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Rise in profits for printing firm
Cost cutting measures and innovative technology have come in handy for Britain's biggest printing business, which posted a 28% rise in its annual profits.
St Ives has been able to offset online competition through lower costs and well-designed and focused investment in digital printing and print-on-demand.
The company has also developed into point-of-sale, exhibitions material and direct mail.
Sales increased 2% to reach £297.2 million, whereas profits rose to £16.9 million in the year to July 29.
Conventional books are now facing significant threat from digital options like ebook readers such as Amazon's Kindle.
The book arm was offsetting lower volumes by offering warehousing and distribution and shorter initial print runs with follow-ups which can include single copy reprints, according to St Ives chief executive Patrick Martell.
The company's clients include publishers Penguin, HarperCollins and Bloomsbury.
Copyright © Press Association 2011
