Ascent launches print industry survey

Print business broker Ascent Partners is inviting printers to take part in a nationwide industry survey to assess the state of play in print with the aim of helping print business owners plan ahead through the current uncertainty.

 

Richard Rasmussen, managing director of Ascent, says: “Pleasingly, six months into Covid-19, we are now starting to see some green shoots. New case infection rates, specifically in Victoria, are improving and the economy is showing signs of improvement.

“The recent budget announced major stimulus packages to help counter the phasing out of JobKeeper and the return, for most businesses, to normal payment/payment term relief provided by creditors such as landlords.

“Also, to coincide with expiry of Covid-19 Insolvency laws at the end of this year, the government is drafting legislation to introduce major insolvency law reforms. This is important not only the business that are planning to go through the new Chapter 11-style restructuring process, but also for their business’s creditors. I encourage all to read about the reforms.

“So, we know what is coming from the government and likely from our creditors, but the great unknown is what our sales volumes be over the next six months and beyond – What volumes are expected? What will be the new Covid normal?”

This survey asks for the industry’s input to those sales volume questions. Also, it aims to establish the uptake of JobKeeper and the intended use of the budget’s major stimulus packages. Finally, the survey seeks to identify business model changes that are expected to be made over the next six months.

“I think the next six months will be significant for many printers, as they adapt to the new Covid normal," Rasmussen said.

The results of the survey will provide a better understanding of where other business owners see the industry/market is heading and thus should enable proprietors to make more informed decisions about how they structure their businesses moving forward.

Rasmussen says: “I therefore encourage all to complete this confidential survey – Click here to complete the three minute survey.”