BPIF’s 2007 lobbying plans announced

Globalization, phony phoenixes and red tape will be targeted by the BPIF as part of its lobbying plan for 2007.
Cost margins, the economy and employment issues will form the cornerstones of the British Printing Industries Federation’s campaign plan for 2007, following approval by the BPIF’s policy committee last week. The ambitious plan, developed through consultation with members, identified specific action to target the negative effects of globalization, the postal service market, insolvency practices, training provision, public procurement procedures and the growing regulatory burden. The BPIF will also be supporting UK business campaigns on pensions, energy prices, transport and business rates.

The plan builds on many of the BPIF’s current projects. Foremost is the European Commission’s study of the European printing industry, which will be a key pillar of the European Commission’s future manufacturing policy in developing a strategy to combat the rise of China and other low-cost economies. Representatives from the largest print providers, buyers and suppliers will be meeting the European Commission’s consultants at a focus group organized by the BPIF on 8 February.

Insolvency practices in the industry will also be in the spotlight. The BPIF’s policy working group discussed the way forward with Nick Hood, senior partner at business rescue specialists Begbies Traynor, and Andy Allies, debt recovery manager of ICSM Credit Information Network. As a result of these discussions, a major company education program is planned for 2007 to make it easy for companies to report bad practice to the appropriate sources.

Andy Allies commented, ‘The first step in combating illegal insolvency practices is to gather information. Too many creditors don’t know their rights when they are victims of bad debt, and this makes the industry easy prey for dodgy dealings.’

The BPIF will also be working with the CBI to raise members’ concerns about the impact of increasing energy prices, transport costs and business rates and uncertainty over future pensions policy. Michael Johnson, chief executive of the BPIF, commented, ‘Our members have spoken and we have identified practical ways to answer their concerns. The BPIF is the voice of the industry to Government and Industry and this plan ensures that we are articulating the industry’s concerns.’