Print Scotland adds 22 new associate members

Print Scotland, the trade association representing the country’s print, packaging, and graphics sector, has announced the addition of 22 new associate members, bringing total membership to 64 organisations.

The latest additions include Bank of Scotland, with Print Scotland saying that the bank’s inclusion reflects a “continued confidence in the sector and its future.”

David Drylie, relationship manager in Bank of Scotland’s Commercial Banking arm, says: “Printing businesses is a crucial part of Scotland’s manufacturing sector.

“Bank of Scotland has a long history of supporting Scottish manufacturing and we are proud to partner with Print Scotland. Since joining, we have seen a strong sense of collaboration across the membership, which provides a real platform for shared growth and future success.”

New associate members of the print association also include print press manufacturers, Kodak and Ricoh.

Speaking about the benefits of joining the association, Garry Richmond, Print Scotland director, says: “Both Print Scotland’s members and associate members benefit from belonging in many practical ways including low courier rates and HR support. We are also continuing to improve our events and member offerings, which is attracting more organisations to join us.”

Recently appointed Print Scotland president, Michiel Molenaar, adds: “The growing membership proves the strength and potential of the industry, and I believe we can say that there is plenty of life in the print sector, and these new associate member numbers show that clearly.

“Our industry achieves far more when we work together rather than in competition with one another. The recent success of our lobbying on apprenticeship funding disparity with our colleagues in England, which has now resulted in a full review by the Scottish Government, is proof of what a unified voice can achieve. Print Scotland represents the whole sector, and that unity is our greatest strength.”

Earlier this year, Print Scotland calculated that print technician apprenticeships in England attract £7,000 more funding per apprentice than the equivalent in Scotland.

Richard McCombe, vice president of Print Scotland and managing director of Graphic Warehouse, recently spoke about the issue on the Print Monthly podcast, questioning “why in Scotland is there such a great disparity?”

The Scottish Government has officially launched a full review of Modern Apprenticeship contribution rates following the warnings from Print Scotland.