The Finance service was launched two months ago as a "one-stop shop for all things financial" and has got off to a positive start, receiving more than 50 enquiries.

Ex-Close Print Finance managing director Murray Booker spearheaded the initiative and is working as a consultant on the project. He said: "We've been engaged in buying and financing activities across the board, and it's been almost universally accepted as a worthwhile and good thing to do. I hope we're adding some real value."

Booker said the M&A offering as "essential" for the industry to prosper.

"What's obvious is that the printing industry hasn't yet turned the corner, and consolidation has to happen. There are clearly pockets of the industry in deep trouble," he added.
The BPIF plans to broker M&A deals by putting together willing buyers and willing sellers, helping to arbitrate deals from a neutral standpoint.

By Jo Francis