Industry Survives BPIF Quarter Predictions

The print industry’s first quarter of 2019 performed better than expectations, according to the British Printing Industries Federation’s (BPIF) latest Printing Outlook.

The quarterly study reported that while the industry experienced a drop in growth, it performed above previous forecasts.

The survey polled 131 print companies with a combined turnover of just under £1.4billion.

43% of printers increased output levels, while 32% held steady and 25% reported a decline in output.

Output growth is predicted to increase for 33% of printers, while 42% expect to remain steady.

70% of respondents mentioned Brexit as their biggest business concern – up from 58% in the previous Printing Outlook. Of those who named Brexit as a worry, maintaining a reliable supply chain was the biggest concern for 77% of respondents, followed by general cost inflation (52%) and non-tariff barriers (42%).

“There is concern as to what’s going to happen next, with more turmoil potentially ahead,” commented Kyle Jardine, BPIF’s Economist and Northern Ireland Manager.

“Companies have been delaying decisions since the referendum, and more so recently, and when you think there is a bit more certainty coming back, it’s changed again.”