The Printing Industry Confederation, Picon represents manufacturers and suppliers of graphic arts equipment in the UK.

Kolbus has been a member for many years and Bird says the benefits have been twofold. Firstly, there are the support services, training grants, and access to political and financial experts which enable a company to make more informed decisions.

But, as important, Bird added, is the ability to be part of a community of trust where open and transparent talks can be discussed openly. He believes this is good for the industry, often resulting in shared best practice.

“Picon is more important than ever before. We have been through a pandemic, Brexit and are now heading into what looks like a long and deep recession and the support, advice and networking that this trade body offers is vital,” said Bird.

By joining the council, Bird said he hoped to have an impact on the direction of the organisation and on the events held.

Asked for three outcomes he would like to result from his membership, he added: “I want to make sure we fully understand what members want and encourage greater take up of support, not least training grants.

“We must encourage good, healthy discussion and resist the organisation becoming regimented. I would like Picon to grow, especially if there are sectors within the graphic arts sector which are not currently served.”

The Picon council is chaired by James Boughton, managing director of Edale, and other council members include: Mark Bristow (Friedheim International), Iain Bullock (Renz), Neil Jones (Bobst UK), Tim Klemz (Compact Engineering), Ryan Miles (Heidelberg), Peter Murphy (Turnbull & Scott), Stuart Murphy (Rollem), Kevin O’Donnell (Xerox UK, Ireland and the Nordics), Andy Pang (Koenig & Bauer), and Neil Sutton (Komori).