The BPIF has been promoting the capabilities of digital print by personalising its most recent "industry briefing" document, which is sent out to all MPs.


Industry briefings form part of the federation's on-going government lobbying campaign, and the latest briefing tackled the theme of e-commerce and new media, particularly the benefits and future opportunities.


Either the subject matter or the personalised print, produced by London's Direct Image, caught MPs' imaginations as the BPIF has already had 30 responses. According to director of corporate affairs Mike Hopkins, this is "more than normal". "Or is there an election in the air?" he added.


The briefing called for more support for e-commerce training and entrepreneurs, through a more supportive tax regime. It also urged the Government to recognise print's "two-speed approach" to the adoption of e-commerce when considering its own print procurement tenders.


"In its own drive the Government is trying to encompass electronic purchasing and there are calls for tenders out at the moment. But not everybody is capable of doing it. Some are racing ahead and others are taking a more measured approach," Hopkins said.


The federation, along with Prontaprint, will further plug the benefits of digital print at its first All Party Group on Printing meeting on 23 February. Representatives from all the major parties will be given advice on designing and printing their own constituency leaflets.


Story by Lauretta Roberts