Bob Usher, managing director of Apex Digital Graphics, has been elected chairman of Picon, the UK association of print industry manufacturers and suppliers. His top priority will be to increase the effectiveness of the UK print industry’s representations to government and other bodies. He also aims to broaden the membership of Picon, with a particular focus on attracting new members from the digital and cross-media sectors.
Usher, who succeeds Friedheim UK CEO Peter Morris as Picon chairman, believes the recent formation of the Graphic Print and Media Alliance (GPMA) will provide a major boost to lobbying efforts.
He said: “Peter deserves a lot of credit for his role in bringing together the seven trade associations that form the GPMA. The UK print, media and graphic arts industry now has the opportunity to find a stronger, louder collective voice and appeal successfully for the support we deserve as the country’s sixth largest industry. I shall be working hard with the other GPMA members to bring other trade bodies on board.”
Another early objective for Bob will be working to ensure the success of Ipex 2014. “It’s important for the UK printing industry that Ipex continues to be successful, and I expect the new venue and a host of new features for Ipex 2014 to cement its position as a significant international exhibition. We shall do all we can to support the organisers by encouraging all Picon members to exhibit.”
“Picon is in excellent hands with Bob as chairman for the next two years,” said Morris. “The depth of industry experience he brings to the role, particularly from the digital side, will benefit members considerably as the implications for digital technology within the industry become clearer.”
Usher has worked in the printing industry since 1966. He started as a technician with Rotaprint, then joined AM Multigraphics, followed by Itek Graphic Products. He founded Apex Reprographics in 1989 which became Apex Digital Graphics in 1995, a supplier of pre-press and offset-litho printing equipment.