The BPIF, Oxford Brookes University and The Publishers Association are pleased to announce the launch of the British Book Design and Production Awards 2008. These are the only industry awards to promote and acknowledge the excellence of the British book design and production industry.  They are a fantastic opportunity for your organisation to demonstrate its skills in these area.

All books published from 1 July 2007 until 30 June 2008 are eligible for entry in this years awards. New for 2008 is the Environmental Award - this category will cover well-produced books that have been manufactured using best practice in environmental management.

Home Officer Minister, Meg Hiller met with London printers and BPIF members, Things Fashion last Friday. The visit was arranged as part of the BPIF's campaign to engage MPs with their local print businesses and to promote the printing industry within parliament. Michael Johnson, BPIF chief executive, discussed the industry's current issues with the Minister and hailed the meeting as a real success.

Things Fashion have been operating since 1971 and supply promotional garments to the music industry, printing t-shirts and other merchandise for acts such as U2, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen. They also produce garments for major sporting events such as the World Cup and the Olympics.

Michael Johnson discussed the role that printers could play in the Olympic process and how the BPIF would be supporting SMEs in their bid to get a slice of the cake. Chris Patefield, Director of Print London will be writing to the Minister to further the case of SMEs.

Michael Johnson also discussed the issues of security printing where a number of our members have an interest. This is in direct correlation with Meg Hillier's work at the Home Office and she would be looking into these issues on our behalf.

If you would like your MP to visit you, contact Bob Toal by email on bob.toal@bpif.org.uk

Erith & Thamesmead MP, John Austin, paid a visit on Friday to Richard Edward Ltd, a local printing company based at the Woolwich Industrial Estate in Nathan Way, Thamesmead. John Austin said: "I was pleased to learn that the company had received the Investors in People award. It was obvious visiting the factory that this is a company which really values and invests in its workforce by its commitment to training and staff development and by its involvement of staff in crucial decision making that can affect the company’s profitability and success".

John Austin also praised the company for its ethical policy and commitment to the environment and sustainability and added: "This company clearly take corporate social responsibility seriously, not only through its support for the local community but also through provision of work experience for local school students".

The 72nd YMP annual conference titled “Increasing Personal Effectiveness” was voted a huge successs by all attendees. The venue was the Palace Hotel in Buxton set in the glorious surroundings of the Peak district.

The “Heroes and Villains” fancy dress icebreaker on the Friday evening gave brilliant opportunities for innovative costume characters  and  ensured great networking as a result. Training commenced on Saturday morning and focused on the importance of effective interpersonal relationships when managing for results. Delegates explored influencing behaviours, assertiveness, verbal techniques and examined appropriateness of habitual responses.

From research carried out by the BPIF, average profitability of a UK Print company is currently 3.9%. As a result it is more important than ever to have systems in place that enable careful and accurate monitoring of performance in all areas of the business. 

For further information click here or contact Philip Thompson on 020 7915 8377 or Philip.Thompson@bpif.org.uk  Vision in Print published a best practice guide – on the effective use of an MIS, to download this visit www.visioninprint.co.uk

This print-specific training programme is designed and run by ViP engineers and BPIF HR experts who really know what printers need to manage their businesses better. The benefits for the individual and the company are significant as the comments of previous delegates bear witness:

Jim Pentecost, Senior Finishing Operator with Ordnance Survey commented, “Enlightening and thought provoking. Great course that made me look at everything differently. I would love to do it all again next week.

”The fourth Team Leader Training Course TLT 11 starts in the South East of England on 10/11 September 2008.  This course is made up of four modules with each module lasting two days.  There are only 10 places available, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Having 10 participants from different companies means that there is dynamic interaction, healthy challenge and networking, that previous delegates have reported as being highly beneficial.

To book now click here or contact Helen Dunn on 020 7915 8320 or Helen.dunn@visioninprint.co.uk or download the application form from www.visioninprint.co.uk

The BPIF will be hosting this year's AGM and All Party Parliamentary Print Group Reception on - 9 July this year. Both events will be take place in Westminster, London. The AGM will be hosted at the Church House Conference Centre at 3pm followed by the APPG reception at the House of Commons.

Members will receive invitations to these events in the coming weeks.

The theme for this year's APPG is 'Adding Value'. If you are interested in meeting with your local MP at the event, please email Heena Bulsara