PRESS RELEASE PAPER GOLD MEDAL AWARDED TO LIVERYMAN OF THE STATIONERS' COMPANY ROBERT MCCLEMENTS FOR HIS OUTSTANDING AND SUSTAINED CONTRIBUTION TO THE UK’S PAPER-BASED INDUSTRIES
18 JUNE 2025
On Tuesday 17th June 2025 representatives from across the UK’s Paper-based Industries gathered in Stationers’ Hall, London, to celebrate the achievements of the industry.
The Paper Industry Gold Awards were hosted by Andrew Large, Director General of the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI). This year’s awards were presented by Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Executive of Labour Together and former Labour Shadow Cabinet Minister.
The awards recognised achievement across seven categories: Recycling, Net Zero & Sustainable Innovation, Community Engagement, Health & Safety, Skills, Young Talent, and EDI. Each winner received a trophy, with additional commendations made in recognition of exceptional entries.
The pinnacle of the ceremony was the presentation of the Paper Gold Medal, regarded as the industry’s most prestigious individual honour. Established in the late 1960s, this award is presented to a person who has demonstrated excellence and dedication well beyond their day-to-day role, making a lasting and unique contribution to the broader UK’s Paper-based Industries.
Until 2024, the Paper Gold Medal was awarded by the Paper Gold Medal Association which was dissolved in March 2025. It is now under the stewardship of the Stationers’ Livery Company, who proudly continue as its custodians.
The Paper Gold Medal judging panel, representing many sectors of the industry, was delighted to receive an impressive and diverse array of nominations this year. Notably, this year’s recipient comes from the print sector, reinforcing the award’s dedication to recognising excellence across all facets of the industry.
This year, the Gold Medal was awarded to Robert McClements.
Beyond a distinguished 25-year career with BPIF, Robert has devoted over two decades to voluntary work supporting the industry. Since retiring in 2024, he has continued to champion the printing sector, mentoring young people and advocating for print’s valued role amid growing digital competition.
His voluntary efforts include securing funding to help nearly 50 young people from challenging backgrounds pursue printing careers through the Prince’s Trust. As a Liveryman of the Stationers’ Company, he helped establish the Excellence Awards and promoted industry careers at major fairs.
Robert also founded the Victor Watson Trophy, awarded annually to recognise young printing professionals’ achievements, with prizes presented at the House of Lords.
His research at Bradford University School of Management secured significant regional funding to promote printing as a major employer and support training and environmental initiatives across Yorkshire.
Andrew Large said: “I am delighted that Robert has been awarded the Paper Gold Medal this year. Alongside his professional career, his commitment to voluntary service in support of the industry has been exemplary. I especially admire his focus on attracting the next generation into careers in the printing industry.”
In his acceptance speech, Robert said:
“I am honoured to receive this recognition by the CPI. It has been my good fortune to work in such a vibrant industry and to be able to help introduce and mentor some of its next generation.
Our industries have a vital role in communication and I have championed that position in the digital world. I am grateful to the many people who have supported and enabled me to pursue such a rich and enjoyable career - leading to this extraordinary accolade. Thank you.”
ENDS For further information contact Elisse Hare (ehare@paper.org.uk). Notes to Editors
Contact for further information
Hi-resolution photographs are available. Please contact: Elisse Hare | ehare@paper.org.uk Notes to Editors
CPI is the leading trade association representing the UK’s Paper-based Industries, comprising paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers, and collectors of paper for recycling. CPI represents an industry with an aggregate annual turnover of £15 billion, with 56,000 direct and a further 59,000 indirect employees.