But printers need to look at how to produce formats such as Braille if they are to cash in on the new requirements, the federation has warned.

A new EU directive that requires the outer packaging of all pharmaceutical products to display the name in Braille comes into effect on 30 October. Patient information leaflets will also have to be available in other formats.

Currently, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires that companies make efforts to make their services accessible to disabled people. It has particular resonance for public health authorities and blue-chip companies with corporate social responsibility commitments.

"Most people tend to focus on the physical side of accessibility in regards to the DDA," said BPIF public affairs officer Lizzy Hawkins. "But if current legislative trends are anything to go by, businesses are looking to make information progressively more accessible too."

The National Library for the Blind estimates that visually impaired people in the UK wield an annual print spend of 45m. The BPIF believes that printers can add significant value to client relations and contracts by providing for this sector. "This value will only increase as the legislative pressure to make print accessible grows," said Hawkins.

Retail giant Argos recently witnessed an increase in business after it produced an audio version of its popular in-store catalogue.

The BPIF is currently organising a networking event in London on 29 November with companies that specialise in alternative formats such as Braille. Call Lizzy Hawkins on 020 7915 8319 for more info.