BPI News April 2017 Photography Show Review

Photographic British

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Your inside track on the UK photo trade for more than 30 years

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EDITORIAL | April 2017

Photographic British

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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.

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Witnessing the trade spring into action

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ithout wanting to sound like 20 for your final chance to vote for your some sort of hippy or sycophant favourite/s) at The Photography Show, 90% (neither of which I am), the arrival of said finalists being present at the event… of The Photography Show last month – with others who were unable to exhibit for arguably the biggest annual imaging event whatever reason by and large dropping in to on the trade calendar – in many ways felt check out proceedings. like the arrival of spring. With new products The Saturday of The Photography on show, many for the first time in the UK, Show also saw Fujifilm hosting its own and eager customers flooding Hall 5 of the annual Digital Imaging Service Conference Gavin Stoker, NEC with money to spend on fresh gear, in parallel, at which there were some Editor it felt like we were witnessing a process of interesting speakers with interesting points gavin@bpinews.co.uk to make, all with the aim of improving the renewal. @GavinStoker With all the doom and gloom in the businesses of those gathered at the event. world at the moment and plenty of There’s a report on that too on page 22. challenges facing the photo trade – which I have The events in Birmingham apart, the other big trade to say are being met with pragmatism and, more news this month was Boots culling a large proportion encouragingly still, innovation – this was a pleasant of its in-store photofinishing (with opportunities there and if I’m honest, slightly surprising scene to witness. for independents to plug the gap), plus Calumet’s Just to make sure I wasn’t on some personal caffeine existing owner buying up Warehouse Express, with high, we also report this issue on the views of the the aim of getting the best return on a marriage of manufacturers, suppliers and retailers who bricks and mortar and online retail. With industry exhibited, which broadly concur with our positive chat already unofficially christening this new super view of the event. See our centre pages for a full company ‘Calu-Wex’, we went to the horse’s mouth and detailed debrief. for our news report on where that leaves the Smiles (mostly unforced) were likewise the response individual brands, plus what future plans may be. when we gave out commemorative certificates to Whatever else goes on in the photo trade, life is the finalists in our annual BPI News Awards (see page never boring.

CONTENTS

16 THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW REPORT Words and pictures on the UK and Europe’s biggest annual imaging event. Find out how it was for the trade …and what you missed if you weren’t there!

04 NEWS We hear from those with the inside track on the Calumet and WEX merger, as well as rounding up the latest products plus consumer cashbacks

20 BPI NEWS AWARDS FINALISTS We list the final nominees and ask you to pick your two winners for Product of the Year & Promotion of the Year from among them. Vote now or lose your right!

08 A STRONG FINISH FROM CEWE The print specialist introduces new ‘Highlights’ embossed covers for photobooks & Matte Photographic paper – inviting prospective trade partners to get in touch 14 FOCUS ON SIGMA’S ‘FANTASTIC FOUR’ Why you need to be sure to stock the new Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM, 2470mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM and 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM

Another scrum in Brum: thousands thronged to The Photography Show last month. See p.16

25 BEST IN SHOW: MAC GROUP’S BENRO & PHOTTIX BRANDS Retailers are invited to get in touch & boost their bottom line via the latest Benro camera bag line up and a couple of clever gadgets bearing the Phottix brand

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BPI News | April 2017 3

NEWS

CALUMET OWNER SNAPS UP WEX ONE OF THE BIGGEST trade stories this past month has undoubtedly been the plan to merge Calumet and Wex Photographic, after the former’s owner Aurelius snapped up Wex from Barclays for an undisclosed sum. By combining the bricks and mortar of Calumet with the online retailing expertise of Wex it hopes to create a multi channel photographic retailer with combined revenue of 175 million Euros, servicing the enthusiast and pro photographer.

Aurelius believes its aquisition “will offer significant strategic benefits to both companies”. Its Vice President, Eric Blumenthal adds: “We are extremely pleased to announce this acquisition of Wex as Aurelius’ second investment in the specialist photographic retail sector, following that of Calumet last year. It also testifies to our continued interest and dedication to investing in UK businesses, post Brexit.”

Wex’s CEO David Garratt says: “The Wex team is very excited to be working alongside both the Aurelius and Calumet team…by leveraging Calumet’s in-store expertise [we can] significantly expand our leading online offering to a wider customer base in the UK.” Calumet MD Christof Bergmann echoes the rationale of its owner in noting “Wex’s leading position in the UK market, as well as its award wining online business, will substantially reinforce our PanEuropean offering.”

Swains’ ID Station reaches 100th retailer

BPI News understands that Wex is initially being purchased by Aurelius as a standalone company and on day one the two businesses will continue to operate independently.

Following completion of the acquisition, the management teams of Wex and Calumet will finalise an integration plan with support from Aurelius. No decisions have yet been taken on the future of the brands Wex, Calumet and Fixation, with future decisions based on research involving the customers of all three.

PR PHOTOS in Princes Risborough, Bucks has become Swains’ 100th customer to have invested in a Biometric ID Passport System – coinciding with PR Photos’ own 10th anniversary. Swains Regional Sales Manager Malcolm Tullett presented owner Gayle Crisp with a bottle of bubbly to mark the special occasion. Gayle chose the ID Station System for a number of reasons, including the fact that customers are increasingly requesting passport images be emailed so that they can be used for online passport applications. If any technical assistance is required, Swains are just on the other end of the phone.

Sky’s no limit for AirSelfie BPI NEWS ATTENDED the London launch of a new mobile photographic gadget last month: the AirSelfie. This crowd-funded device is, in essence, a 5 megapixel or Full HD shooting camera that hovers in the air in the style of a miniature drone, enabling selfie shooters to take their picture without the need of a longer arm or tripod. Interestingly, the AirSelfie isn’t officially classified as a drone – thereby avoiding the restrictions associated with such models – and has instead been termed a smartphone gadget or accessory.

Demonstrated to us by AirSelfie Chairman Edoardo Stroppiana, and no noisier than a hair dryer when airborne at head height, operational time when fully charged is three minutes. At the time of writing the AirSelfie was available to order direct online for around 250 Euros – though the company is also interested in pursuing retail partnerships.

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Danny Williams, joint Managing Director for Swains, says: “Swains are delighted with how well the ID Station has evolved since we started supplying it in 2014. The fact that 100 retailers have invested in the system is testament to its evolution”.

For more info on the ID Station Biometric System please call Zygi at Swains on 01485 536200. www.swains.co.uk

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NEWS

BOOTS’ LOSS COULD BE INDEPENDENTS’ GAIN THE OTHER BIG NEWS story this past 30 days regarded Boots’ plans to close two thirds of its in-store photo centres. One of those quick to cleverly capitalise was Jessops, who offered customers holding Boots Advantage cards 20% off photo prints and gifts in-store throughout March.

“More than 10 million photos were printed in 2016 through our printing services,” claims Jessops’ CEO Neil Old. “What’s more, we were named by Practical Photography’s ‘Gear of the Year Awards’ as the photo printing service of 2016.

We know photo printing is still so important for many people.”

Tying in with this, Jessops recently commissioned YouGov to drill into people’s digital image taking and storing habits, which found, perhaps unsurprisingly, that 44% of British adults have lost a digital photo they wish they hadn’t.

Friends and family was the most popular photographic subject – ‘selfies’ came in fifth in the survey – while one-in-ten British adults prints a photo at least once a month.

One in five claimed to have never printed a photo.

In news related to the Boots decision, industry watcher Futuresource noted that in-store minilab photo prints accounted for

just over 40% of the 7.5 billion units sold in Western Europe in 2016, and that the success of the Timpson/ Max Spielmann group in the UK, not to mention the entrepreneurial spirit of many independent photo retailers, shows there is ‘still plenty

of lemonade to be made from the lemons’.

Growing not shrinking: Photokina organisers take industry’s pulse WITH NO PHOTOKINA on the horizon this September (the next is in 2018) its organisers held their eighth forum on the business of imaging – or, officially ‘Business Forum Imaging 2017’, in Cologne, Germany, last month. With lectures from experts that examined innovative products and product segments, as well as value creation in the camera business and ‘retail 4.0’, the mood was reportedly positive and optimistic. Off the back of their ‘Imaging Unlimited’ theme for last year’s exhibition, Photokina’s team believe that the photography market is not getting

smaller but is in fact growing; a development from which specialised traders, imaging service providers, pro photographers, video producers and manufacturers can profit, with the right strategies.

The main theme of the first day was thus why the photography and imaging industry has, in fact, a good future ahead of it. Presentations looked at which new products sell best, how value creation can be redefined in the camera business, which apps are received positively by their target group, and how we can get customers enthusiastic about photo printing.

The second day of talks focused on

practice in the photography trade and services. Themes included online marketing and retail 4.0, reflecting the increasing digitalisation of the entire imaging industry. Those who wish to see this as a chance to exploit potential, must absolutely be prepared to leave their comfort zone and transcend boundaries, according to the speakers at the forum.

As in previous years, visitors, sponsors and speakers made use of the network zone and the traditional evening event in the Rheinterrassen to network with their peers. The event was also a success for the sponsors of the event, who presented their current imaging products and services in the network

Panasonic’s photographer ambassador Ross Grieve speaks at the forum

zone. Canon and CEWE appeared as Gold Sponsors; Fujifilm, Imaging Solutions, Kodak Alaris, Mitsubishi Electric, Mobile Photo Connect, Panasonic, PNA International, RPI and Yuneec were Silver Sponsors. www.photokina.com

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HOP TO IT: CANON CASHBACK PUTS ‘SPRING’ IN DEALERS’ SALES

Marking the 30th year of Canon’s EOS system, the photo giant’s new seasonal campaign, aimed at encouraging your customers to spend and increasing footfall for your store, is due to run until May 16th and includes two key acclaimed products: the EOS 80D DSLR and M5 CSC

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n the wake of last issue’s announcements of the Canon EOS M6, 77D and 800D, and a successful exhibition at The Photography Show, the photo manufacturer has launched a seasonal campaign offering up to £200 cashback on selected products.

Designed to encourage sales at its retail partners, the latest scheme, which kicked off mid-March, is due to run until the 16th of May, with your customers’ claims needing to be redeemed by June 16th. Reimbursement of said cash is the standard 28 days later.

