However, there’s no doubt that UK print, either through consolidation or administration, has slimmed down in recent times. Consequently, print companies in the UK have to work harder than ever, be sharp-witted to stay ahead of the game and take advantage of opportunities that could impact their bottom line in the long run.

So it was interesting to read your feature in last week’s issue asking readers if they were planning to attend the show because, in many ways, attending an event like this should be seen as business critical, not a luxury many can ill afford in terms of time. Simply put, if you didn’t get the chance to attend Ipex you already have a compelling reason to visit Northprint but, more than that, as one of the printers quoted noted, even if you did the industry is evolving so fast there will no doubt be even more exciting technological advances unveiled in Harrogate in May.

But there are more compelling reasons as to why your visit could pay dividends. With industry suppliers such as Manroland, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, Horizon agent Intelligent Finishing Solutions and many others confirmed, the event will provide a cost-effective way to gain the comprehensive information and data print firms need to draw up workable business plans.

Ideas hotbed
Knowing that every decision is difficult in terms of the costs and time involved, suppliers will go the extra mile to ensure your trip to Northprint is worthwhile. You can tap into exhibitors’ best resources to discuss the most efficient equipment, operating practices and new ideas for niche or added-value services that could open up new routes to profit.

Equally, we have committed considerable investment to create new innovations and attractions. Visitors will be able to explore new areas geared to delivering an industry-wide networking experience, view new technologies, explore innovative applications and participate in customer case study demonstrations. There will also be a range of informative workshops and educational seminars.

New to Northprint 2011 will be the Printers’ Profit Zone, which will provide a series of free business-growth seminars. Masterclass sessions will be delivered by industry expert Nick Devine, who will offer advice on how to win business and boost profit. The BPIF’s expert Financial Alliance team will be hosting a ‘drop in’ Finance Clinic for impartial advice on funding, tax issues, M&A, debt recovery and many other issues. Associations such as the BAPC, IPIA and IPPSA will also be on hand to offer advice and support to members.

For the first time, the show will also feature a theatre-style Litho Technology Centre, where offset manufacturers and distributors, accompanied by their customers, will run videos and hold demonstrations and case study-style presentations. A dedicated wide-format applications showcase will demonstrate the capabilities of this technology and the range of innovative applications to printers that are thinking of diversifying and investing in wide-format equipment.

And, on top of all that, there will also be an influx of young talent on the final day, as the finalists of PrintIT! will gather to attend the initiative’s sixth annual awards ceremony.

There is no unified measure of an exhibition’s value – it will be different for each visitor – but it’s important not only to look at short-term results but also to consider long-term effects. Print providers face a twin challenge: to keep abreast of fast-changing technology and understand how to exploit it to create new business models and revenue streams.

Smart firms don’t simply evaluate how they do business today – they are in it for the long haul, keeping ahead of what their customers want. Whether you are looking to buy, evaluate, network or take in our extensive business and application seminar programme, I have no doubt Northprint can play a key role in your business development plans for 2011.

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30-SECOND BRIEFING ON... NORTHPRINT 2011
• Northprint will take place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, on 10-12 May 2011
• With a range of industry suppliers exhibiting at the show, Northprint will provide access to expert
advice and opportunities to discuss the latest technology and new profit-making ideas
• The Printers’ Profit Zone will provide a series of free business growth seminars, focusing on new business ideas and maximising profitability
• The BPIF’s Financial Alliance team of experts will be hosting a Finance Clinic for printers
• A theatre-style Litho Technology Centre will host videos, demonstrations and case study-style presentations
• A wide-format applications showcase will demonstrate
the capabilities of the technology and highlight innovative applications
• Northprint is free to attend. Visit  www.northprintexpo.com/visit