Finance

Tories' mooted Chapter 11-style scheme could be bad news

Would a US Chapter 11-style insolvency process be good news for UK print? On the balance of probability... not a chance.

Manufacturers get into the lending game

Before the economic meltdown, it was all too easy for printers to raise finance for investment in new equipment, recalls one print industry stalwart. "You simply filled out some forms, signed on the...

Printers underwhelmed by Osborne's 'mixed-bag' Budget

In the presentation of the 2012 Budget, chancellor George Osborne last week made it clear that the government's spending plans must be "fiscally neutral", a term he has often used to describe the...

More pain and only a little gain for small businesses

The Budget may have given big business much to cheer about, but it's unlikely that many small firms will share that sentiment.

Publishers take on the pressing issue

The familiar look of a crowded newsstand belies the fact that magazine publishing is going through a period of enormous change, and that means equally big changes for printers and other suppliers to...

UK print slams RM price hikes

UK print has rounded on the Royal Mail's latest wave of postal service price increases, warning that it is at risk of creating "further incentives" to drive customers to use digital alternatives to...

Budget needs to address the real priorities for UK SMEs

In terms of the challenges facing SMEs, I don't think making it easier to shed underperforming staff is at the top of many business owners' wish lists.

Bank of England report reveals 'aversion' to SME lending

Some banks are refusing to lend to SMEs while others are charging increased fees for refinancing existing loans, according to the Bank of England.

Technology patents: worth the paper they're printed on?

Last week, inventor Michael Wilcox stood outside of the Houses of Parliament and set fire to a patent for an 'innovative colour printing technology', claiming it had been made worthless after, he...

Getting a patent is exciting, but there are plenty of risks

Having a patent is just like winning a fast-track to a roller coaster: you feel great walking past the queues waving your ticket, until you get on the ride, and then it is an unpredictable journey of...