The groups directors were presented with the UK Printing Company of the Year Award by BBC sports personality Steve Ryder at a ceremony held at the London Marriott hotel on 9 September.

"We were absolutely delighted to have won this award against tough competition, open to all printing companies in the UK," said chairman Richard Knowles.

Padstows TJ International picked up two awards (employer and environment) and MPG Books in Bodmin won the turnaround award.

Field Boxmore Healthcare Packaging won the safety award and William Pollard won best use of digital print. Individual prizes were presented to Lee Taylor of Trafford Park Printers and John Hodgins of Century Cutting and Creasing.

PrintWeek presented the Supplier of the Year award to MetalFX. The ceremony marked the first anniversary of Michael Johnsons appointment as chief executive of the federation.

Johnson said his first year, during which the BPIF has signed up 338 members and converted its long-standing loss into profit, was a period of "stabilisation".

"Were at the starting line but havent started the race yet. This year is the year we want to deliver," he said.

The Federation launches its new website www.british print.com today (13 September). Johnson said the domain name was selected because "were proud of print and proud to be British".

Story by Lauretta Roberts