The IPIA has laid a new corner stone of its growth strategy by creating a ‘Lite’ membership category, which opens a key segment of the trade association’s benefits up to a much wider spectrum of the commercial print industry.
Originally formed to represent the interests of, and support the relationship between, print management and trade printers, the IPIA has recognised changes in the industry and evolved its activity over the last few years accordingly.
In order to remain current and vital in an ever-changing industry, the Secretariat and Council took the decision to develop a new membership category, which for the first time opens a specific tailored suite of benefits to companies that do not offer trade services.
Newly appointed General Manager, Brendan Perring, is fully in favour of this new strategy: “It was clear to me when I joined the team at the beginning of 2019 that the IPIA has so much to offer. Allowing non-trade companies to join us opens a core of our benefits up to so many more businesses. It will also give businesses that have never been part of an association the ability to engage and understand the immense value being part of such a network can bring.”
Brendan continues: “The Association is fiercely committed to supporting its Membership and championing the print industry and print out to the wider market. This activity is as relevant to a printer serving local businesses as it is to the trade suppliers who may offer that company an outsourcing service.”
The IPIA has changed radically since CEO Marian Stefani took over in 2015. The Association is growing fast and continues to add relevant and contemporary benefits to its portfolio. Businesses joining under the new category of “Lite” Membership pay just £25 + VAT per month and will have access to a select range of services such as a legal helpline and support, credit checking and debt recovery. They will also benefit from discounted rates on the IPIA’s training portfolio and its events.
With a developing relationship with the CIM for marketing courses and its EPIC initiative, IPIA membership will bring huge value to businesses who join.
“The industry has changed dramatically over the last few years; challenges faced by businesses 20 years ago are simply not the same anymore and it is our job as a trade association to respect and keep up with those changes. That means the support we offer must evolve as well,” comments Brendan.
He concludes: “Our rebrand earlier in the year gave us the opportunity to look at our core objectives and to develop a strategy that is driving growth. The reason that I took this job is that I could see just how much the IPIA were doing to help individual members businesses and the wider industry. It is exciting to be right at the heart of all that. I love being part of a team that is so motivated to succeed in making a difference.”
