Leicester Co-operative Printing Society Limited

The Leicester Co-operative Printing Society was formed on 23 July 1892. The creation of a printing co-operative was initially considered by a Joint Committee made up of representative from the Leicester Co-operative Society and from the Trade Union Council. At their first meeting on 23 January 1892, the Joint Committee decided to formulate a scheme for starting a co-operative printing society. A general meeting of all those who were interested in the scheme was held on 7 May 1892, in Co-operative Hall, High Street. Leicester. The Society’s rules were agreed by the attendees, and the first meeting was scheduled for July.

Thirty people attended the first meeting of the Leicester Co-operative Printing Society on 23 July 1892. Mr George Evans was appointed Chairman and S Drinkwater became Secretary. S Drinkwater, along with F Thomas, F Sutton, J Potter, LW Kent, C Stevens, JT Taylor and J Collingwood were elected to the management committee. Premises were secured on Vauxhall Street and the first manager, Mr WS Wallin was appointed on 17 December 1892. Printing orders were taken from the beginning of 1893. In 1894 the Society enlarged their premises and purchased more machinery to meet the growing requirements of trade. In 1896 a further extension was added by securing a new frontage on East Bond Street and linking this to the existing premises on the rear adjoining street.

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