British Photographic Industry News April 2016

Photographic British

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NEWS Photo-Me ‘Life’ kiosk launches at The Photography Show & we get an exclusive demo!

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FEATURE

ADVICE

BPI News Trade Awards 2016 finalists profiled in pictures. Who do you want to win?

Cast your vote now!

Spring clean your business! BPI News spotlights four areas to examine to see profitability rise

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Industry

SCRUM IN BRUM!

BPI News braves the crowds to get to the heart of The Photography Show & bring you our special report issue OPEN NOW FOR: INTRO2020 & TAMRAC, ROTOLIGHT, SIGMA, KENRO, DNP & MORE!

EDITORIAL | April 2016

Photographic British

Industry

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published monthly by

W EDITOR Gavin Stoker Tel: 020 8274 0578 Tel: 07990 974 367 ART EDITOR Michael O’Connell EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Please direct all editorial requests, news and press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please direct all advertising enquiries and sponsorship opportunities to gavin@bpinews.co.uk.

Follow us on Twitter... @bpi_news Publisher’s Office: 31 New Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7HZ. Legacy Media Ltd accept no ultimate responsibility for accurate reproduction of digital artwork created by third parties.

Insurance and carriage of products submitted for inclusion in reports rests with the owner. News, data, prices, interviews and opinion are printed in good faith E&OE. Content including advertising artwork created by Legacy Media Ltd or its agents is ©2016 Legacy Media Ltd. ISSN: to be advised.

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Vote now in our BPI News 2016 Trade Awards

hen you read this both Easter kit or campaign as Product of the Year or and The Photography Show will Promotion of the Year, then simply get be receding into memory – so, if in touch with us on the same email: you were one of those exhibiting, how was info@bpinews.co.uk Europe’s biggest annual photographic trade We’re giving you and your supporters and event for you this year? Did visitors, customer colleagues a couple of weeks until April 22nd interest and, for the retailers, your takings, live to cast your votes, with the overall victors up to expectation? announced in our May 2016 cover dated BPI News attended on the Sunday and edition, so let us know your favourites and the Monday, mainly so we could gauge any avoid missing out.

Gavin Stoker, difference between what might be generally Elsewhere this issue we have our usual Editor (and traditionally) perceived as a consumer recommendations for what to stock and gavin@bpinews.co.uk day at the weekend and a ‘professionals day’ how to sell it. For mini lab owners and those @GavinStoker on the Monday. And also because our March in the photofinishing trade we have a new TPS preview issue of BPI News was being given away at the print kiosk and software option from Photo-Me, new event – all copies had gone by close of play on the Monday.

Tamrac bags and pouches via Intro2020, Sigma kit bundles Our thoughts, findings and photographs can be found and April promotional offers, a brand new lighting partner on pages 16 and 17 this issue, followed by a picture-led for distributor Kenro and advice on some key areas of your celebration of the trade members who are finalists in our business you might otherwise be tempted to overlook.

2016 BPI News Trade Awards, starting on page 18.

It all adds up to getting more from your BPI News each We’ve also reminded you of how you can galvanise your month – a policy that extends to our freshly overhauled team, customers and fellow trade members to vote for website, that now includes embedded issues from the our two winners’ places. If you’d like any PDFs of BPI News past two years that you can click on and flick through article pages, or visuals of awards certificates, to tweet and without leaving the site. Go to bpinews.co.uk to see our share on social media to encourage voting for your own bright new look.

CONTENTS 22 ROTOLIGHT ATTRACTS AWARDS ATTENTION & SURGING SALES There’s a new bundle deal on the Neo this month, whereby your customers can pick up the Neo, foam handgrip and colour pack for £299 SRP

04 NEWS Everything that’s happened and is happening in the trade that isn’t specifically to do with The Photography Show last month 10 PHOTO-ME’S AFFORDABLE KIOSK OPTION COMES TO ‘LIFE’ We stopped by the print specialist’s stand at The Photography Show to get the inside track on its funky new kiosk and software

Rotolight’s award winning Neo, p22.

Pic: Peter Muller

24 SIGMA’S QUATTRO KITS PROVIDE PLENTY ‘FOUR’ ALL The manufacturer has two new lens kits, dp Quattro camera and viewfinder bundles, a lens promotion and firmware upgrade to share

12 FUJIFILM FDIS CONFERENCE & BUSINESS ENDEAVOUR AWARDS We eavesdrop on the annual gathering of Fujifilm’s Digital Imaging Service members and meet the businessfocused winners at its gala dinner

18 BPI NEWS AWARDS 2016 FINALISTS We meet those nominated as finalists in our annual gong-giving celebration of the trade. If you haven’t voted yet, details are here!

25 DPS GROUP & EPSON ‘ON A ROLL’ Fresh from pushing the Epson SureColor P-series large format printers at The Photography Show, the distributor recaps on its offerings

16 THAT SHOWED ‘EM: THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW 2016 BPI News reports on our impressions of ‘TPS’ last month – plus we hear about how it all went from a manufacturer’s perspective

20 BAG INCREASED SALES & PROFIT WITH INTRO2020 & TAMRAC The leading distributor’s list of product offerings to the trade swells with new Goblin and Hoodoo pouch and bag ranges from Tamrac

28 SPRING CLEAN YOUR PHOTO BUSINESS Business expert Adam Bernstein highlights four areas of your business ripe for an investment of your time – and a possible overhaul

Subscriptions, back issues & BPI News online Overseas annual subscription £50 (Cheques payable to Legacy Media Ltd). For details email info@bpinews.co.uk. View current and back issues online at www.bpinews.co.uk

ID Station Tablet & S Printer

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NEWS

‘T’ TIME FOR LEICA

PREPARED FOR ENTRY: CANON’S 1300D

LEICA showed off its just announced Leica Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH prime lens (above) for the first time at The Photography Show late March – an addition to its own ‘T’ system that features an internal focusing system. Designed in Wetzlar, Germany, as indicated by the ‘TL’ in its name, the Leica SummiluxTL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is the first of two new prime lenses for the Leica T Camera System that is fully compatible with the bayonet mount of the Leica T, as well as the L-mount of the Leica SL-System.

The second TL lens, the Leica APO Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH arrives this coming Autumn.

Available in black or silver, the 35mm is priced at £1,650 SRP. Speaking of the SL-System, it also

THE PHOTO stalwart has announced a new Wi-Fi and NFC equipped entry level 1300D DSLR – shared with journalists at The Photography Show last month.

The starter camera features an 18 megapixel APS-C sensor and compatibility from the off with more than 80 EF lenses and accessories.

Light sensitivity is expandable to ISO12800 equivalent and Full HD video can also be captured. SRP is £289.99 body only, £329.99 with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DCIII lens or £369.99 with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom. www.canon.co.uk

has a second new lens this month in the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 (below).

The telephoto zoom is sealed against dust and splashproof, to protect it from the elements and retails at £4,650. uk.leica-camera.com

OLYMPUS LOOKING FOX-Y

BPI April 2016.pdf

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16/03/2016

JUST MISSING the deadline for the previous edition of BPI News, Olympus has released a ‘Fox Brown’ limited edition version of its OM-D E-M10 Mark II system camera. This arrives in the UK with an allocation of just 150 units, out of a total 3,500 worldwide.

It lands in tandem with a matching

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leather strap and silver lens cap, to go with the silver and brown camera fascia. The kit option that includes a 14-42mm pancake lens retails at £669.99 SRP.

www.olympus.co.uk

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EPSON PHOTO PRINTING

D7 KIOSK OPTIONS

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INTRODUCING THE EPSON SURELAB RANGE INKJET QUALITY

Epson printers use their tried and tested inkjet technology to produce the closest print to a traditional silver halide print you can get.

GREAT LOOKS

From stunning 22" touch screens to LED illuminated printer catchers, the Epson Kiosk options offer a bright and welcoming focal point to your retail environment.

5 PRINT FINISHES

All sizes of media are available in Gloss, Matte and Lustre. In addition some rolls are also available in Textured Matte and our new absolutely stunning Metallic paper.

7 PRINT WIDTHS

Media for D700, Kiosk and Mini Lab systems is available in 4", 5", 6", 8" and A4 widths. For the D3000 we have additional print widths of 10" and 12"

To request your free print sample, request a visit to discuss the options or to arrange a personal demonstration contact your authorised Epson Partner

CONTROLLED PRINT Utilising the Epson Order Controller software you can take complete control of your Epson Print hardware from one centralised control point.

D7 MICRO LAB SET UP

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS

The real beauty of the Epson Print Solutions range, aside from the stunning print quality, is it's modular and flexible set-up.

We can build a system which is perfect for your specific requirements at present but if you need to add to your system in future years, we can help with that too.

In a multi-printer system you can control the media in each of your printers and direct prints to the relevant machine giving you the flexibility to push through your orders quicker

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NEWS

NIKON SPRING CASHBACK THE PHOTO giant is one of the first off the blocks this season in offering £150 cashback on two selected DX lenses and 12 FX DSLR Nikkor lenses. The promotion began on March 17th and runs until June 29th of this year. “With Nikon’s vast selection of DX and FX lenses on offer, this is the ideal promotion for those looking to upgrade their kit in time for summer, or give a meaningful gift to an aspiring photographer,” claims Nikon’s Junior Product Manager Zara Livingston. For more details and T&C’s, see the below URL www.nikon.co.uk/promotions

PANASONIC’S FIRM BPINEWS.CO.UK GETS NEW LOOK BELIEF IN GH4 OUR WEBSITE has undergone a face-lift and revamp since last we spoke. Not only does it have a fresher more contemporary look, but also the past two years’ worth of BPI News issues have been embedded so that you can read them on the site itself. Should you ever miss a print edition of the magazine therefore, bpinews.co.uk is your first port of call. As ever, let us know what you think!

