Former St Ives technical director John Charnock has founded Print Research International as "the access point to a global network of experts and consultants, all specialists in their disciplines." It offers business management and consultancy to the international graphic arts industry.

"I have spent many years seeking out the best technology and the right people to implement it, and I intend to keep on doing so," says Charnock. "It helped make St Ives a market leader and I am sure it can help other companies and organisations to be leaders in their fields. It's about business process change and positioning print to achieve greater value and applies to both print technology manufacturers and printers."

The aim of Print Research International is to help businesses adapt to the changing landscape of print through research, knowledge and leadership. It offers businesses access to a wide range of skills and partnerships to help them implement new business strategies. It also has links and resources in universities and research bodies which can facilitate product re-engineering, aid market knowledge and help companies stand out from their competitors.

Print Research International currently is working with companies in North America and Europe. "The companies we help have to see a return on their investment," says Charnock. "If we don't add the value and demonstrate the benefit that we promise, then we won't charge."

Print Research International's specialist partners work together in a system of business review which is based on six principles of business:

· Pr-international: Territory and market
· Pr-intelligence: Information management and research
· Pr-integration: Effective production and automation
· Pr-internal: Resources and business continuity, products and services
· Pr-interface: Communication, logistics and administration
· Pr-intuition: Leadership, vision and culture

"There are some great minds out there and we have some great partners," says Charnock. "By bringing them together everyone benefits."