20 March 2019

Steve Reed MP visits Graphico Printing Limited

Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, visited Graphico Printing Limited in West Croydon. He joined management and staff to tour the site, learning how a modern print business works and contributes to both local and national economies.

Graphico Printing Limited specialises in print for the hospitality/security sectors and employs 35 people at its premises on the London Road, West Croydon. Having been in business for 44 years, it is a family concern started by Shaukat Dungarwalla and brothers Munaver and Mustafa. It operates from a 17,000sq ft. former bicycle factory & its longest serving employee has recently celebrated 42 years with the company whilst Shaukat's son Abizar, is now a Director responsible for Pre-Press and Digital Print.

The company Directors and staff discussed their day-to-day work, their recent and proposed investments, the importance of skills, andits green credentials in using vegetable based inks and biodegradable laminates. Concerns over Brexit related tariffs, access to superfast broadband and the quality of applicants for apprenticeships were also discussed. MD Shaukat Dungarwalla is particularly interested in mentoring.
The UK is the world's fifth largest producer of printed products, with 8,600 companies across the UK employing 122,000 people.

Steve Reed MP said, "My dad, uncles, aunts and grandparents all worked in the print at Odhams in Watford. I have a post-graduate qualification in print from the London College of Printing and worked for 16 years in the printing and publishing industry before going into politics. It was a real pleasure to visit Graphico, meet the managers and staff and see how the industry is changing."

"There aren't many MPs with such a strong printing background so I look forward to joining the All Party Parliamentary Group on Print so I can help advocate for this important sector of the economy in Parliament."

Abizar Dungarwalla said, "Just had our local MP @SteveReedMP at Graphico. Thanks for coming down.... Was great to meet you."

Steve Lee of the BPIF said, "Visits like this really show politicians that print is very much a live and kicking industry, making a significant contribution to the UK economy, as well as to West Croydon."

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