INDUSTRY / NEWS 8 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk January / February 2024 - Issue 346 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Moonpig has reported a surge in the popularity of new technology features within its greeting cards. According to the company, search data from Google demonstrates a boom in the popularity of searches for AI birthday cards, digital anniversary cards, as well as video message and VR cards. The search trend increase of AI birthday cards is up 300% while digital and video message cards are up 150%. Recently Moonpig added its Smart Text offering which offers a writing assistant to customers looking to perfect their greeting card messages with the help of AI. Moonpig sees increase in demand for AI cards The Printing Charity hosts Annual Luncheon In November, the Printing Charity held its 194th Anual Luncheon. Held in the Stationers’ Hall in London, the day is a chance to reflect on the Charity’s free resources and support. This year also saw the Charity formally thank its outgoing Chair Jon Wright and Vice Chair James Povey. Both joined as Trustees in 2004. Guests also enjoyed a keynote speech from current president Michael Grade CBE, Lord Grade of Yarmouth, who reflected on the industry’s evolution over the years and praised it for its adaptability. BPIF Training is calling on the next group of apprentices to enrol in its upcoming February apprenticeship programmes. The apprenticeship qualifications have just received a ‘Good’ rating across all areas in their recent Ofsted inspection. The apprenticeship programmes are curated to specifically meet the changing needs of the print industry with trainees receiving comprehensive training that is aligned with the latest industry trends. Those interested in enrolling in a BPIF Training Apprenticeship in February 2024 can register via the BPIF Training website. BPIF apprenticeships to start in February BCF calls on Government for recognition The British Coatings Federation (BCF) has published a report urging the Government to recognise the importance of upstream ‘enabler’ industries to UK manufacturing. Coatings are used in virtually every industry to make products safer, more effective, and to improve their quality, and downstream companies worth £300bn a year rely on them. Without these, the BCF says that a large proportion of sectors such as aerospace and automotive – which were identified by the Government in its Advanced Manufacturing Plan – wouldn’t be able to achieve their potential. Therefore, the BCF has outlined in its Essential Coatings report, five key asks of the Government to ensure the coatings sector can continue to thrive and contribute to the UK economy. The five asks included in the report are the need for regulatory and policy clarity and certainty for chemicals; a long-term industrial strategy for manufacturing; support for businesses in the transition to net zero; a long-term focus on skills and training; and a greater focus on improving post-Brexit trade. [L to R] Tom Bowtell, Sharon Harte, Reception Sponsor Paul Scully MP, and David Park Power of Print 2023 encourages creativity and innovation Returning for its 13th year, Power of Print took place at Stationers’ Hall, London in November. The day was introduced by Two Sides managing director, Jonathan Tame, and covered topics around opportunities in print, current challenges like Net Zero, and AI (Artificial Intelligence). Charles Jarrold, chief executive officer of the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), gave a brief overview of the current economic, political, and technological challenges facing printers referring to the BPIF Printing Outlook. The biggest concerns for print businesses were competitor pricing, energy costs, wage levels, and sales levels. Like many speakers Jarrold emphasised that digital and print must work together but also embrace the likes of data targeting and green technologies. Jarrold even did a test with AI platform Chat GBT to ask it about the future of the print industry, to which Chat GBT admitted it could not predict the future and suggested speaking to a professional in the industry. Ian Bates, partnership director of Two Sides stressed the importance of collaboration and creativity Businesses ‘win’ in 2023 Autumn Statement Following Jeremy Hunt’s presentation of the Autumn Statement in the House of Commons, businesses and analysts have reacted to the latest details. Included in the Statement was National Insurance rates to be cut from 12% to 10% from January 6th; an increase in National Living Wage from £10.42 to £11.44 an hour from April; and the now permanent “full expensing” tax break which allows companies to deduct spending on new machinery and equipment including printers and office equipment. Also included was a freeze on the small business multiplier for business rates and £50m in funding to increase support for apprentices. IPIA Chairman Charles Rogers, says: “We are very heartened to see the confirmed announcement of £11bn investment per year in UK manufacturing through making the 'Full Expensing' scheme permanent. “This means that print industry businesses and the supply chain that invest in the UK will reduce their tax by up to 25p for every £1 they spend on plant and machinery.” Chancellor of the exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced a series of financial changes in the Autumn Statement
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