Nicola Peacock · Relationship Manager · The Printing Charity · The Print Show 2025
Wayne from INKISH is at The Print Show in Birmingham, where he speaks with Nicola Peacock from The Printing Charity — one of the UK’s oldest and most respected benevolent organisations serving the print, packaging, publishing, paper, and allied trades. Nicola, who has been part of the charity since 2019 and has nearly three decades of experience in the industry, shares how the organisation provides crucial financial and emotional support to individuals and families across the sector.
The Printing Charity’s welfare department, based at its head office in Crawley, assists people facing financial hardship — from unexpected expenses like replacing a broken washing machine to more significant challenges such as household redundancies. Anyone who has worked in the industry for three years or more can reach out for support. Each case begins with a simple conversation, and if direct financial help isn’t possible, the team ensures individuals are signposted to other relevant resources or referred to the charity’s dedicated helpline.
The helpline is available to over 30,000 families through partnerships with more than 460 UK companies. It provides confidential, in-the-moment access to trained counsellors for emotional well-being, as well as practical advice and information services. Everyone aged 16 and over in the household of an employee covered by the programme can use these services at no cost.
Nicola also highlights the charity’s Rising Star Awards, which recognise and empower young talent aged 18–30 within the industry. Winners receive funding for professional development courses, and this year’s programme supported 84 recipients, with over £100,000 invested in training. The winners are celebrated each July at a special event held at the House of Lords, a moment that showcases the industry’s future leaders.
In addition to welfare and career development initiatives, The Printing Charity operates two independent residential homes — one in Bletchley and another in Basildon — providing safe and supportive environments for those connected to the industry.
Wayne and Nicola discuss how few people truly realise the scope of the charity’s work. Funded entirely through legacies, wills, pensions, and donations, The Printing Charity is financially stable and does not rely on public fundraising — allowing it to focus solely on helping those in need.
A heartfelt conversation about compassion, community, and the enduring support behind one of the UK’s cornerstone industry charities — filmed live at The Print Show in Birmingham.
