Print was one of six business sectors that the regional business development body chose to support.

Print Yorkshire chief executive Robert McClements credited the BPIF's continued support of his organisation as being instrumental in gaining the further funds.

Examples of areas where companies will be able to approach Print Yorkshire for assistance include environmental and lean initiatives, training and encouraging new blood into the industry.

Training is supported through the Enhancement Fund, which enables firms to train outside the previous confines of formal NVQ level II training. Staff that have had previous training can now receive further training and additional types of training, including training in operating specific pieces of machinery by the supplier.

In the Print Yorkshire region, which covers Yorkshire and the Humber region, firms can get 60% funding for training.

"We're the route to draw down funding," said McClements. "My job is to get printers into a room to tell them about available funds and to make sure they get their share."

He said the funding available over the two-year period had yet to be finalised, but for the region is around £30m.

Print Yorkshire will be running networking events along with three printers' open houses in May. Starting at ProCo in Sheffield on 19 May, followed with Team Impression in Leeds on 20 May and finishing up at Simpson Print Group in Washington, Tyne & Wear on 27 May.

Its training advisor will be on hand at all the events.