2 August 2016

Newly appointed Minister celebrates with creative and digital industries on Yorkshire Day

CDi Yorkshire along with the BPIF hosted a Yorkshire Day 2016 event on the 1st August 2016 at the Oracle Bar, Leeds.

Over 100 of the leading lights from the print, creative and digital industries gathered to celebrate Yorkshire Day, joined by newly appointed Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Andrew Percy. In only his second week in office he paid tribute to the work of the BPIF and CDi Yorkshire - recognising that it has become a Network of Networks among the sector. The Master of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper makers was also present, accompanied by The Clerk and around 20 Stationers from across the country.

CDi Yorkshire CEO, Robert McClements, reminded the gathering that the Leeds City Region is the largest economy outside London and that there are 60,000 jobs in the digital sector across the wider region. The UK has the 5th largest printing industry in the world and at 45% ranks only second in the industry scale of Gross Value Added as a percentage of turnover. The lunch provided an opportunity to reflect on past successes - leveraging £6m investment in the sector through the Business Growth Programme, supporting training with 50% funding and introducing access to finance in association with Leeds LEP. Representatives of local Government were among the guests including Councillor James Lewis who takes the digital lead in Leeds City Council.

Stefan Casey, Business Innovation Manager at The Retail Institute (Leeds Beckett University), was the key speaker, enlightening attendees with an overview of sensory marketing and how it is needed to create a successful marketing campaign as well as why and where it should be used. Industry leaders in attendance responded positively to this subject and were truly drawn in to the presentation.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Victor Watson Trophy by The Minister, who was introduced by Dale Wallis, Membership Director of the BPIF. The Trophy is in memory of the former chairman of Waddingtons and was awarded to Katie Craven, a young start-up businesswoman from the Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme who also received additional support from The Printing Charity. Nominee, Aimee Jagger, of local firm Sun Branding Solutions was also presented with a certificate.

Chris Selby, Regional Director (North) of the BPIF concluded the event with a vote of thanks to the Minister, The Prince's Trust and The Printing Charity for their constant support as well as the organisers and sponsors (Garbutt & Elliott and Denmaur Papers).