7 December 2017

Pensord host MP visit

Pensord, a leading specialist magazine printing company played host to their local MP Chris Evans recently when he paid a visit to the site – which operates out of their 50,000 sq ft of factory space in Blackwood, South Wales. Managing Director, Darren Coxon provided an update on all things Pensord including current market trends and the economic outlook for the controlled circulation magazine market. The discussion also covered Pensord's recent expansion following the acquisition of another welsh firm Cambrian Printers in Aberystwyth taking the groups turnover to circa £19m.

Chris Evans, who has been the Member of Parliament for Islwyn since the 2010 General Election and was elected at 33, was both born and educated locally. He went on to take a degree in history from Trinity College, Carmarthen and was constituency researcher to former Islwyn MP Don Touhig for four years until Touhig's retirement in 2010. He is also a keen golfer with a love of boxing too having a further connection with the industry by penning a book on the life and legacy of British boxing icon, Freddie Mills. Mr Evans was particularly interested to learn of the issues that could be tackled by government to help companies such as Pensord, who are so important to the local area, to grow and develop. Skills and apprenticeships were particularly high up on the agenda.

Dawn Reid, the BPIF Regional Director for the area added, "It was great to meet Chris and reiterate some of the points we're currently lobbying on for the sector, plus we had a chance to raise some matters which affect our members more specifically in the Principality. Being a keen author, we gave him a copy of our ‘Book of the Night' from the BPIF British Book Design and Production Awards which took place on 16 November and we've offered support with the print and design of any further books he produces too!"