Many in the industry will echo the latter sentiments for 2011, with the current year the worst on record for print business failures, carnage has been the only way to describe much of what has happened, as a host of big name printers collapsed.

However doom and gloom has been a far from universal picture, and there are many bright spots in the print industry, and for some the light at the end of the tunnel has already appeared. The three biggest players in print; PMP, IPMG and Salmat have all recorded increased profits this year, although the two big private equity backed groups Geon and Blue Star have continued to struggle, but the third, Opus, with its more segmented approach, has thrived.

Those printers that have survived are increasingly implementing additional revenue streams into their businesses; design, mailing, warehousing and logistics, while the far sighted are also embracing data management.

Some such as Ken Williams, managing director of fast growing print business Excel Australia, believes the current period is print’s ‘best opportunity in three decades’ thanks to its ability to personalise marketing communications.

PrintEx11 will be one of the highlights of the new year, the show takes place May 2-4 in Sydney, and as well as highlighting the latest technological solutions promises much in the way of strategic discussion.

Enjoy your time with your family over the holiday period, and we look forward to serving you again in the new year.

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