Digital Image Magazine Aug 2025

Modernising at speed. Hero Print rolls out national fleet of printers from Currie Group

When Pop Meets Print

Fast-Tracked Luxury for Interior Fitouts

Printrade: under-stated and over-performing

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Image Publications Pty Ltd

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Cass Theodore

Charles Watson

Christina Bruce

Denise Kirby

Sue Hirst

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EDITOR

Stephanie Gaddin

T > +61 449 775 494

E > editor@imagemagazine.com.au

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Janet Maitland (Publisher)

T > +61 1300 001 393

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Vernon Kingman

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Unlocking Time and Talent: A Practical Approach to Automation in Signmaking Supercar Blondie x Avery Dennison

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DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed in Image magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this magazine. No responsibility is accepted by the publisher for any omissions, inaccuracies, typographical errors or printers errors. Nor will responsibility be accepted for any changes to information after publication.

Welcome to the August issue of Digital Image Magazine.

Brain Injury Awareness Week runs this month, from 1822 August. In Australia, head and brain injuries account for over 140,000 hospitalisations with many incidents linked to workplace hazards such as falls, impacts, and equipment collisions. While its not always front of mind in safety conversations, tasks involving overhead installations, heavy materials, and machinery pose real risks. Proper head protection, clear guidelines, and training remain critical to stay as safe as possible when manufacturing or installing. Brain Injury Awareness Week is a timely reminder for our industry to stay alert, stay safe, and protect our people, so we can return home every day, to what matters most.

in front of clients. ImageBox takes us in for a deeper look at their FESPA winning projects over the years.

Rounding out the issue, we turn to digital strategy, with a timely reminder that while your team is deep in installs and delivery deadlines, your January pipeline can’t wait until November. Cass Theodore outlines why now is the time to test, optimise, and stress-test your Meta campaigns, offers, and lead funnels before the Christmas rush begins in earnest.

In this issue, we spotlight the businesses, apprentices, and strategies shaping the sign and graphics industry as we head into the busiest part of the year. From time-saving automation to event signage under pressure, we have a showcase of resilience, creativity, and smart investment.

We meet Erin Weston, a standout apprentice at Signsations QLD, who’s earned her place on the tools and

As always we love to hear about your projects so email us at editor@imagemagazine.com.au. To stay up to date with all the latest industry news, visit imagemagazine.com.au and sign up for our newsletter. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @imagemaganz

Warm regards,

Stephanie Editor

SAi launches OnSite, cloud-enabled site survey tool

SAi has announced the release of  SAi OnSite, a cutting-edge digital tool that aims to revolutionise how sign shops conduct site surveys.

Unveiled at the ISA Sign Expo in Las Vegas in April, SAi OnSite is a mobile-first, cloudconnected platform that replaces clipboard and Excel methods with a streamlined, all-in-one digital solution.

SAi says that OnSite empowers teams to gather accurate measurements, notes, and photos directly from the field using any internetconnected device, and syncs with office systems for real-time tracking and oversight.

“Site surveys are an essential part of the signage process, but they’ve long been a source of frustration for many shops,” says Gudrun Bonte, Chief Product Officer at SAi. “They can

be time-consuming, costly, and disorganised, filled with handwritten notes, scattered photos, and missing details. Shops invest significant resources into site visits with no guarantee of winning the job, and even small mistakes can lead to expensive return trips.”

He continues, “We knew there had to be a smarter way. SAi OnSite addresses these challenges by standardising the entire process through customisable templates, step-bystep workflows for field teams, and real-time oversight from the office. Crews can capture measurements, photos, and notes at the job site

using any connected device, while managers can track progress from the office and verify data as it’s collected. With OnSite, shops can collect accurate data the first time and generate polished survey reports instantly, saving time, reducing errors, and ultimately helping them win more business.”

SAi OnSite features customisable templates and workflows to standardise surveys with tailored formats that the company says can be matched to business needs. The platform also enables the generation of professional survey reports while on the job site.

Summa Launches 160x250 cm F1625 digital flatbed cutter

Summa debuted its latest flatbed cutter, the F1625, at FESPA 2025. Specifically engineered for wide-format printing professionals, the F1625 is a 160x250 cm (5x8 ft) flatbed cutting solution that combines ease of use, precision, and modular versatility.

