Anger at council
ARGYLL and Bute Council’s decision to offer broader printing services has caused anger among existing businesses in the sector.
ARGYLL and Bute Council has enraged businesses in the region by expanding its printing services and going into direct competition with ratepayers.
The council decided to branch out and offer additional services such as business cards, flyers and personalised calendars.
However, George Graham, group finance director of Wyvex Media, which owns Krisp Print in Campbeltown, says this could endanger jobs.
Mr Graham said: ‘It is absolutely deplorable that the council has entered into commercial competition against its own ratepayers.
‘The printing industry has been experiencing an exceptionally challenging time nationwide in recent years and, given the already tough trading conditions in Argyll, this move by the council could possibly endanger the jobs of some of the very people it should serve.
‘Being based at Kilmory means it is in direct competition to our own print business in Campbeltown. That the council should be using its taxpayer-funded resources to vie for the the limited business that there is in Mid Argyll and Kintyre is absolutely infuriating.’
Mark Gowdie, of Digital Kangaroo in Oban, said the change hadn’t impacted his business, saying: ‘I don’t think it’s affecting me. People come to me if they come to me. I can’t stop them going anywhere else.’
However, he added: ‘It’s getting harder by the day to compete with online printing and the last thing you need is your council taking more money out of your pocket.
‘I think the public really want potholes filled and a regular bins service rather than a box of business cards. They should leave that job that to me. I’m not going buy a truck and offer cheaper bin collections.’
In a newsletter, the council said: ‘Argyll and Bute Council’s print room at Kilmory are expanding their printing services to external businesses.
‘Services they can offer include ID badges, headed paper, compliments slips, business cards, flyers, also personalised brochures, calendars, Christmas/birthday/thank you/ celebration cards, including wedding invitations.’
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: ‘Our print room has been working alongside similar local businesses, in providing print services for the public for a number of years.
‘A wide range of services has always been available. With cuts to council budgets expected to be long-term, income raised becomes increasingly important in supporting council services on which local people and businesses depend.’