As the umbrella group representing the UK’s printing industry supply chain, membership of the Graphics Print and Media Alliance (GPMA) is pursuing an agenda to promote best practice, enhance competitiveness and formulate effective public policy and delivery.  The joining of these Trade Associations comes at a crucial time as the Government is consulting heavily with industry on both Brexit and Industrial Strategy. 

The GPMA is focused on feeding into relevant consultations including a recent submission to the Business, Energy and Industry Strategy’s Select Committee regarding the industry’s position on Industrial Strategy.

The GPMA was formed in 2013 and in the past 12 months has seen expanded membership with the inclusion of the UK’s largest print sector association, the British Printing Industries Federation, and the leading representatives for the UK’s paper-based sector, the Confederation of Paper Industries.  Together, the 11 Trade Association members of the GPMA represent some 3,741 companies with an annual turnover of £15 billion, employing an estimated 106,000 people. Details on all members, as well as information on the GPMA’s activities are outlined on the GPMA’s newly launched website www.gpma.org.uk.

Tom Bowtell, the Chairman of the GPMA and the Chief Executive of the British Coatings Federation (BCF) commented: “Trade Associations have a crucial role to play in promoting best practice, helping companies become more competitive and formulating effective public policy and delivery.  Through the GPMA, we have tremendous potential to act as the co-ordinated voice of the graphics and print media supply chain when talking to Government and offer great value in terms of quickly disseminating messages about Government policy to our members.  Productive engagement between Associations and Government is vital for the policy making process, and has never been more important”.