Hands Off Local Print Jobs

5.22.00pm GMT Tue 23rd Feb 2010

Richard Burt has written to Malvern Hills District Council's Leader, Councillor Philip Grove, calling on him to stop the Council taking 'cut price' printing orders that undermine the work of local printing firms.

Richard raised concerns after being contacted by Allan and Sue Smith of Aspect Design in Newtown Road, who estimate that more than 40% of their current business could be affected if the council continue to take in outside work.

Richard said: "I have taken up the matter with the council because I do not think it is fair for them to use staff and equipment paid for by the taxpayer to undermine local businesses.

"There are at least four small printing firms in Malvern that rely on local trade to survive, and compete on equal terms for business.

"I don't understand why the council should be touting for printing business when they are set up primarily to serve the needs of the council.

"Local jobs are at stake here, and it would be a tragedy if the council, whose purpose is to promote business enterprise, ended up sending one or more local businesses to the wall through unfair competition.

"If the council has more printing capacity than it needs, then perhaps it should work together with other councils in the area to see if they can save money by merging their printing services.

"This would be far more beneficial than stealing bread and butter work from local printers."