From mirror-less to DSLR, there’s a deal to be had Worth spot-lighting among Canon’s spring deals are £80 cashback on purchases of the EOS 80D DSLR, with the same monetary return offered on the EOS M5 mirror-less camera. A slew of PowerShot compacts, printers, video cameras – and a whopping 13 lens options (plus Speedlite 600EX II-RT) – are further included in the money saving line up. It’s safe to say therefore that there is an offer that will suit everyone.

6 April 2017 | BPI News

Pitched as a powerful yet lightweight DSLR option for enthusiast photographers, and awarded 4.5 stars (out of 5) by Amateur Photographer magazine, the EOS 80D features a maximum 7fps shooting rate and customisable controls. A 45 point all-cross type AF system ensures subjects are always in focus no matter how action-packed the scene, whilst its 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Digic 6 processor work in tandem to crunch through data and deliver stunning

detail. A vari-angle LCD ensures that whether stills or video is being captured, photographers have plenty of creative choice when it comes to composition.

The EOS M5 included in the deal is Canon’s flagship mirror-less camera, offering the convenience and portability of a CSC, yet the quality you’d expect from a larger APS-C sensor camera. Distilling the best of Canon DSLRs and compacts into one interchangeable lens model, a key part of the pitch to your customers

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Canon’s spring deals at a glance: entice your customers with £80 cashback on key products like the EOS 80D and M5… and up to a maximum £250 saving on the EOS 5DS/5DS R

should be that while there are seven dedicated EF-M lenses available, via adapter potential purchasers have access to an impressive 92 Canon lenses.

Another tool for dealers to push sales of Canon EOS (and an added incentive for your customers to make a purchase), is the Canon Professional Network, which is a Canon website designed to educate, inform and inspire pros and enthusiasts alike, helping them make the most of their equipment.

Through this website, and by owning specific Canon kit (between 2 and 3 bodies and 3 to 4 lenses), customers can qualify to become a member of Canon Professional Services, and get free access to a range of benefits, such as exclusive service support and exciting photography or training events. Selected products included in Canon’s cashback promotion can help customers to become eligible for this free service.

Meanwhile for more details and answers to any questions regarding its spring cashback, speak to your Canon rep or point your browser at: www.canon.co.uk/springcashback

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

A STRONG FINISH FROM CEWE

Completing its showcase at The Photography Show, where it launched a new spring-summer product line up – including Highlights cover finishes and Matte Photographic paper – CEWE reaches out to the trade and invites you to offer its products to your own customers...

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e’ve long heard at BPI News that photobooks haven’t been pushed as heavily within the UK as on the continent – and, in comparison, it still remains something of an untapped market. But a new innovation from CEWE – embossed highlights for its photobook covers – could seek to make the proposition impossible for your customers to resist.

Launched at The Photography Show, where we spoke to brand’s Marketing Executive Eliza Carroll and received an impressive demo – this innovation arrives on the back of the claim that CEWE has delivered over 42 million individual photo books to customers across the continent and the UK – an incredible feat.

Priding itself on the fact that anyone can create a photobook using its free-to-download software in as little as three minutes, CEWE tells us that each of its books is hand bound by highly trained technicians at its Warwick lab prior to being dispatched.

The new ‘Highlights’ embossed cover option is designed to provide a professional finish to any photo book cover – thanks to a metallic (gold or silver) plus gloss embossing option, claimed as unique. Such highlights can be applied to both text and imagery, lending them a raised texture that adds visual depth and impact. Logos in particular can really

A show with plenty of highlights: CEWE’s Marketing Executive Eliza Carroll displays the new embossed ‘Highlights’ options for its photobook covers - metallic gold on the left and silver on the right.

leap off the page – making it perfect for superior branding.

Embossed Highlights are available on Large Landscape, Large Portrait and XL Square CEWE Photobooks, plus for books with all paper types, excluding True Matte.

Six of the best Also launched by CEWE at the NEC last month was a new Matte

CEWE cleverly showed off the breadth of its paper finishes at TPS via a selection of books otherwise printed with the same images. The new Matte Photographic option is shown closest to us

Photographic paper – the sixth addition to the range of paper types the company offers. As it is a photographic paper, the company says that it has a slightly heavier weight than the previously announced True Matte option, whilst feeling even smoother than the original matte paper.

Another of the properties is that fingerprints won’t show on the paper, no matter how many times it is handled, thereby making it ideal for use in portfolios and wedding photo books. The layflat binding of CEWE’s Matte Photographic books also offers more freedom when designing a layout.

“We know that there are a lot of fans of our True Matte paper, as well as our layflat photographic papers,” says CEWE MD Duncan Midwood.

“That’s why we set out to find a way to combine the elegance of True Matte with the striking effect of a layflat paper. As well as creating impact with impressive panoramas and double page spreads, the layflat binding of our Matte Photographic books provides much more freedom when designing a layout. The Matte Photographic paper is the sixth

addition to our brilliant range of papers, whilst adding embossed elements to covers makes creations feel even more like a professional book. Using highlights for cover designs will add depth and detail, and is perfect for that one-off book of a special occasion”.

Prospective trade partners are invited to get in touch with CEWE’s MD Duncan Midwood at CEWE on 01926463107.

For more info on the above, please visit: cewe-photoworld.com/photo-books www.cewe-photoworld.com

Provide an embossed photobook service for your own customers: Contact CEWE’s Duncan Midwood NOW on 01926463107 8 April 2017 | BPI News

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TRADE SHOW NEWS

BOOK NOW TO MAKE A ‘SPLASH

Save the date! Following Wilkinson Cameras’ bigger, bolder and more widely attended Digital Splash event last year, this October 7th & 8th it returns to its home of the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. BPI News gets a preview from Wilkinson MD David Parkinson, who is encouraging exhibitors to get in touch…

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ith the sun having set on events at the NEC, industry eyes will be turning to what’s coming next on the trade calendar – particularly in the absence of Photokina this year – and for many that means the Liverpool-based Digital Splash, which last year drew bigger names and larger audiences than ever before. Marketing itself as the biggest photography and optics show in the north, the pitch is that whether you’re a professional, enthusiast or beginner photographer, aspiring videographer or even bird watcher, you can see the latest equipment, get expert advice and be inspired by professionals talking in the Digital Splash Theatre.

In 2016, host and organiser Wilkinson Cameras welcomed 6,200 visitors over two days; quite an achievement for the first time at its new Exhibition Centre Liverpool home.

It also pulled in big photographic exhibitors including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, Panasonic, Bowens, Fujifilm and Hasselblad, who all

Man with the (floor)plan: Wilkinson’s MD David Parkinson is inviting the trade to book space at 2017’s event

“We’re already getting phone calls from people who want to exhibit, which is encouraging. I think with last year’s show we proved what we can achieve.”

– Wilkinson Cameras’ MD, David Parkinson

Wide open space: This year’s Wilkinson Cameras’ event is back again at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool

witnessed busy stands. This year it is back at the same location for the 8th annual Digital Splash.

Putting the pieces in place “We’ve set the date, are booking speakers, and all the pieces are being put in place for Digital Splash 2017,” confirms Wilkinson Cameras’ MD David Parkinson. “We’re already getting phone calls from people who want to exhibit, which is encouraging.

I think with last year’s show we proved what we can achieve, and this year everyone has been a lot more receptive and responsive.”

David and his team say they have listened to last year’s visitors and are promising more ‘mouth watering seminars and talks’ from pro

photographers – including Catherine Connor and Jenny Heyworth from Aspire who will be focusing on food photography and celebrated wedding photographer Jeff Ascough – to pull in the punters and engage with its audience this October. There will also be show offers from Wilkinson Cameras itself to encourage those visiting to spend. “Feedback from last year’s show was that 99% of visitors were over the moon,” David reminds us. “Magazines that were there got far more subscribers than they ever expected and the hardware brands were very complimentary and have come to us asking for bigger stands for 2017.”

This year at the show there will be increased emphasis on the optics side of the business – including spotting

scopes, telescopes and binoculars.

Astrophotography and the more serious end of the video market are two areas the retailer will increasingly be focusing on. “People are shooting video on the likes of the Panasonic GH5 on drones, so there is a lot of growth in these areas,” David notes.

Manfrotto and PermaJet were just two of the many satisfied exhibitors from last year’s show who will be returning for 2017, having had great feedback on their own attendance.

“The revamped Digital Splash show was a highlight of our year in 2016,” enthuses Manfrotto’s Ivor Chamberlain. “The new venue was a hit and it was well attended by lots of enthusiastic photographers which is why we didn’t hesitate to re-book for 2017. We had lots of positive feedback from visitors to our stand and we can’t wait for the show later this year.”

PermaJet’s Colin Hulley echoes the positive sentiment: “There was tremendous interest in our products from both professionals and keen hobbyists”.

Though tickets are not yet on sale – watch this space – we do have the dates of the weekend of October 7th and 8th to place in your trade diary.

Doors will open at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool, from 10am and close at 5pm.

Interested in exhibiting?

Contact the Digital Splash team now via dkp@wilkinson.co.uk or alex@wilkinson.co.uk www.digitalsplash.tv

For more on Digital Splash 2017, visit digitalsplash.tv or email dkp@wilkinson.co.uk or alex@wilkinson.co.uk 10 April 2017 | BPI News

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

PHOTOXPORT DECLARES TPS ‘BEST SHOW EVER FOR IN THE UK’ Inundated with orders at The Photography Show – following our preview article in BPI News – PhotoXport, exclusive UK distributor of Noritsu Green printers, details how it can offer the trade a ‘complete suite’ of photofinishing products

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ooking to add a photo finishing option to your business or replace a creaking wet lab? As previewed in BPI News last month, PhotoXport, in partnership with Noritsu, had a couple of exciting new dry labs to talk about at the NEC – not to mention new software designed to make life easier for its retail partners.

Feedback was instantaneous.

“We were inundated,” marvels PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse.

“We sold everything on the stand.

Incredible. We’ve never seen anything like it before. It was the best Photography Show ever for Noritsu in the UK. Unlike other shows where people are walking past and happen to notice us, people were specifically coming to see Noritsu.

