BookMachine co-founder Laura Summers has been awarded proxime accesserunt (runner-up) at this year’s Young Stationers’ Prize. Judges called her ‘forward-thinking’, ‘innovative’ and possessed of ‘masses of drive’, and said of BookMachine itself: ‘a great idea, and she’s executed it brilliantly’.

Laura shared the runner-up spot with Rosamund Urwin, columnist and senior feature writer for the Evening Standard, of whom judges said ‘Rosamund’s nous for current affairs and engaging writing style have earned her due acclaim.’

The prize itself was taken by Angela Clarke, author of Confessions of a Fashionista and contributor to The Guardian and The Independent, who received a full third of the judges’ votes for first place. The judges described Clarke as ‘a one-woman powerhouse’, adding: ‘She has overcome great disability and shown great empathy for her
audience, and finds time to volunteer for Arts emergency and WoMentoring projects supporting and inspiring many others.’

A special commendation for charity work was also given to Prima Software’s Ian Buckley, with particular praise given to his support of an apprenticeship scheme and work for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The Young Stationers’ Prize is awarded annually to a person generally under 40 who has made the most recognisable contribution to the trades of the Stationers’ Company, namely press, publishing and paper. Last year’s prize was awarded to Katie Glass of The Sunday Times.