14 February 2023
UK printing subdued in Q4 as output and orders underperform
Confidence is depressed but end to cost crisis ahead.
Growth in output and orders was marginally positive in Q4 as the reality for performance in the UK printing and printed packaging industry turned out close to the forecasts provided in the previous quarter. The expectation for Q1 is for slight performance improvement to be realised. Despite heightened economic and political uncertainties, extreme energy cost shocks, and high inflation - many firms have been able to find some stability in their own performance. However, a significant minority of companies have not been able to prevent a contraction in their business.
The latest Printing Outlook survey reveals that 33% of printers managed to increase their output levels in the final quarter of 2022, and 29% experienced a decline in their output levels. The resulting balance (the difference between the ups and the downs) was +4, well below Q3, but just above the Q4 forecast.
DownloadsPay Review Data, Wage Benchmarking and Cost of Living – FEB 2024 UPDATE
14 February 2024
We have collated data from multiple sources that should be useful for BPIF members that are approaching internal pay reviews, and/or are having a closer look at their pay and benefits structure. The datafile, first published in February 2023, has been updated with the latest available data - and additional content on factors exerting pressure on pay settlements in 2024.
Slight recovery of output and orders falls short of expectations in Q4 - confidence concerns mount in 2024
22 February 2024
Performance in the UK's printing and printed packaging industry did improve in Q4, as far as output and orders are concerned. However, it didn't come close to what would historically be considered the seasonal norm, nor quite match the subdued expectations for Q4.
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