THE ELECTRONICS brand’s flagship system camera is being given an under-the-bonnet tweak to add Post Focus technology, three dedicated 4K capture modes and consecutive shooting with flash burst when used with an external flash capable of continuous emission. Customers wanting to upgrade to the new firmware should visit: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

DIREKTEK DELIVERS CANON

DIREKTEK is pitching itself as the trade’s one stop shop for Canon accessories, with over 1800 items in stock and the promise of next day delivery. These include lenses, flashguns, cases and bags, batteries and chargers, DSLR battery grips, lens hoods and filters, remotes, lens caps, converters and adapters and even binoculars. Call the sales team on 01494 471100 or email sales@direktek.co.uk L to R: Andrew Wright, Paul Channel, Peter Turnell and Matt Devonshire

TRADE EMPOWERED BY ANSMANN THE BATTERY specialist was out in force at The Photography Show last month, showing off its comprehensive range of batteries and chargers of all shapes, sizes and capacities.

As we mentioned last issue, Ansmann is now partnered with Peak Development Ltd to Lumix National Trust supply POS trade customers. Contact Peak on 01489 796 979 or sales@peak-uk.com for more.

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A4 Cling

Photographic British

Industry

Items shown are for reference only and are not to scale

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6 April 2016 | BPI News

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ANOTHER STORE JOINS THE LEADING UK RETAIL NETWORK

GHI COMPUTERS JARROW, TYNE & WEAR GHI Computers have chosen to join the Kodak Express network.

GHI Computers started trading in 2001, and by 2004 had moved to the shop they currently have in the Viking Shopping Centre in Jarrow, Tyne & wear. Two years later saw an expansion for the business when they secured the adjacent retail premises, linked the two sites and created one large store.

So why Kodak Express?

The Kodak brand remains the leading name on the high street for photo services and we felt this identity would give our business the greatest chance for success We visited the Demo Kodak Express Store of Tetenal (managers of the Kodak Express network in the UK & Ireland) in Leicester office and this gave us the confidence and inspiration to see what we could achieve under the Kodak Express banner.

Here we speak to store owner Gavin Holder.

You have dedicated a large graphic area to Passport and ID. What’s the thinking behind this?

Gavin, congratulations on your new Kodak Express membership.

Photo ID services form a key part of our strategy and since creating the Kodak Express store and installing the Passport and ID station with the large graphic wall section, we have instantly jumped from doing half a dozen passport prints a day to over twenty – and this is before we have completed the store and begun advertising/ marketing the services properly.

What was the driver for adding the dedicated photo business to your existing retail operation?

We have provided a photo printing and passport ID service within the GHI Computers shop since purchasing a Kodak instant print kiosk around 5 years ago. With the single kiosk and just one window vinyl displaying the service, we’ve received a steady income stream and have regularly joked that the kiosk had won ‘Employee of the Month’ due to its continued success.

This led to us investigate what we could achieve if we went from a single square meter of the stores footprint to dedicating a large retail space to photo. Following a very thorough evaluation, and getting advice from a wide variety of sources, we decided to create a separate business offering photo services and products with investment in new Kiosks, the Apex system and wide format printing.

The large GHI store remains as one open space but we now have two clearly defined trading areas with separate external signage and internal styling.

What plans do you have for Marketing the new business?

We are working through the final details of completing the store interior and will be doing a leaflet distribution in the local area along with press advertising, PR, and promotions in the Viking Shopping Centre that we are based in.

Soon after the new signage went up we were approached by a local photography club to provide services to them and provide their club members with a ‘special club offer’.

Through some further work and word of mouth this has already led us to building a relationship with half a dozen clubs in the area – all with 20 to 30 or more members.

To learn more about joining the Kodak Express network. contact Mike Piggin at Tetenal on 0116 2893644 or e-mail mike.piggin@tetenal.uk.com

Distributed in the UK by Tetenal Ltd | TEL: 0116 289 3644 | www.tetenaluk.com

MINILAB NEWS

NORITSU’S PAST POINTS WAY TO RE-INVIGORATED FUTURE

Noritsu and its official UK supplier PhotoXport proved a formidable pairing at The Photography Show, showcasing a slick new kiosk solution and quick turnaround high quality photobook service…

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s we’ve flagged up in previous issues, PhotoXport is official distributor of Noritsu dry lab printers to the UK photo trade. At The Photography Show, it was keen to show and moreover celebrate the heritage and history Noritsu has, stretching back almost 50 years.

Bringing things bang up to date it introduced innovative new solutions like its Green QSS (Quick Service Systems) series drylab line up, plus also brand new multi platform HPT kiosk solution (introduced in BPI News March), which helped tell the story of the journey ‘from image to print’ for those in attendance. The Windows and iOS compatible HPT kiosk (shown top right) will officially launch in Japan in June, but PhotoXport will start rolling it out before then.

“Noritsu has probably the most accessible, workable connectable system on the planet – and now we’ve got a great kiosk as well to bundle with the system to make the installation easier,” PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse told us. “It’s beautiful too; state of the art.”

Evolution to Perfection

QSS Series

1979 The Beginning The Quick Service System was unique boasting a built in computer enabling processing film to colour prints in 45 minutes.

It had tremendous success worldwide and became the choice in automated processing systems.

BPI News 2016 Trade Awards nominees PhotoXport and Noritsu teamed up at TPS (L to R): Derek Fieldhouse, Richard Avery, Ron Kubara, Daniel Fieldhouse, Katsuhika Higashi, Luke Stutters

Take a page out of PhotoXport’s photobook Another one of the highlights at The Photography Show was PhotoXport demonstrating how fast it was possible to produce a Quick Service High Quality Photobook; namely in under 20 minutes. Photobooks are still something of a largely untapped but potentially very profitable market.

“The samples of the photobook are so stunning that everyone I show it to, says ‘wow, really?’ It’s a great little product,” enthuses Derek.

The annual event also witnessed a visit from Noritsu President Michio Fujimoto, who was interviewed by Noritsu’s Director, WorldWide Strategic Sales & Planning, Ron Kubara, about recent developments, including the fact that Noritsu Koki Company transferred their shares for Noritsu Koki Works to a private company last month. This marked an occasion Noritsu has called its ‘independence day’, witnessing a name change to Noritsu Precision Company – though obviously customers will continue to see just the familiar, long term ‘Noritsu’ branding. The gist is that it’s

received a major investment of capital to enable the company to take things to the next level. Or, as Mr Fujimoto says: “While this has no direct impact for our worldwide customers, this independence provides more opportunity to focus on future imaging product.”

PhotoXport’s Derek Fieldhouse adds: “Fujimoto-san’s vision of where Noritsu are going is very clear and concise. We have now got a reinvigorated Noritsu… they’re on fire and are going for it. They’ll have twice the floor space at Photokina, for example. This is Noritsu back on form! What we wanted people to grasp at The Photography Show was that Noritsu hasn’t just popped up; they’ve been at it for quite a number

of years. We wanted to show the timeline of innovation on our stand as the backdrop, from 1979 to present day, with three or four key milestones leading up to the ‘perfection’ of the Green II dry lab.”

If The Photography Show wasn’t enough to whet your appetite for one of Noritsu’s Green labs, then perhaps the fact that many big name multi site retailers make use of them might convince: “For example, long-standing Noritsu customers including Snappy Snaps and Jessops have got several too, along with other multi site retailers and independents… of course they’re not all new machines, so that’s our soft market – those people with Noritsu’s will want to look at the next generation Noritsu’s,” reasons Derek.

“Noritsu is already really embedded in the photo retailing market in the UK. The equipment’s been around a long time; it was always leading edge and is leading edge again.”

Perhaps the last word should go to Noritsu’s President Michio Fujimoto, who, when asked how his company determines what will be required by the photo retailer of tomorrow, replies: “That is the focus of every Noritsu representative worldwide. We listen to our Noritsu customers, as well as our competitors’ customers, to understand their current market challenges. We watch consumer behavior worldwide and when we see a pattern forming we target this developing need. We ensure our hardware and software is leading edge technology balanced with simplicity, to ensure tomorrow’s market requirements are met.”

If you missed PhotoXport at the photography show, but would love a demo, the man to call is Derek Fieldhouse on 0116 2675907. www.photoxport.com

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 8 April 2016 | BPI News

#Splash16

The biggest photo & optics event in the North of England Following in the footsteps of our Digital Splash events over the last six years, Wilkinson Cameras lifts its famous event to another level.

A brand new prestigious venue on the waterfront in Liverpool (www.accliverpool.com) will be our biggest to date with more space, more presenters, greater product mix and most importantly more visitors.

Photography Videography Sport Optics Telescopes Drones & much more The “Turn-up and go” packages

Platinum 12x4m (48sqm) • 12m x 4m carpeted floor flats • Laminated walling to form booth enclosure as per design up to 2.8m high • 2m x 1m laminated walling to form small store with lockable door • 1500mm wide x 3000mm high central columns support front fascia and company logo • Fabric ceiling scrim • Coloured translucent glass panels built into curved panel • Custom built laminated reception counters • 2 company logos per booth • 2 product plinths/counters per booth • Full colour vinyl printed (assume approx. 12sqm per booth) • 2 powder coated lighting beams per booth • 5 Tier Extra Heavy Duty Shelving racks (1 per booth) • Plug & play power & lighting

Gold 5x5m (25sqm) • Reception desk • Provide company logo on angled wall • Single sided fabric graphics mounted within frames • Plug & play power & lighting • 5 Tier Extra Heavy Duty Shelving racks (2 per booth)

Silver 2x3m (6sqm) • Vinyl/laminate flooring @ 3m x2m • Custom built white laminated walling • Black laminate fascia to front of booth • Company logos • 3m x 1.4m full colour vinyl graphic • Product display plinths • Plug & play power & lighting Or any multiple of above, subject to availability

Will your brand be part of the biggest event in the North?

