"2005 was a landmark in Fespa's 40-year history," said chief executive Nigel Steffens. "The exhibition in Munich in 2005 was the first to be organised by our in-house exhibition team and proved to be a phenomenal event and a financial success."

Since then, the body has spent a "significant portion" of surplus revenues on education, knowledge sharing, networking and best-practice activities.

"The aim has been to stimulate the marketplace and educate and inspire members to meet business challenges and opportunities," Steffens added.

Among the projects supported have been the Sensations book of screen printing special effects, the World Wide Survey, produced in conjunction with InfoTrends, the Fespa Awards, the Planet Friendly Guide, the Wide Network and Fespa.com.

Copies of the 8pp report can be downloaded from www.fespa.com.