Starting up new print business not a smart move study says

Here’s some food for thought: new business owners should choose a career in organic food over printing, according to a new study from StartupSmart.

The online service, which offers advice for those starting up their own business, has just released its top five start-up opportunities for 2011. For those who love bad news, image processing and printing services ranked fourth in the five start-ups to avoid in 2011.

According to Amanda Gome, (pictured) founder of StartupSmart, the findings reflect the rise of online media and general decline in print. “We’re just saying that consumer attitudes to image processing and printing are changing a bit,” she said, adding that consumers are less likely to print digital images now.

Gome does not discourage budding entrepreneurs from printing, but rather encourages them to do their research first. “If you know the [printing] industry well and can see a niche then go for it – but if not, you might want to consider organic food or being an accountant; they are fast-growth industries,” she told Print21.

IBISWorld conducted the research and listed accounting services; house construction; landscape services; plumbing services and take-away fast-food retailing as the top five opportunities for 2011.

The top five to avoid included automotive fuel retailing; computer maintenance services; household equipment repair services; image processing and printing services and plant nurseries.

“Most successful start-ups occur because there is a dramatic change in something such as technology or consumer trends,” Gome added.