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PHOTO-ME PROMOTION

PHOTO-ME’S AFFORDABLE KIOSK OPTION COMES TO ‘LIFE’ The print specialist introduces an easy-to-use consumer kiosk designed with the screen and software at the heart of the concept, plus multiple print options available…

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hoto-Me used the platform of The Photography Show last month to introduce its brand new photo kiosk concept known as ‘Life’, the aim of which is to meet the key demands consumers place on photographic retailers. The kiosk and software are designed to deliver multiple print sizes and formats – plus, as shown in our product images, the look of the kiosk with its large touch panels is also designed to be very user friendly, and to some extent resembles a giant tablet computer.

“Many consumers use smartphones and tablets,” reasons Photo-Me Marketing Manager François De Freitas. “So in order to make the client more comfortable with this new kiosk, the Life software took inspiration from smartphones and tactile PC interfaces. It’s immediately approachable and the user interface is very intuitive to use.”

Francoi De Freitas demos the new 23-inch kiosk

A bright idea, from screen to print The ‘Life’ kiosk’s print options are selectable via a 23-inch touch screen. With the all-in-one kiosk also featuring media readers and computer, customers can transfer their photos from smartphones and tablets, as well as USB cards and memory sticks. The screen itself, boasting a Full HD resolution, is very much the heart of the concept, and can be tilted or even placed horizontally.

Customers or staff are able to tap and drag or pinch images, just as they are able to do on their phone or tablet PC. Software allows them to order prints from 6x4-inches up to 12x16, photomontage prints from 6x8-inches to 12x16-inches, plus greeting cards and calendars.

For customers, the Life kiosk from Photo-Me is a powerful display tool allowing them to choose the size of previewed photos, thus facilitating navigation. For the retailer, thanks to the software configuration menu, the kiosk enables them to choose which products are available and define several parameters in order to adapt the kiosk to their customers’ wishes.

Measuring 580x37x464mm overall the kiosk is compatible with Fuji Frontier, Noritsu QSS, Epson Surelab and a handful of DNP printers too. It additionally offers compatibility with the Mitsubishi 9810 and Shinko 1245.

Photo-Me is one of our BPI News Awards finalists - see page 18 to vote them our winner!

“The positive reaction at The Photography Show to the kiosk was incredible,” enthuses Photo-Me’s

“In order to make the client more comfortable with this new kiosk, the Life software took inspiration from smartphones and tactile PC interfaces.

It’s immediately approachable and the user interface is very intuitive.”

– Photo-Me Marketing Manager François De Freitas

François De Freitas. “Consumers are naturally drawn to the screen and just want to touch and try – which was exactly what we were looking for them to do, in order to truly get to grips with our latest concept! Of course, if customers are attracted by the kiosk when placed in a retail environment, it’s a no brainer that an increase in the volume of print orders will naturally follow for the retailer…”

Price for the kiosk starts at just £50 + VAT per month, and, says Photo-Me, is a more affordable option for those looking to add a print service to their own business.

If you missed your first look at the above all-in-one ‘Life’ kiosk at The Photography Show, get in touch direct for more details.

Simply call 01372 453 399 or email: marketing@photo-me.co.uk www.photo-me.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 10 April 2016 | BPI News

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FDIS 2016 CONFERENCE & AWARDS REPORT

FDIS 2016 CONFERENCE & AWARDS REPORT Once a year, coinciding with The Photography Show, Fujifilm holds a Conference for the nationwide members of its Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) topped off by the Fujifilm Business Endeavour Awards and a handful of lucky and worthy recipients. BPI News reports on what happened at this year’s event…

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ach year Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) members meet for their National Conference. This year the conference was held on Saturday, March 19th, just a stone’s throw from the NEC where The Photography Show – at which Fujifilm also enjoyed a prominent stand near the main entrance – was simultaneously taking place.

On hand at the Conference were Inspires Consultancy, the dedicated business sales and marketing advice consultancy run by business expert Wendy Gray and Julia Tiller, Software Product Development Manager at Fujifilm, along with Neill Harris, General Manager and Peter Wigington, Marketing Manager for Photo Imaging at Fujifilm UK. Welcoming those in attendance, Neill guided the assembled through a presentation that focused on the state of the photo industry, followed by latest FDIS marketing schemes and results from Peter Wigington and an update on software support.

Neill outlined the fact that the past year has seen the opening of the first dedicated one-stop Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop in Europe (formerly a preserve of Japan), amidst a difficult year for some others. And, in fact, Fujifilm has now been in Europe for 50 years, Fuji Photo Film Europe Neill Harris Fujifilm

GmbH having been entered in the commercial register in Dusseldorf in 1966. Expanding in 1976, it came first to the UK then spread across the continent.

Bringing things bang up to date, Neill revealed that the latest print market report from Futuresource Consulting suggests that the European photo prints market (film and digital combined) fell by 8% in volume in 2015 to just under 8.9 billion prints. The report states that the UK photo prints market saw a similar decline in overall print volume (film and digital combined) for the same period, which is an improved position on previous forecasts.

“Overall the news for the UK market is more positive than previous reports suggest, and we see this as the start of the turn around in consumer photo printing behaviour,” added Neill. “The UK Smartphone market is expected to grow to 56 million units during 2016, generating some 33 billion images. Providing consumers with easy channels to print is key to driving future print volume growth. The emergence of more photo related apps is seen as a contributing factor in helping to reverse the recent trends in consumer photo printing behaviour.”

A case in point, Fujifilm has now launched over 60 apps (38 in Japan, Peter Wigington presents at the FDIS Conference

23 elsewhere) to stimulate the market to print. The positive news continues in that The European photobook market continues to show good growth, and volumes were up 3% in 2015, reaching 24.85 million units.

The UK market has seen stronger growth, with volumes up by 5.5% in 2015 to 2.53m units, some 10% of the European market. The UK market is further set to grow, at a greater rate, as it continues to play catch-up on Europe. It is forecast that the volumes of books will rise to 3.02m units by 2019, which will be 11% of the European market.

Marketing Manager Peter Wigington’s presentation revealed that FDIS group membership currently stood at 175, with eight new members since last year. Current FDIS promotions include a ‘mini bragger photo book promotion’, deliverable to the customer courtesy of 8x12inch mini montage templates set up in Fujifilm Imagine software. New POS material also includes a poster kit, while FDIS members were also encouraged to register on supplier Swains website for special offers, new product notifications and a monthly FDIS newsletter. There is also a new FDIS members section on the Swains website, coming this April.

Software Product Development Manager Julia Tiller then spoke about Julia Tiller

further improvements in 2016 being made to the Fujifilm Imagine app – to include photobooks and collages, the ability to include subfolders within the main categories on the app and continued server security checks. Julia also introduced the new Apple Airprint service that will enable Apple iPhones and tablets to easily communicate with Fujifilm Imagine kiosks using Apple’s propriety Airprint option to transfer files via Wi-Fi to the in-store kiosk. Since 70% of all the Imagine mobile app downloads are to Apple devices this was a well received and welcomed product launch.

The second half of the Conference was given over to keynote speaker Jim Steele. Jim is said to be fascinated by the nature of peak performance and has spent much of the last decade working with highly successful individuals from business and from the world of sport.

Jim’s interactive and entertaining talk was focused on presenting the group with ideas and strategies to improve customer interaction and engagement.

After being informed, inspired and entertained by the day’s talks and presentations, the Gala Dinner Motivational speaker jim Steele

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk 12 April 2016 | BPI News

FDIS 2016 CONFERENCE & AWARDS REPORT

The 2016 FDIS Conference drew a large crowd of FDIS members from 67 stores in all corners of the country - all eager to pick up marketing advice and details of new products and initiatives from the speakers at the event

followed and included presentations to the Fujifilm Business Endeavour Award (FBEA) winners and the announcement of the FDIS Member Retailer ‘Shop of the Year’ – see side column on this spread for the full list of winners.

Fotobox began life as Seaford Lighting in 1991, run by Nigel’s father Barry and his wife Freda.

This then is also the store’s 25th anniversary year – so double the reason to celebrate!

Having initially installed a Fujifilm Compact wet lab, over the years the Making the most of a photo side of the business took over winning streak from the lighting and they invested in the Frontier 570 wetlab. They This year saw the introduction of moved to bigger premises in 2003 two new award catergories – FDIS as a specialist photo retailer. Nigel Shop Assistant of the Year and developed his own mobile photo Outstanding Contribution to app, which he launched in 2012 to Independent Photo Retail. great success. “We were one of the The Shop Assistant of the Year first photo ordering services for was decided from nominations mobile devices in the UK,” he recalls. requested from FDIS store owners.

His latest purchase has been This year’s winner was Tom Fletcher of four new Fujifilm Imagine DPC10’s.

