The Government is prepared to listen to the printing industry's needs, but suppliers must be more open about business practices, the Department of Trade and Industry has warned.


Jan Watson, newly-appointed manager of the DTI's production unit, made the commitment on 17 November at a meeting with Picon chief executive John Brazier.


Visiting Picon's Godalming offices for the first time, Weston urged the industry to provide more comprehensive figures on sales and investment. She said the information would help the government gain a greater understanding of the print sector.


"Print is one of the UK's largest and most progressive industries, but this is not always recognised by those outside the industry," said Weston.


According to Weston, the picture becomes more
confused for those on the periphery when it comes to the industry's suppliers because there are so many specialist sectors.


"A stronger, more coh-esive public profile and enhanced body of statistics would certainly help the Government and others understand the extent and complexities of the industry and the opportunities it holds," she added.


Brazier believed the DTI would like to see sales and turnover figures from suppliers. Accurate investment figures on R&D and information and communication technologies would also be helpful, he added.


"Generally speaking there is a lack of useable guideline statistics showing how the industry operates."


Story by Sally Nash