While I would like to be upbeat and positive I believe the portents for our industry in 2010 are mixed at best. In general terms, the world economy does appear to be recovering from the depths of the downturn. Japan’s economy grew at an annual rate of 4.8% during the September quarter 2009. For example, the latest projections are for growth in the UK to reach close to 4% by 2011.

The Australian economy avoided the worst of the global downturn but our industry suffered badly. It’s unlikely those major accounts, having survived on a combination of lower pagination or cheaper paper stock, will revert immediately to pre-downturn levels. The industry will need to be active in extolling the virtues of print. Printing Industries has available a range of resources for members to use in the print promotion section of our website.

It will be imperative that printers take the opportunity to make sure they have enough trained staff for when the economy shows real signs of strength. One of the industry’s failings in previous downturns has been that valued and highly trained employees are lost to the industry, never to return, leaving the industry with a skills shortage.

On the political front we will be facing the implementation of the new modernised award for the industry and the possible introduction of an emissions trading scheme. The former will undoubtedly lead to issues for the industry to address. We have already seen an increase in unfair dismissal claims over the past year.

The emissions trading scheme (if it comes to pass) will lead to increased costs, particularly energy costs for the industry to bear. By year end, our industry should be showing clearer signs of recovery after a difficult first half.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter