Italian publisher De Agostini's stand was bare, and Gopsons Papers, International Print-o-Pac of India, and Replika Press were among a number of forlorn-looking empty booths in the publishing solutions area of the show.

Digital content management was predictably the hot topic at the event, with many stands, including Pindar and Aptara, demonstrating iPads in action.

Lightning Source marketing manager Lawrence Felice said: "It's all about e-content and getting digital content into the channels, very different from last year."

CPI showed off a new "super matt laminate" effect for book covers with an exceptionally tactile feel, produced at White Quill. The firm said there had been considerable interest in its digital print solutions, including the new HP T300-based digital book production line in France, which it has branded Quantum.

Derby-based Colourstream, which offers a short-run colour book service, reported brisk business. "We are focused on UK publishers and there's no excuse for them not to be here," said sales and marketing director David Corthorn.