J&A Cameras, Barnstaple. Tom’s boss “Although a great deal of our had written a glowing report which business is generated online through included these comments: “Thanks to our website and photo ordering app, Tom’s dedication, customers are now our shop is still the heart and soul printing more, printing bigger, and of Fotobox providing a professional printing from home. We are enjoying and specialised service to all our ever increasing revenue from our customers from the High Street,” print department and thanks to Tom he notes. “In the past year we have it has been an easy transition from almost doubled our staff and annual our old print systems. Customers turnover, we have invested in more will come in especially to see and machinery and we are now one speak to Tom, from professional of the largest Fuji Digital Imaging photographers and businesses Service Labs in the country.” looking to assign their own colour So what is it about Nigel that not profiles, to the older generation only makes him a winner but an who like that extra level of help and outstanding one? support with their prints, gifts and Fotobox strongly believes in photobooks. Tom’s enthusiasm, moving with the changing times attention to detail and level of and providing an up to date service customer support is a joy to work to meet the altering needs of its alongside and this is reflected by the customers. “We offer a selection of sheer volume of boxes of chocolates, photo services tailored to our shop donuts and biscuit tins he receives as based customers, ranging from gifts from happy customers. Luckily passport photos and frame products, Tom is also great at sharing!” to bespoke services such as photo The inaugural Outstanding restoration and personalised Contribution to Independent Photo photography in our studio,” Nigel Retail was presented to Nigel Trigwell, says. “We are on first name terms of Fotobox. with many of our customers and

some will even travel from nearby towns to visit us. We have many online and app orders to print out and post on a daily basis but we do take the time to edit each one before it’s printed so that our customers receive the best quality images from their photographs. We believe that it is because of our persona that our customers rate us so highly, and will regularly return to us.”

Peter Wigington of Fujifilm tells us that: “The reason we chose to present the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to Independent Photo Retail award to Nigel was in recognition of the past 25 years that have witnessed him growing his photo business into a successful photo retail store, offering a full

range of professional photo products and services. He has welcomed the challenges involved in developing the business.

“Always looking for new ideas, he embraced the FDIS marketing taking full advantage of everything we offered and including it with his own.

He was the first independent photo retailer to come out with his own app in 2012. The fact he has been with Fujifilm since the beginning is something I am very proud of too.

Nigel and his amazing team are a testament to how the independent can make a real difference to consumer awareness of photo as a way of sharing and enhancing life’s special moments.”

2016 Awards winners at a glance:

FDIS Shop of The Year: Razzaq Digital, Harrow Fujifilm Business Endeavour Awards: Cartridge & Personalised Print World, Andover Razzaq Digital, Harrow Salisbury Photo Centre Treorchy Photolab FBEA Highly Commended: 1st Digital Cameras, Newcastle Under Lyme CC Inks, Nottingham Enniskillen Photoshop Great Western Cameras, Swindon

Kevin Thomas Pharmacy, Swansea King Print, Kingsbridge McFarlanes Pharmacy Plus, Larne McGlaughlins Pharmacy, Magherafelt New Milton Photographic Prestwich Pharmacy Staveley Photo Centre FDIS Shop Assistant of the Year: Tom Fletcher, J&A Cameras, Barnstaple Outstanding Contribution to Independent Photo Retail: Nigel Trigwell, Fotobox, Seaford

The Outstanding Contribution to Independent Photo Retail Award was presented to Nigel Trigwell of Fotobox by (L to R:) Wendy Gray, Neill Harris and Peter Wigington

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk BPI News | April 2016 13

CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2016 Fujifilm Business Endeavour Award Winners Fujifilm Business Endeavour Award

Cartridge & Personalised Print World, Andover L to R: Wendy Gray, Mark Simmonds, Lesley-Ann Simmonds, Neill Harris, Peter Wigington

Razzaq Digital, Harrow L to R: Hassan Bhanji, Sumi Hassan, Neill Harris,Peter Wigington

Treorchy Photolab, L to R: Wendy Gray, Hazel Nash, Maggy Corkhill, Jasmine Lawry, Neill Harris, Peter Wigington

FDIS Shop of The Year

Razzaq Digital L to R: Wendy Gray, Hassan Bhanji, Sumi Hassan, Neill Harris, Peter Wigington

For more information on becoming a Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service member

call Peter Wigington on 01234 572138

Spring Has Sprung New collections

Main image: Photo Hatchback. Left to right: Photo Classic, Dashpoint AVC II, StreetLine

See our exciting new collections, just right for getting out with photo and video gear this Spring.

To take a look and freshen your bag range, contact your DayMen Account Representative.

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REPORT

THAT SHOWED ‘EM! As the sun sets on the third outing for The Photography Show across four days at Hall 5 of the NEC, Birmingham, we feature some of the pictorial highlights plus feedback from exhibitors.

So, how was it for the trade?

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PI News attended The Photography Show on the Sunday and Monday this year, as official partners of organisers Future, and with our show preview edition of the magazine distributed by the Selfie Wall next to the Canon stand.

Though a busy Sunday lunchtime gave way to a refreshingly more relaxed afternoon (apparently there was something called a football match on), the Monday – traditionally the professionals’ day – was jam packed from start to finish. We arrived on the dot of 10am and it was literally fight-yourway-in full. Everybody has their own story and angle on the event, naturally, but generally the mood we picked up on was very positive.

Manufacturers looked happy and retailers, including Cameraworld and LCE, were non-stop rammed with paying customers, eager to snap up offers such as Panasonic’s double cashback deal for the show.

In fact, the brand’s trade facing Product Specialist Mark Barber told us: “It has exceeded all of our expectations in terms of sales, footfall and the customer reaction to our products. We feel like customers have listened to our messages over the last year, and have used The Photography Show to try and buy our products. It’s a great platform for us.”

A fellow Mark, in Olympus’ Mr Thackara, added: “There is something marvellous about the interaction at The Photography Show and the quality of visitors and this year has been better than ever – we’ve really enjoyed it.” Olympus’ stand not only showed off the new PEN-F – you could have your own monogrammed leather strap made up for the camera for free if you bought the body at the show.

Future had reportedly worked hard to try an attract more of a

16 April 2016 | BPI News

diverse and increased female attendance at the event, and manufacturers such as Sony seemed to recognise this: “Visitors are becoming more diverse and we have seen more interested young customers, which for us, is key,” claims the brand’s Head of Imaging Frederik Lange.

Product Marketing Manager at Canon UK, Daniel Benjamin, who we spoke to for our feature in BPI News March, also seemed pleased: “We’ve seen a huge number of visitors to our new stand location and there has been much excitement for our new products, including the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS 80D. TPS is a great opportunity for us to speak directly to people buying our kit and using our products and hear their thoughts.”

Group Marketing Manager at Nikon, Jeremy Gilbert adds: “We’ve seen a constant stream of people, including broader reach in terms of demographic, giving us a fantastic mix of customers but it has also been a great opportunity to show off core DSLR products to our core audience. The show has been superb and we will be back next year.”

Finally, Event Manager for The Photography Show, Cassandra Grant, sums up 2016’s event: “We ended the show this year on a high.

Combined with the hugely positive comments from our exhibitors, this highlights the fact that the photography industry is still very much an exciting place and we are already looking forward to developing the show further for 2017.”

The Photography Show returns to the NEC in March 2017. The dates for your diary are the 18th to the 21st.

www.photographyshow.com

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WHO’S WHO? 1. Super Stage speaker David Bailey, 2. The busy Canon stand, 3. Joe Cornish talks for Fotospeed, 4. The Leica team keep the British end up, 5. Imagine more with the large Manfrotto stand, 6. CEWE draws punters and journalists to its layflat photo books, 7. Bags of fresh ideas on the Vanguard stand, 8. Witty graffiti on the Selfie Wall, 9. New Tamron lenses presented by Intro2020, 10. Fujifilm has the X factor at The Photography Show, 11. Plenty of theatre and colour on the Olympics themed Panasonic stand, 12. Nikon School talks drew successive big crowds, 13. The large PermaJet stand acted as a beacon to fine art paper purchasers,14. Canon stand lens bridge,15. Crowds arrive at the show,16. Cameraworld was one of several key retailers,17. Macgroup stand lighting demo draws interest, 18. Our special show preview issue was picked up by eager visitors to the show

BPI News | April 2016 17

BPI NEWS AWARDS 2016

FOR YOUR AWARDS CONSIDERATION: BPI NEWS AWARDS 2016 FINALISTS

BPI NEWS

2016

P RO D U C T O F

THE YEAR

BPI NEWS

AWARDS

2016

PROMOTION

OF THE YEAR

Vote now to tell us whom you’d choose from amongst this year’s finalists for Product of the Year and Promotion of the Year!

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ave you voted for your Product of the Year and your Promotion of the Year from among our list of finalists? If you haven’t already, now is the time to galvanize your sales force and fan base, get sharing, get tweeting and moreover get them voting before we reveal the two overall winners in our May issue of BPI News!

How To Vote: Keeping things dead simple, we’re only after one winner in each of our two categories.

