On the agenda for discussion with the special business and political advisors was a detailed overview of the place of the UK as a top six global print producer, its responsibility for nearly 8% of total UK manufacturing output, and the critical part it plays in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the country.

Print and paper’s role in developing sustainable technology and its contribution to the advancement of the circular economy was also highlighted.

The IPIA set out the challenges that are inhibiting the growth and competitiveness of UK print and paper, before presenting a package of structural and strategic support requests.

These included the inclusion of print businesses in the Energy Intensive Industries Exemption Scheme, which provides utilities costs relief, and similar support initiatives in the future, and expansion of the existing capital allowances scheme on plant and machinery investment for the print industry.

Also; the introduction of a subsidy or tax scheme to reduce the cost of core industry manufacturing materials for print and postage, implementation of post-Brexit policies that prohibit imports of paper products that are below UK environmental aspirations or standards, and identification of the UK print and paper sector as an ‘industry of strategic value’ to the UK economy, and thus its inclusion in all government manufacturing stimulus and support schemes in the future.

It also asked for special classification placed on print and paper exports to Ireland to mitigate a significant loss of competitiveness with European print businesses.

In terms of strategic support requests, the IPIA asked for leveraging of the UK print and paper industry’s sustainability performance as part of the government’s ambition to become a world leader in green technologies and carbon reduction, and engagement with print industry associations to assist with the government’s levelling up agenda and apprenticeship schemes.

Also; a national government-led campaign that drives awareness of the role of the print industry, and in particular the social impact and importance of the industry’s manufacturing capabilities.

The information and proposals presented were garnered both from the ongoing feedback of IPIA members and the wider industry on the support they need, and in detail from the 20-strong IPIA Council that spans the supply chain.

The IPIA urged those in the industry to provide their feedback on trading conditions and ideas for targeted industry support by emailing info@ipia.org.uk.

Rogers said the special advisors welcomed the information and valued the dialogue, which gave them a chance to learn key facts about the industry, and about how it can be supported to grow with government assistance.

He said the opportunity to participate presented itself at short notice and that he was honoured to represent the IPIA at No 10.

“Meeting with special advisors, who report to the PM, was a critical and rare opportunity to push our agenda for all those involved with print and paper in the UK.”

He told Printweek: “This meeting was crucially important because it might provide the beginnings of an opportunity to join other industries that have dialogue with central government.

He said it represented “the culmination of years of hard work spent talking to government, creating and attending industry events, networking and beating the drum for print and paper by the IPIA”.

“During Covid we had a great relationship with what was BEIS [the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy] – we’ve got a wealth of discussion points that have gone on for three years now.”

The meeting was facilitated by Puneet Gupta from PG Paper Company, as part of the firm's ongoing initiatives to support the paper and print industry in the UK.

Gupta commented: “In today’s fast-paced digital world, the paper and print industry faces a range of challenges that require innovation, collaboration, and adaptability to overcome – it’s important to have open and honest conversations about navigating these.

“By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors of the industry we look to develop strategies to overcome the challenges and support growth.”

The IPIA is now gathering representations from other major industry associations that belong to the Graphic & Print Media Alliance (GPMA), which includes the BPIF and Picon. It will work in partnership with them to further strengthen these advocacy efforts.

Rogers said it was “very important” that the members of the GPMA work together on this.

“The GPMA is a great table to bring all of the print associations together, talk candidly on topics and pool our resources and efforts. And this is something which we know is a good opportunity for the industry, so it’s something that we need to engage the GPMA members with.”

Rogers added both advisors he met with were “very engaged” and expressed positivity regarding follow up meetings.

“Currently we are looking forward to a return visit – where we can expand on suggestions to aid UK print and paper supported by the GPMA.”