The positive move will provide the industry with a clear strategy and joined up thinking when dealing with various governmental bodies, as well as the wider business community.

“If we can pull the graphics, print, and media interests together to speak with a single authoritative voice it will put us in a better position to have an impact on the problems facing us as a sector,” Peter Morris, chairman of GPMA and Picon told a press conference last week.

Morris went on to say that the group would listen to the industry to find out the issues, adding: “Today is just the start. We don't have all the answers or strategies planned out but what we do have is all of the industries together. It is an exciting project to be part of.”

The group, while still very much in its infancy, has identified some key areas that it feels needs some attention. These include being perceived as 'out-of-date', challenges posed by new media, commoditised pricing, lack of training, and the ageing workforce.

The founding members of the GPMA are:

• British Association for Print & Communication (BAPC)

• British Coatings Federation (BCF)

• British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF)

• FESPA UK

• Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA)

• Picon

• PPMA (Processing & Packaging Machinery Association)

• Rubicon Network