The printing industry has no great hopes of relief from severe price competition, according to the BPIFs latest Directions survey.


The survey made gloomy reading and showed disappointing results for the past three months.
Nine out of 10 print firms (89%) have spare capacity, up 4% on the previous quarter, while only 12% of companies have healthier order books than three months ago.

Nearly half the firms surveyed said orders were low for the time of year.
The survey also revealed that 47% of companies saw margins eroded and only 5% of those canvassed had managed to improve them.
Despite this, 31% plan to invest in equipment in the next quarter and over half plan to invest in new buildings and alterations.


BPIF director of corporate affairs Mike Hopkins said: The industry is going through a difficult time, but it is doing so with a phlegmatic attitude and is not losing sight of the long term, with its view on positive investment.


Packaging printers connected to the retail trade remain upbeat, with 81% expecting an improvement.
Despite the strength of sterling, 61% said export orders were better than normal for the time of year and the same number expected exports to improve in the next three months.


The BPIF has welcomed a record 143 new members the most prominent of which was RR Donnelley following the change in its subscription structure. The figure includes the 60 members of the British Engraved Stationery Association who voted to become a special interest group in the BPIF (PrintWeek, 29 June).


Story by John Davies