Simply send us your two favoured choices (one ‘Product of the Year’ and one ‘Promotion of the Year’) from our list to: info@bpinews.co.uk CLOSING DATE FOR VOTES: FRIDAY APRIL 22ND. WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN BPI NEWS MAY. 1

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5 Don’t lose your right to vote! Email us your Product of the Year & Promotion of the Year to info@bpinews.co.uk 18 April 2016 | BPI News

BPI NEWS AWARDS 2016 9

BPI NEWS AWARDS FINALISTS AT A GLANCE: APRIL 2015 Product finalist: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Promo finalist: The Photography Show Or CEWE 3D printing

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MAY 2015 Product finalist: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG Art lens Promo finalist: Profoto B2 TIPA win Or Fujifilm’s ‘Introducing Mr Appy’

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JUNE 2015 Product finalist: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 Promo finalist: Nedis 4-page pull-out special or Rotolight’s Neo LED ‘like using the force’

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JULY/AUGUST 2015 Product finalist: Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4 Promo finalist: The PMA ‘re-born in the USA’ Or Mitsubishi ‘Plentiful print options to dye for’ Or Intro2020 4-page new products pull-out

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SEPTEMBER 2015 Product finalist: Sigma Dp0 Quattro Promo finalist: PermaJet ‘adds fibre to your retail diet’ Or Photo-Me by Starck design OCTOBER 2015 Product finalist: Fujifilm X-T10 Promo finalist: Kodak Alaris ‘Kodak Moments’ App Or Introducing the DPS Group

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WHO’S WHO? 1. Barnaby Sykes and Helen WIlson of Panasonic UK with their finalist nomination, 2. FDIS business expert Wendy Gray and Neill Harris of Fujifilm, 3. Fujifilm General Manager Theo Georghias with his double Product of the Year nomination, 4. Mark Hoskins of Macgroup finalist for Promotion of the Year, 5. Simon Iddon of Nikon UK, 6. DNP got a nomination for their printer promotions, 7. Duncan Midwood CEO of CEWE, 8. Phil and Juliet Jones of The Societies were nominated for a promotional spread in BPI News, 9. Come and see the pair of award nominations for Canon UK, 10. Grays of Westminster tech adviser Konstantin Kochkin with Promo of the Year nomination, 11. Fit to print - Craig Calder of Tetenal with finalist certficate, 12. James and Mark from double finalist nominee Olympus UK, 13. Gavin Stoker presents Profoto Marketing Manager Matt Wilson with their finalist nomination, 14. Jonny Sullens organiser of The Photography Show, 15. Team Sony cheer their Product of the Year nomination, 16. Joseph Reiner Marketing Manager of PermaJet, 17. Peter and Mike of Ansmann accept their finalist nomination for Promo of the Year

NOVEMBER 2015 Product finalist: DNP all-in-one photo kiosk Promo finalist: Fujifilm Christmas promotion Or Tetenal Kodak Express Newmarket revolution DECEMBER 2015/ JANUARY 2016: Product finalist: Canon PowerShot G5 X Promo finalist: Dealers heap praise on Ansmann, Or Grays of Westminster 30th anniversary Or Return of the Macgroup

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FEBRUARY 2016 Product finalist: Sony A7R II Promo finalist: Nikon ‘Blows shooting possibilities wide open’ , Or The Societies Convention & Trade Show Or PhotoXport ‘whole country going green’ MARCH 2016 Product finalist: Fujifilm X-Pro2 Promo finalist: Kenro ‘plenty to look at’ Or Canon booms: new product bonanza Or Take Heed of Fotospeed

Don’t lose your right to vote! Email us your Product of the Year & Promotion of the Year to info@bpinews.co.uk BPI News | April 2016 19

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

BAG INCREASED SALES & PROFIT WITH INTRO2020 & TAMRAC The leading distributor’s list of product offerings to the trade swells with new Goblin and Hoodoo bag ranges from Tamrac, showcased to the industry last month at The Photography Show. BPI News finds out why you should be stocking them and how you should be selling them…

Become a Hoodoo Guru Available in a choice of three eye-catching colours: Kiwi green, Pumpkin orange and Ocean blue, the Tamrac Hoodoo range is fashioned from water resistant waxed canvas and polyurethane coated lightweight rip-stop nylon, making it ideal for those outdoor photographer customers who want to carry their camera gear with them wherever they go. As well as three different colours, the bags also come in two different sizes.

The Hoodoo 18 is aimed at those wanting to transport a mirror-less system camera or smaller DSLR, along with a lens or two. In fact your customers can tuck said camera and lens into a Tamrac Goblin pouch – more on which in a minute – and pop them into the Hoodoo 18’s upper padded compartment. There

is also room to add personal gear in the main compartment and up to a 13-inch laptop in the laptop sleeve. Do this and your customers will be all set for the day’s adventure.

Bigger than the 18 variety, the Hoodoo 20’s selling point is that it is actually three packs in one: a protective camera backpack, standalone camera shoulder bag and stylish day pack.

In camera backpack mode the Hoodoo 20 provides easy access through the front of the pack, via which the photographer can grab their camera.

The fully protective camera module can accommodate a compact DSLR or mirror-less camera system with extra lenses. The top part of the bag carries personal items as well as most 15-inch laptops in its own protective sleeve.

Or, as a further option, take out the camera module and use as a shoulder

Intro2020’s men in black: L to R: Jerry Martin, Tamrac’s VP International Kurt Peterson & Intro’s Peter Mott with BPI News Awards finalist nomination for Promotion of the Year for a previous Tamrac feature

bag with included shoulder strap.

The dividers are fully customisable in order to adapt to your customers’ camera gear.

Both the Hoodoo 18 and 20 bags are available now at a suggested VAT-inclusive retail price of £89.99 and £130 respectively.

The new Hoodoo range of bags from Tamrac is aimed at photographers shooting on compact DSLRs or mirror-less cameras in the great outdoors and feature a fully protective camera module. They look slick too, available in Pumpkin (shown here), Kiwi or Ocean colours

Intro2020’s Peter Mott demos the new Tamrac Hoodoo bag range for BPI News and the trade!

Check out the Tamrac branded and manufactured Hoodoo bags and Goblin lens and body pouches 20 April 2016 | BPI News

INTRO2020 & TAMRAC PROMOTION

These Goblins aren’t afraid of sunlight: Lens and Body Pouches are available in the same colour scheme as the Hoodoo bags, and indeed will slot within one of the larger packs when your day at the beach is done!

Don’t fear the Goblin

Money may not grow on trees, but at The Photography Show Goblin pouches did!

These little critters come in all shapes and sizes - perfect for that add on sale!

One is an impish little fellow… the other is a compact and convenient range of lens and camera body pouches, again featuring Tamrac branding. SRP ranges from an affordable £13 to £25 – so, like the bags, these are perfect for piggybacking on the sale of a lens or a camera.

The Goblins – choose from a Lens Pouch, a Body Pouch, an Accessory Pouch and a Memory Card Wallet – offer a layer of padded protection despite their minimalist appearance and compact dimensions.

The Lens Pouches are available in six sizes and three colours – Kiwi green, Pumpkin orange and Ocean blue – to perfectly match the Hoodoo bags outlined above. Sizes can accommodate the smallest lens to a 24-70mm. A simple drawstring enclosure makes for easy access to your lens, whilst a quilted ultrasonically fused interior provides basic padded security. We also get a rip-stop nylon exterior.

The Body Pouches again come in the same three colours and here we get a choice of three different sizes that can accommodate weights of 22g, 30g or 32g, ranging from compact point and shoot cameras through mirror-less system models and on to compact DSLRs. Available in two sizes (able to carry weights of 36g or 42g) and the same three colours is the Goblin Accessory Pouch. Designed to give photographers easy-to-access protection, these pouches are made to fit a range of camera accessories – from action cameras and batteries to cords and keys. High-grade YKK

zippers allow quick access to photo gear while a quilted, ultrasonically fused interior provides basic padded security.

Last but by no means least the Goblin Memory Card Wallet allows photographers to keep their media cards close at hand – and avoid scrambling around for loose cards in a larger bag. Again we get a choice of Kiwi, Pumpkin or Ocean colours, along with Ripstop nylon exterior, micro mesh window and ultrasonically fused quilted padding.

The Memory Card Wallet comes in three different configurations to accommodate either six SD cards or four Compact Flash cards.

For further details and to order stock of all of the new Tamrac products covered here, please speak to your regular Intro2020 contact NOW or get in touch direct on 01628 674411.

Alternatively, for more info please point your browser at: www.tamrac.co.uk www.intro2020.co.uk

– available to add to your stock now – by visiting www.tamrac.co.uk or call Intro2020 now on 01628 674411 BPI News | April 2016 21

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

ROTOLIGHT NEO ATTRACTS AWARDS ATTENTION & SURGING SALES

Nominated in our BPI News 2016 Trade Awards on the back of previous promotional features on its innovative Neo LED and just back in from a successful showing at The Photography Show, Rotolight finds itself in the industry limelight…

Rotolight’s Sunny Kataria and Lynden Bairstow happy with their BPI News Awards nomination for the Neo. Left & below: Portraits captured using the Neo by photographer ambassadors Jason Lanier (immediate left) and Peter Müller (below)

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e first illuminated the advantages of the coolto-the-touch but with the potential to sell-like-hot-cakes Neo LED light last year in BPI News, as a worthy addition to your stock range with the memorable headline ‘Using the Neo is like having the Force’, a quote from its brand ambassador, US photographer Jason Lanier.

On the back of another successful showcase – this time at The Photography Show last month – the Neo is again the focus of attention for both photographers and videographers. Plus, as we were going to press, Rotolight announced a new bundle deal on the Neo, whereby your customers can pick up the Neo, foam handgrip and colour pack for a VAT-inclusive £299 SRP. And it’s not only BPI News that has led the way is lining the Neo up for an Award. It has also just bagged

the Photography News Awards Continuous Lighting of 2015; so something to tell your customers when pitching the product to them.

There is plenty else you can say about the Neo too. Its output is double that of rivals at 1077 lux at three feet (or 707 watts tungsten bulb equivalent). The other unique selling point here is that the Neo is the first on–camera lighting solution with an accurate colour temperature display – shown on the back of the unit – thereby enabling swift, ‘tuneable’ colour on location. In a word it’s versatile.

The Neo includes three groundbreaking features that set it apart from the field: Designer Fade mode for custom fade up/ fade down production effects and True Aperture Dimming, which accurately calculates the correct aperture (F-Stop) for your subject at

a given distance. Finally, an arsenal of Cinematographic Special FX (CineSFX™), provides customisable creative visual lighting effects, on set or location (Strobe, Lightning, Fire, Cycle, Throb, Police & TV).