That’s the real difference in the past year. We launched the D705 dry lab and that was really well received and we’re taking orders for that now.”

A perfect match: Noritsu’s Ron Kubara demonstrates the effectiveness of twinning the self calibrating monitor PhotoXport supplies with its EZ Controller software

BPI News Awards finalists for 2017: Noritsu Director WorldWide Strategic Sales & Planning Ron Kubara (on left), PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse (middle) and Noritsu Sales Manager Mr Higashi

Described by Derek and his team as the entry-level option, like the current Noritsu dry labs the D705 Green series duplex can print either on one or both sides of the media, with print size options ranging from 9x9cm up to 25x61cm. This includes the choice of panoramic format prints at 25x171cm. For those looking to save on space yet splurge on output, the D705 is also a compact all-rounder, with a footprint of just 0.35 square metres.

The other new option is a simplex machine – in a nutshell a Green II lab on which the duplex facility has been removed. “This means that the flagship product is now available even cheaper,” Derek explains. “If someone has a high output minilab

and they want to migrate to a dry lab without any interruption then they should choose the Green II simplex.

Clever hardware, simple software PhotoXport also demonstrated Noritsu’s Smart Picture Creation software on its stand. This was also incredibly well received. “It gives us the complete suite of products,” Derek says. “We had one guy saying he needed five kiosks from us to replace his existing stable and he also liked the simplicity of it, because it utilises a Dell touch screen PC, supported on site by Dell. The only thing that we put on it is an ATC card reader, which is fixed on the bottom. Alternatively, if

the customer wants to order the Dell themselves, they can do, and can just have the software for it.”

Both software and Dell interface are now being supplied by PhotoXport in the UK, with a 1st April rollout planned in the rest of the world. The software will evolve over time as features are added, with any retailer partner paying the fixed monthly fee automatically receiving updates.

Separately, it is also worth mentioning that the Eizo monitors that PhotoXport supplies with Noritsu machines have the capability of self-calibration. “What that means is that you can make a custom profile for the monitor you’re using and call it what you like, and then import that profile into EZ Controller, which is the front –end software from Noritsu that controls your printer,” Derek explains. “Once you get your image looking great on the monitor, what comes out of your printer when you hit the button is exactly what you’ve got on your screen. Unlike competitors, EZ Controller has the ability to accept custom profiles… nobody else has that.”

Having read the above, you’ve probably considering calling PhotoXport to get your own Noritsu dry lab installed forthwith.

Contact Derek Fieldhouse now on 0116 2675907 so you can offer your customers a premium quality printed product at a very competitive price. www.photoxport.com

The new Noritsu D705 dry lab key advantages: n Compact footprint, freeing up space for other retail needs n High quality prints (6 gradations per dot) with excellent image permanence n No messy chemicals, environmentally friendly, safe and clean n Scalable system configuration to meet individual needs

n Substantially lower investment cost than silver halide printers n Produces up to 650 prints per hour using roll paper (or up to 1300 prints per hour if double stacking two units) n Easy operation via intuitive user interface (EZ controller sold separately)

Call PhotoXport’s Derek and the team 0116 2675907 for more on the new Green printers & software @bpi_news

BPI News | April 2017 11

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

NEWS

Fuji’s firm commitment DIRECT YOUR X-SERIES camera owners (or potential purchasers) to the fact that the brand has released complimentary new firmware updates for its X-T2 (via version 2.00) and X-Pro2 (version 3.00) models, with further adjustments, via version 2.10 and 3.10 respectively, promised this May. In total these make 33 operational and functional tweaks

across the two cameras. Highlights include the ability to now capture Raw files in Bracketing and Advanced Filter modes, extended ISO125 and ISO160 light sensitivity options, faster Face Detection AF, activation of the eye sensor in video recording mode (X-T2 only), re-focusing when video recording (via a half press of the shutter release button), copyright information in EXIF data, plus voice memo function in playback mode. www.fujifilm.co.uk

Ansmann leads the charge THE BATTERY AND CHARGER specialist is pitching its range of Powerline chargers, including MaxE Pro batteries, to the trade.

Available to order now via its partner Peak Development is a trio of products in the Ansmann Powerline 4 Light, the Ansmann Powerline 4 Pro Traveller – each arriving with 4x MaxE Pro batteries – plus the Ansmann Powerline 8 (supplied with 8x MaxE Pro batteries).

The Ansmann Powerline 4 Light charges AA and AAA batteries and has a USB socket for

12 April 2017 | BPI News

replenishing a variety of devices including smartphones. An LCD display reveals battery voltage and charging status. The Ansmann Powerline 4 Pro Traveller also features an LCD that on this model can show a selected charging program for each battery slot, plus again a USB socket. Thirdly the Powerline 8 features LED indicators for each slot and can charge AAA and AA NiMH and NiCd batteries.

All the chargers come with a three-year warranty. To order stock, contact Peak on 01489 796979 or email sales@peak-uk.com

QUICK PRINTS, FAST PROFIT VIA DNP

Boxing clever: the ever-innovative Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) has a new device to increase efficiency and sales

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etailers who offer photo services, as well as event photographers wanting a swift, wireless ‘shoot to print’ solution, should take note of the latest innovation from Japanese print specialist DNP. With Britain braced for Brexit, DNP has launched the Wireless Print Server Pro EU – the WPS Pro EU for short – a device that is cleverly designed to create a hotspot for instant photo printing without the hassle of additional equipment – whether that be cables, memory cards or a PC. The result is premium photo prints on site within minutes.

Naturally, the WPS Pro EU is intended to be coupled with a DNP printer, enabling images to be beamed from a capture device – whether dedicated camera, tablet or smartphone – from a distance of 10 metres away. So, whilst its use is a boon for the event photographer, it is equally suited to the storeowner who has a customer stroll in wanting to get prints from the snaps stored in their smartphone.

DNP’s WPS Pro EU benefits: n Wireless printing from up to a 10m distance

To connect DSLR cameras a CamRanger Wi-Fi accessory is required (further info can be found at www.camranger.com).

Connectivity is via Wi-Fi, but the WPS Pro EU also features an Ethernet port, four USB ports and Micro SD slot. It will connect to DNP’s most popular printers, including the newer DS-RX1 HS and DS820, as well as existing DS40, DS80, DS-RX1 and DS620 printers.

A large 7-inch touch screen LCD allows configuration of controls and access to print status and job lists, while a Quad-Core processor delivers a fast response time. Up to two printers can be connected at once, and seven different media sizes can be selected: 3.5x5, 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 6x9, 8x10 and 8x12inches. Weighing just 385.5g and measuring 171x117x50.8mm, it’s Windows, Mac, Android and iOS compatible.

To place an order or get more info, contact sales@dnpphoto.eu now!

Wireless Print Ser ver Pro EU Hotspot for wireless printing

The wireless shoot-to-print

network box

Wireless Print Server Pro EU (WPS Pro EU) creates a hotspot for instant photo printing without the hassle of additional equipment.

Just couple any image capture device* with the DNP printers to obtain premium quality photo prints on site and within minutes.

WPS Pro EU allows event photographers to efficiently increase their shootto-print business by eliminating the use of wires and memory cards.

Easy as 1-2-3. Capture, Print, Sell!

n PC free interface

Capture Devices

+ NEW

DNP Printer and WPS Pro

=

n Mobile device support (inc.

WPS Pro EU mobile apps)

Gorgeous prints!

WIRELESS PRINTING PC-FREE INTERFACE

n 7-inch LCD touch screen n Flexible workflow

≤10 m distance

n Quad-core processor for fast response time

MOBILE DEVICE SUPPORT 7” LCD TOUCH SCREEN FLEXIBLE WORKFLOWS *Optional third-party accessories

may be required

n Narrows the window between image capture and print sale, thereby increasing efficiency n Eliminates use of wires and memory cards

www.bpinews.co.uk

DP-SL620 ALL-IN-ONE COMPACT KIOSK

Do much more with DNP!

H STYLIS DESIGN

,1’’ WITH 10 CREEN TOUCHS

DS-TMINI ORDER TERMINAL + DS620 PRINTER Design bb&b - Photos: ShutterStock, DNP

DP-SL620 can be connected to all DNP printers

Biometric passport photo function

4 exclusive photo finishes

Panoramic prints

Ideal for retails

Validates ID photos to meet the official requirements for any country

Glossy, Matte, Luster* & Fine Matte* with one media

Up to 6x20”with DP-SL620 and up to 8x32’’ with DS820 connected

Low investement, great returns

The biometric passport licence must be purchased

*Available for DS620 and DS820

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

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

FOCUS ON SIGMA’S ‘FANTASTIC FOUR’ Following a successful showcase at The Photography Show, the optical specialist is encouraging specialist retailers to stock up on its latest lens quartet: the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM, 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM and 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM.

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riginally announced in February this year, a fresh slew of Japanese made Sigma lenses are coming your way to stock and to sell, designed to satisfy a wide range of photographic needs.

All have the advantage of having been evaluated using the company’s ‘A1’ MFT measuring system, while each is available for Canon, Nikon and Sigma camera mounts. At the time of writing, availability and price is still to be confirmed.

Kicking things off is the 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM telephoto lens; the sixth 35mm full frame optic to join the ‘Art’ series line up and another option for those looking for a flattering ‘bokeh’ effect for subject matter, whether shooting tight or aiming for full body shots when taking portraits. The company adds that it is suitable for pairing with ultra high resolution, 50MP-shooting DSLRs and offers the advantage of fast and nimble auto focus – thanks to its Hyper Sonic Motor (or ‘HSM’). Its brass bayonet mount is also dust and splashproof. An additional advantage is that, like the others here, it’s compatible with the MC-11 mount converter, as well as the Sigma USB Dock, therefore allowing for a degree of future proofing.

Secondly, if your customers are seeking an ultra wide angle, highspeed lens then direct them to the 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM. This is being pitched as the world’s first and only

telephoto zoom, offering specification and performance comparable to a more expensive unit. Featuring a push/pull zoom mechanism, a built-in optical stabiliser, minimum shooting distance of 160cm and HSM motor for swift AF, stunning image quality and outstanding functionality is the major appeal here. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

SIGMA’S SPRING LENSES AT A GLANCE: Sigma’s Graham Armitage and Paul Reynolds at TPS 2017 with their finalist nomination for this year’s BPI News Awards, based on previous lens releases

f/1.8 ultra wide-angle lens for DSLRs – and happens to be the 7th 35mm full frame prime lens to join its ‘Art’ line up.

