Its launch had been stalled after the GPMU pulled its support from the bid, and all other Print 21 initiatives, following the BPIF's refusal to recommend a training levy to its members (PrintWeek, 16 August).
But union general secretary Tony Dubbins, who spoke at the launch, said he had held "encouraging" talks with the BPIF in recent weeks and was pleased to support the forum and Print 21.
The forum board (see below) held its first proper meeting directly after the launch. Pindar chairman Andrew Pindar, who is also chair of the forum, pledged it would take a "task-based, result-oriented approach". "This will not be another talking shop," he said.
Polestar chief executive Barry Hibbert, who was involved in the Print 21 project while at httprint, said the industry had "spent too long working in isolation". "There is no printing company that has not suffered from falling margins and profitability. I don't think anybody should exclude themselves."
Of all the companies approached to join, only one, St Ives, had declined, said BPIF chief Michael Johnson, who expressed his relief that the bid had been successful. "This organisation has the opportunity to effect the most dramatic change the industry has seen in 20 years," he said.
The forum also has the backing of a number of other associations, such as BAPC, SPA, Picon, Pira and EFTA, who will form an "Industry Champions Group" to support its work.
The Print Forum Board
Roy Bailie, The Baird Group
John Durston, Amcor Flexibles
Steve Halls, DTI
Barry Hibbert, Polestar
Bob Hodgson, Ormolu
Andrew Pindar, Pindar
John Pulford, Direct Image
Keith Ruddock, RR Donnelley
Rod Willett, Cambridge University Press
Story by Lauretta Roberts
