News

Kern appoints new UK head of sales
Mailing and packaging equipment specialist Kern has welcomed David Cox as its UK head of sales, a newly-created position intended to capitalise on recent product additions.

Admin for two more Kouakou firms
The final two businesses in Landry Kouakou’s short-lived print empire are now in administration, with the business and assets of one operation sold to a retail marketing specialist.

Key step in Antalis takeover
The takeover of Antalis has come another step closer after majority shareholder Sequana formalised the sale of its stake to Kokusai Pulp & Paper.

Brett Martin working 24/7 to meet plastics demand
Booming demand for ‘sneeze screens’ and workplace dividers has resulted in a bumper order book for UK manufacturer Brett Martin – with the firm’s capacity for transparent materials booked up until the...

Consumers back paper-based packaging
A new study, conducted just before the lockdown, has reported that just shy of two-thirds of consumers believe paper-based packaging is better for the environment.

CLBILS loan upped, but new restrictions come in
The government’s coronavirus loan scheme for large businesses has been increased from a maximum of £50m to £200m, but a raft of new restrictions have also been introduced around dividends, bonuses and...

Merchants pivot with new PPE offerings
Paper merchants are diversifying their ranges to meet growing demand for PPE-type products that are becoming part of everyday life, and are essential to firms adapting their businesses to the new...

Milexa Group adapts to stay profitable during crisis
Milexa Group has managed to remain profitable throughout the coronavirus pandemic despite an initial 40% reduction in sales, the firm reports.

Axel Springer boss speaks out on China dynamics
Axel Springer chairman and CEO Dr Mathias Döpfner has urged German and European leaders to “decouple” from China and forge closer alliances with the US and post-Brexit UK instead.

Agfa pauses plate plants as virus hits demand
Agfa has described its Q1 results as “solid” although its offset printing business had begun being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbating “already tough conditions in this industry”.

Under-fire Back steps down at Royal Mail
Royal Mail has parted company with controversial CEO Rico Back with immediate effect.

Go Inspire post strong results, preps for M&A
Go Inspire Group has recorded 15% jump in profits in the year to 31 March 2020 and is poised to play a role in the inevitable post-lockdown consolidation of the UK print industry.

Cautious welcome for new trade credit guarantee scheme
The latest government support scheme could provide further crucial support for the printing industry, following reports of widespread cuts to credit cover.

FD Signs goes from mothballed to 18-hour days to support TFL
FD Signs, which initially mothballed after the lockdown meant it saw “no light at the end of the tunnel”, stepped up and ended up working 18-hour days last month to play an integral role in keeping...

Sappi investigates mill fire
Sappi is evaluating the extent of the damage after a paper machine fire at one of its German mills.