Presenters from the manufacturer’s European division used the event in London to highlight Canon’s Essential Business Builder Programme, which it called a “springboard to help our customers move their businesses forward”.

The vendor also gave an exclusive preview of some upcoming research it has commissioned into the “redefinition of digital printers” in the global financial crisis.

The ongoing research, which has surveyed Canon’s largest-ever sample group and is due to be published in May 2010, has found that digital is now a “survival factor” for printers looking to rise to the challenge of the GFC.

The study, conducted by print expert and ProPrint columnist Professor Frank Romano, also found that “companies offering wide format have been able to ride out the recession much easier because they offer these services”.

Canon European marketing manager Mark Lawn (pictured) said that all printers without digital intend to invest, adding that digital would be the print industry’s main investment emphasis in 2010.

“At Ipex 2006, we were still trying to argue the case for digital. Now it’s make-or-break,” said Lawn.

The report will be the newest in a series of industry-wide studies commissioned by Canon, which also included its 2008 “Digital Printing Directions”, also conducted by Romano.

The Business Builder Programme is a series of modular sales and marketing tools that aim to help printers take advantage of new opportunities.

At Ipex, Canon will offer visitors to its stand business support and advice, including a timetable of short Essential Business Builder workshops, with consultants on hand throughout the show.

Canon also said that it would unveil new products and services at its Ipex stand, which is almost double the size of its 2006 presence.

Steven Kiernan is in London for the Ipex Media Summit.

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