4 November 2024

NEW MP HEADS TO SOLOPRESS, SOUTHEND

New MP for Southend West & Leigh, David Burton-Sampson, dropped into BPIF member Solopress in Southend before heading to Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference.  

He was given a tour by Solopress CEO Simon Cooper and the BPIF’s National Membership Development Director, Darren Shepherd.  

Solopress’ most recent job printing Labour flyers was in production, giving David a behind-the-scenes look into the hard work that goes into campaign leaflets before they drop through constituents’ doors.  

During his tour, David also saw Solopress’ new equipment in the digital and print units at work, plus its recent significant investments in finishing machinery and laser cutting, alongside the company’s 60-year-old Heidelburg platens.  

Policy issues on the agenda were how local and national government can support growing businesses to drive productivity and efficiency, attract young people into manufacturing and support sustainability measures. Also discussed were the Government’s upcoming employment law reforms and potential impacts on businesses, as well as the challenges of keeping pace with rapidly rising minimum wage levels across a business with a range of skills levels.  

Before his election, David worked as a consultant for small businesses, and was interested to hear from Simon about the positive workplace culture at Solopress, one of the largest online printers in the UK.  

Simon Cooper, CEO at Solopress, said: 

“We did our last MP visit less than a year ago, but with the election everything changed locally as well as nationally! We know how useful it can be to get to know the local MP, so we were delighted that, as a new MP, David wanted to come and find out more about us.   

“He was especially fascinated to see his local party leaflets come to life here at Solopress. All MPs use leaflets as a vital way to communicate with the public, but they don’t always make an effort to appreciate the hard work that goes their printing, finishing and packing.   

“David was really engaged and interested find out more about what we do and how we contribute to local employment and growth, with growth being a key mission for the new government. We were able to call on his support for some local challenges we face, but also for the printing industry on a wider level. “