The company says it’s capable of handling rigid and roll media and will empower business owners to expand their production capabilities.

The F1625 handles flexible and rigid media, including vinyl, PVC, acrylics, foam board, and ACM. Summa says it is an all-rounder suited to demanding production environments.

“The F1625 is all about giving professionals what they need most: versatility, reliability, and smart automation in a compact footprint,” says Randi Kerkaert, Product Manager at Summa. “We’ve integrated our signature features, like Automatic Device Calibration, tandem workflow, [and] tool recognition, into

a format that maximises knife-in time and streamlines every aspect of the workflow. It’s a true powerhouse that fits right into existing production environments.”

Summa’s GoProduce Flatbed Edition software is the driving force behind the F1625’s streamlined performance. It is designed for intuitive operation and automates material recognition, tool settings, and job sequencing. With advanced features like barcode-driven workflows, rapid camera-based mark detection, and smart sorting capabilities, users can minimise errors by up to 60%.

It even enables 24/7 unmonitored operation for roll-based workflows.

Like all models in the F Series, its modular design can handle three tools simultaneously.

“The F1625 and its compact bed size were the missing link in our portfolio for sign, display and packaging,” adds Summa Managing Director Geert Pierloot. “With the F1625, we’re meeting

that demand head-on, offering a format that strikes the perfect balance between footprint and productivity. It’s the Summa flatbed cutter wideformat professionals have been waiting for.”

After debuting at FESPA Berlin, the F1625 flatbed cutter is now available globally.

Epson’s

new Direct to Shape Printing System

Epson has exhibited the Direct to Shape Printing System, an inkjet printing solution for printing directly on 3D objects, at Automatica, a trade exhibition for robotics and automation, in Messe München, Germany. The event served as the launchpad for Epson to begin full-scale global commercialisation of the solution.

The Direct to Shape Printing System is an innovation that combines Epson’s compact, high-precision S800 PrecisionCore printheads with an Epson industrial robot. The S800 is the smallest printhead in the PrecisionCore series, allowing printing on complex shapes such as grooves and curves.

A 6-axis robot, combined with individual lifting mechanisms for each of the five printheads, enables precise and independent

Roland DG Releases All-New DIMENSE DA-640 Dimensional Surface Printer

Roland DG has released the new DIMENSE DA-640, a wide-format dimensional surface printer that enables the production of fullcolour prints with embossing effects.

“In recent years, there has been a growing demand for bespoke experiences and for pursuing their own style, in commercial and hospitality environments, residential spaces, entertainment, and retail design. So it’s more important than ever to stand out and appeal to individual values. The DIMENSE DA-640 enables the on-demand printing of unique, dimensional surface designs, so it is a powerful solution for print service providers, architects and designers to meet these needs,” says Ryugo Nimura, President of Roland DG’s Global Sales

up-and-down movements of each printhead. This allows the Direct to Shape Printing System to conform accurately to the shape of the objects being printed on, delivering exceptional quality and precision from multiple angles.

The Direct to Shape Printing System streamlines the custom object manufacturing processes by automating manual tasks and using space efficiently. Epson’s inkjet technology deposits ink only where it is needed on the object, and only in the volume needed. Yielding a reduction in material used, as well as waste.

The Direct to Shape Printing System is expected to be used in fields where there is a demand for printing on 3D shapes, such as helmets for athletics and industrial use, automotive parts (interior and exterior), home appliances, sporting equipment, or accessories.

In addition to graphics applications, Epson envisions the Direct to Shape Printing System being used in functional printing, such as printing sensors with conductive ink and coating 3D objects.

Key Features of the Direct to Shape Printing System

• Precise and accurate printing on 3D objects

• 600 dpi x 600 dpi resolution with S800 PrecisionCore printheads

• Flexible printing angles via a 6-axis robot and independent lifting mechanisms1

• Precision trajectory control and image processing for curved surfaces

• Supports up to 5 ink colours (e.g., C/M/Y/K/ White), customisable

The Direct to Shape Printing System is available for test and evaluation at Epson Germany.

and Marketing Division.

The innovative DIMENSE solution consists of the DA-640 with newly developed printheads, plus specialised media that raises up to 2mm in thickness when exposed to the printer’s heat and a structural ink that precisely controls where the embossing occurs on the print.

