Printing industry ‘ Key to local economy’ – Rogerson
North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson, this week said the printing industry was key to bolstering the area’s local economy. His comments follow a visit last Friday to
T.J. International, a local printing firm.
Angus Clark, the company’s Chief Executive, and Andy Vosper, its Sales Director, took Mr Rogerson, on a tour of their book manufacturing plant in Padstow. The site, which was established in the 1970s, turns over £10m a year and has won numerous awards for its environmental and business practices.
Clark and Vosper took the opportunity to highlight major areas of concern for their business. The firm faces growing competition from book manufacturers in Malaysia, India and China along with rising energy and transport prices.
The industry also faces more local difficulties, as a successful employee training programme is threatened by impending cuts to outreach courses from Plymouth College into Cornwall.
Lizzy Hawkins, Public Affairs Manager at the British Printing Industry Federation, which arranged the meeting, explained that many of the issues raised reflected the concerns of the printing industry as a whole. “We were delighted to have the opportunity to talk to Dan and to put T.J. International in the context of the printing industry as a whole. Lack of support for adult education, rising costs and competition from low-cost economies are eroding margins and making it difficult for all UK printers to compete. The fact that a firm of T.J. International’s status is raising these issues really shows how serious the situation is.
Commenting, the local MP said:
“I have already raised the issues surrounding adult education with local providers and I was aware of T.J. International as a very successful local firm, but this visit really gave me an impression of how Angus and Andy are investing in their employees – and in the local environment – to maintain their firm’s success. My visit has been extremely informative.
“It’s of great benefit to local people that such a conscientious company is in my constituency, playing a key part in our economy.”
