Changing investment intentions in printing and packaging industries in the UK - what do the numbers say? Logistics and the role of post-Brexit disruption in the UK print industry are just some of the issues to consider. These topics will be discussed in this article. We will also explore the impact of the Covid-19 resurgence on activity levels, and how post-Brexit disruption will affect the supply chain.
The BPIF, or Business Plan for Investment Framework, focuses on companies investing in innovation and productivity. These companies excel at developing new products and print solutions. They are also re-engineering their businesses to become multi-channel marketing solution providers. But, how are they responding to this shift in the market? What are their next steps? What can they expect from their new investment programme? And how can they stay ahead of their competition?
The consultation is seeking views on a number of key aspects of the EPR, such as how it should be administered, its digital design, and its timeline of implementation. This reform is part of a wider effort to tackle waste and improve the environment. Currently, the UK government is conducting several consultations at once, including one on deposit return schemes and one on recycling targets. Both the consultations on EPR and deposit return schemes are ongoing, and will likely launch soon.
In the current global market, the importance of logistics for printing and packaging companies cannot be underestimated. Top businesses are increasingly prioritising cost reduction, cash flow, and organic expansion. The key to growth is reducing costs. Running a logistics chain in-house is time-consuming and expensive, so outsourcing the logistics process is an excellent way to take advantage of a larger organisation's buying power and vast resources.
New types of organisations and associations are gaining strength and are stepping in to challenge the larger logistics companies. One such example is the Kuhne Logistics University, which has over twenty years of experience. Its founder and CEO, John Manners-Bell, is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on Logistics and Supply Chain Management and has advised various governmental agencies. Another notable innovator of collaborative supply chain networks is Ken Lyon, a widely published industry expert and technology consultant.
Despite the global nature of the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is still evident that the economic impact is not uniform. Government responses have been divergent across Europe. While the impact on the UK has been negative, it is particularly noticeable in print. The British Printing Industries Federation has surveyed its members on the impact of the coronavirus on their business. Interestingly, a number of the firms surveyed expect a decline in business.
The survey finds that while 44% of companies expect to see their output levels rise in Q4 2020, 35% expect to maintain or even decrease them. Despite this, there are no signs of a significant upturn in business activity in the next two quarters. The forecast for Q4 is not as positive as the forecast for the first quarter of 2021. While it is not yet clear whether Covid-19 will continue to impact activity levels, companies in the UK are hopeful that the vaccination will help them re-establish their business in 2021.
In an upcoming article, the Senior Logistics Manager of a leading U.K. life science company provides advice on what to expect from the supply chain post-Brexit. Brogan outlines practical solutions for U.K.-based life sciences companies that are directly affected by Brexit. For more information, read the full article. The challenges facing the supply chain for U.K.-based life science companies following Brexit are numerous.
In the UK, the challenges that could arise are numerous, and a number of stakeholders should plan accordingly. The uncertainty over the COVID-19 regulation is no longer the top concern for executives, but they should prepare for whatever might happen. While the UK will leave the EU on March 30, 2019, a "hard" Brexit will see it completely cut off from the single market and regulatory system.