Featuring a brass bayonet mount, it can deliver beautiful bokeh effects or crystal clear results, the specification allowing the photographer to get up close and personal to a subject whilst also taking in a vast background – a ‘trick’ that goes beyond the capability of the human eye. The above qualities make it perfectly suited to astrophotography in particular, as its f/1.8 aperture affords a fast enough shutter speed to be able to capture stars so that they appear motionless.

Perhaps the flexibility and convenience of a standard zoom as a ‘go to’ lens is closer to what your photographer customer seeks?

The latest option here is the large

diameter 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, optimised for resolving the detail delivered by the latest megapixel heavy cameras. Introduced as part of the ‘Art’ line up and featuring a Hypersonic motor once again for high speed autofocus, along with an optical image stabilizer and a metal barrel to aid stability, this is the fourth generation of a popular lens first launched back in 2001. Sigma describes its ‘bokeh’ effects as ‘a cut above’ the norm for a lens in this class.

Whilst the above three lenses all fall under Sigma’s ‘Art’ lens banner, the final piece of the four-sided jigsaw is the ‘Contemporary’ series 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM. The pitch to your customers here is that this is a new compact, lightweight (at 1,160g) approach to the ultra

n 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM – Full frame telephoto lens suitable for pairing with ultra high resolution, 50MP-shooting DSLRs n 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM – Ultra wide angle, high-speed full frame lens pitched as the world’s first and only f/1.8 ultra wide-angle lens for DSLRs. An ideal choice for astrophotography n 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM – ‘Go to’ standard zoom optimised for resolving the detail delivered by the latest megapixel heavy cameras n 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM – Compact, light approach to the ultra telephoto zoom, offering spec and performance comparable to a more expensive unit

All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty.

14 April 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

GLOWING REVIEWS FOR CANSON

®

Winning rave reviews from the photo press and fresh from a packed stand at The Photography Show, where its Canson® Baryta Prestige 340gsm inkjet paper, Glassine rolls and E-Academy online tuition tool were showcased, French fine art paper specialist Canson® invites the trade to stock its acclaimed products…

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ecipient of a TIPA Award last year from the trade press for its Photo Lustre Premium PRC 310gsm – and more recently two glowing reviews for its Baryta Prestige 340gsm inkjet paper from Professional Imagemaker and f2/Cameracraft in their Dec/Jan editions – French fine art paper specialist Canson® is riding high on both acclaim and sales.

STIGE CANSON BARYTA PRE

340gsm Double Weight Plus

paper

C

anson Infinity only sent a few test sheets of their new ultra-heavy base So it was Baryta Prestige 340gsm. how precious. You can imagine of the pleased I was when one I was cats walked across the sheet your about to load (never turn that back) then sat on it. Once, of that would have been the end sheet of paper. test But, since it was the first print using the existing Canson 340gsm Baryta profile on a heavier off and new medium, I dusted it even Not went ahead. Not a mark. paper a trace. It was as if the virgin all. had not been handled at 3800) (Epson printer Out of the just it was almost perfectly flat, heavy the hint of a curve. It’s so stand almost could it stiff and was up unsupported – but there a free no curl to let me balance standing print on its end. and In terms of surface finish or absence of ink lay, bronzing already ‘bald’ highlights Canson

up, just one The colour print is standing top edge. point touching the printer is.

That’s how heavy this paper

made had one of the best papers and this in their standard Baryta, intense is equally good. It has an looking d-Max and a natural white, print and feeling like a darkroom the kind but on a ‘carton’ base of n which went out of productio to recall half a century ago. I seem e some Agfa Brovira fibre-bas stock and paper on a super weight the this Canson paper captures silver feel of classic monochrome a pity to prints perfectly. It’s almost

like a lovely with colour. It’s more it would put it in a mount, though print than dye transfer art process look great in the slip-in matte are just a lab colour print, as we by 3XM mounts being marketed finish and not used to this weight, and boxes) tion presenta (in their about colour gamut. It is archivally Marrutt (as packs of mounts). be as good as you get and can didn’t As for printer handling, I editions, recommended for limited On try stacking it in the feeder. gallery shows and museum feed my Epson, rear single sheet tion archival work, or presenta and it seemed the safest option sleeve. unmounted in an acetate fed perfectly.

– DK Á Canson Baryta Prestige black 340gsm looks perfect with See: www.cansoninfinity.com and and white and toned images,

PAPERS FOTOSPEED SQUARE

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A rich heritage: Canson® secured a patent for photographic paper way back in 1865 - as this original parchment reveals - with its latest Baryta paper bringing its innovations bang up to date

Pre-cut custom 8 x 8 and 12

x 12" stock

“This Canson® paper captures the feel of classic monochrome silver prints perfectly… in terms of an archival paper it is about as good as you get.”

–f2/Cameracraft magazine on the Canson® Infinity Baryta Prestige 340gsm

he square format – whether you associate it with Polaroid, Hasselblad or it’s now Instagram – is so popular now a standard. Many cameras to be allow a 1:1 format image raw. composed and captured The demand for square prints in for framing and for spreads has photo books or albums not been matched by any now. until turer paper manufac key paper Fotospeed has put three Platinum types – Platinum Etching, retail Baryta and PF Lustre – into (and also 12" x 12 and 8" x 8 boxes social in a square test pack). Any that photographer will tell you 5" or 7 x triptych frames with 5 x but 7" prints are very popular… sizes you can get two of these sheets respectively out of single more of A4 and A3. You can’t get A4 or than one square print from either A3 – and the size is odd, around 8.25" or 11.75" square. At A4 and 10% lower retail price than sizes A3, the Fotospeed square but they don’t save you a fortune

Seen on the printer, the 12 x 12 is 225% bigger in area than the 8 x 8. It’s ideal for very detailed images.

l lab/ enable prints to traditiona 10 x darkroom sizes including types 12". We found that all three 3800 front stack-fed in the Epson Even (still a popular standard). paper, the heaviest and stiffest fed Platinum Baryta 300gsm, without a hitch.

Using our Fotospeed profiles, the first prints were perfect from driver test. With the Epson 3800 8 x 8" you can create a custom could size, but there’s no way I size, or find of making my custom print the built-in 12 x 12" option, other borderless. Fotospeed tested and P800 printers including Epson and R3000, and Canon models, print. s these did allow a borderles are papers Verdict: all three s (I used tried and tested favourite life, PF Baryta for the toned still It’s Lustre for the tangle of trees). hipsters all as square, be to hip Rolleiflex know. Now dust off that or scan your Polaroids.

Reviewing its Baryta paper, Professional Imagemaker magazine concluded: “Another very fine paper from Canson®… the extra weight gives this product the ‘premium’ edge and prints are impressive.”

F2/Cameracraft was even more impressed, adding that: “This Canson® paper captures the feel of classic monochrome silver prints perfectly… in terms of an archival paper it is about as good as you get.”

— DK

See: www.fotospeed.com

ƒ2 Cameracraft 30 January/February 2017

A rich heritage of unique product Á

Last year you’ll recall that Canson® celebrated a staggering 150 years in the photographic business, as well as choosing Photokina to launch its Baryta Prestige 340gsm inkjet paper, Glassine paper rolls and E-Academy online tuition tool, all of which were present and correct at The Photography Show last month (Canson’s team pictured).

As the reviews above noted, the paper boasts unique characteristics to enable it to evoke the look and aesthetic feel of traditional darkroom papers. The pitch, in a nutshell, is that this an innovative paper for discerning photographers and printmakers, as suited to black and white as it is colour archival prints.

The other product that deviates from the norm is Canson® Infinity rolls of Glassine Translucent Archival Interleaving Paper at 40gsm. These rolls are described as being ideal for protecting, conserving and archiving

Canson’s Philippe Noblet (left) and colleague Cyril Bertolone, flank photographer ambassador & landscape specialist John Miskelly

“Another very fine paper from Canson®... the extra weight gives this product the ‘premium’ edge and prints are impressive.”

–Professional Imagemaker illustrations and photographs, and being launched in sizes 44-inches wide by 164ft in length.

Papers aside, the French manufacturer is also helping people get the best results with its fine art papers via the Canson® Infinity E-Academy; an online tool featuring a range of practical videos and live webinars, hosted by professional

photographers. Topics include Lightroom, ICC profiles, monitor calibration, colour management, aesthetics of a good print, permanence and longevity, choosing a Canson® Infinity paper that fits your requirements, selecting a printer and much more.

For more on the Canson® Infinity E-Academy head to the website at: www.canson-infinity.com/en/ e-academy For sales enquiries, please contact Canson’s distributors: n RKBURT (UK) - rkburt.co.uk n Fotospeed (UK) - fotospeed.com n FINE ART PAPER (Ireland) Sheldonphoto.com www.Cansoninfinity.com

New, as seen from Canson® at The Photography Show: Baryta Prestige paper, Glassine rolls & E-Academy @bpi_news

BPI News | April 2017 15

REPORT

2

1

SHOW OF STRENGTH

3

As the curtain closes on a successful fourth outing for The Photography Show across four days at Hall 5 of the NEC, Birmingham, we feature the pictorial highlights plus feedback from exhibitors. So, how was it for the trade?

B

PI News attended The Photography Show on the Sunday and Monday this year, as official partners of organisers Future. Our show preview edition of the magazine was distributed at the ‘Media Village’ portion of the exhibition, opposite the Kenro stand, whilst Canon also kindly took a batch.

Thanks also to everyone who took the time to pick up our show edition of BPI News and for the kind words from the photo trade about the magazine generally. Generally the mood we found at the NEC was very positive.

We arrived just before midday on the Sunday to find what appeared to be a bustling show, smiles from Future’s Jonny Sullens and his team, plus talk of record takings from retailers. But in our opinion Monday, traditionally the professionals’ day, was even better attended – if the fact that it took longer for us to get through the crowds to reach our various appointments was any indicator.

