The UK print sector ended 2025 with its strongest output and order performance for four years, according to the latest BPIF Printing Outlook survey.

The Q4 2025 results show that 50% of printers increased output in the final quarter of the year, while 35% held output steady and 12% reported a decline, producing a balance of +35. Although this fell short of the +45 forecast and was slightly down on Q3’s +39, it represents the second highest reported output balance since Q4 2021.

The survey notes that 2024 saw steady improvement after a difficult 2023, while the first half of 2025 was marked by uncertainty and cost pressures. Despite Q4 not fully matching expectations, the year closed on a comparatively strong footing. A positive output balance of +15 is forecast for Q1 2026, though confidence in the general state of trade has slipped back into negative territory.

Wage pressures have re-emerged as the top business concern, cited by 60% of respondents, up from 46% in October. While many firms have managed to hold most costs stable, labour costs remain under the greatest pressure.

Kyle Jardine, BPIF economist, said: “Orders and output didn’t quite match the optimistic forecasts for Q4, but the performance results were still very positive, and the outlook for Q1 is relatively upbeat compared to recent Q1 performances.

“However, when it comes to the general state of the trade, the negative confidence outlook for Q1 is a concern. Printing and printed packaging companies have considerable pressures on them in the form of wage pressures, demand, competition, and other cost and administrative burdens – but many companies are still upbeat about their own performance potential and have made strong investment plans for the year ahead.”

Investment intentions have strengthened, with workflow and automation topping the list of priorities, followed by digital printing and management information systems. Over one-third (36%) of respondents are now using AI, up from 23% last year, and 31% report using robotics.

Charles Jarrold, BPIF chief executive, added: “It was encouraging to see an uplift in expectations and, to a slightly lesser degree, business activity levels at the end of 2025, and we all hope that will continue into this year. The expected concerns are showing through however – we know businesses are concerned about additional costs and red tape, notably on employment costs, which stand out strikingly as the top concern in this survey.”