[Leicester, 13-05-26] Willsow welcomed Liz Kendall for a sneak preview of the latest sustainable ideas emerging from its Leicester HQ.
The Leicester West MP called in to learn about what’s happening with Willsow and Seedprint - as well as family business Willday Printers.
Managing Director Tom Willday showed Liz what’s happening as the fourth generation family print business continues to innovate and push new boundaries.
He described how Willday Printers has continually evolved since being founded as Alfred Willday and Son in 1945. Liz met the team, found out how their products are made, and discussed their ideas from scaling production to exporting internationally.
Tom then turned the focus to Willsow and Seedprint - the two spinout businesses growing out of the simple idea that print doesn’t have to become waste. Seedprint produces plantable paper embedded with seeds, while Willsow brings that concept to life through children’s books that can be planted after reading, growing into flowers, herbs or vegetables.
“It was a real privilege to welcome Liz and share what we’re working on here in Leicester,” he said. “Over the last few years we’ve been through Dragon’s Den, launching the World’s first plantable children’s book, and establishing the UK’s first new paper mill in 75 years - so we wanted to show her how print is changing with the times!”
Liz - who is also the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology - said: “It was truly inspiring to meet Tom and the team at Willsow.
“Hearing about the business’s history, and the legacy of his great-grandfather who founded it. As the MP for Leicester West, I’m incredibly proud to have such an innovative company here in Leicester, supporting major brand-name clients and making a real contribution to our local economy.”
Next up for Willsow is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show later this month, as the team show their plantable products to a global audience. Last year’s appearance ended up with an endorsement from Sir David Beckham and a huge surge in interest in their work.
It’s five years now since Tom first introduced his idea of plantable books to a national audience on Dragons’ Den. After winning the support of Sara Davies MBE, they’ve since gone on to launch a string of sustainable products from their base in Leicester.
Today, Willsow is proud to export their products around the world, sharing on a global scale fresh ideas for sustainable ways of utilising traditional print.
Pictures: Liz Kendall MP with Tom Willday, founder of Willsow Ltd.
Willsow was founded in 2019 by fourth-generation family printer Tom Willday after he saw the potential of using seed‑embedded paper to create engaging, interactive experiences for children and families. Willsow is now an award‑winning UK publishing and gift company, pioneering eco‑friendly paper products including the world’s first plantable children’s books. Based in Leicester, the company won early stage investment from Sara Davies MBE after a successful appearance on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den. Today, it builds on the heritage of a family printing business to bring innovative, sustainable ideas to life - including plantable storybooks, greetings cards, calendars, and seasonal gifts.
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