Finance

In the 12 months to 30 April, UK packaging group DS Smith achieved underlying pre-tax profits of 165m (2011: 111m), boosted by its acquisition of SCA Packaging.

Confidence among small businesses has risen to its highest level in three years but the government must give more impetus, says the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Expected decline in print revenue was cited for a 4% year-on-year decline in revenue at print group St Ives, for the four months to 31 May.

Communisis is to transfer its Trafford Wharf cheque printing division to the company's Leeds facility, as part of an ongoing cost reduction strategy.

KBA will continue the consolidation of its web offset division while maintaining tighter focus on boosting its sheetfed activities, shareholders at the company's AGM have heard.

Printing.com pre-tax profits fell 28.8% to 890,000 (2012: 1.25m) on turnover of 20.66m in the 12 months to 31 March 2013, down 5.1%.

In its latest trading statement, Cambridge-based inkjet manufacturer Xaar said higher than anticipated sales had boosted its 2013 revenue forecast to 50% above that achieved in 2012.

The government has backed all the recommendations published in a report last month identifying ways to boost the growth potential of SMEs, including a call for an end to PQQs on public sector...

1st Signs & Graphics has installed a Canon Oc Arizona 460XT after it secured a 100% loan from its Regional Development Agency (RDA).

New figures show that only 27% of SMEs across the UK are aware of the government's Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) and fewer are using external finance.