INDUSTRY / NEWS 6 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2024 - Issue 350 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Slow and steady seems to be the path the industry’s growth is taking with the British Print Industries Federation (BPIF)’s Q3 Printing Outlook now publicly available. Whilst the forecast was for stronger growth to come through in Q2, the BPIF’s Q3 report shows this expectation to have downgraded slightly and rolled over into Q3. Despite this, the industry has still experienced three consecutive quarters of growth, with this improvement predicted to accelerate in Q3. The hike in national minimum wage levels and high levels of inflation have both contributed to wage pressures for the industry with most having concluded their pay reviews in Q2. Long-documented trouble sourcing skilled workers has also contributed to this pressure. Whilst these pressures surged further in Q2, they are expected to ease in Q3. Another challenge highlighted is industry competitiveness with companies pricing, or being perceived to be pricing, below cost. This has become the top ranked business concern according to the BPIF Printing Outlook report. However, controlling costs, researching new markets, and putting efforts into driving sales are all key target areas for companies striving to improve their profitability. Kyle Jardine, BPIF Economist, says: “It might be hard for some companies to identify with the slow and steady sentiment – it is important to acknowledge that some companies have reported a quiet spring and summer, whilst others have rarely been so busy. “The aggregated data represents the path the industry is taking – and that is one of improved, but still slightly subdued growth, but waiting expectantly for a stronger pick-up to come.” Jardine continues to explain that with the economic backdrop continuing to improve, the BPIF is waiting to see when interest rates will also track down and whether the new Government can find a stable way to support business. This, he says, will result in improved confidence from the industry. Charles Jarrold, BPIF chief executive, adds: “Whilst the recent growth status of our industry has been subdued, it reflects the period immediately prior to the announcement of the General Election. “While it’s very early days, there is a new level of energy and focus within Government which I hope will feed through to economic confidence going forwards. We’ll be looking for that in our next survey. Meanwhile, we do know that companies have come away from drupa with clear intent to continue to invest, automate, and innovate.” Slow and Steady Wins the Race in BPIF’s Q3 Printing Outlook The BPIF has published its Q3 Printing Outlook report, showing slow and steady growth A new membership program has been announced by Women in Print Alliance, designed to provide enhanced year-round benefits and greater accessibility for women. Part of PRINTING United Alliance, Women in Print Alliance is a key advocate for women in the print industry and the new program aims to foster a supportive community and offer professional development opportunities. With the aim of reaching women with all needs and goals, Women in Print Alliance has developed a comprehensive membership structure, catering to students, emerging professionals, and industry veterans. Each membership offers unique benefits designed to suit the specific stage of career of each member and will include a mix of virtual and in-person benefits focused on career development, executive leadership, and worklife balance. Lisbeth Lyons Black, director at Women in Print Alliance, says: “We are incredibly proud to introduce the new Women in Print Alliance membership program, which reflects our, and PRINTING United Alliance’s, commitment to supporting women at every stage of their careers.” Women in Print Alliance launches new global membership program Women in Print Alliance will host its annual Luncheon at PRINTING United Expo this September By Carys Evans By Carys Evans Print Scotland, a federation which supports its members with financial support and employment advice, has recognised the achievements of print apprentices at the ninth annual Apprentice of the Year Awards. The ceremony, which was held in Glasgow, gave Print Scotland the opportunity to advocate for the industry to attract more young people into print through a speech by Print Scotland president, Susan Graham. Winners of the Pre-Press, Press, and Post-Press awards respectively were Jack Campbell from Deacon Brothers in Kirkintilloch; Adam Dobbie from Newsprinters UK in Eurocentral; and Jack Clark from Bell & Bain in Glasgow. The award for Mentor of the Year went to Gordon Sally, also from Bell & Bain, while the Overall Apprentice award went to Liam Thomson from FLB Group in Dalkeith. Garry Richmond, director of Print Scotland, concluded: “The print sector has significantly enhanced its support for apprentices in recent years and is definitely seeing the benefit of this forward-looking approach for employers and individuals.” “Print is still here, present in all our lives” says Print Scotland [L to R] Liam Thomson, Overall Apprentice of the Year winner, and Susan Graham president of Print Scotland By David Osgar
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