has provided us with this year, as well as sharing information about our impact, bringing the spotlight onto what those impact numbers mean for the people behind them.

“We’re proud to have been there for as many people as we have this year, but we know there are more people out there who need our help. So, as always, the Luncheon is where we ask our industry supporters to continue to talk about the charity with their networks, encouraging people to start a conversation with us and find out how we may be able to help.”