It will be interesting to get the third quarter figures of the BPIF Printing Outlook given that the summer report – on the second quarter – showed the UK print trade to be more buoyant than expected, prompting an upbeat forecast.
Here’s what the July survey showed.
- 28% said the volume of domestic orders had improved. 53% reported no change in demand.
- 31% said they anticipated a further pick up in the third quarter.
- ‘Competitors pricing below cost’ was the main concern (80%). Under-utilisation of capital equipment came second (34%) and late payment third (24%).
- 92% said they would be spending more/same on product/process innovation to boost sales.
- 46% said the ability to offer a new product/service was a major reason for investment.
