Business News
PrintIT! Appoints New Chairman to Lead Initiative into 2010
Monday 23. March 2009 - PrintIT!, the industry-wide initiative to attract young people to consider a career in print, has today announced that George Clarke, managing director of Heidelberg UK, is to be the new chairman of PrintIT!
A long standing and respected figurehead within the UK printing industry, Mr Clarke, who is also president of IPEX 2010, is enthusiastic about his new role and the success of PrintIT!. Having spent 24 years with Heidelberg UK, he appreciates the need to develop and encourage young people, and recognises that an intake of new ideas and fresh energy is vital for the future of the printing industry.
“PrintIT! is doing a fantastic job of raising the profile of print among young people and encouraging their creativity and involvement,” says George Clarke. “Even in the most difficult economic times, we have a duty to care about our industry moving forward and that means ensuring we encourage new and high calibre talent into the sector. The best results in business always come from a good mix of innovation and experience, so I am delighted to take on the chairmanship of this initiative,”
Paul Evans, project director of PrintIT! adds, “Its great news that George has agreed to become the chairman of PrintIT!. 2010 will be a particularly significant year for the UK printing industry. Not only will PrintIT! reach its fifth birthday, we will see the very best of British print on display at the NEC in Birmingham at IPEX.
With IPEX 2010 playing host to next years PrintIT! Awards Ceremony, the exhibition will also provide us with the perfect backdrop to showcase our incredible industry to the finalist students.”
Martyn Elmy, director of RW Coatings Ltd, who conceived the initiative during his chairmanship of Picon, will be standing down as chairman of PrintIT! to become Patron. Martyn, who will continue to champion the PrintIT! project says, “I couldnt be more pleased with the way in which education and industry as a whole have embraced PrintIT! and come together to achieve one common goal. I am also very happy in the knowledge that George Clarke is the safest pair of hands in the industry to lead PrintIT! forward.”
Terry Watts, chief executive of Proskills, the home of PrintIT! adds, “On behalf of the PrintIT! team, I would like to thank Martyn for his dedication and commitment to PrintIT!” He continues, “I would also like to welcome George Clarke on board, and look forward to seeing PrintIT! evolve with his chairmanship and continue its successful engagement with our future young talent.”