23 July 2018

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 2018 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 the 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.

Anthony Komedera, Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards presented the winner's Trophy to Agata Labedz, KCS Print and Sophia Djili De La Rue.

Sophia said of winning the award, "I am delighted to have won the Victor Watson Trophy it was an honour for my work to be acknowledged both by the BPIF and De La Rue. I hope that this reinforces the opportunities for careers in the printing industry particularly with regards to engineering."

Andrew Parr, Manufacturing Technical Director, who nominated Sophia said, "I am delighted that Sophia has been recognised with this award from the BPIF and is truly deserved. Sophia has achieved a huge amount on a very large and demanding project. I think for a young lady in a very male dominated industry she has been absolutely outstanding. How many young people can say they were part of a successful bid team to win such a prestigious contract, then actually deliver the project very successfully."

Agata Labedz's nominator Zoe Deadman, Sales Manager at KCS Print said, "Agata has done a fabulous job at KCS Print. We are all tremendously proud of what she has achieved in such a short time and are proud that she has won this recognition from the industry. It is important that bright young recruits are brought into the industry and are supported to allow their potential to flourish both for their own development and UK printings future growth potential."

Highly commended for the Victor Watson Trophy was Alice Murray from BCQ Group, who said, "It is an honour to have been Highly Commended for the Victor Watson Trophy, I am delighted to have been invited to the event to recieve the certificate and will certainly treasure this."

Robert McClements, CEO of the BPIF's special interest group, CDi (Creative and Digital Industries), 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, The Printing Charity and the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards would like to congratulate Agata, Sophia and Alice and all nominees.