Other features of note include a 50° beam angle, totally flicker-free continuous lighting performance and the ability to power the LED light via six AA batteries for up to three hours of use, via D-Tap power cable or via mains through the included AC adapter. Dimensions are 145mm in diameter and 50mm in depth. Weight is 354g.

Why the Neo is a bright sales idea The Neo has been designed with demanding professionals such as Jason Lanier in mind. According to the Rotolight team, based

at the famous and prestigious Pinewood Studios, its development was based on feedback from leading cinematographers and photographers around the world as to what they would most like to see in the next generation on camera light for professional television, film and photographic use. The result was the Neo, with never before seen technology in a uniquely versatile, highly portable package, proudly designed and manufactured in the UK. “It’s incredible how ‘even’ the lighting is from the Neo,” Rotolight brand ambassador Jason Lanier told BPI News last year. “And that’s with it on a light stand. If I want the light

The Neo is available to independent retailers via Digital Distribution (www.ddltd.co.uk).

22 April 2016 | BPI News

ROTOLIGHT PROMOTION

Above and below: US photographer Jason Lanier used the Neo in situ above, to achieve the stunning finished portrait image, below

Right: The award winning Neo can be used on camera, hand held, or on a stand. Versatility is the watchword here!

to fall off more, then I just hold it up with the handgrip (an optional accessory) attached. “ The photographer, who has been shooting professionally for 8 years, adds that the advantages this gives him are “Exponential. Not having to worry about where the flash goes, for one. I use flash a lot and am pretty good at controlling it but sometimes flash is like a wild animal – you don’t know where it is going to go, so being able to utilise the Neo is tremendous. The other advantage is the softness of the light. You put a filter on and it’s skin softening galore – but it’s not that artificial plastic skin softening that we all hate. If you only photograph people you can just keep the skin softening diffuser on there, which is really going to cut down on your editing. Then there’s the fact of being able to use the Neo in so many conditions. Plus they’re so much lighter than normal Nikon or Sony flashguns.

“I shoot a lot of weddings and if I’m shooting the first dance I’ll put these Neo’s up in a circular fashion.

And it will make your clients look like

movie stars. They will come up to me and say ‘Oh my gosh, you made me look amazing – how much did you have to pay for all this stuff?’ But I will also put one right on the camera’s hotshoe. If you’re using flash and a wedding guest is coming straight at your camera, that potentially magical moment can end up blown out and there’s no re-creating that.

“And when I put the Neo right on top of my camera, the shoot turns into a club atmosphere, and guests start mugging for the camera. They’ll be going nuts just because they know the light is on them – like moths to a flame. These lights are revolutionary for me – and I use a lot of different kinds of continuous lights. I’m an ‘Artisan of Imagery’ for Sony and I’ve used the Sony lights but they’re very top heavy and I’ve broken the foot off them so many times. With the Neo the weight is spread out.

“The Neo also enables me to get the shots and results that I want faster. A lot of us have circumstances where we don’t have time and need to get in and out quick: particularly if I’m shooting in some crazy urban

environments. I can shoot holding the Neo in my hand. No wonder these comprise 70% of what I do.

There are a lot of uses, from adding catch lights to the eyes when you’re shooting against the sun, to macro photography.”

Asked to give three reasons why your customers should buy a Neo, Jason Lanier responds: “Firstly the power on these things is tremendous – that’s going to be the number one takeaway – and being able to adjust the power output too, with the roundness of the design giving you that beautiful catchlight and the throw. The ability to change the white balance is huge too – I can put the model in Antarctica, the California sun or somewhere in between.

Thirdly there are a lot of photography products that are junk, but these are high quality and I’ve dropped them enough times to know. These things are handmade here in the UK and I could not be more impressed with the quality.

The Neo even handles the elements; the only thing I would add to these is the ability to sync with

your phone, so your handset can act as a remote – but that’s more of a dream than a gripe.”

In summation, Jason says: “The Rotolight Neo’s are quite simply the most amazing, beautiful, versatile portable continuous lights I’ve ever used. I couldn’t recommend them more highly and think that anyone who shoots portraits, weddings, or fashion photography should own multiple sets.”

The Neo is available to independent photographic specialists via Digital Distribution (www.ddltd.co.uk). Email sales@ ddltd.co.uk, or call 01442 230022.

Good competitive sales margins are available to trade partners.

Jason Lanier will be flying in the from US to deliver a continuous lighting workshop and show his use of Neo in action at Pinewood Studios on Thursday May 12th. This presents the trade with an excellent opportunity to see Rotolight in action and to have your key sales staff attend for sales training.

Contact sales@rotolight.com to register for a ticket.

Email sales@ ddltd.co.uk, or call 01442 230022. Bundle deal available now at £299 SRP. BPI News | April 2016 23

NEWS EXTRA

SIGMA’S QUATTRO KITS PROVIDE PLENTY ‘FOUR’ ALL Fresh from a successful stint at The Photography Show, there’s no let up as far as Sigma is concerned, with new dp Quattro camera and lens kits, plus April promotions fast incoming….

T

he third party lens and accessories manufacturer is firing on all cylinders this month. Fresh from The Photography Show, which witnessed crowds lining up to sample its latest products announced at CP+ in Japan and showing for the first time in the UK (See BPI News March for full details), it has two new lens kits, new dp Quattro camera and viewfinder bundles, a lens promotion and a firmware upgrade to share with us this April.

“Our great new products not to mention our swish new stand design really got Sigma noticed at The Photography Show,” says Sigma UK General Manager Graham Armitage.

“We had queues of enthusiastic photographers eager to touch and try our new products in the sd Quattro and sd Quattro H, along with the 50100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art series lens and 30mm f/1.4 DC DN prime lens from our Contemporary line up. We were really pleased with the turnout this year and with the warm reception that greeted Sigma UK!”

Kit and caboodle Launched this month are three imaging kits comprising Sigma’s innovative and award winning dp Quattro camera plus LVF-01 LCD viewfinder – each marketed at £999.99 SRP. The trio of the Sigma dp1 Quattro

Sigma UK’s Graham Armitage and Paul Reynolds accept their two BPI News 2016 Trade Awards nominations at The Photography Show (see page 18)

(28mm lens), dp2 Quattro (45mm) and dp3 Quattro (75mm or 90mm with dedicated 1.2x conversion lens – sold separately) will all be available for your customers to choose their kit option. The addition of the Sigma LVF-01 LCD Viewfinder (right) cuts off outside light and magnifies the LCD display 2.5 times, allowing photographers to check focusing and composition more easily. The viewfinder is exclusively designed for the Quattro series and achieves clear visibility by incorporating a high performance lens and coating. With a similar viewfinder performance to that of a DSLR, the user will find it possible to hold it stably, thus reducing camera shake. Its diopter adjustment range is from -2 to +1.

Sigma’s further new offering for spring 2016 comprises a pair of telephoto lens kits, twinning

its 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports and Contemporary lenses, first announced back at Photokina 2014 in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts, with a TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter (above). Expanding the focal range from 150-600mm to 210-840mm f/6.3-9 on a full frame camera and a whopping 315-1260mm on a APS-C camera, the new kits offer even greater possibilities for your photographer customers seeking to capture sports and wildlife images.

Additionally, they boast a saving of over £100 compared to buying the

lens and tele converter separately and are available now to purchase and sell. The Sports version is £1649.99 SRP and the Contemporary is £1349.99.

In related news Sigma has also announced a firmware update for its 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OSM HSM lenses. The software tweak is said to further enhance AF speed, by anything from 20% to 50% during normal shooting, by optimising the Hyper Sonic Motor drive control.

If your customers own a Sigma USB dock they can upgrade their lens directly via the download page at www.sigma-global. com/donwload/en; if not they can alternatively contact Sigma for further details of updating their lens free of charge.

Don’t be a fool, push this April promo Sigma has a new promotion starting 1st April whereby any of your customers purchasing the all-in-one Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM ‘Contemporary’ class zoom lens will be able to claim a free AML72-10 close-up lens worth £49.99 – and has flyers and posters for you to be able to promote the deal in store. Terms & conditions naturally apply, with your customers able to claim their lens by simply filling in the details on the back of the promotional flyers provided.

All lenses sold via Sigma UK come with the benefit of a 3 year limited warranty 24 April 2016 | BPI News

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

DPS GROUP AND EPSON ‘ON A ROLL’

Fresh from a successful showcase at The Photography Show, an invigorated DPS Group tells BPI News how it is helping the trade transition from Epson’s old Stylus Pro range to its new SureColor P series printers – for both large format and desktop devices!

F

rom large format printers to professional level desktop devices, the DPS Group can offer a comprehensive variety of photofinishing solutions to the trade, as witnessed by a busy stand at The Photography Show this year.

“The show was really good for us,” enthuses Maneesh Patel, MD of the DPS Group, having appeared at the annual NEC event under its Digital Photo Solutions banner. “We got a lot of positive feedback on our services and products from the trade and, with spring in the air, are more determined than ever to win new customers and bring them on board via the fantastic new Epson SureColor P-series printer line up. We want to help them expand and grow their businesses, whether we’re talking established mini labs or high street photo specialists looking to add an extra string to their retail bow. We are pumped up and ready to roll!”

In fact, if you weren’t already aware, the Epson SureColor P-series printers have been in the market for six months now, though there are new devices being added to the line up all the time – and as recently as this February. “We’re helping lots of businesses make the transition from their old Stylus Pro printer to these swish, high performance P-series machines,” adds Maneeesh. “We can help them trade in old printers for new.”