A wide range of specialised DIMENSE media, such as matte, suede, silver, gold, pearl, and chameleon, is available for the printer. The lineup includes media suitable for commercial wallpaper applications and has high scratch resistance. Tension fabric and roll-up banners for indoor signs and displays are also available, allowing for the selection of the most appropriate media for different situations.

DIMENSE media is PVC-free, with CMYK inks being water-based resin, and the structural ink is butylene glycol-free, which Roland DG notes makes the DIMENSE digital printing solution “eco-friendly”. It conforms to a. number of safety standards, including  AgBB, A+, UL, and GREENGUARD Gold “Unrestricted” wall coverings.

“It is said that only 5% of wallpaper printing has been digitalised, so the potential for high-end digital printing of interior surfaces is significant.

The DA-640 and DIMENSE solution makes it possible to add texture and value to a wide range of applications like we have never seen before, resulting in new opportunities for businesses to create, grow and profit,” concludes Nimura.

Coritex to distribute BIOND Biodegradable Printable Films

Debuting at FESPA Berlin earlier this year, BIOND is a new range of sustainable printable films made in Portugal by Digidelta.

Developed with up to 97% biomass, BIOND films aim to significantly reduce the global carbon footprint by capturing and storing CO₂ in the film itself.

“The launch of BIOND reflects our vision to transform the future of digital printing with truly sustainable, high-performance solutions,” says Armando Mota, CEO of Digidelta. “We’re redefining standards by replacing petroleum-

based materials with renewable alternatives without sacrificing quality.”

Digidelta has appointed Coritex as the exclusive distributor for Oceania. “It was an easy decision to partner with Coritex,” says Mota. “Their philosophy and focus on client relationships align with ours.”

Daniel Watts, Managing Director of Coritex, adds, “BIOND delivers performance comparable to CAST SAVs, at a price similar to promotional SAVs, with the added benefit of being bio-based. It’s a game changer.”

Unlike traditional PVC films, which are carbon-

intensive and potentially environmentally harmful, BIOND films are 100% EU-certified biodegradable and decompose in under 90 days. They emit no volatile organic compounds and contain no plasticisers, making them safer and more stable than conventional SAVs.

BIOND offers the same usability benefits as traditional films, with added advantages such as conformability, stability, and environmental safety. The range covers applications in visual communication, interior décor, labelling, packaging, and advertising.

Velflex acquires Flexi-Print in Heat Transfer Market Consolidation

Brisbane-based heat transfer specialist Velflex has completed the acquisition of Flexi-Print, bringing together more than a century of combined industry experience in garment decoration.

The merger, which became effective on July 14, 2025, unites two established players in the heat transfer sector. Flexi-Print, founded in 1972, has been operating for over 50 years as a specialist in sports numbering and screen-printed plastisol transfers, serving clubs, manufacturers, and apparel brands across Australia.

According to Ben Carroll from Velflex, the

combined entity will operate as “one unified team, combining our expertise, production power and product range to give you a complete heat transfer solution under one roof.”

The acquisition creates a manufacturing operation spanning two sites, with facilities in Brisbane and Wodonga. This geographic spread positions the company to serve customers across Australia’s eastern seaboard more effectively.

The merger expands Velflex’s product capabilities, particularly in plastisol transfers and sports numbering—areas where Flexi-Print has established a substantial market presence over

the past five decades. The combined operation will offer customers access to both companies’ technologies, including UltraColour, direct-tofilm (DTF), and heat transfer vinyl (HTV)  “Flexi-Print was the benchmark when we started Velflex. To now bring both brands together under one roof is a dream come true. Velflex has always admired what Shane’s family and the Flexi-Print team built — with several of my own family working there over the years. This isn’t just a business decision — it’s a full-circle moment for both our families, says Ben Carroll, Managing Director Velflex.

Jenny Harris Rejoins Visual Connections Events Team

Visual Connections has welcomed Jenny Harris back as Events Consultant to the association’s events team.

Harris is an exhibition and events expert who is familiar with the industry and Visual Connections’ platforms and events portfolio, working at the association for several years before leaving in 2019.

Karren Challoner-Miles, Executive General Manager of Visual Connections, says Harris’s addition to the team will ensure planning for exhibitions and events continues without missing a beat.

