The money has been set aside for "genuine funding opportunities". Davenham will be providing advice and help with various financial problems facing the printing industry.

Safety Net has been set up to help protect printing companies that encounter financial problems in the current economic climate.

The service offers credit reports on potential customers, legal advice on debt recovery, credit insurance, raising finance and company turnaround and corporate rescue.

Davenham's finance division director, Tim Morris said: "We have successfully assisted a number of companies within the sector to purchase new machinery, raise money against existing assets or even buy small ticket items such as software. 

"By working with such a well respected group of companies within Safety Net we hope we will be able to help printers grow their businesses and trade successfully during these difficult times."

Ian Carrotte, ICSM managing director added: "The fact expert operations such as Davenham are keen to join the wide range of knowledge offered underlines the momentum Safety Net is gathering."