Illustrator and designer Katie Craven was awarded the Victor Watson Trophy for outstanding achievement by young people, while t-shirt printing start-up owner Carol van Rij was highly commended.

The trophy was created in memory of Victor Watson CBE, a former chairman of Waddingtons and industry advocate who had a passion for encouraging young people. He was president of the BPIF, president of the Printing Charity and master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards. The award was created by the three organisations. 

Nominations came for staff in print and allied trades from large corporations, small businesses and start-ups. 

Craven's printed work has been used for a homeware range for George at ASDA. She launched Katie Craven Illustration in May 2015 after “falling in love with print” at art school at John Moores University, from where she graduated in 2010.

“I especially enjoy screen printing,” she said. “All of my products are printed either digitally or by using other printing techniques.

“I contacted the Prince's Trust in 2014 for help with setting up a business. My designs are printed on products including homewares, ceramics, art prints, greetings cards and jewellery." 

Van Rij is a Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme graduate who started her own children’s t-shirt printing business.

Craven has also received nominations for two Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs): Inspirational Woman and Young Entrepreneur. She can also apply for a £1,500 bursary from the Printing Charity. 

She added: “I feel very happy to have been chosen for the award. It was lovely to meet and talk with Victor's widow Sheila and get to know more about his life achievements.”

Robert McClements, chief executive of the BPIF’s special interest group, CDi Yorkshire (Creative and Digital Industries Yorkshire), said: “Organising the trophy showed me how Victor’s extraordinary goodwill prevails.  It was a privilege to work with him and this is an appropriate reminder of the great man.”