7 July 2017

Industry recognises young persons of outstanding achievement in Westminster

The awarding of the Victor Watson Trophy for young persons of outstanding achievement took place during the 2017 All-Party Parliamentary Print Group Reception at the House of Lords on 4 July.

The award was created in memory of Victor Watson CBE - a leading figure of the industry who had a passion for encouraging young people. Victor's own achievements were outstanding - as Chairman of Waddingtons he led the internationalisation of Monopoly. He was President of the BPIF, President of The Printing Charity and Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards.

The BPIF, along with The Printing Charity and Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards created the Victor Watson Trophy in his memory.

Nominations were received from across the country and the achievements were truly inspiring. They covered the spectrum of the industry - in print and allied trades. They were from large corporations, small businesses and some inspirational start-ups.

John Watson OBE, brother of the late Victor Watson, presented the winner's Trophy to Lauren Sharples, a Project Manager from Ryedale Group. Lauren now has the opportunity to apply for a £1,500 bursary from The Printing Charity.

Lauren said on winning the award, "I was absolutely delighted just to be nominated for such a prestigious award, to actually win was mind-blowing. I can see that there are lots of other dedicated young people in print so it's a real honour and a privilege to be recognised. I love what I do, it's not always easy and moments like this help bring perspective. Thank you so much to the BPIF, The Printing Charity and The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards."

James Buffoni, Managing Director of Ryedale Group, congratulated Lauren after she received the award at the House of Lords: "All of us at Ryedale Group are delighted that Lauren has been acknowledged by her industry for her outstanding achievement and we all congratulate her on winning such a prestigious award. As a family business we are very pleased to work with, develop and celebrate capable young professionals such as Lauren who can evidently cut the mustard amongst the best young people in the industry."

Highly commended for the Victor Watson Trophy was Josh Levitt-Thomas from Hobbs, who said, "It was a great privilege to be considered for the Victor Watson Trophy and to be invited to an incredible event to receive my certificate will be a moment I will cherish and talk about."

Robert McClements, CEO of the BPIF's special interest group, CDi Yorkshire (Creative and Digital Industries Yorkshire), said, "Organising the Trophy showed me how Victor's extraordinary goodwill prevails. It was a privilege to work with him and this is a most appropriate reminder of the great man."

The BPIF and The Printing Charity would like to congratulate Lauren, Josh and all nominees.