The IPIA has continued its engagement with central government on behalf of the print industry with attendance by chair Charles Rogers at a business leaders’ reception at 10 Downing Street at the invitation of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP.
The event took place on 20 December 2023, aiming to bring together influential representatives from key sectors of the UK economy and foster collaboration between them. Mr Rogers met the Chancellor following the latter’s address to the reception and discussed the projected impact of the policies announced in the recent Autumn Statement, highlighting the critical importance of print being included in manufacturing support initiatives, such as the Energy-intensive Industries Scheme.
Mr Rogers commented, ‘To be invited as the chair of the IPIA to a reception hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, is recognition of how important the print and paper industries are to the health of the UK economy. During our conversation he was receptive to the points being put across in regards to the need for further print and paper industry support, and welcomed further representations.
‘In fact, in a broader sense it’s not the IPIA being invited, but the entire print and paper industries. Sectors such as finance, IT, life sciences, hospitality, health care and fast-growing entrepreneurial start ups – to name a few – were all in attendance. This is so that government can either learn from them, or impress upon them strategy or policy to improve the economy.’
He added, ‘The reception provided a fascinating insight into how other sectors view ours. It also provided a valuable platform to raise the profile of our industry and highlight how critical it is to the functioning of so many other parts of the economy.
‘We will continue to advocate for policies that will address the issues reported by IPIA members, industry businesses and allied associations which are hindering our industry’s growth and long-term stability. Our work will continue in 2024 and we welcome, and would encourage, engagement from the industry to represent its interests.’
