20 September 2022

EMMA LEWELL-BUCK MP VISITS MAJOR SOUTH SHIELDS BUSINESS CELEBRATING ITS 75TH BIRTHDAY

Emma Lewell-Buck, MP for South Shields, recently visited leading print company Harlow Printing in Simonside to mark the businesses’ 75^th birthday. She met managers and staff to tour the site, finding out how a modern print business works and contributes to both local and national economies. 

The company, established in 1947, specialises in printed products for the NHS, including the Personal Child Health Record (or ‘Red Book’), the national standard health and development record given to parents/carers at a child's birth. 

They also print personalised direct mail, letters for charities and even bingo cards and scratch cards. 

At 75, the company continues to grow, recently investing in new equipment, including an RMGT92 UV LED press, guillotine and collator.  It also took on 25 staff from the former Edward Thompson printer in Sunderland which closed in March, retaining unique skills which otherwise may have been lost from the industry.  

Emma Lewell-Buck MP said:

“From newspapers to medical leaflets – and of course MPs’ campaign flyers – print is a big part of our lives.  

I always enjoying visiting Richard and the excellent team at Harlow. They have thrived through difficult times, and I’m delighted to help them celebrate their 75^th birthday this year.  

These companies are the backbone of our local and national economies, employing staff and providing high quality customer service and products.  

The Government needs to do everything within its power to make it easier for businesses to start, grow and prosper. Right now, that means acknowledging the impact of current energy prices and delivering meaningful solutions.  

I will always be a strong advocate for all our hard-working businesses in South Shields, such as Harlow.”

Richard Walker, Managing Director of Harlow Printing, said:

"We were delighted that Emma came to tour the premises and wish us a happy 75^th birthday.  

It was a brilliant opportunity to show her how the industry works and is moving forward following the pandemic. 

We discussed how companies like ours – and the small and medium business community – could be better understood by Government and helped towards future success. 

Visits like this show politicians that print is very much a live and kicking industry, making a significant contribution to the UK economy, as well as here in South Shields.”