“We’re delighted that Jenny is able to rejoin the team in this important transitional stage, bringing

Orafol expands team with key appointments, headed up by Daniela Mastroieni

Daniela Mastroieni has been appointed to the role of General Manager - Graphics, Architectural Design and Brand as part of a restructuring of Orafol’s sales and marketing organisation.

The new role brings together a team of more than twenty sales and marketing professionals, with a focus on bringing products to market and strengthening brand pathways. Mastroieni’s appointment, says the company, signals a strategic move to enhance communications and transparency nationally, across all categories. With extensive sales experience across many categories, Orafol says her unique skill set will be invaluable in aligning product strategies and enhancing transparency and communication within the team.

Celmac appoints Ian Young as General Manager, Finance & Administration

Celmac has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Ian Young as General Manager of Finance & Administration. With over four decades of experience in accounting and business consulting, Ian brings a systems-oriented approach to the company’s processes, as the business gears itself for further growth and expansion.

Ian will oversee a major updating of business support with use of new business intelligence tools and ecommerce capabilities. “We’re rebuilding how information about products and spare parts is categorised and captured

“What I’m looking forward to most in this role is the ability to influence the dynamic of our team through transparent communication and building strong relationships,” says Mastroieni. “I believe that by understanding what each individual needs and helping them thrive, we can achieve better alignment in our product offerings, better solutions for our customers, which will naturally lead to increased sales.”

The new appointment is one of several at the company, including Brad Sitlington, who brings extensive experience to the role of Regional Manager VIC, SA, TAS.

In Victoria, Orafol has added three new Business Development Managers: Scott Niven, formerly of Stick it to Me; Allen Couty; and Eric Thai, who worked for Kwik Kopy for over 10 years. They join Nicole Brunsma as internal sales co-ordinator.

so everything talks to each other,” he said. Between spare parts for equipment, media, and ink consumables, we have thousands of product SKUs.  We are laying the groundwork for a system that provides better reporting, smarter stock control, and more efficient service for our staff, which will ultimately be better for our customers.”

Wayne McIntyre, Founder of Celmac, says “Ian’s appointment enables me to spend more time on the strategic aspects of the business, building the team, managing relationships with suppliers and key customers and sourcing and bringing new products to market. Celmac has major plans for business growth”

“Our focus on systems and technology will increase capacity and efficiency, as well as create a platform for future growth. We have a great team of experienced professionals and excellent customer relationships, supporting major brands, so this focused effort will enable us to be even more efficient in meeting their needs in the future,” observes Wayne.

not only her extensive expertise, but also providing real continuity for us due to her familiarity with the industry and with our events calendar.”

Harris is excited to be back, saying, “I’ve missed my connections in the industry, and it’s amazing how quickly I’ve slipped back into the swing of Visual Impact and our other events.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the team on some really exciting new initiatives and getting back in touch with our members, exhibitors, and other industry colleagues. It almost feels like I’ve never been away,” she says.

Harris can be reached on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at (02) 9868 1577 or by email at jennyh@visualconnections.org.au

“Coming from a sales background myself, I understand the importance of identifying with our team members and building meaningful connections. The new team brings a good mix of skills and experience that will help us explore new pathways to market, particularly in the builder, interior fit-out, and commercial A&D segments,” concludes Mastroieni.

Looking ahead, Ian sees his role as building on a 38 year old, wholly Australian owned business, exclusively operating across the Wide Format print segment into a self-sustaining organisation that can scale without constantly leaning on its founders.

Vivad celebrates 25 years

Melbourne-based large-format print specialist Vivad celebrated its 25th anniversary in style, welcoming industry peers, partners, and friends for an evening of tours, technology, and entertainment.

To mark the milestone, Vivad hosted a combined Open House and Anniversary Party at its Campbellfield premises on Friday, 25 July.

Ewen Donaldson, owner and managing director of the Campbellfieldbased business, reflected on the journey saying that none of it would be possible without his dedicated team of people and the culture that they create.

The event was held in Vivad’s new production facility with Ewen commenting “I started Vivad on July 1st, 2000, which was the same day the new era of the goods and services tax began and we’ve been growing ever since. We moved into the factory next door 10 years ago and are now three and a half times the size we were in terms of staff and turnover and we are running out of room.

So when the factory next door became available, we thought, well, we have to back ourselves in for another 10 years of excitement. This new space really is a blank canvas. We’ve got new frontiers, new horizons and ideas that we haven’t even explored yet. It’s a great space to grow and innovate, new products, new processes, particularly in the area of sustainability.

