Printing Outlook cites autumn improvement but with poorer prospects ahead
Print in general benefited from a further expansion in trade during the autumn but trade is expected to weaken during the winter period, according to the latest Printing Outlook report published by the BPIF this week. The latest industry trading trends survey results cover the three-month period ending 30 November. It was carried out online during the period 1-17 December 2010, and consists of 98 companies employing 11,917 people with a turnover of £1.3 billion.
The report reveals that not only was trade better than in the summer, with more companies reporting an improvement than a weakening in trade on balance, but that it was also above expectations. Almost half of survey respondents (46%) saw trade pick up, which compares favourably with 18% that had expected improvement. On the negative side, 18% reported a slow-down. This is the highest reading since last winter and compares with only 3% that had anticipated a weaker period at the time of the previous forecast. Prospects for the winter months are not promising though with trade predicted to slow in the period. While around a half of firms (48%) expect market stability, a further 42% forecast deterioration.
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