This latest development follows the announcement in May this year that The Institutes of Paper and Publishing were to merge by the end of 2003, to give a stronger bargaining voice in terms of funding and further education activities (PrintWeek, 23 May).

The director of IP3 will be David Pryke, who will take up his new role on 2 January 2004, after 13 years as director general of the National Association of Paper Merchants, and as a founder of the Institute of Paper.

Pryke said the coming together of the three organisations would provide a much larger educational programme, which would cover all aspects of paper, printing and publishing.

One of our tasks will be to create an education and training programme which is accepted by all three sectors, he said.

Pryke said he would also like to double membership, if possible.

A whole series of events and publications for those in the paper, printing and publishing sectors are set to be launched by IP3 next year.

IP3 will be based at the Institute of Papers present office in Chertsey, Surrey. The organisation has had offers to stage meetings at London bases from member companies.

Story by Andy Scott