The Industry and Parliament Trust has been leading the way for over 45 years with innovative programmes to build understanding between business and Parliament. The IPT was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in April 1977 and became a registered charity in 1983. Its charitable objects are "to promote mutual understanding between Parliament and the worlds of business, industry and commerce for public benefit."
During the 1970s, the then Chairman of BOC, Sir Leslie Smith, became increasingly concerned about the apparent and manifest lack of dialogue between parliamentarians and industry. Working with nine other companies and with the support of Parliament, Sir Leslie was the driving force behind the foundation of an organisation that could promote a constructive relationship between legislators and businesses.
In April 1977, the following ten companies became the founding members of the Industry and Parliament Trust: BOC, Metal Box, Cadbury Schweppes, Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, Chloride Group, Tarmac, Laporte Industries, Plessey, Marks and Spencer and United Biscuits.
The IPT was founded to be independent, non-lobbying and non-partisan, with governance provided by a Board of Trustees drawn from both Parliament and business.
In 2022 the Industry and Parliament Trust is proud to celebrate its 45 years anniversary. To commemorate this milestone the IPT held an exhibition of Fellowship cartoons in Portcullis House from Friday 7 October to Friday 4 November 2022.