Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has approved the BPIF-led forum bid and has pledged 3m of government support for the first five years of the forum's operation. The forum's aim is to improve the industry's profitability and competitiveness.

Its launch had been stalled after the GPMU pulled its support following the BPIF's refusal to recommend a training levy to its members. But the union's general secretary Tony Dubbins, who attended the launch, said he had had encouraging talks with the federation in recent weeks and was pleased to support the forum. "I want everybody to be assured that we are committed to improving productivity and efficiency," he said.

The forum's board, which is made up of the chiefs from a number of print's most influential businesses, held its first proper board meeting after the launch. It was chaired by Pindar chairman Andrew Pindar who said the forum would be taking a "task-based, result-oriented approach". "This will not be another talking shop," he said. "Everybody is sick of talking shops because when all is said and done, not a lot is said and done."

BPIF chief Michael Johnson expressed his relief that bid had been successful. "This organisation has the opportunity to effect the most dramatic change the industry has seen in 20 years," he said.

He has now handed over control of the forum to its board, which comprises:

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

The forum also has the backing of a number of associations, such as SPEF, BAPC, Picon, Pira and EFTA, who will form an "Industry Champions