A year later the country was in crisis and experiencing the worst recession in years. It was a downturn from which according to the Government we have only just emerged.

To quote one sign-maker the industry’s changed landscape is the new normal and we had all better get used to it. Retailing is growing again and so is house building which both lead to a demand for the services of printers/sign-makers.

For sign-makers the main changes have been the destruction of many of their regular customers and large retailers – with a long list of stores going bust – and the stagnation of the construction industry.

On the flip side wide-format printing has allowed sign-makers to enter new markets eclipsing the age-old skills of silk-screen printing. Wide format has almost boosted the vehicle wrapping business with hundreds of start-up businesses seeing this area as one for growth while more established companies have embraced the techniques. It is one area that is set to grow as more and more businesses utilise this high profile way of advertising and marketing.

For wide-format printers the main changes have been the destruction of many of their regular customers and large retailers – with a long list of stores going bust – and the stagnation of the construction industry. The rise of the internet and email marketing has damaged direct mail while online news coverage and online magazines has seen a steady drop in newspaper and magazine sales.

It is a different world out there – but this is the new normal and we had all better get used to it.

Your views please to news@signlink.co.uk news@printmonthly.co.uk

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ENDS