We all know that print has traditionally been a bellwether for the
economy overall, first in to recession and first out. This week it was also
likened to
"the canary in the coal mine" by the Financial Times
following Printing.com's
profit warning, when the company also talked of a
possible double-dip recession.
Now we have the BPIF's latest Outlook Survey
pointing to an improvement in trading conditions, albeit compared to the
shocking results from the same period last year. Reading further into the BPIF
report reveals something of a mixed picture, not far off 40% still reported a
weakening in the state of trade.
It is encouraging, though, that the vast majority
(70%) of those surveyed say they don't plan to lay off staff in the foreseeable
future.
It's pretty clear there is no one-size fits all
recovery. My own unscientific straw poll involving chatting with various
contacts has resulted in largely upbeat responses, hoorah, and nobody has
sobbed onto my shoulder for a while. Yesterday, for example, someone told me
they'd produced a record amount of colour digital impressions last month - up
threefold on last year.
I'm hoping the presses keep singing sweetly, and most importantly of all, profitably.
