Stones the Printers, part of the bgp group, has announced that it has joined the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), becoming the associations first and only B1 printer member.

Stones is seen as an industry leader in the print and publishing community, and is one of the most sophisticated sheet-fed printers in the UK, providing a 24/7 production facility and dealing with a wide variety of sectors, in both publishing and commercial, financial, directories and catalogues, fine art, greetings cards and calendars. All of which are produced at its Banbury plant in reasonable volumes from runs of 1,000 brochures or catalogues to many millions of leaflets or media inserts.

Formed in 1990 as the British Business Forms Association, the IPIA was re-branded in 1997 to reflect the changing nature of the industry. With over 180 members, the IPIA membership is split into three categories; Print Manufacturers, Associates and Print Managers.

The IPIA is a growing not-for-profit Trade Association funded by member subscriptions. The key objective of the IPIA team and the IPIA Council is to ensure that its members see a return on investment through leads generated and through takings cost out of members’ businesses.

Commenting on the decision to join the IPIA, Stones Managing Director, Steve Palmer, said, “We view joining the IPIA as an important step in extending our industry contacts as well as providing useful advice on our business and company initiatives.”

Andrew Pearce, CEO of the IPIA commented, “It is absolutely superb to have Steve and his team involved with the IPIA. They fill a gap in our membership with their cutting-edge  workshop, workflow and customer support facilities. It is going to be a real pleasure recommending their services to our Members and our huge range of contacts.”