NEWS: Printing Charity Hosts 195th Annual Luncheon

This week saw the Printing Charity’s 195th Annual Luncheon, held at Stationers’ Hall in London, with more than 150 representatives from print, paper, packaging, publishing and graphics in attendance.

The Luncheon is the charity’s annual event to thank the industry for its consistently increasing commitment to employee wellbeing. This year, guests heard an entertaining and thought-provoking keynote speech from 2024 President Baroness Nicky Morgan, who related the importance of print both to her own portfolio career and within the bigger picture, stating: “The print sector and your businesses are of huge importance not only to the economy but also for other sectors and businesses within them.”

She reinforced her commitment to the charity’s aims, saying: “Asking for help is the first step towards feeling more prepared for what life throws at you,” and spotlighted the potential for a career in print for young people, recalling the Rising Stars Award event in the summer.

The event was also a chance to acknowledge the work and commitment of outgoing Vice Chair Julia Cole, and outgoing Treasurer Pauline Blake, to the charity during their tenures as Trustees.

In his speech, Chair David Phillips first shared a message to attendees from charity Patron His Majesty the King, and then updated guests on what has been a busy year for the organisation, as it continues to provide practical, emotional and financial support to yet more people across print and the allied trades.

Commenting on the event, David Phillips said: “The Luncheon is an annual staple of the print calendar, and an important way for the charity to say ‘thank you’ for all the support the industry has provided us with this year, as well as sharing information about our impact, bringing the spotlight onto what those impact numbers mean for the people behind them. We’re proud to have been there for as many people as we have this year, but we know there are more people out there who need our help. So, as always, the Luncheon is where we ask our industry supporters to continue to talk about the charity with their networks, encouraging people to start a conversation with us and find out how we may be able to help.”

Printing Charity CEO Neil Lovell said: “At the Luncheon our guests gather together to look back and celebrate print’s past 12 months, and look ahead to the future, and the changes and opportunities it is set to bring. This year, it was important also for us to use the occasion to thank Julia Cole for her nine years as Trustee, latterly as Vice Chair; and Pauline Blake for her eight-year stint as Honorary Treasurer. We’re incredibly grateful for their considerable support throughout this time.”