The Printing Charity welcomed more than 220 guests to its 196th Annual Luncheon on 13 November, moving to Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London to meet rising demand for tickets. The event remains a key date in the print industry calendar and offers an opportunity to recognise the sector’s growing emphasis on employee wellbeing, as well as the individuals and organisations helping to drive that progress.
Guests heard an address from the charity’s 2025 President, former Prime Minister Theresa May, the Rt Hon. the Baroness May of Maidenhead. She praised the continuing relevance of the medium, commenting: “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 from the organisation’s Patron, His Majesty the King, and highlighted the impact of the charity’s work through personal stories from individuals supported over the past year. “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,” he said. “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.”
CEO Neil Lovell emphasised the organisation’s continued role in supporting people across print and allied trades. “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.”
The Printing Charity, established in 1827, supports people in print, paper, packaging, graphics, and publishing through practical, emotional and financial assistance. Its services include a 24/7 helpline, welfare support, financial aid, sector-specific training initiatives and sheltered accommodation for retired industry workers.
