Some 135 countries were represented and around 48% of the 50,000-plus attendees came from outside the UK – an 8% increase on the 2006 event.

In addition, there were more than 20,000 exhibitor staff present, including manufacturers, distributors, agents and OEM partners, as well as 500 international media personnel.

According to IIR, Ipex is "more international" than any other business-to-business event in the UK.

The show introduced a host of new names to the UK, with more than a third of exhibitors new to the show – many of which have already confirmed their return in 2014.

Early estimates put the show spend at more than £100m, with both digital and litho exhibitors selling significant numbers of presses.

HP surpassed its revenue and lead generation targets as of day five, while Xerox sold more then 100 digital systems and Canon exceeded targets, selling 250 production and light production print engines.  

Heidelberg reported orders for 140 press units in the UK alone and Agfa generated more than €25m (£21m) in worldwide sales. Finishing specialist Duplo had its most successful show ever, recording more than £2m worth of orders.

Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2010 event director, said: "We’re delighted with the visitor numbers, which are roughly in line with 2006, despite considerable industry consolidation. The notable increase in international visitors underlines the importance of Ipex to the printing industry."

Ipex president and managing director of Heidelberg UK George Clarke added: "This Ipex has been a huge success. It has been busy, had a real vibrancy and shown itself once again to be a truly international event.

"Visitors have been informed, entertained and shown glimpses of the future. It will be remembered as the recovery show – the most important Ipex ever for our industry."