Printing Industry Expands During Q3

The UK printing industry enjoyed a more profitable quarter between July and September 2011, boosted by increased service demand.

According to the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), greater sales volumes delivered increased profits for the sector.

However, margins were squeezed by rising costs, with higher paper and ink cartridges prices continuing to apply pressure on the industry.

BPIF public affairs advisor Andy Brown said profit improvements were volume-driven during the third quarter of the year.

"But because of the erosions in margin, should those volumes drop the industry will be in a more difficult position than it has been for a long time," he stated.

BPIF research and information manager Kyle Jardine said the third quarter was the fifth out of the past six quarters in which growth has been registered.

"Prospects appear brighter still between now and Christmas, with two-fifths of our survey respondents predicting a pick-up in trade in the final three months of the year, easily offsetting those expecting further slowing," he stated.

Mr Jardine said the fourth quarter is normally a busier period for the printing industry, which may see demand for ink and printer cartridges increase.

Posted by Jamie Foster.