“The Photography Show was really good for us, we got a lot of positive feedback on our services and products from the trade and, with spring in the air, are more determined than ever to bring new customers on board via the fantastic Epson SureColor P-series printer line up.” – Maneesh Patel, MD the DPS Group From the industrial might of the new SC-P20000 large format printer, deploying an UltraChrome Pro 10-colour inkset, to the desktop SC-P400 there is truly a new Epson for every business, big or small.

Roll with it Talking of ‘roll’, the new Epson printers are nothing if not versatile.

For example the new P600 and P800 desktop models come with a roll holder too.

As we touched on in our February edition, the SureColor SC-P800 (right) is a professional grade A2 desktop photo printer. Featuring a nine-colour UltraChrome HD inkset with vivid magenta, the P800 is claimed to be the only A2+ printer on the market offering a roll paper option.

The versatile, Wi-Fi enabled SC-P800 also features the ability to print on glossy or matte photo paper, canvas or thicker materials; for example banners, panoramic images and gallery wrap canvasses can be produced. Vivid colours and deep rich blacks are also

an integral part of the pitch here.

Printing up to A3+ and likewise capable of handling roll paper media, the SureColor SC-P600 makes use of nine Ultrachrome HD inks and offers Wi-Fi and high-speed printing – with a 13x19-inch print output in 153 seconds. It is said to be easy to set up and manage thanks to a 2.7-inch touch screen, whilst ink cartridge size is described as ‘generous’.

Sitting below this in the range is a further pro quality print option in the SureColor SC-P400 (above).

This pumps out pro quality images up to A3+ and features Epson’s

BPI News Awards finalists Gary Crawley and Maneesh Patel of the DPS Group

seven colour UltraChrome HiGloss 2 pigment inks. Indeed it is the smallest and lightest A3+ pigment photo printer on the market according to its manufacturer.

Boasting dual paper paths and roll paper support, it can easily cope with fine art and rigid media.

Trade members interested in demo-ing the above or taking order of a printer are strongly advised to get in touch with the DPS Group’s Maneesh Patel or Gary Crawley on 0208 466 7230, or email sales@dpsb.co.uk www.digitalphotosolutions.co.uk www.thedpsgroup.co.uk

Contact DPS Group’s Gary Crawley now on 020 8466 7230 regarding Epson SureColour P printers BPI News | April 2016 25

BPI NEWS EXTRA

xxx

KENRO SPOTLIGHTS NEW NANGUANG & NISSIN KIT The distributor had its many brands on display at The Photography Show last month – including Sevenoak, Saramonic, Takeway, Marumi, Braun, Reflecta and Kenair, plus own brand tripods.

BPI News spoke to MD Paul Kench about its newest launch from NanGuang and Nissin

B

PI News 2016 Trade Awards finalist Kenro was firing on all cylinders at The Photography Show in March, with plentiful product lines on display – but it was one new strand that BPI News found most illuminating: NanGuang lights, launched at the show with Kenro as its official UK and Ireland distributor.

As the name suggests, these are Chinese made products combining high quality with affordable pricing – an enticing tagline that has become something of a mantra for Kenro.

Switch your customers on to NanGuang A relatively new brand to the UK market, NanGuang specialises in continuous LED lighting and its range includes compact flat panel LED lights aimed at both the photography and videography market – much like Kenro’s Saramonic range of audio devices for videographers we covered in detail in BPI News March. Indeed Kenro has been quick to move into the video/camcorder accessories market sector and has signed some significant new distribution deals recently in order to provide its retail partners and their customers with greater choice and affordability.

Flat panel LED continuous lights apart, NanGuang further offers Fresnel lights, portable lighting cases, light stands and product photography kits – so truly something for every photographer and photographic discipline.

“These are very exciting times for our industry and I don’t think Kenro has ever announced so many new products at one show,” marvels Kenro MD Paul Kench. “We really

are looking forward to sharing our new ranges with the trade and I’m confident dealers will be proud to offer such innovative and interesting accessories to their customers.”

On show at the NEC last month were NanGuang products including its Portable LED Photo Lighting Cases – which are portable studio cases utilising high efficiency LEDs to enable photographers to take shadow-less pictures of small objects.

These are supplied ready to use with six backgrounds and built-in soft LED lights, which can be individually dimmed to achieve the desired effect. Medium and large models are available, whilst a protective carry case is provided.

An alternative for product or still

life photography (particularly those shooting small objects for online retailing) is the three head NanGuang LED Photo Light Kit. This inexpensive kit claims to provide flicker free soft illumination and comes supplied ready to use with three heads, stands and a mini photo table.

There are also a handful of NanGuang Portable Photo Lights – LED panels that can be used hand held, attached to a stand or attached to the camera itself. As well as being easy to transport, the lights are ideal for use in confined spaces or as a fill-in light.

Even more compact alternatives come in the shape of the NanGuang LED Luxpad 22 and Luxpad 43, both emitting soft, diffused gentle

“This is definitely an accessory for every photographers’ camera bag. We set out to specify a battery charger that was versatile and think our new Kenro Universal Charger fits the bill perfectly. As a result, it is sure to be a big hit with photo retailers this summer..”

– Kenro MD, Paul Kench

NanGuang’s exciting new product range from Kenro includes Portable LED Photo Lighting Cases (above) for taking shadowless pictures of smaller objects, plus, top right of this page, 3-head LED Photo Light Kits with stands and a mini photo table

light ideal for portraits or product photography or video. Obviously the key advantage with LED lights is that not only do they provide even illumination – they are also cool to the touch.

Photographers looking for alternatives to use in the studio will also want to look at NanGuang’s LED Fresnel Light offerings (in the CN-20FC and CN-30F) which are designed for studio use and include Fresnel lens for alternating the light between a narrow or wide beam plus ‘barn doors’ via which to further control the light. There are also larger format LED Studio Light panels (CN-T340 and CN-T504) that can be stand mounted. In short the range is pretty comprehensive.

New mini flashgun from Nissin Also new and previewed at the show was the Nissin i60A flashgun, the latest in a line of award winning, critically acclaimed products from that Kenro distributed brand. It’s coming initially in a mirror-less Sony

Get in touch now with Kenro about NanGuang, Nissin and Kenro’s own brand charger on: 01793 615836 26 April 2016 | BPI News

KENRO NEW PRODUCTS PROMOTION

NanGuang offers an extensive array of Fresnel lights, LED light panels for use on stands in the studio, hand held, or for attaching to an available camera

system fit this May/June, and then in Fujifilm, Micro Four Thirds (Olympus/ Panasonic), Canon and Nikon thereafter. SRP is £287.94 inc VAT. The pitch here is ground breaking design and advanced engineering, dramatically reducing the size and weight (at 300g) of the flash unit. As a result the claim here is that the Nissin i60A is the smallest and lightest in the high power portable flash market segment. As the name suggests it can offer a high power output of 60GN at ISO100, 200mm zoom head position and comes with a built-in diffuser and softbox accessory.

It is also compatible with the 2.4 GHz wireless Nissin Air System – just expanded with the new Nissin Receiver Air R range, described as a ‘game changer’.

Compared with the traditional optical wireless transmitters, 2.4GHz radio transmission is less susceptible to the usual issues caused by not having clear line of sight between

transmitter and receiver, and provides coverage of up to 30 metres (98 feet). In addition, radio transmission ID technology gives each of the NAS-compatible devices a unique identity to prevent misfiring in the event of signal interference. There are Canon, Nikon and Sony fits available, at £59.94 SRP for the receiver and £107.94 for both Commander Air 1 and Receiver Air R.

Kenro Universal Battery Charger The final product to spotlight this month is another device introduced at The Photography Show last month in the Kenro Universal Charger.

Described as ‘extremely handy’, this can replenish AA and AAA batteries as well as many types of camera and video packs, plus smartphones and digital cameras via a USB port, which saves the need to remove the batteries from such devices. SRP is

Kenro has just announced an own brand Universal Battery Charger - empowering photographers of all disciplines and battery types!

£23.94, and it comes in a retail blister pack with UK plug and car adaptor.

Potential trade stockists should contact Kenro’s head office on 01793 615836 as they should for all the items presented on this spread.

Kenro’s Paul Kench says: “This is definitely an accessory for every

photographers’ camera bag. We set out to specify a battery charger that was versatile and think our new Kenro Universal Charger fits the bill perfectly. As a result, it is sure to be a big hit with photo retailers this summer.”

New Nissin lighting solutions available via Kenro this spring and summer include the i60A flashgun and Nissin Receiver Air R

Visit www.kenro.co.uk for more on all the new products introduced at The Photography Show BPI News | April 2016 27

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

SPRING CLEAN YOUR PHOTO BUSINESS Sometimes we all need to take a step back, re-assess our business, and, if necessary, implement changes. Business expert Adam Bernstein spotlights four areas ripe for an investment of your time…

I

t is often said that we should live our lives as if we were going to die tomorrow. This advice is particularly true for businesses owners. But sadly, this group is often the least likely to have made the appropriate arrangements.

An unhealthy proportion of people don’t have a Will. Throw a business into the mix, and their private and business affairs are heading for disaster.

Firms need appropriate provisions in the Partnership Deed or Articles of Association covering the scenario of one of the partners possibly dying in service. Many businesses operate in the absence of any or adequate governing documents.

Documents may provide an option for the surviving partners to purchase the deceased’s share of the business. An agreement should deal with a valuation of the assets, including any value attributed to goodwill. It should also provide for referral of any dispute to an agreed arbitrator.

Many partnerships consider putting in place insurance policies to provide funds enabling them to purchase the deceased’s interest in the business. This avoids the difficulties that will be faced by the firm having to raise a potentially large amount of cash to buy out the deceased’s estate.

