New BPIF chief executive Michael Johnson has gained board approval this week to implement his "vision" for the federation.

After 90 days in office Johnson said he had identified the key challenges facing the BPIF and the structure required to meet them.

Membership and commercial services have been split and placed under the directorship of Mike Hopkins and Andy Brown respectively. Johnson himself will head up policy, communications and information while Mark Cooke remains director of finance.

A new head of communications will join in the new year and Stephen Greengrass joins from the DTI in February to help run Print 21 projects. The new structure does, however, mean that 12 staff have been made redundant, bringing the headcount to 73.

Johnson outlined the challenges facing the BPIF as creating and demonstrating value; being relevant; becoming financially viable; and engaging industry leaders.

He added that recruiting the big print groups was the key to success. "The dialogue has started [with Polestar and St Ives] and has been positive," he said.

Recruiting members of all sizes from all sectors was also a priority but Johnson said the BPIF would not be "an open door" and he was looking into accreditation status. "Discounters and phoenix companies have no place here. We want to be able to say these are flagship businesses."

Story by Lauretta Roberts