14 July 2016

Young persons of outstanding achievement receive industry recognition in Westminster

The inaugural awarding of the Victor Watson Trophy for young persons of outstanding achievement took place during the 2016 All-Party Parliamentary Print Group Reception at the House of Commons on 6 July.

The award was created in memory of Victor Watson CBE – a leading figure of the industry who had a passion for encouraging young people. Victor’s own achievements were outstanding – as Chairman of Waddingtons he led the internationalisation of Monopoly. He was President of the BPIF, President of The Printing Charity and Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards.

The BPIF, along with The Printing Charity and Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards created the Victor Watson Trophy in his memory.

Nominations were received from across the country and the achievements were truly inspiring. They covered the spectrum of the industry – in print and allied trades. They were from large corporations, small businesses and some inspirational start-ups.

A number of the nominations were for young people who had taken part in the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme, which has helped over 80,000 disadvantaged young people to start their own business since 1983, providing financial and long term mentor support. The Prince’s Trust has benefitted from generous financial support from The Printing Charity, enabling over 100 young people to start their own businesses in Print related industries.

An example of which was the Highly Commended, Carol van Rij, a Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme star who started her own children’s t-shirt printing business.

The winner’s Trophy was awarded to Katie Craven – an illustrator and designer whose printed work has gone from strength-to-strength and has seen her achieve a homeware range for George at ASDA and receive nominations for two Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs) for Inspirational Woman and Young Entrepreneur. Katie now has the opportunity to apply for a £1,500 bursary from The Printing Charity.

Sheila Watson, Victor’s widow, was on hand to present the Trophy on the day. Upon receiving the award, Katie said, “I feel very happy to have been chosen for the award! It was lovely to meet and talk with Sheila about her husband Victor, and it felt very special to get to know more about his life achievements.”

Robert McClements, CEO of the BPIF’s special interest group, CDi Yorkshire (Creative and Digital Industries Yorkshire), said, “Organising the Trophy showed me how Victor’s extraordinary goodwill prevails. It was a privilege to work with him and this is a most appropriate reminder of the great man.”

The BPIF and The Printing Charity would like to congratulate Katie, Carol and all nominees.