The industry body has signed up 86 corporate and 20 associate, or supplier, members in the last five months more than twice that for the same period last year.

"The industry is worth around 14bn and we want to represent four-fifths of this in 10 years," said membership development manager Chris Selby. The current membership accounts for half the total turnover.

New recruits included The Print Factory and Newsquest Bradford. Selby said a recent recruitment push helped by an extra staff member was hitting home.

"Our message of what we do for the industry is coming across," he added.

As part of its drive to increase its profile, the BPIF has taken part in independent tests which have revealed an industry payback ratio on members' fees of 28:1. This amounted to 83m for the 3m membership fees.

Selby said the BPIF fought for members on reducing tax and the climate-change levy, while improving training and Health & Safety.

The BPIF was the first UK trade group to tot up its value-added worth with the CBI-supported system created by the Trade Association Forum.

TAF chairman John d'Arcy said: "Cynics often question the value of trade associations. This tool helps the groups prove it delivers returns."

Story by Jez Abbott