Despite uncertainty in the world and the challenge of Brexit, people had obviously come to the show to spend, and there was a sense that they’d be saving up to grab a show deal. Hordes of enthusiastic customers constantly laid siege to the large Cameraworld, Calumet and LCE stands, the three retailers at the show.

There were also a fair few companies we’d never heard of nestling amongst the larger names, a seemingly greater number of people doing weird and wonderful things with drones and software apps, and, with a number of stand re-designs from the majors.

Given the above, the show felt refreshed… revitalised even.

But don’t just take our word for it. London Camera Exchange’s Marketing Manager Adrian Deary told us: “It’s been absolutely superb!

We’ve exceeded all of our targets – it’s been the best year ever.” This experience was echoed by Calumet, whose Content Marketing Manager Anna Bielecka noted: “We’ve had a

busier show year-on-year and we’re really happy with sales and the great equipment trade-ins that have happened.”

Manufacturers were also positive.

“It’s been a very successful show for us in terms of engaging and educating visitors to be inspired to take more photographs,” said Nikon UK’s Marketing Director Jeremy Gilbert. Fuji’s Andreas Georghiades also described the show as “key for us to engage with passionate photographers”, while Canon’s Product Specialist David Parry told us: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. We’ve seen a great variety of people at the show which is a hugely positive sign that all levels of photographer are keen to take their imaging journey further.”

Panasonic also described the show as “really positive”, while Olympus sold out of its flagship camera through its retail partners on the Monday, with Head of Consumer Business Ian Tolley adding that “overall we’re up on sales and interest year on year.”

Sony’s Product Manager James Loader had perhaps the highest praise of all, saying: “the way the show is run has totally invigorated the industry. The Photography Show is the best opportunity in the year for us to get to see our customers and we take on all of the feedback that we receive.”

Future’s Head of Events Jonny Sullens sums up 2017’s exhibition by saying: “The Photography Show 2017 has been a huge success and we’re thrilled to have been able to put on such a well-received event to support the imaging industry. We are so thankful that all the exhibitors put so much effort into their stands to make it a real showpiece for the market and a chance to inspire all the visitors, whether they are a seasoned pro or a first time beginner.”

The Photography Show returns to the NEC in March 2018. The dates for your diary are the 17th to the 20th. www.photographyshow.com

Keep up to date with plans for The Photography Show 2018 by bookmarking www.photographyshow.com 16 April 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

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WHO’S WHO? 1. The busy entrance to the show on the Monday, complete with countdown to the curtains parting, 2. Hats off to Sony, visiting photojournalist Dan Chung (middle), Ben Pilling of Sony UK (with balloons), 3. Nikon’s stand hosted a constant and well attended programme of talks from the brand’s photographer ambassadors, 4. Retailers Cameraworld, LCE and Calumet all had a big presence, with talk of record takings, 5. Fotospeed again welcomed big names in photography to its stand, including Faye and Trevor Yerbury, shown here, 6. Fuji enchanted visitors with not only its X series cameras but also a fairy grotto styled model set up, 7. Canon celebrated 30 years of EOS cameras at the show, with an artist in residence creating a live mural, 8. PhotoXport’s Derek Fieldhouse and Noritu’s Ron Kubara were inundated with enquiries on their shared stand, 9. Monday at TPS was particularly packed, visitors drawn in by a multitude of global brands and inevitable show deals, 10. Frazer and Denys of Alpha Optical Distribution made a particular point of showcasing their new agency – Artisan & Artist straps and accessories, 11. Epson’s huge stand displayed their many and varied print solutions, including the new P5000 model, 12. The award winning Oyster 271 paper was just one of the fine art media choices showcased via the PermaJet stand, 13. Panasonic’s flagship GH5 was the undoubted star of its stand this year, 14. The clean lines and design of Sigma’s stand drew the eye and the punters, 15. It ain’t a Photography Show without BPI News, with an extended print run affording extra copies at the show

Keep up to date with plans for The Photography Show 2018 by bookmarking www.photographyshow.com @bpi_news

BPI News | April 2017 17

The main thing we learned at this year's Photography Show?

CUSTOMERS LOVE EPSON ALMOST AS MUCH AS WE DO! The great thing about The Photography Show is that customers have the chance to compare printing equipment and we were so pleased with all the positive feedback we received about our Epson

printers. Whether it was existing customers looking to add more print capacity or new customers impressed by the amazing print quality, Epson seemed to be the word on the lips of everyone we spoke to.

PRINT QUALITY "The level of detail in comparison to other machines is incredible. It's hard to believe it's from the same file!"

That was the usual reaction when we printed a file from either the Epson D700 or the Epson D3000.

Whereas other printers seemed to lose detail or change the colour balance, the Epson gave a true representation of the original file, with amazing levels of detail and colour precision to produce stunning images.

MEDIA CHOICE "I always thought dry lab media was limited to the basic finishes but the new SpectraJet range including metallic has changed my perceptions" At Tetenal we don't just offer printing machines, we offer printing solutions, this means sourcing and offering the best media possible in as many finishes as possible, giving you greater flexibility and supporting your creativity.

DRY LABS Alongside our Epson and Kodak Dry Lab Media ranges we've extended our SpectraJet range beyond gloss and lustre to incorporate Metallic Gloss and Lustre as well as new art Matte.

The beauty of working with Tetenal is that we have a wide portfolio of media to enable you to really get the very best out of your Epson Large Format Printer.

The beauty of the SpectraJet range is that it is compatible with all kinds of Dry Labs, not just Epson. So you now have unparalleled choice for your dry lab, whatever make it is.

As an authorised supplier for some of the leading names in high quality media, including Hahnemuhle and Ilford, we can work with you to select the perfect mix of media for the specific type of work you produce.

LARGE FORMAT When it comes to Large Format Printing, Epson offers unrivalled image quality through their proprietary technology and constant innovation.

TEST PRINTS We are more than happy for you to send us your test files for us to produce prints on your choice of media so you can see for yourself how Epson brings your images to life.

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

CONNECTIVITY & FLEXIBILITY "My images come from a variety of sources so being able to manage these in a workflow system is critical" Whether it's an Epson D3000 production Dry Lab, a D700 Event/Studio printer or an Epson LFP, Tetenal have the knowledge and expertise to connect our machines into almost any workflow system.

RELIABILITY & SUPPORT "I'm amazed at the build quality and reliability of Epson but it's great to know there's support there if I need it"

SEE THE QUALITY FOR YOURSELF WITH OUR FREE TEST PRINT OFFER

Epson products have long been known for their build quality and reliability.

We're so confident in the amazing print quality of our Epson printer range we'll run some test prints from your own images free of charge. Contact us for full details.

That is underlined by the fact that Epson Dry labs come with a minimum of 3 years warranty.

In addition, until the end of May, Epson Large Format Printers above 24" come with a free 3 year warranty.

Call us now to arrange your own demonstration of the amazing Epson print range of inkjet Dry Labs and Large Format Printers EPSON AUTHORISED PARTNER 2017

So there has literally never been a better time to buy!

Tetenalltd

TetenalUK

PrintHardware

e-mail • uk@tetenal.uk.com

BPI NEWS AWARDS 2017

AWARDS

2017

P RO D U C T O F

BPI NEWS

MEET YOUR BPI NEWS AWARDS FINALISTS

BPI NEWS

THE YEAR

AWARDS

2017

PROMOTION

OF THE YEAR

Last chance to vote! We’ve Promotion of the Year & Product of the Year up for grabs, and we’re asking you to select your winners from those nominated here. Congratulations to all. Final results are published in BPI News May, so don’t delay: email or Tweet us your choices now!

I

f you haven’t yet voted for yourselves or your trade peers for Product of the Year and Promotion/Campaign of the Year, this is your very last opportunity to do so!

Recent history has shown us the seismic shifts that can occur if otherwise good-intentioned folk sit on their hands. Previous winners of prestigious BPI News

Awards have built up support by sharing, tweeting and cajoling their customers, clients and industry colleagues to put some votes their way. So marketing managers &

PRs take note – effort is rewarded, particularly when it comes to our trade specific Promotion/Campaign of the Year category!

1 3

2

6

7 5 The nominees with the most votes are our winners – as straightforward as that! So don’t delay, cast your vote TODAY. Tweet us your choices @bpi_news or email info@bpinews.co.uk

HOW TO VOTE

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Here’s a quick re-cap: simply send us your choice of Product of the Year as well as Promotion of the Year from among the finalists listed or depicted here. Stick them in the subject line of an email to our office: info@bpinews.co.uk or tag us with your vote on Twitter, where we’re simply @bpi_news (don’t forget to follow us there as you do so!).

Exert your democratic right: Vote now in the BPI News Awards 2017. Tell us your Product of the Year & 20 April 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

BPI NEWS AWARDS 2017 WHO TO VOTE FOR: YOUR 2017 FINALISTS AT A GLANCE Just pick two from the following list – one from each category – and tell us your winners from the UK photo trade.

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Promotion/campaign finalists:

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11 10

n The Photography Show 2016 n Fujifilm FDIS Conference 2016 n Fujifilm spring 2017 collection/GFX launch n Wilkinson Cameras’ Digital Splash 2016 n Sony’s Big Lens Focus n Canon summer 2016 cash-backs n Tetenal’s Leicester HQ re-fit n Hama’s advantage hammered home n DNP biometric print software n Kodak Alaris’ ‘Kodak Moments’ 4-page pull out n DPS Group Indigo Inkjet paper n Noritsu/PhotoXport: ‘Make the Smart choice for 2017’ n Panasonic Lumix G National Trust campaign n Intro2020 Cullman bags & tripods feature n Nedis UK: ‘Thinking outside the box’ n The Societies Convention & Trade Show n PermaJet Oyster 271 paper & Dry Lab Rolls

Product finalists: 13

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n Nikon D500 n Olympus E-M1 Mark II CSC n LumeJet ‘photonic’ print technology n Kenro Nanguang & Nissin kit n Fotospeed Square Format Inkjet Papers n Hasselblad H6D n Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM & 30mm f/1.4 DC DN lenses n Mac Group MeFoto Air tripods n Rotolight Neo LED lamp

WHO’S WHO? 14 16

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1. L to R: Fujifilm UK’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington and General Manager Theo Georghiades, 2. Nikon Commercial Director Charlotte Kemsley and Press Officer for Imaging Nina Fairfowl, 3. Jane Nicholson, Marketing Manager of distributor Intro2020, 4. Hama’s Senior Product Manager Ben Jones, 5. Colin Jones, Company Director of The Societies (SWPP), 6. L to R: Rod Gammons Snr of Rotolight and colleague Chris Eady, 7. L to R: Toby and Ben Herlinger of paper specialist Fotospeed, 8. Canon UK Product Marketing Manager Daniel Benjamin on left, Product Manager Neal Conroy on right, 9.

