Government

New £50 notes to be printed on plastic

The Bank of England has confirmed it plans to issue a new £50 note printed on polymer.

Retailers and restaurants announce plans to curb plastic packaging

A raft of retailers and restaurant chains have announced plans to reduce or abolish their use of plastic packaging in the next few years, as the government vows to crack down on plastic waste.

Former home secretary applauds Tall Group

The Tall Group has been commended by the former home secretary Lord Blunkett for its “unwavering commitment to fight cyber crime” after achieving its Cyber Essentials badge plus accreditation.

Essentra launches apprenticeship programme

Global packaging giant Essentra has launched its first UK-wide National Apprenticeship Programme, which will see it take on 20 apprentices over the next year.

£2m Smith & Ouzman fine funds African development

The £2m penalty imposed on security printer Smith & Ouzman has been used to fund a social development project in Africa, in what is a UK government first.

Mixed outlook for business in Spring Budget

Chancellor Philip Hammond has delivered his first – and last – Spring Budget, and with it a raft of measures that could impact printers, particularly SMEs.

Deltor invests in Ricoh and Komfi kit

Deltor Communications has invested in a Ricoh Pro C9100 and a Komfi Sagitta 76 thermal laminating machine.

Hammond announces infrastructure investment amid slowing growth

Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced a number of measures to boost UK infrastructure, including a £23bn National Productivity Investment fund.

SME printers to benefit from Budget announcements

Chancellor George Osborne announced a number of business tax reforms in a Budget speech yesterday (16 March) that was largely welcomed by the print industry.

Apprenticeship Levy fixed in Autumn Statement

George Osborne plans to raise £3bn per year from the Apprenticeship Levy and has fixed the level at 0.5% of an employer's pay bill.

BPIF seeks industry input for apprenticeship blueprint

The BPIF has asked printers to comment and give feedback on the first draft of what will become the blueprint for apprenticeship standards in the industry.

Government's apprenticeship levy consultation opens

A consultation on the government’s proposal to charge a levy on large companies that neglect to take on enough apprentices opened today.