The printing industry is on an upward path according to the latest quarterly report from the BPIF.
The Q2 Printing Outlook survey fund that 40% of the printers participating had increased orders during the second three months of the year with a further 34% managing to hold sales steady. This is expected to continue into the second half of the year with 38% expecting orders to grow and 42% to be able to hold order levels.
Printers were able to increase prices during the second three months while also keeping the lid on costs.
And yet says the BPIF confidence is fragile with a largely negative outlook for the remainder of the year. This is put down to continuing uncertainties in the political and economic environment, reducing visibility for planning. Sentiment about prospects for their own businesses is stronger than for the industry as a whole.
There is “more than a little dissatisfaction with the extra costs and regulatory burden that Government policies have placed on businesses; and what might yet come in the next Budget,” says the report.
Nevertheless there is an appetite for investment. This is reckoned as the best way to increase productivity by 35% of their businesses. This is followed by diversification, mentioned by 26%, and 25% will manage their operations to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Competitors pricing below cost remains the top concern, mentioned by 60% of respondents, ahead of attracting sales (38%) and wage pressure (35%), that those replying mention. Late payments, where the Government has mentioned plans for action, is only a major concern for 15%, below access to skilled labour and business migrating to digital channels.
BPIF economist Kyle Jardine comments: “The industry did slowly and steadily improve in 2024, following a tough 2023. 2025 has been challenging as heightened uncertainties and cost pressures have been obstacles to growth. The performance in Q1 was disappointing, so the Q2 output turnaround is welcomed – especially if it can be carried into the second half of the year.”
BPIF CEO Charles Jarrold adds: “Recently UK economic growth has been weak, and inflation has surged once more – understandably business confidence is fragile. Now that the Government has laid out some long-term plans, for selected sectors, in their industrial strategy we will be pushing for more targeted investment support for businesses, action on the commitment to reduce red tape, as well as the reassurance that printers will not be burdened with more costs and higher taxes ahead of the Autumn Budget. After all it is businesses that provide the foundation for a healthy productive economy.”
