Government

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.

BCC gives mixed review to new government's work on business
The government must do more for business if it is to be remembered as the administration which “turbo-charged great growth” the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said today.

BPIF stresses need for clarity in gender pay gap reports
The BPIF has expressed concern that published gender pay rates could be "misused and misinterpreted".

Government moves to close pay gap for women
The government is set to outline plans to force businesses with 250 or more employees to publish average salaries for their male and female employees.

Osborne's 'Emergency Budget' largely welcomed by print
Chancellor George Osborne has announced plans to introduce a national ‘living wage’ in his Emergency Budget speech earlier today (8 July).

Taskforce details £6m spend post Tullis Russell administration
The taskforce established by the Scottish government in the wake of the Tullis Russell Papermakers administration has agreed an action plan to spend the £6m pledged in state assistance.

Government approves print apprenticeship plan
The BPIF’s employer-led submission to develop new apprenticeship standards for the print industry has been successful.

Andesign secures government grant of over £120,000 to help grow business
Wide-format printer Andesign plans to recruit new staff, move to bigger premises and invest in new machinery after securing a government grant of over £120,000.

AB Group Packaging and PEFC encourage paper bag use
AB Group Packaging and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) are encouraging brand owners, retailers and consumers to use more paper bags as an alternative to plastic.