Picon and the BPIF are to meet to discuss the possibility of forming a multi-party forum to promote the industry and its concerns to the government, the City or any other bodies.


The meeting was called following a lunch organised by Picon last week to discuss the theme "What is the government view of the printing industry, and how can the industry better communicate with government?"


Representatives from Picon, the BPIF, the Institute of Printing and the DTI attended the lunch. Those present agreed that the various industry organisations needed to unite to have a stronger voice when lobbying government.


"The message from government generally to smaller organisations is to make alliances," said Jan Weston, the DTIs manager, production machinery unit engineering industries directorate.


Picon chief executive John Brazier admitted that the disparate nature of the printing industry, "and the disparate way its put across" to government, could cause confusion, particularly on issues such as training.


And Bradley Jones, deputy section head business services at the DTI, suggested that the lack of cohesion in the industrys image could be part of the problem it has when trying to attract new blood.


"Its hard to be seen as homogenous," Jones said. "School leavers dont understand with any clarity what its about."


The represented bodies agreed to communicate regularly and to meet at least a few times a year.


Further developments on the multi-party forum are promised "as and when they happen", according to a spokesman.


Story by Lauretta Roberts