14 March 2017

Meet your MP this Easter

At the BPIF, we're always looking for way to connect our members with the country's decision-makers. We think showing MPs first-hand how print works, and sharing with them our ideas for how the Government can support our industry, is the best way to ensure they're representing us in the corridors of power.

While our July Members' Day in Westminster is a great opportunity to do this, by far the best way to engage your local MP is to invite them to come and visit you at your premises. If you can offer them a tour, a chance to meet staff (in other words, potential voters!), a cup of a coffee and a photo opportunity, they are more than likely to say yes!

So why not invite your MP this Easter or Whitsun recess? Recesses are the periods when MPs take time away from Westminister to work in their constituencies, so it's a good time to offer a visit. Otherwise, most MPs spend their Fridays in their constituencies, actively getting out and about, so this works well too.

Easter recess runs from 30 March until 18 April, and Whitsun (or half-term) recess is from 25 May to 5 June.

Check out our brand new 'Meet Your MP' pack, designed especially for BPIF members, to help organise an MP's visit. It includes a template press release you can use to send to your local papers after the visit, with the MP's permission.

Carys Davis, the BPIF's Public Affairs Adviser, can help make arrangements and give you ideas for topical issues to raise during the visit. She will often be able to attend the visit as well, so do let her know if you're interested in meeting your MP!