Printer VLM UK ups workforce to print Home Information Packs

A Birmingham printer plans to more than double its workforce to cope with new demand for Home Information Packs (HIPs), which become law in June.

Virtual Literature Management (VLM) UK already has links with a range of estate agents, printing brochures and other literature for the sector. It expects to command around a third of the HIP market.

Marking an investment of £1.5m, the 24-staff company is to move to new premises to accommodate a further 33 new positions, as well as building out extra capacity at its presses.

VLM UK was the recipient of a £245,000 Selective Finance for Investment grant for the Advantage West Midlands regional development agency.

The printer specialises in digital printing and offers online access, which cuts the turnaround time between submitting assets and printing the finished material to hours.

HIPs contain copies of deeds, recent planning permissions and building consent, a local area search and a certificate for energy use. Nearly a million properties are expected to change hands in the UK, and from June, each seller will be legally required to provide HIPs to interested buyers.