Two generations of Kenro: Paul Kench with father Tony, 10.

Georgina Pavelin, Marketing Manager at Olympus UK, 11. Team Tetenal are in it to win it, 12. G-force: Panasonic’s Barnaby Sykes and Helen Wilson, 13. Mark Witney and Simon Coleman of Hasselblad UK, 14. Sony’s Arnaud Gutleben accepts his brand’s nomination from BPI News Editor Gavin, 15. The PermaJet team take a stand, 16. Print specialist LumeJet’s Steve Lovatt

CLOSING DATE FOR VOTES: THURSDAY APRIL 20TH 2017. WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN BPI NEWS MAY Promotion of the Year. Email info@bpinews.co.uk or share your choices via Twitter by tagging @bpi_news @bpi_news

BPI News | April 2017 21

REPORT

#DestinationFujifilm

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16/02/2017 16:12

MAKE YOUR DESTINATION FUJIFILM Fujifilm has just celebrated another successful annual gathering of its Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) network, topped off by a black tie Fujifilm Business Endeavour Awards, at which lucky and worthy recipients were recognised. BPI News has the inside track

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raditionally taking place in Birmingham on the same Saturday that The Photography Show – which Fujifilm also attended in force – raises its own shutters, this year the national conference for Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) members felt like it had upped its game. Held at the National Conference Centre on March 18th, there were even more attendees than ever receiving awards at a swish black tie dinner – a first for the event.

This year’s conference had the theme of ‘#DestinationFujifilm’; encompassing the manufacturer’s dual aims: for FDIS-branded stores to become the ‘go-to’ retailer for photo printing on the high street, and to create greater consumer awareness of photo printing services via a

strong online and digital presence.

Speakers included Paddy Moogan from digital marketing agency Aira – who explained the in’s and out’s of great digital marketing to its members – and TK Broecker from The Print Refinery (a forwardthinking new shop design initiative).

They both spoke on the day alongside Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington and Photo Imaging General Manager Neill Harris, who outlined Fujifilm’s plans to re-invigorate the market support it supplies its retail partners with.

‘Single biggest high street photo brand…’

Following a successful year for Fujifilm led by the success of Instax cameras, Neil announced that

the FDIS group is now the single biggest high street photo brand able to offer on-site assisted photo services. “With more than 180 minilabs and creative-productenabled locations, you are now best placed to serve the photo consumer, and define yourselves as THE destination for photo services,” said Neill, who also thanked members for their continued support and dedication to the industry.

Peter Wigington then shared statistics from a 1,000-participant consumer research project commissioned by Fujifilm, with Peter and the team also visiting each of the 189 FDIS member stores across the UK. The feedback revealed that: “whilst Fujifilm in general is considered a trusted and recognised brand, more work is needed to raise

awareness for our photo imaging services in the UK.” Of the aims for the coming year, Peter identified the importance of digital marketing and a strong online presence, given that: “74% of consumers will use online to purchase printed photo products in the future.” With this in mind, Fujifilm unveiled plans for a new photo products and services website, and will be moreover updating the look and feel of FDIS with fresh, modern artwork used throughout the group.

“It is important that FDIS branding remains consistent, both online and offline,” Peter noted.

“Consumers should have the same experience whether they shop in-store, online or through the mobile app.”

Keynote speakers, L to R: Fujifilm’s Neill Harris and Peter Wigington were followed by Paddy Moogan and TK Broecker

Boost your print sales in 2017! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via peter.wigington@fujiflim.com 22 April 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

REPORT a local search on their smartphone visit a business within 24 hours and 28% of those people make a purchase.”

Such striking statistics certainly perked the attendees up and FDIS members were keen to hear more from both Paddy and TK after their respective speeches.

2017 Awards winners at a glance:

#DestinationFujifilm

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Celebrating a winning formula with a coterie of winners

The growing FDIS membership is is now 189 stores strong, many of whom made it along to this year’s Conference for business advice and marketing tips

Expert advice from outside sources Providing an independent view, having flown in especially from the States, was TK Broecker, a business owner who shared some of the ideas behind the launch of The Print Refinery, a collaborative and

Moving on to the black tie evening celebrations, two new awards categories were introduced this year – ‘Best use of a promotion’ and ‘Best use of social media’. See our panel on this spread for the full list of this year’s winners.

Outstanding Contribution this year was Alister Walker of JRS Photo in Scotland, while Digipix in Ilford hoisted the other big award of the night as ‘FDIS Shop of the Year’.

Prizes were also given for an Instagram challenge that took place in the lead up to this year’s Conference and Awards, and again involved the participation of Fujifilm’s DIS network. This

Fujifilm’s UK team rev’d up at their Awards’ success

Outstanding Contribution to Independent Photo Retail:

Alister Walker, JRS Photo Hardware (pictured above)

FDIS Shop of The Year:

Digipix, Ilford

Fujifilm Business Endeavour Awards:

Cartridge & Photo Shop, Andover Click Click, Bishops Stortford Digipix, Ilford Razzaq Digital, Harrow

FBEA Highly Commended:

1st Cameras, Newcastle Under Lyme Black & White Photography, Edmonton Catch The Moment, Bristol Colliers Photo Imaging, Swansea Enniskillen Photo Shop Photo Studio, Tewkesbury Salisbury Photo Centre Staveley Photo Centre Treorchy Photo Lab

“This year’s conference had the theme of ‘#DestinationFujifilm’; encompassing the manufacturer’s dual aims: for FDIS-branded stores to become the ‘go-to’ retailer for photo printing on the high street, and to create greater consumer awareness of photo printing services via a strong online and digital presence.” interactive social space designed to inspire people and businesses to creatively use photographs, imagery and video. This new approach has been introduced by IPI – formerly International Print and Imaging – a similar group to FDIS, with 470 members operating across the States, Australia, New Zealand and the UK (Frosts Photo Centre and Razzaq Digital – also in the FDIS group – are members).

“It’s all about emotional content,” revealed Mr Broecker. “We hardly ever use discounts or offers to entice customers. Instead, we tell stories around our products that connect to consumers emotionally.”

The final keynote presentation was by the aforementioned Paddy Moogan, who also highlighted the importance of an online presence – and that it needs to be mobile friendly, since “77% of mobile searches are in a location where people also have a PC available to them. 76% of people who conduct

comprised 10 photographic categories, with prizes offered for the best entries. The winners (see also our side panel) were the ones who were as creative as possible in thinking outside the box.

Over the course of the night Fujifilm held a raffle which raised £700 for Cancer Research. This was particularly poignant, as long time FDIS member Don Soppitt of McFarlanes, Larne, has recently undergone a course of intensive chemotherapy and was unable to attend this year’s gathering.

Summing up the 2017 Conference and Awards, Fujifilm’s Peter Wigington concludes: “Because they take their businesses seriously, our FDIS members are excited and optimistic about what’s to come.”

For more call 01234 572138 or email photoprintingservices_uk@ fujifilm.com

FDIS Shop Assistant of the Year:

James Kidd, Frosts Photo Centre

Best use of a promotion:

Foto Finish, Chard

Best use of social media:

J&A Cameras, Barnstaple

InstaChallenge winners:

#crazystaff - Owens Imaging, Orpington #rushhour - Black & White Photography, Edmonton #bestseller - Click Click, Bishops Stortford #animalmagic - Colorgrafix, Louth #windowdisplay - Frosrt Photo Centre, Mere Green #customerlove - Y Stiwdio Brint #brightidea - The Photo Shop, Tewkesbury #coffeebreak - Digipix, Ilford #roomwithaview - Colliers Photo Imaging, Swansea #afterhours - The Photo Shop, Tewkesbury

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Instagram Challe

Fujifilm’s Instagram Challenge winners were encouraged to ‘think outside the box’

Boost your print sales in 2017! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via peter.wigington@fujiflim.com @bpi_news

BPI News | April 2017 23

CONGRATULATIONS to all 2017 FUJIFILM winners

Click Click, Bishops Stortford

Cartridge & Photo, Andover

Razzaq Digital, Harrow

Peter Wigington, Terry Trundle, Lindsey Trundle, Neill Harris, Wendy Gray

Peter Wigington, Mark Simmonds, Lesley-Ann Simmonds, Neill Harris, Wendy Gray

Peter Wigington, Hassan Bhanji, Sumi Hassan, Neill Harris, Wendy Gray

Shop of the Year

Digipix, Ilford

Peter Wigington, Jack Manton, Talvinder Bhogal, Neill Harris, Wendy Gray

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

BEST IN SHOW: MAC GROUP’S BENRO & PHOTTIX BRANDS As seen at The Photography Show last month, distributor MAC Group Europe offers the photo retailer a veritable one-stop shop when it comes to photo accessories, bags and tripods. A case in point: Benro & Phottix – high quality brands you’ll want to stock on which there’s good margin to be made…

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f you attended The Photography Show last month you would have found distributor MAC Group’s large and imposing stand hosting a wide selection of photographic accessories, all drawing interest from photo enthusiasts and professionals.

Two brands that stand out – and which we’re focusing on here – are camera tripod and bag specialist Benro and lighting accessory provider Phottix.

Pro photographers with long lenses to carry are a perfect match for the Sherpa series, available in two sizes in the 600N (£260 SRP) and 800N (£300) – the latter stashing an 800mm lens plus two DSLR bodies, several additional lenses, flash unit and accessories. There is even room for a 17-inch laptop, whilst the base of both packs is water resistant.

Bag a Benro bestseller A large space allowed MAC Group to show off its wide selection of Benro bags. Latest options include the Ranger, Sherpa, Incognito, H2O Stop, Falcon, Element and the Hiker Drone.

