|
||
|
||
 |
recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
|
|
|
21 February 2002
NEWS RELEASE
PRINT BOSSES PLAN SURVIVAL
The survival of the print sector in Leicestershire will top the agenda when industry heads get together for the first meeting of the Leicestershire Print Forum.
This follows the formation of a working group consisting of companies and agencies including Chatham Printers and Cavendish Press. The forum, backed by Business Link for Leicestershire, intends to bring print and print packaging companies throughout Leicestershire together to tackle issues such as the rise of e-commerce, increasing competition, falling margins and poor industry image.
By working as partners rather than competitors, the companies involved will strive to:
· identify and learn about initiatives and opportunities
· lobby business support agencies on issues specific to the sector
· benefit from economies of scale
· act as a buying group
· increase access to training
· explore joint ventures and working partnerships
· explore local and regional supply chain initiatives to target major print buyers in the region.
Mukesh Naker, company secretary & director of Chatham Printers said, "The print industry today is facing some of the toughest challenges since the boom / bust times of the late 70's when there was a significant closure of some of the big printing companies in Leicestershire.
"Technology is driving the industry at a pace and in directions that few companies can keep up with. Over-capacity, very expensive capital programmes with the investment depreciating in just 2 to 3 years, competition from overseas, rate of change in markets and products and the "disappearance" of the repro side of the industry, all make running a printing business today a serious challenge.
"The Leicestershire Print Forum have been planning and working for almost a year to secure the participation of many support agencies and this first meeting will give people the chance to meet, voice their concerns and discuss what is important for their company and the future success of the industry.
"By working together we can give ourselves a better chance of survival and strengthen the image of Leicester as a print provider."
Business Link for Leicestershire identified the print and publishing industry as a key sector for the Leicestershire economy in its 2002 - 03 business plan, and are supporting the forum alongside EMDA, the Government Office for the East Midlands and the Leicestershire Learning and Skills Council.
The meeting will be held on February 26 at 5.30pm at the Leicester Tigers ground. Anyone interested in attending should register with Nichola Coles at Business Link for Leicestershire on 0116 257 5624 or e-mail nichola.coles@leicestershire.businesslink.co.uk
Ends
For further press information
CONTACT Kate Downs on 0116 254 4472
|
|
  | ||