The company has reported its best ever period for debts recovered, with more than 1m collected on behalf of clients in the past two months.

Debt recovery manager Andy Allies said: Debts are a very emotive and personal subject for many printers. One of the most important areas for us is to provide customer service, but for every moment we are on the phone to our clients is less time we can spend collecting their debts.

The on-line system now provides a constantly updated system for them to check on the progress of the debt recovery system.

ICSM uses a number of methods for collecting its clients money. The most effective method is a methodical approach, lateral thinking, persistence on the phone and email, and lastly, resource to the law, said Allies.

The on-line debt recovery service will be available from the beginning of April to existing ICSM members, which includes current members of the BPIF.

The international financial reports service and Gazette listings will follow shortly afterwards. Express reports for bulk users will also be available.

ICSM managing director Ian Carrotte said a considerable amount of money has been invested in the Internet system on www.icsmcredit.com, which is unique to the printing industry.

It takes reports from ICC, Experian, and Graydon, but also uses feedback from its clients and CCJ filings to keep a constant check on the state of the financial health of the UK print industry.

Many standard financial reports will not be up to date or contain the level of detail contained in the ICSM database. We are specialists in the printing field and have invested a considerable amount of money in developing a bespoke Internet service, said Carrotte.

by Tony Brown