Aimed at photographers with heavy kit who regularly shoot outdoors are Benro’s Falcon backpacks (see above)in two sizes – the 400 (£200 SRP) and the 800 (£220), which respectively hold a DSLR with a 400mm lens or 800mm lens attached. A made-to-measure rain cover also features, as do pockets for memory cards and assorted Offering lightweight protection ephemera. for mirror-less cameras to DSLRs, At the other end of the scale the Ranger series (see above) are your photographer customers boasts ‘something for everyone’ in who want a more discreet carrying three traditional backpacks, three solution. Benro provides this too in shoulder bags and two zoom style the aptly named ‘Incognito’. bags, manufactured from water (see right) repellant nylon. Soft-lined internal Available in compartments offer adjustable fetching khaki dividers, with the backpacks featuring or black, it’s three-way access to the main designed to compartment. Suggested prices range carry either a from £30 for the smallest Ranger CSC CSC or DSLR. Z10 to £175 for the biggest Ranger Camera storage 500N backpack. is in the lower

MAC Group’s Scott Baggaley (on left) and Mark Hoskins celebrate a nod from BPI News for MeFoto, one of several accessory brands available to stockists alongside Benro and Phottix, showcased here

section, with access via the rear for extra security. Backpacks and shoulder bags start at £65 or £35 respectively.

Street photographers and urban explorers are also directed to Benro’s weatherproof (and again aptly named!) H20stop backpacks (see above) and messenger bags. Charcoal grey in colour, inserts can be removed completely should the user simply want an everyday bag. Prices for bags start at £55 and the ‘packs at £140.

Even more budget friendly still is the Element series for, well, taking the elements in your stride. Available in black with a contemporary looking blue trim, SRP’s start at £17.50 for a zoom bag while the backpacks are an affordable £50. The shoulder and zoom bags also feature a rear access zip for added security.

Finally, Benro also has a solution for the photographer and the filmmaker combined in the Hiker Drone, for which there are two models, the 250N (£110 SRP) and 350N (£130) Each is designed to protect specialist drone equipment, with the bigger brother in the 350N being large enough to house a DJI Phantom device plus a DSLR with standard zoom lens attached.

For more on the Benro bag ranges, visit www.benro.com Meanwhile to order stock, get in touch with MAC Group Europe now on 01902 255 500. www.macgroupeu.com

Phottix illuminates your profits As any student of imaging knows, ‘photography is light’ – and here MAC Group can help its retail partners too via its Phottix range.

Hero products here include Ares II flash trigger and Taimi digital timer/remote.

The Phottix Ares II is a budget friendly flash system comprising transmitter (£55 SRP) and receiver (£53), said to be perfect for manual shooting with studio lighting and/or speedlights. There are 16 channels to choose from while a Digital IFD feature ensures that no third party can trigger the flash (unless they’ve been given access to the four digit code).

The Phottix Ares II will also be compatible with the forthcoming Phottix Juno hot shoe flash.

The £70 Taimi digital timer is an all-in-one digital timer and wired remote. A comprehensive set of connection cables is included, to cover Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras. Users get a self timer, interval timer, long exposure timer and exposure count setting feature. In short it is as well suited to low light and astro photography as it is studio and location shoots. Contact MAC Group now to find out more!

Get in touch with MAC Group Europe to order the above products now on 01902 255 500 or visit www.macgroupeu.com @bpi_news

BPI News | April 2017 25

NEWS

TETENAL’S SUPPORT TEAM GROWS LEICESTER-BASED photographic distributor Tetenal has appointed Brian Williamson as a Field Service Engineer. Brian’s CV includes a stint with Foto Processing in Leeds, and roles as Technical Specialist for both Fujifilm and Noritsu in the UK. When Veritek acquired Noritsu’s service department in 2010, Brian’s position evolved into Escalation

Service Engineer, specialising in Noritsu equipment including high speed inkjet printers – and he now relishes fresh opportunities at Tetenal.

“I am well known throughout the industry already but I’m excited about establishing Tetenal as a major force in the photo equipment support field,” he says.

“It’s a tough and competitive business but I can’t wait to get started!”

Head of Tetenal’s Service Support Team Rob Blanchard adds: “We’re really happy to have Brian’s experience and expertise on board as we enter a period of growth. He will add to our already excellent team and enable us to expand the technical services we provide, as well as giving us added geographical coverage.”

Brian Williamson has joined the support team

www.tetenaluk.com

‘Outstanding’ retailer seeks sale of business

Stock the M6 via DirekTek AS WE REPORTED last month, Canon’s new M6 mirror-less camera lands in April, and distributor DirekTek is pitching itself as the best place for the trade to order stock. Central to its appeal is a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF, enabling your customers to achieve DSLR-like quality.

Hasselblad marks new lens launch with an ‘X’ HASSELBLAD HAS followed last year’s launch of the X1D camera with the announcement of four new compatible XCD lenses. The first in the XCD 120mm Macro lens will be arriving this June. Offering a f/3.5 aperture, the new lens is said to be suitable for close up work, in offering a 1:2 format image, whilst it can also function as a mid range telephoto lens for portrait or other photography requiring a longer focal length.

“The XCD 120mm Macro lens complements the existing XCD dedicated autofocus lenses, which were developed to support optical quality and portability,” explains Hasselblad Product Manager Ove Bengston. “This is the first addition to the X1D range of lenses in 2017 and we are excited to launch more

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The business presently employs four full time staff, alongside Alister himself. “Turnover is circa £500k per annum and we have an growing eBay shop, where we sell second hand items on a commission basis,” he adds. As part of the Fujifilm FDIS network, JRS Photo Hardware has a Wobbler Fuji DL 600 print lab installed. There is also a good turnover in passport photos as, says Alister, “the local Post Office always recommends us as the favoured passport photo provider”. Additionally, there is 21/08/2013 13:54

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

AS WE ORIGINALLY reported late last year, Alister Walker (pictured), owner of Perth-based photo specialist JRS Photo Hardware – which has just won Fujifilm’s Outstanding Commitment to Independent Photo Retail (see also page 22 for news on thisA3 Poster year’s FDIS Awards) – is seeking a new owner for his leasehold business. There are four years left on the existing lease, with the golden opportunity to extend it further. The current rent is £16,000 per annum.

to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes

ou need to go to speCial plaCes

Description

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

limentary 12 month national trust ership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

Capture speeds of up to 9fps using fixed AF, in-camera five-axis video stabilisation and a large tilting touchscreen complete the picture.

Further info can be found at www.direktek.co.uk or to place an order email sales@direktek.co.uk

lenses later in the year.”

Over the next 12 months the manufacturer will also launch the XCD 35-75mm zoom, XCD 65mm and XCD 22mm wide-angle lenses, bring the total to four new optics. By the beginning of 2018, it promises seven dedicated XCD lenses and access to all 12 HC/HCD lenses using an XH lens adapter. www.hasselblad.com

growing wedding photography business, with up to 15 weddings photographed each year.

Its current stock is included in the sale. This comprises DSLRs, CSCs, compact cameras, binoculars and spotting scopes, astronomical telescopes, frames and albums, plus tripods and rucksacks. As noted, it also offers a full printing service via its DL600 Lab and an Epson 24-inch wide roll printer.

The price of the business is in the region of £150K including all stock at valuation. Interested parties should get in touch now via sales@jrsphoto.co.uk or call 07833 370762.

to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.

Hang Tag

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

tional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions R GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG

Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG

21/08/2013 13:56

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21/08/2013 13:59

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

INDIGO & EPSON: YOUR ‘GO TO’ FROM THE DPS GROUP Epson’s newest SC-P5000 printer & Indigo Inkjet A2 poster boards are being pitched to the trade as a match made in heaven by Beckenham-based re-seller The DPS Group, fresh from a successful showcase at The Photography Show…

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s a leading supplier of Epson product, BPI News readers will be very familiar with Kent based print solutions provider The DPS Group. We’ve not only showcased the ‘hero’ Epson product it can provide, but also its Indigo inkjet paper.

The news this issue – off the back of a showcase at The Photography Show last month – is that it is not only able to furnish trade partners with Epson’s new SureColor SCP5000 printer, but also Indigo Inkjet poster boards at A2 in size which it suggests are a great match with the new Epson machine.

“Alternatively we are able to offer poster board media in differing sizes to suit, including A1 A3+ and A4,” The DPS Group’s MD Maneesh Patel tells us. “Bear in mind though, that as the media is 1.5mm thick, it will only work with certain printers. If in doubt – or to find out more – please ask us for advice.”

Once again, the appeal of Indigo is that it offers great quality at a great price. DPS MD Maneesh Patel describes Indigo’s offerings as “very cost effective but very high quality”, adding that the Indigo Inkjet range covers not just the aforementioned poster boards, but also poster paper, photo, and general usage paper.

“Right now, Indigo Inkjet has one of the largest selections of high quality media under a single brand,” he confirms. “We are constantly expanding our range with new uses and applications being met all of the time. What’s more, we are always looking for new products and innovative applications. The whole ethos is that quality printing materials don’t have to cost the earth.”

The DPS Group’s Maneesh Patel & Michael Nash pictured at The Photography Show with BPI Awards finalist certificate for previous Indigo promotion

Indigo Inkjet poster board (here depicting lady with sunglasses) via the DPS Group is a perfect media match for an Epson printer

For more info see www.indigo-inkjet.co.uk

A beast that’s also a beauty Epson’s notable new printer, meanwhile, is a veritable beast of a machine. As noted above it can handle anything from panoramic prints, through A2+ posters, to fine art sheet media, including poster board.

The 17-inch, ten colour printer replaces the Stylus Pro 4900 and features Epson’s UltraChrome HDX inks, 1.5x denser than the previous iteration. A wider contrast ratio and optically clearer images are also promised. As we’d expect, it offers versatile media handling, autoswitching between its high capacity front paper cassette (holding 100 sheets of premium media or 250 sheets of ‘standard’) and roll media feeder. Its roll media spindle enables the production of panoramas and roll printing up to 30.5m.

In short, the SC-P5000 brings all the SureColor printing technology into a 17-inch desktop model, giving photographers, designers and prepress professionals precise colours and the very best results. So we can’t see anyone getting bored of this print

workhorse in a hurry.

