29 November 2023

Printing Charity 2023 President Lord Grade celebrates industry evolution and adaptability at 194th Annual Luncheon

More than 150 representatives from the world of print, paper, packaging, publishing and graphics gathered at Stationers’ Hall in London yesterday for the Printing Charity Annual Luncheon – the 194th since the charity was founded in 1827.

The Luncheon, the charity’s annual event to thank the industry for their ongoing and increasing commitment to employee wellbeing, also provided an opportunity to formally thank outgoing Chair Jon Wright, and Vice Chair James Povey, for their outstanding combined 38 years of service to the charity. Both joined as Trustees in 2004.

Printing Charity President Emeritus Lord Black of Brentwood presented Jon and James with commemorative medals, and in addition invited Jon to take up the honorary appointment of President Emeritus in recognition of his commitment to steering the charity through almost two decades of transformation as Trustee, Honorary Treasurer and finally, for a decade, as Chair.

Guests also enjoyed a keynote speech from the charity’s 2023 President Michael Grade CBE, Lord Grade of Yarmouth, who praised the print industry for adapting and evolving to remain relevant in the modern world, and said that print and the printed word “retain a very special power”. He also stated that there has never been a more important time for the work the charity does.

Commenting on the Luncheon’s focus, Printing Charity Chair David Phillips said: “The Luncheon is a chance for the charity to share some key achievements from the last 12 months, and to thank everyone for their ongoing engagement and support, which plays such a big role in driving these achievements. The free, confidential employee helpline now reaches over 25,000 people in the industry, up from 20,000 in the last year. However, we know that there are many more people who could benefit from the charity’s help. The Luncheon is a vital chance to ask industry supporters to continue to talk about the charity with their networks, encouraging people to start a conversation and find out how they may be able to help."

Printing Charity CEO Neil Lovell said: “The Luncheon is our flagship annual event, a chance for the industry to gather together to discuss the achievements and challenges of the last 12 months and, together, to look to the future. This year the event is even more special, as an opportunity for us to publicly spotlight the incredible work of the charity’s previous Chair and Vice Chair, Jon Wright and James Povey, and thank them for their time and dedication as they retire from combined service of almost four decades as key members of the charity Council.”

The 2023 Annual Luncheon was generously sponsored by ePS and HP, and supported by Josero, Nutshell Trade Services and PICON. Print materials were provided by McLays, and banners by FaberExposize UK / Northern Flags.