Printing Outlook is the BPIF's quarterly printing industry trends survey, compiled primarily from an online survey of BPIF members. It covers topics such as: your top business concerns, orders, output, price levels, capacity, costs, margins, investment, pay reviews, productivity, late payment and payment terms, public sector procurement, Web-to-print and paper & board prices and supply.
As well as reporting on the BPIF's latest quarterly survey of trends in the printing industry, Printing Outlook now incorporates:
- UK headline economic data
- CBI forecasts and assessment
- Paper and board consumption statistics from the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI)
- Printing Ink sales volumes and values from the British Coatings Federation (BCF)
- Energy sector commentary from Schneider Electric
- The latest print and printed packaging Red Flag Statistics and Financial Health statistics compiled especially for the BPIF by Red Flag Alert and Begbies Traynor
- Insolvency statistics for the printing sector
- Advertising sector data and analysis from the Advertising Association / Warc Expenditure Report and the IPA Bellwether Report
Printing Outlook is widely reported in the trade press, and feeds into the Bank of England and their provision of data to the Monetary Policy Committee. It is required reading for many suppliers to and investors in the industry, and is used by the BPIF to help represent the interests of our industry to other trade associations, the CBI, Government and the European and worldwide printing industries.
BPIF members can download the full report below; Printing Outlook press releases are available here.
SEASONAL BOOST STIMULATES SLIGHT RECOVERY IN CONFIDENCE - EXPECTED TO SUBSIDE IN Q1 AS OUTPUT AND ORDER GROWTH RECEDES
A healthy seasonal boost ensured 2018 finished stronger than it started, at least as far as the volume of output and orders are concerned - however, expectations are more pragmatic for Q1.
The latest Printing Outlook survey shows 53% of printers increased output levels in the fourth quarter of 2018. A further 34% held output steady whilst 13% experienced a decline in output. The resulting balance (the difference between the ups and the downs) was +40; a significant add-on to the boost that started in Q3 and marginally above the Q4 forecast of +37.
The Q4 period has benefited from the strongest seasonal boost for three years, but not reached the levels last seen in the years preceding the 2008 financial crisis. Numerous comments from survey respondents have referred to turmoil, uncertainty and unpredictability and whilst a number of companies have traded well there are common perceptions that they are "bucking the trend".
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BPIF Printing Outlook Q1 2019
Seasonal boost stimulates slight recovery in confidencse - expected to subside in Q1 as output and order growth recedes.
BPIF Printing Outlook Q4 2018
Q3 output bounced back to justify the positive forecast - seasonal boost to extend into Q4 despite fragility in confidence.
BPIF Printing Outlook Q3 2018
Q2 output and orders matched the downbeat forecast - boost expected in Q3 despite confidence and cost concerns.
BPIF Printing Outlook Q2 2018
Better than expected Q1 for output and orders - tougher times ahead as pricing and cost concerns dampen forecasts.
BPIF Printing Outlook Q1 2018
Muted growth in Q4 but no seasonal boost - confidence remains low amidst continued cost pressures and lingering uncertainty.
BPIF Printing Outlook - Q4 2017
Pick-up in output and orders despite a fluctuating Q3 - cost pressures and uncertainty shakes confidence for Q4.
BPIF Printing Outlook - Q3 2017
Subdued growth in Q2 orders and output as costs mount and confidence is shaken - industry voices Brexit concern but hopeful for stability.
BPIF Printing Outlook - Q2 2017
A better than expected start to 2017 for printing and packaging - output growth to continue in Q2 but costs are climbing.
BPIF Printing Outlook - Q1 2017
Print industry optimism prevailed in Q4 as forecast is surpassed - Q1 set to hold positive course.
The BPIF is the printing industries champion. By becoming a member you join a diverse and influential community. We help you solve business problems, connect you to new customers and suppliers and make your voice heard in government.
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