Get in touch: Trade members interested in ordering an Epson SC-P5000 or finding out more about the Indigo Inkjet poster board options are strongly advised to contact the DPS Group’s Michael Nash or Gary Crawley on 020 8466 7230 or email sales@dpsb.co.uk www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.dpsb.co.uk

Key Epson SureColor SC-P5000 features at a glance: n 17-inch desktop printer n 10 colour ink set n Auto switches between high capacity front cassette and roll media feeder n Roll media spindle enables production of panoramic prints n Other media includes poster board and posters up to A2+ in size

For enquiries about DPS Group products, call Michael Nash or Gary Crawley NOW on 020 8466 7230 or email sales@dpsb.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | April 2017 27

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

SPRING INTO ACTION & BUDGET FOR BUSINESS

The March 2017 Budget – Philip Hammond’s first – will be remembered for two main reasons: for being the last spring Budget, and for the swift U-turn on planned national insurance hikes for the self-employed. However, dig a little deeper, suggests our resident business expert Adam Bernstein, and there is still plenty going on that small businesses need to be aware of…

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t is clear that the Government remains determined, in the long run, to narrow the differences between the tax treatment of income from employment and selfemployment, and to reduce the tax incentives to incorporate. So believes Tina Riches, chair of the Chartered Institute of Taxation’s Owner Managed Business Sub-Committee and national tax partner at Smith & Williamson LLP. As she points out, and BPI News readers won’t fail to have noticed, increases in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for the self-employed may now be off the table for the rest of this Parliament, but the Chancellor announced that the dividend allowance (the amount that can be taken in dividends taxfree from a company) will be cut further from the present £5,000 to a mere £2,000 from April 2018.

“It’s interesting that, although the present dividend allowance was

28 April 2017 | BPI News

just introduced in April 2016, the Chancellor has clearly decided that it is too generous,” Riches notes. “It gives tax advantages to those who take income as ‘director-shareholders’ (which many retailers do, as limited companies) in the form of dividends, rather than as salary.” The problem is that this move also affects anyone with dividend income over £2,000 per annum.

However, Riches offers some good news for the self-employed as the abolition of Class 2 NICs, a weekly flat rate payment (£2.85 in 2017-18) also paid by the self-employed, will go ahead in April 2018. However, on the flipside, she points out that those with small profits (under £8,164pa) may consider switching to paying voluntary Class 3 NICs (£14.25pw) to maintain their full State Pension entitlement. The advice is that those caught here need to check their state pension forecast and take financial

“Increases in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for the self-employed may now be off the table for the rest of this Parliament, but the Chancellor announced that the dividend allowance (the amount that can be taken in dividends tax-free from a company) will be cut further...” advice. Could these changes in turn affect the shopper’s wallet? Time will tell.

Cause for concern?

A concern that many have is the Government’s implementation of Making Tax Digital, a new online quarterly reporting regime. Riches says that the Chancellor is under pressure to slow the process down and she was pleased that he announced some changes: “Fundamentally, unincorporated businesses and landlords trading

below the VAT registration threshold (currently £85,000) can have another year – until April 2019 – before they have to fall in line. Businesses above that threshold will still have to apply the new rules from April next year.”

The revised start dates are now: • April 2018 – businesses with profits chargeable to income tax (turnover in excess of the VAT threshold), excluding larger LLPs • April 2019 – businesses with profits chargeable to income tax (turnover below the VAT threshold)

www.bpinews.co.uk

SPRING BUDGET SPECIAL Business rates The most eagerly awaited Budget announcement for anyone with high street premises will probably have been the final word on the business rates revaluation, which takes effect in April 2017, including a further £435 million of transitional relief (in addition to the £3.6 billion announced in November).

Small businesses losing Small Business Rate Relief will see increases in their annual bills limited to the greater of £600, or the alternative transitional relief cap for small businesses.

Local councils in England will get funding to support £300 million of discretionary relief, to allow them to provide support to individual cases in their areas.

The Government has also vowed to re-value more frequently in future – at least every three years.

“The most eagerly awaited Budget announcement for anyone with high street premises will probably have been the final word on the business rates revaluation.

Small businesses losing Small Business Rate Relief will see increases in their annual bills limited to the greater of £600, or the alternative transitional relief cap for small businesses” • April 2019 – VAT reporting • April 2020 – businesses chargeable to corporation tax and larger LLPs “Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by how far away these start dates are,” advises Riches.

“This is a substantial change, even for retailers with good accounting systems. Those businesses who currently maintain accounting records in hard copy, or who use spread sheets such as Excel, really need to take note.”

Pensions and savings And what of pensions? The Chancellor left the annual allowance for tax-free pension contributions at £40,000 for most people in 201718. But the amount of tax-relieved pension contribution that can be made by someone who has already started drawing down from their pension fund (the ‘money purchase annual allowance’) was cut from

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£10,000 to £4,000, amid concern about people getting a second round of tax relief.

In terms of savings, the limit for the 0% starting rate of income tax will stay unchanged at £5,000 in 2017-18. However, Riches sees changes to ISAs: “There’s a new Lifetime ISA that comes in, in April 2017, with a generous government top-up of 25% of the money you put in. It’s only available to the under 40s and there are tight rules on what it can be withdrawn for.” For everyone else, she points out that the ISA limit rose to £20,000 in April.

Other tax changes In the fuss over National Insurance, income tax has been almost forgotten and so it’ll come as a relief that the Chancellor re-confirmed that the personal allowance rises to £11,500 for 2017-18 as a step towards an allowance of £12,500 by 2020. The higher rate threshold (i.e.

the point at which the rate goes up from 20% to 40%) rose by £2,000 to £45,000 for 2017-18, as a step towards the manifesto commitment of £50,000 by 2020.

One observation: this last figure does not apply in Scotland. For the first time since tax powers were devolved to the Scottish Parliament, there is now a difference between the income tax rules for those resident in Scotland and those resident in the rest of the UK. This follows the Scottish Government’s decision to freeze the higher rate threshold at £43,000 for non-savings

and non-dividend income.

Lastly, corporation tax falls to 19% in April 2017 and is scheduled to drop to 17% in 2020.

In conclusion, despite the uproar and climb-down over NIC, last month’s Budget was fairly quiet compared to predecessors, with fewer new proposals than any Budget or Autumn Statement since at least 2010. Most taxpayers and tax advisers will be heaving a sigh of relief at this. However, we do have an Autumn budget to come.

VAT There was little in the Budget on VAT. The registration threshold for 2017-18 rose to £85,000 and the deregistration threshold to £83,000.

However, it’s worth noting that an independent government department, the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS), is soon to prepare a report for the Chancellor on simplifying VAT. The OTS has identified eight areas that are particularly complex and so offer scope for simplification. They are discussed in its Progress report and call for evidence, published on its website at the end of February

(http://bit.ly/2gjQtAl).

Under examination is the VAT registration threshold; rates of VAT; partial exemptions and special accounting schemes. It’s also looking at VAT administration, penalties and appeals; Capital Goods scheme; Option to Tax; a rulings system – and whether particular business sectors need to be taken into account.

The OTS wants to hear from businesses and others who deal with VAT. Comments to ots@ots. gsi.gov.uk should be received

by July. It’s likely to be your best option in years to influence the future of VAT.

BPI News | April 2017 29

NEWS

BRITS DOMINATE SONY PHOTO AWARDS SHORTLIST

Copyright: © Felicity McCabe, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Professional, Natural World, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

HOMEGROWN TALENT is at the forefront of the Sony World Photography Awards shortlist for 2017. Some 18 British photographers have been recognized, with 23 further photographers commended… all of whom are competing for the prize of Sony digital imaging equipment and $30,000 cash prizes. Work is due to be displayed at the regular venue of Somerset House, London, from April 21st until May 7th. Open category winners were due to be announced March 28th, with Professional category and overall winners announced on April 20th.

Of the 49 nationalities included on

Copyright: © Grant Hegedus, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Professional, Still Life, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

Copyright: © Tim Topple, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Open, Portraits, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

the shortlist, the UK has the second highest number of photographers represented.

“This year, more than any other, the entries to the Sony World Photography Awards have shown great integrity and are characterized by their considered approach,” says Scott Grey, CEO of the World Photography Organisation. “Beautiful works of photographic art have been presented to the judges and the shortlist demonstrates the dynamic, exciting and accessible medium that photography is.” www.worldphoto.org

Fotospeed feasts on Milky Way DISTRIBUTOR FOTOSPEED has chosen photographer Alan Leightley as its ‘Photographer of the Year’ for his shot of the Milky Way over the Lake District (shown above), winning over £2,000 of printing gear. Alan was presented with his prize at The Photography Show last month (as pictured).

The spoils included a Canon A2 printer, £500 worth of high quality Fotospeed inkjet paper and a day of one-to-one bespoke tutoring with award-winning photographer and photography journalist, Doug Chinnery, including breakfast, a dawn shoot, and a workshop on colour management, Lightroom, and printing. The winning image was submitted to Fotospeed’s weekly #fsprintmonday Twitter competition.

“The aim of running our #fsprintmonday competition and selecting one photographer to be

our Fotospeed Photographer of the Year was to encourage people to share images that they’re proud of and to support photographers in their enthusiasm for printing,” says Fotospeed’s Toby Herlinger, pictured on far right. “Alan’s photograph really stood out to us – it really is a striking shot – and we’re very pleased to be able to give him a printer so he can create prints out of his fantastic images.” www.fotospeed.com

INTRO2020 IS KEEN ON XEEN PROFESSIONAL VIDEOGRAPHY is a big growth area, so it’s no surprise that there is a new ‘Xeen’ branded lens from Korean manufacturer Samyang. The introduction of the Xeen 20mm T1.9 lens brings its cine lens range to eight in total, and complements the existing lenses in the 14mm, 16mm, 24mm,

35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm.

The lenses also feature X-Coating Technology and 11 aperture blades to help create beautiful ‘bokeh’ style effects.

Designed for 4K+ video production, much is being of the new lens’ resolving power. Available now, SRP for the 20mm T1.9 is

£1799.99. For more on Samyang’s lens line up visit www.xeenglobal.com or www.samyanglensglobal.com Meanwhile to order stock for your customers, head to the below URL: www.intro2020.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 30 April 2017 | BPI News

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