The UK operation will be led by digital and cross-media specialist Tony Hodgson, who will also act as a reseller of PODi membership.

The event schedule will include a range of webinars, seminars and a PODi UK AppForum conference, kicking off with its first seminar 'How well does your website work for you?' taking place in London on 5 May.

PODi UK members also get access to an extensive archive of more than 400 case studies of real-world digital print applications to offer insight into revenue opportunities through digital print.

General manager David Erlanson said: "We're excited to have Tony focusing on PODi UK. His boots-on-the-ground approach will give our friends in the United Kingdom an edge in understanding local markets and crafting solutions specifically for their customers."

"PODi UK has a great deal to offer," said Hodgson. "There is no real network for digital printers in the UK. There are forums and media that do a good job, but there's no environment for digital printers to get together and network.

"The PODi community in the UK is growing as companies begin to take advantage of the exciting changes and growth potential presented by relevant marketing and integrated cross-media."

Hodgson added he would continue his work with the BPIF's dotgain.org project on a consultant basis.

There are currently more than 400 PODi members, mostly in the US, but with 20 in the UK. Membership is priced according to size of company, but entry-level membership costs £395 with a £100 one-off joining fee.