The British Association for Print & Communication (BAPC) is now part of the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA).

The BAPC was originally set up more than 40 years ago, and focused on the quick print sector.

The IPIA was founded in 1990 and was originally focused on suppliers of trade printing and finishing services, and print managers.

At the end of last year it opened up its membership to commercial printers.

IPIA chairman Graeme Smith, who is managing director at Twickenham-based Cyan Group, commented: “We believe this is the next step in our evolution as we as look to build a stronger organisation that supports the business of print as it creates a new normal.

“What is absolutely critical to this endeavour is that we empower our members to realise the value they represent to the end-customer, and how they can leverage that to improve their long-term business prospects, and ultimately, their profitability.”

As a result of the merger long-standing BAPC chairman Sidney Bobb becomes president, after three decades at the helm of the BAPC.

Bobb said that “times of unprecedented change” had prompted the move.

“This is why we have chosen to merge the BAPC with the IPIA, combining all our respective strengths and values, to support all the members and deliver the most comprehensive range of services possible."

IPIA general manager Brendan Perring becomes chairman of the BAPC.

He said: "I have worked with Sidney and the BAPC for more than a decade, and our two organisations have already developed a strong bond and partnership. Both trade associations will retain their unique values and character, but by combining our operational assets and conducting platform sharing, the whole will no doubt be greater than the sum of its parts.”

Perring added: "I would also like to extend a personal debt of gratitude to Sidney, who has been a business mentor to me for many years. I have watched how he and the BAPC have helped thousands of businesses in our sector to navigate a sustained period of intense and rapid evolution, and he is held in very high esteem by us all. Working closely with him as president will be another great adventure for us both.”

The two associations have been cooperating for some time, and worked together on the IPIA’s recent Business Impact Survey, and in lobbying officials at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The IPIA champions the use of print at events such as its annual Everything’s Possible in Integrated Communications (EPIC) conference.