Every business owner should have a properly drafted Will. It is particularly important, as the rules of intestacy (dying without having made any legal provisions) do not make provision for unmarried partners. In addition, the will can make several provisions that cover the choice of executors – and it may be sensible to appoint a special executor to deal with the business.

28 April 2016 | BPI News

The executor’s authority commences immediately on death, whereas if there is no Will, an administrator will have to be appointed and this can take time.

Wills can also assist with tax planning. Business Property Relief of 100% is available to reduce the potential inheritance tax liability arising in relation to business assets.

Business owners need to plan ahead as soon as possible. It may mean having uncomfortable discussions with a family or business partners, but procrastination can result in serious problems.

Extending the life of a family business A lot of long-term photo businesses tend to be family businesses. And the dynamics of managing a family business are always going to be different to a venture between partners who aren’t related by blood.

One of the key steps for success is making sure that the family aren’t strangers to each other’s goals and desires. Setting up a ‘family council’ to deal with the business’s affairs, separately from the rest of family concerns, is a significant first step.

Communications in a family business may be worse than in any other company. Among the reasons for setting up a family council is that every family member involved in the business needs to understand their rights and responsibilities. The borders between the business and the family need to be clarified and all members of the family, including those at junior levels in the business or those outside it, such as spouses, should be allowed to air their views.

The aim is that a ‘family council’ should generate a shared vision and

“There are a number of practical points to bear in mind too.

Meetings need to be held somewhere neutral, so that everyone feels able to contribute equally. Set up a proper agenda and timetable and stick to it.” guide its development.

Taking professional advice on how to structure the meetings, and engaging a professional facilitator to keep things running smoothly, is a worthwhile expense. Bringing an outsider into the meetings will reinforce the importance of meetings, and help to confirm the distinction between family and business.

There are a number of practical points to bear in mind too. Meetings

need to be held somewhere neutral, so that everyone feels able to contribute equally. Set up a proper agenda and timetable and stick to it.

There should be a council chair who runs the meetings and has the scope to keep the discussion moving. To make sure that the council is a longterm success, start small and settle simple issues. That’ll give everyone a chance to see that the council can work, and the confidence to address bigger long term considerations.

Your business’ consumer rights Where do businesses stand when they buy in products and services that subsequently fail to live up to the promises made? The starting point is to look at the contract, as protection against unfair contract terms being imposed by larger suppliers can be sought under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. The Act regulates the use of exclusion clauses – and whether terms are enforceable depends on those terms being reasonable.

The Act deals with areas such

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

Further reading If your interest has been piqued by any of the points made in this advisory piece, simply direct your Internet browser at the following:

Wills: http://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk

as ‘breach of statutory implied terms’, which covers description of the item, satisfactory quality and fitness for purpose; plus breach of contract and even death or personal injury caused by negligence.

Unfair terms aside, businesses also have protection from misleading advertising through the Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008. These implement an EU directive and ban advertising that is misleading, while also setting out what is acceptable.

Savvy consumers know that section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes credit card companies liable for any breach of contract, or misrepresentation, by a seller. Crucially, for businesses, there is no requirement that the purchase must be for individual or non-business related use.

However, if the credit agreement is entered into wholly or mainly for business purposes, or the amount loaned exceeds £25,000, then section 75 will not apply.

Avoid a lease becoming a liability While most of the focus is on headline costs when acquiring commercial leased premises, firms taking on leased premises need to be aware of the many hidden liabilities that landlords set.

Where a tenant has a right to terminate a lease, any conditions imposed by the lease must be strictly complied with, or the right to terminate is lost. As a result, tenants should resist any conditions that are extremely difficult to comply with.

And any lease obligation to keep the property in repair means that if a property has any defects or disrepair at day one, the tenant will be liable for bringing the property up to a good state of repair and decoration before they start trading. This could be costly.

Leases in excess of five years often include upwards-only rent reviews based on the open market value at that time. Tenants should only agree yearly increases calculated using the initial (year

Leases: http://www.ricsfirms.com and http://solicitors. lawsociety.org.uk one) base rent as the benchmark.

Few realise that overlooked service charges and rates can often double charges due under the lease. Good examples include any monies paid into a reserve fund; construction and building equipment costs; refurbishment of the building; the costs of lease renewals, rent reviews, lettings, collection of rents and arrears etc. from other tenants; and costs of services from which the tenant does not benefit. As usual, it’s a case of caveat emptor: buyer beware.

Lastly, whilst not an HMRC tax, business rates can represent a significant cost to businesses.

The Chancellor confirmed in the recent Budget that 100% small business rate relief will continue for properties with a rate-able value of £6,000 or less. From April 2017, 100% small business rate relief will be extended to properties with a rate-able value of £12,000 or less. Businesses with a property with a rate-able value between £12,000 and £15,000 will receive partial relief.

Family businesses: www.ifb.org.uk/learn/adviceinsight/dealing-with-conflict-in-the-family-firm/

Business rights: www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/purchasing-goods-and-servicesprotection-of-small-businesses

BPI News | April 2016 29

NEWS

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

HUNDREDS SIGN UP TO FOTOSPEED SIGNATURE

Fotospeed’s big name photographer ambassadors & BPI News Trade Awards nomination drew big crowds to the distributor’s stand… here’s what you might have missed

BPI News Awards finalists Ben and Toby of Fotospeed flank brand ambassador and landscape photographer Joe Cornish

F

“

otospeed had another very successful year at The Photography Show meeting old and new faces,” enthuses Fotospeed’s Toby Herlinger. “We were thrilled with the attendance to all of the Fotospeed talks – which was a new addition to the stand for this year – and look forward to what the rest of 2016 brings us.”

A product particularly focused on at TPS was the Fotospeed Signature range of fine art papers, promoted in the trade by big name photographer brand ambassadors including Joe Cornish, Charlie Waite and Trevor and Faye Yerbury – seen in, on, or around the stand – as was fellow photographer Dave Kai-Piper, who has recently been accompanying Joe Cornish on a number of fine art printing challenges in the great outdoors, known as ‘epic printing’ (see also BPI News March).

Paper aside, another big push for Fotospeed Distribution at the show was obviously its Kaiser branded range of distributed products and

Andrew Wood & Julia Kilby of Fotospeed UK with Kaiser strap and tent

www.fotospeed.com

30 April 2016 | BPI News

photo accessories. BPI News got to talk to Fotospeed’s resident Kaiser expert Julia Kilby and take a look at the brand new competitively priced Kaiser ‘Action Strap’ aimed at DSLR, bridge and mirror-less camera owners. This boasts an ergonomic fit, and runs diagonally across the chest and back (see carrier sheet for special launch offer). A wide padded shoulder rest features a non-slip layer and quick release lock with 120° swivel joint. There is also an additional tether strap to keep the main strap in position during fast moves, and a coupling piece to attach to the tripod thread of the camera itself.

Another exciting Kaiser product was the ‘Dome’ studio light tent measuring 62x62cm – typically a best seller (£40 SRP) at the Photography Show for the Fotospeed team, and the recipient of five star reviews in the past. The selling point is that this is ideal for any photographers who do their own product photography.

TRADE CONTACTS: For Kaiser enquiries and orders, get in touch with Julia Kilby in the Fotospeed office via Julia@fotospeed.com or 01249 714 555 – whilst out in the field is sales rep Peter Bowerman, reachable via 07802 903079 or peter@fotospeed.com. www.kaiser-fototechnik.de

DNP’S ‘BEST ALL-INONE PHOTO KIOSK’ If you want to add photo finishing to your retail business’ offerings, look no further than the SnapLab + DP-SL620 combo from DNP INVESTING in any lab service for your photo business is a big decision. However DNP has made that decision easier with the launch of a combined printer, software and order terminal. The SnapLab + DP-SL620 marries its 6-inch DS620 printer to a 10.1-inch order terminal, the DS-T mini, to provide the complete package (see also advert opposite). The idea is that, for a small initial investment, you can start your photo business right away.

Advantages of the DP-SL620 include its tiny footprint of 0.11 square metres, plus the fact that the DS620 printer is equipped with a rewind feature to optimise media consumption. Part of this optimisation is the ability to print multiple print sizes from a single set of media.

Indeed the DP-SL620 can produce prints in nine different sizes up to 6x9-inches (15x23cm) – with the ability to offer your

customers a square format to print Instagram snaps. Formatting photos is easy too, thanks to an on-screen step-by-step guide, whilst the device has the ability to utilise both wired and wireless connections.

DNP believes that as the growth of printing from mobile phones becomes more widespread, the demand for instant prints from photo kiosks, such as this set up, is also growing. Additonally, there are other opportunities presented by such instant print services – including ID photos and event photography. Plus, if you did want the option of generating more sales, there is the ability to add DNP’s DS80 or DS80DX printer.

By bolting these on you gain access to value added products including prints up to 8x12-inches, double side prints, photo books, calendars and greetings cards. sales@dnpphoto.eu www.dnpphoto.eu

All you need is…

DP SL 620’s all-in-one printing system

Design bb&b - Photos: iStock, DNP

NEW

As easy as 1-2-3

A great potential

Let’s “party print”

The winning formula

f The right combination of DS620 Printer, DS-TMini Order Terminal and an integrated editing Software within a single Dye-sublimation compact kiosk system.

f A tiny footprint, for multiple value added products in a variety of formats and finishings with high quality prints.

f As an option, the ideal solution for events without dedicated laptop.

f A little initial investment for any retail environment. f Small shops, photo retailers, event photographers, you can start your photo business right away!

DNP PHOTO IMAGING EUROPE sales@dnpphoto.eu www.dnpphoto.eu

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