IPIA and BAPC merge

The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) and the British Association for Print and Communication (BAPC) have merged.

Sidney Bobb, who assumes the role of BAPC president following more than three decades as chairman, said of the move: “In these times of unprecedented change it is important that the leading industry bodies work together. That is why we have chosen to merge the BAPC with the IPIA, combing all our respective strengths and values, to support all the members and deliver the most comprehensive range of services possible." Brendan Perring, general manager of the IPIA, now becomes chairman of the BAPC. He added: "I have worked with Sidney [Bobb] and the BAPC for more than a decade, and our two organisations have already developed a strong bond and partnership. Both trade associations will retain their unique values and character, but by combining our operational assets and conducting platform sharing, the whole will no doubt be greater than the sum of its parts. The BAPC was founded more than 40 years ago, representing the then newly developed retail and quick print sector. It is run by printers for printers, with the aim of cultivating a ‘community of print’ for mutual benefit. Founded in 1990, the IPIA is a not-for-profit print trade association that aims to help members expand their business horizons, grow using targeted member collaboration and adapt to ever evolving market forces. Graeme Smith, chairman of the IPIA, said: “We believe this is the next step in our evolution as we as look to build a stronger organisation that supports the business of print as it creates a new normal. What is absolutely critical to this endeavour is that we empower our members to realise the value they represent to the end-customer, and how they can leverage that to improve their long-term business prospects, and ultimately, their profitability.”