Jarrold fears for web sector

Jarrold Printing managing director Charles Jarrold has claimed that the web offset sector is "overstretched" and said it was difficult to see the industry continuing in its current structure.

"Returns seem to be pretty awful," said Jarrold, who drew a parallel with changes in other sectors: "It's similar to what happened in the car industry, and involves fundamentally looking at how we manufacture."

Jarrold Printing has been tipped as a likely candidate to merge or form a strategic alliance with one of the UK's other independent web operations, and there is on-going speculation about a move from its valuable city centre site in Norwich.

"It's not an 'either or' decision," said Jarrold. "We can stay, or not stay. If we moved it would release property for investment but I don't know the answer - we have to look at it.

"A lot of it is up to us. We are ungeared and strong and have great skills, reputation and customer base. Our level of profitability is not what we want, but we can spend a lot of money if we want to. We can go for it organically or join with someone else. It's an interesting time."

Story by Jo Francis