7 November 2006

UK print has outperformed all major European countries over the last 5 years - Johnson

The UK print industry must push the boundaries of technology and innovation to ensure that the UK remains a world-beater, was the message heard by 150 printers, MPs and industry representatives at the All-Party Parliamentary Print Group’s annual reception at the House of Commons on 2 November. The APPG reception is now a recognised date in the print calendar and as always was over subscribed. This year the event was sponsored by Canon UK and focused on ‘Technology and Innovation’, hearing from Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan, Chair of the Group and former Chair of the Trade and Industry Select Committee; Michael Johnson, BPIF Chief Executive; Tony Burke, Amicus Assistant General Secretary; and David Smith, Managing Director of Canon Business Solutions. The speeches were extremely well received and all made the point that the printing industry despite the doom and gloom merchants is in fact going from strength to strength. Michael Johnson said, “Over the last five years, our industry has gone from being a laggard to a leader in Europe…. Let me make it clear PRINT is NOT receding or withering but changing its spots fast… It is a great credit to you printers - you have risen to the challenges of new technology and accepted the dramatic changes in the means of production…. We should not and cannot be complacent… But we should be proud of what we’ve achieved and we should be excited about the future… I will not have the doom and gloom merchants predicting the death of our industry. Print will prevail for another 500 years” Click here for the full speech. Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan focused on the Government’s support for technological development and urged printers to contact their MPs to ensure that the Government recognised significance of industry. Click here for the full speech. Tony Burke talked about the challenges of globalisation. Click here for the full speech David Smith announced that the UK is Canon’s most significant European market and the importance of working closely with the whole supply chain in order to continue the viability of print for example the Canon-sponsored technology-mapping project. Click here for the full presentation. The event was an excellent opportunity for printers to meet their MPs and hear how the Government, BPIF, AMICUS and industry suppliers are helping the industry and how the envision the future. For any further details please email Lizzy Hawkins or call her on 020 7915 8319 Downloads