Print Research International will act as a central resource for firms looking for consultants across the whole gamut of specialist skills, including business, sales, marketing, IT, printing, packaging and colour management. It will have consultants in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australasia.
Charnock said: "The industry is going through a fundamental change that affects all firms, from the smallest to the biggest.
"The changing media landscape means firms have to get better at analysing and strategic planning through the use of business and market research.
"It's not just about technology, that isn't enough now. There are lots of consultants, but no central resource to find them. I want to use the network that helped to make St Ives a leader and to offer it to smaller companies too."
