The BPIFs new chief executive, Michael Johnson, has said one of his first priorities will be to recruit more big groups to the federation.

Names like Polestar and St Ives have been notable by their absence from the federations membership list and Johnson, who took up his new job this week, intends to put that straight.

He said that while some of the BPIFs services would not be relevant to larger groups, its role in promoting growth and the interests of the whole industry was of benefit to firms of all sizes.

Even the big companies, Polestar and St Ives, cannot grow this business. But the BPIF, with government support, can help to grow this industry, he said.

The wider industry issues set out in the joint BPIF/DTI Print 21 report such as low margins, lack of young people and a poor image can only be addressed through a collective industry response, said Johnson. And I think St Ives and Polestar will buy into that.

The BPIF must also recruit large groups to be more representative of the industry and hold more sway with government, he said.

Johnson said he had had a very positive meeting with Polestars new chief executive, Barry Hibbert.

The door is open, said Johnson. If our agenda works with Polestar, it is likely to work with others.

Johnsons other top priorities include taking a fresh look at all the federations activities, increasing membership at all levels and modernising its IT and communications services.

Johnson was named as the new BPIF chief in July (PrintWeek, 20 July). He was previously with The Sports Industries Federation and takes over from interim chief Roy Hill.

Story by Lauretta Roberts