UK Government welcomes Vision in Print’s industry impact

London’s Park Communications has received a visit from the Right Honorable Alun Michael, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions. In his first print-related visit since his appointment in the summer, the Minister learned first-hand what impact Vision in Print’s improvement programs were having on the competitiveness of the UK’s printing industry.

He said: ‘The printing, packaging and graphic communications industry forms part of the UK’s fourth largest manufacturing industry. It’s imperative that we support printers in their quest for continuous improvement. Vision in Print has the DTI’s backing in its goal to help this industry become more successful.’

During his time at Park the Minister was given a tour of the facility. Established in 1989, the company employs 115 staff who specialize in printing mainly financial documentation. This includes annual reports and investment research for prestigious clients such as The Bank of England, Citigroup and Transport for London.

Heath Mason, Park’s chief executive explained to the Rt. Hon. Alun Michael why the company had enrolled on ‘Masterclass’ and ‘Office and Prepress Change Cycle’ improvement programs run by Vision in Print. ‘A key part of good business management, in our view, is based upon listening to people within an organization, allowing the good and the bad ideas to be heard in a supportive environment, facilitating the debate as to the best action to take, and then allowing those same individuals to implement the changes. After all, it is generally not those who sit behind a desk who best understand how to increase press productivity, for example. Vision in Print was chosen to join our continuous improvement program because it was clear that their approach was totally aligned with this view.’

During his visit the Minister was introduced to team members from Park’s ViP programs who demonstrated some of the process improvements and impact these programs had had on the production process, as well as in the offices and prepress departments.

Dale Bryden, press room supervisor, who took part in the Vision in Print Masterclass program, told him: ‘Apart from the immediate benefits it bought to our processes, it gave us the opportunity to work with colleagues from other departments, which was not only enjoyable but very beneficial.’

Mason concluded: ‘We have had some great ideas for changes, many of which are already implemented. The energy and enthusiasm of the groups has spread throughout the company. There is now a perfect forum for views to be heard and for new methods to be found. All of us want to feel we have some influence over the way we do things at work. With ViP’s help our continuous improvement program is being advanced, and everyone is part of it.’

The morning closed with Michael Johnson, chief executive of the BPIF giving a short presentation on the future of the UK printing industry. He explained that ‘because print is so diverse it is not always recognized as a major contributor to the GDP of the UK. We are very pleased, therefore, that the Minister has recognized the importance of print and that the improvements made can offer new opportunities for export and growth.’