18 July 2018

The importance of interacting with Government highlighted at APPPG Reception

Once again we were lucky with the weather earlier this month as we met on the House of Lords Terrace for the All-Party Parliamentary Print Group annual reception. A popular event for both Federation members and parliamentarians, the reception encourages discussion of the importance of print both locally and nationally, and of how Government can support our industry. Sponsor Baroness Donaghy spoke to highlight the economic importance of print, and MP Kevin Hollinrake, Vice-Chair of the All Party Group, explained how "Government responds to a common voice", meaning that trade bodies and All Party Groups are well placed to lobby for change.

(Baroness Donaghy opening the APPPG Reception)

(MP Kevin Hollinrake speaking at the APPPG Reception)

We were joined by several MPs who were meeting their constituents at the reception for the second or third times, for example Kevin taking the opportunity to catch up with his constituent, James Buffoni of Ryedale Group in York. Tan Dhesi, MP for Slough, followed up his visit to X1 Ltd in April by dropping in to chat to MD George Eckford, and Emma Lewell-Buck MP did the same having enjoyed a trip to Harlow Printing in her local patch last year.

(MP Tan Dhesi speaking to MD George Eckford, X1 Ltd)

We were also joined by Parliamentarians new to the event, including Yvette Cooper who came to meet Mark Roberts of Acorn Printing and Sir Kevin Barron who enjoyed a drink with Dan Dean of B&B Press. Many MPs who couldn't join us on the day expressed interest in visits to our members over the summer recess, meaning even better quality engagement to come as they get onto the print floor in a white coat or high vis jacket!

It's been fantastic to see relationships developing between Federation members and their local MPs over recent years at the reception, often continued in the constituencies across the country. These relationships are mutually beneficial, ensuring that MPs are well informed about the world of print and how they can support us and our members have someone they can call on if they need help. Planning for next year's event will start soon, and we're hoping for another year of sunshine as we come together in Westminster to celebrate print.

For more information on how to meet your MP click here.