October 2023

Charnwood MP celebrates National Manufacturing Day 2023 with local family firm

Edward Argar, MP for Charnwood, visited leading family business Qualvis Print & Packaging in Leicester on Thursday (28 September). He joined management and staff to celebrate National Manufacturing Day 2023, a nationwide initiative to showcase the strength of UK manufacturing.  

Qualvis specialise in food packaging, with a focus on creativity and sustainability. The firm is leading the way in the use of vegan, organic inks and plastics reduction, as well as recycled board and Carbon Balanced Paper. Brother-sister duo Marcus Short and Lisa Smith run the firm founded by their father in 1982, leading a team of nearly 80 employees at the premises in Thurmaston.  

During the behind-the-scenes tour, Edward also met Darren Shepherd, National Membership Development Director at the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF). The group discussed current challenges affecting manufacturing and how the Government can best support the industry to grow, invest and employ. 

Marcus Short, Joint Managing Director of Qualvis, said:

"We were delighted to welcome Edward to Qualvis to celebrate National Manufacturing Day. 

"It was a brilliant opportunity to show him how we work, and to discuss how companies like ours – and the print and packaging industry as a whole – can be supported by politicians. 

"We were able to demonstrate that print is very much an alive and kicking industry, making a significant contribution to the UK economy, as well as locally here in Leicester.”