Former prime minister and 2025 President praises print as “thriving, dynamic and essential industry” at charity’s flagship event
I had the privilege of attending the Printing Charity’s Annual Luncheon yesterday, and it was an uplifting and extremely enjoyable occasion. The event brought together more than 220 people from across our industry, and it was good to see so many familiar faces united in support of the incredible work this charity does. The Printing Charity has been providing practical, emotional and financial support to people in print, paper, packaging, graphics and publishing since 1827, and events like this remind us just how vital that support remains today.
The Printing Charity’s Annual Luncheon, a staple event in the print industry calendar, and a chance for the charity to celebrate print’s increasing commitment to employee wellbeing and thank those who are helping to make this happen, took place on 13th November.
Due to increased demand for tickets, this year the event was held in the stunning surroundings of Plaisterers’ Hall, a new, larger venue in the City of London. More than 220 people from the print industry and allied trades came together to share 2025’s successes and challenges, and to look to the future.
During the Luncheon, guests heard from the Printing Charity’s 2025 President, Former Prime Minister Theresa May, the Rt Hon. the Baroness May of Maidenhead, who said: “Print is a sector that is in step with the times. The print medium is an authentic, trusted and tangible record which has stood the test of time. It is not a relic of the past, it is a thriving, dynamic and essential industry that touches every part of our country.”
Charity Chair David Phillips shared a message to attendees from His Majesty the King, Printing Charity Patron. He also shared information about the charity’s impact with assembled guests through personal stories from people supported by the charity in the last 12 months. He explained: “The Luncheon is an important way to say ‘thank you’ to all those who play a key role in helping us make a positive difference for people who work, or have worked, in our sectors. The best way to show what this really means is by sharing personal experiences from those who we are proud to have helped, in their own words.
“We hope that the personal stories people heard at the event will encourage our guests to start conversations with people in their networks, making sure even more people are aware of the ways that the charity can be here for them.”
Printing Charity CEO Neil Lovell said: “As our flagship annual event, the Luncheon is a time to reflect on what the charity does, thank its supporters and recognise its vital role in supporting people in our sector. It’s also a great time to share the growing, and very real, impact of the work we do, which this year includes the rapidly-approaching milestone of 500 companies whose staff have access to our free, confidential helpline.”
About The Printing Charity
Office for National Statistics data from March 2025 shows there are 19,000 businesses employing 240,000 people across the print industry and allied trades.
The Printing Charity has provided practical, emotional and financial support to people who work in print, paper, packaging, graphics and publishing since 1827, and is proud of its heritage.
The organisation’s charitable aims include promoting independence, protecting dignity and furthering education.
Today the charity fulfils these aims and meets the needs of those it helps through a free 24/7 helpline, financial assistance, welfare support and signposting to specialist services, two Almshouses providing sheltered accommodation for people retired from the sector, and initiatives supporting sector-specific training, with a focus on young people starting out in print through the annual Rising Star Awards.
For more information visit www.theprintingcharity.org.uk
The Printing Charity supporting the industry’s emotional and financial needs