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The BPIF Q4 Printing Outlook has reported the strongest growth in output and orders in the UK print industry in years, with a major change in industry confidence
The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has reported the strongest growth in output and orders in the UK print industry for over three years.
The BPIF’s Q4 Printing Outlook has suggested a major Q3 boost in the UK printing and printed packaging industries, which it says has triggered a “dramatic turnaround” in industry confidence.
According to the latest Printing Outlook survey, both output and order levels have shown growth in Q3 above and beyond the positive forecasts from last quarter, with more growth forecast to come in Q4.
Respondents to the survey are generally more positive, with fewer confidence concerns regarding the general state of trade.
More than half (52%) of printers who responded to the survey were able to increase their output levels in the third quarter of 2025.
Alongside this improved confidence, the survey also reflects positive changes regarding capacity utilisation, recruitment, cost control, and strategic plans to improve profitability.
The Q4 Outlook shows that industry capacity utilisation was significantly greater in October compared to July, due to many more companies operating in higher capacity ranges.
However, the BPIF has warned that last year’s Q4 Outlook report should be held as “a cautionary tale.”
That report showed major improvement in orders and output for Q3, which provided a significant uplift in confidence. This was then “shattered by an underperforming economy and an Autumn Budget that was disappointing for business” according to the BPIF, reflected by a subsequent nosedive in confidence in Q1.
The print federation has stated that many in the industry will be nervously waiting to see what is announced during the UK’s Autumn Budget, which is due on November 26th.
Key industry fears also remain over topics including ultra-competitive pricing strategies, wage levels, external threats to print, and other government involvement.
Competitor pricing was a business concern for 53% of respondents, with wage pressures at 46%; the previous Q3 report showed 60% and 35% respectively for these concerns.
The BPIF has also noted that not all parts of the industry will yet be feeling an improvement in performance, with some reporting a tightening of budgets ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Kyle Jardine, economist at BPIF, says: “The third and fourth quarters are a traditionally busier time for much of the printing industry, but in recent years there has always been a concern that it wouldn’t materialise or would be muted.
“However, there has now been a significant improvement in confidence during Q3, and in the outlook for Q4 – despite little change in the performance of the UK economy.”
Speaking of the value of the BPIF’s Printing Outlook, Duncan Smith, country director of production at Canon UK & Ireland, adds: “The BPIF Printing Outlook report consistently offers a valuable lens through which we can better understand the shifting priorities and aspirations of the print community.
“It helps guide our thinking as we continue to develop technologies that enable businesses to evolve, innovate, and thrive in a competitive landscape.”
