Business growth: PrintNZ’s survey reveals optimism for print business
Due out before Christmas, PrintNZ’s industry survey for 2005 shows an industry that is optimistic about the future, despite some immediate concerns By Joan Grace Optimism and buoyant attitudes are reflected in the latest PrintNZ Industry Survey results, with 80 per cent of participants expecting business to grow in the next 12 months.
The 2005 PrintNZ Industry Survey results, entitled The Answers, incorporate data from both industry members and economic consultancy firm Infometrics. We expect to have The Answers in the hands of members before Christmas.
The results of the survey this year cover 5000 employees, up from 3000 in 2004. The survey returns also cover $1 billion in sales this year, an increase from $470 million in 2004.
I am pleased to see participation from a broader group this year, particularly from some of our largest members.
Overall this is a very successful survey. While it shows that participants continue to have concerns, especially in the area of skill shortages, the overall feeling is one of optimism for the future.
The fact that so many respondents are expecting business to grow over the next 12 months, and 70 per cent expect to invest in more equipment, is fantastic. I hope this optimism prevails in the economy more widely, rather than the gloomy picture presented by politicians and economists.
We are pleased to have this valuable information available to the industry, and appreciate the time participants took to add their data and opinions to the results. The support of Wickliffe, Bluestar and APN has also been crucial in producing this publication.
While many parts of the survey remained the same, input received at forums such as the April Management Advisory Group meeting led to changes being made to this year’s survey input form.
A new section added to the 2005 survey covered Waste and Productivity issues. These results have provided data that will help us give members more assistance in this area. The survey found 60 per cent of participants are measuring productivity, with many reporting productivity increases over the past couple of years.
While optimism is generally high, concerns about skill shortages are still apparent. Close to 80 per cent of participants believe there are skill shortages, but of greater concern, is one in three saying this is restricting business growth. Twenty-eight per cent had vacancies at the time of filling out the survey.
However employers in the industry are taking the initiative. While half of survey respondents hope to employ more staff over the next year, 66 per cent are looking at training more staff.
We will continue to work with industry on all areas of concern, especially the skill shortages issue and we will also take into consideration feedback received from the PAITC Strategic Training Review meeting held in Wellington last month.
PrintNZ is pleased to have resources such as The Answers available to its members. The Answers is a useful tool with information ranging from pay rates and charge-out rates to equipment in use in the industry and employment practices.
As the printing industry trade association, and in order for PrintNZ to continue to grow, we are keen to receive your feedback on what we can do to provide you with better services, after all, that is what we are here for.
People working in the printing industry think of great ideas every day. Some ideas turn out to be fantastic, leading to increased production, profits and reputation. Others fizzle, whether it is because they were not so good to start with or the ideal action is not carried out to give the best results. Some suggestions seem so outside of the square they are discouraged the moment they are aired. Sometimes great ideas contain a certain amount of risk, others are so simple we question why they haven’t been thought of and acted upon before.
As a member of the printing industry and of PrintNZ, we value your ideas. We realise that your perspective and experience will give you different ideas to ours and we encourage you to share yours with us.
A specific email address has been set up in order to receive ideas and feedback, this is: . All emails will be acknowledged and considered, no matter how big or small, simple or complex.
Remember, if you have any suggestions for PrintNZ or PAITC on what we can do to improve what we do, don’t hesitate to email us. We look forward to hearing from you!
