6 Issue 252 - April / May 2024 www.signlink.co.uk INDUSTRY / NEWS signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Industry reacts as UK falls into recession According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in terms of output, there were falls in all three main sectors in Quarter 4 of 2023 with declines of 0.2% in services, 1.0% in production, and 1.3% in construction output. Speaking to SignLink in light of this news, general manager at the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), Brendan Perring, says: “What is currently happening is concerning but I do think there is light at the end of the tunnel. As long as nothing else goes wrong, I think this recession will continue through to the middle of the year.” Perring explains that in the past the print sector economy has not always reflected the general economy as often financial turbulence can cause a big amount of competition and marketing from brands and retailers which fight for a “reduced pool of money”, equating to bigger print volumes. “We always base our IPIA analysis off our constant communication with the grassroots of our members,” says Perring, adding: “Members are saying there’s been a noticeable slowdown and business has gone much quieter recently. This encompasses everything from print procurement to technology and machine investment.” In November 2023 the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) released its Printing Outlook which stated that output and orders remained subdued in Q3, but improved confidence meant expectations were positive for Q4. Forecasts at the time expected an improvement in output growth, with the caveat that fewer companies would experience declining growth rather than a seasonal boost for all. Charles Jarrold, chief executive of the BPIF, said: “The survey newly reports on uncertainty levels, thankfully they are now expected to stabilise and, with more than three-fifths of the industry with an excellent, or good, cash flow position, there is well-founded hope for the period ahead. A period in which many companies will be looking to exert further control on their costs and explore what diversification options they are well placed to take advantage of.” Regarding the reasons for instabilities in the market place and consumer confidence, Perring says the increasing number of global issues are all giving consumers and marketers hesitancy when purchasing or making investments. However, despite this Perring remains positive: “My genuine belief is through all the technology we have, the work of associations, and the change in narrative in print, I think print can be in as good a place as print has been in decades.” Brendan Perring estimates the printing industry is close to 98% of overall printing output compared to before the pandemic By David Osgar Neon Creations, a maker of traditional neon signs and art pieces, recently featured on BBC programme, David & Jay’s Touring Toolshed, starring Sir David Jason and Jay Blades MBE. Episode two, which is partly based at the Kelsall Steam Festival in Cheshire, sees Jason and Blades visit Neon Creations in Bolton, where they tried bending glass for neon signs. Speaking to SignLink, Neon Creations co-founder Tony Spink, says: “It was bizarre to see and experience but certainly enjoyable and really good as we’ve had so much support from customers, viewers, and others in the industry.” Spink appeared with glass bending apprentice, Sam Beresford, and both showed Jason and Blades how to bend glass over an open flame with the objective of making a ‘Touring Toolshed’ neon sign. Spink explains: “They were both really interested, asking questions in between filming, and giving everything a lot of thought. It was clear they were craft-minded people. “It was surreal having people of that level be so interested in what you do and asking questions, it was absolutely fascinating and beautiful as they made sure to take the time to talk to us and give us advice and support on our continuing efforts to promote traditional neon.” BBC programme features Bolton-based Neon Creations Camera crew film Spink and Beresford explaining the sign-making process to Jason and Blades Keypoint Intelligence launches DTF test service Keypoint Intelligence, a consulting and market research company that specialises in digital media has given details on its work to test new direct-tofilm (DTF) devices. The company launched its DTF test program in 2023 to keep up with the fast-moving sector which has produced small desktop devices to large 1.6m carriage printers. Tests are conducted in both production and high-quality modes at the manufacturer’s facility over a two-day period where vendors are provided with test files and sample T-shirts. The DTF test focuses on the areas of speed, ink consumption, image quality, and washability, which sees 30ºC and 800rpm washes conducted along with a “hang-dry sensor setting” on a heat pump tumble dryer. Each device then receives a detailed 12-page report gathering all the data for testing ahead of The Pick Awards which rewards the top-performing devices across the year. David Sweetnam, director of Lab Services at Keypoint Intelligence, says: “Over the course of 2024 we will be running a series of group tests to provide more education to this fascinating marketplace. Each group test will investigate a different factor that can affect successful DTF production. The first test will look at washing factors and how they can impact garment durability.” By David Osgar By David Osgar Manufacturers can book a free test and sample report via Keypoint Intelligence
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