We’ve made significant progress in offering sustainable alternatives, recycling and upcycling everything we can, from our polyester core flute, our

cardboard and aluminium, moving away from solvent inks to low VOC water based inks, reducing energy demands by installing 100 kilowatts of solar and more energy efficient lighting. But whatever we’ve done, it’s not enough, and we must continue to improve and innovate. This space gives us more room for initiatives such as product stewardship programs for end of life, take back initiatives, and I hope one day soon we can even develop upcycling cycling processes in house.”

The celebration began at 4:00 PM with a guided Open House tour of Vivad’s cutting-edge large-format production facility, sponsored by Durst. Guests toured the premises with complimentary champagne as they explored the latest in print and finishing technology and met the team behind Vivad’s renowned service.

At 5:00 PM, the energy shifted into high gear with the launch of the Vivad Web-to-Print Games – a playful yet impressive demonstration of the capabilities of Vivad’s Vivtrack web-toprint system. Guests cheered as some of the industry’s top “print athletes” raced jobs from online order through production and across the finish line. The games were hosted live by comedian Sam McCool, whose quick wit and humour entertained the crowd throughout the evening.

Among the events featured were the Dye Sublimation Steeplechase, sponsored by Carr Group; the Vinyl Banner Velodrome, sponsored by Spicers; the SAV Print and Mount Shot Putt, sponsored by Currie Group; and the Corflute Challenge, sponsored by Corex.

Fairways, Friendships and Industry Connections

ASGA Golf Days Update

The Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) welcomed more than 60 members and industry colleagues to the RydeParramatta Golf Club for the annual NSW Sign & Print Golf Day, held under crisp blue skies and ideal winter conditions in July 2025.

The Ambrose style of play, where team members take turns hitting from the spot of the previous shot, created a relaxed, social atmosphere while still offering plenty of room for competitive spirit. This emphasis on teamwork and enjoyment continues to make the Golf Day one of the most anticipated events on the Sydney industry calendar.

Reflecting on the day, Damian Nielsen, ASGA’s Member & Events Manager, said it was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together.

“We had it all – beautiful weather, a first-class course, and a great turnout,” Nielsen said. “It was wonderful to see so many from across the

industry embracing the chance to connect and enjoy some time away from the everyday.”

Teams embraced the challenge, with good-natured rivalries playing out across the course. A highlight for many was the alwaysentertaining Survival Ball – a novelty contest that added a fun twist and sparked lively engagement among players.

Following the 18 holes, players gathered in the newly renovated Club Rooms for drinks, a buffet lunch, and the presentation of prizes. Team Roland took top honours this year, closely followed by Team Canon.

“More than anything, this event is about community,” Nielsen said. “Seeing new connections formed and longstanding friendships renewed is what makes these Golf days truly special.”

Looking ahead, the 2025 ASGA Sign & Print Golf Series continues with the next event at Brookwater Golf Course & Country Club in

Brisbane on Thursday, 21 August. At the time of printing, registrations for the Queensland event have closed. Members are encouraged to keep an eye on upcoming ASGA communications and the website for details and registration dates for the final event of the year – the Victorian Golf Day, taking place on Thursday, 20 November at the Heidelberg Golf Club in Lower Plenty.

ASGA is proud to present these events with the generous support of our national sponsors: Graphic Art Mart, Bentleigh Group, Mulford, ORAFOL, Signarama, SMIB, Spicers and Bounce LED/LetterTech.

We also thank our Sydney event supporters; Ball & Doggett, Easy Signs and Roland DG.

Information about future events and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.signs.org.au or by contacting Damian Nielsen on 0412 200 163 or via email at mande@signs.org.au

From Apprentice to Asset.

How one apprentice reshaped an entire business.

Erin Weston didn’t set out to challenge assumptions about young people in trades; but four years into her apprenticeship at Gold Coast Signsations, she’s done exactly that, reshaping her employer’s view of what apprentices can contribute to the sign and graphics industry.

Now in the final stages of her signwriting apprenticeship at Signsations, Weston has become a trusted and capable member of the team, handling everything from client briefs and artwork creation to quoting, production, and installation.

“I loved the idea of wrapping cars and boats,” Weston says. “On my first day I was working on the computer, preparing vinyl, and helping install signage. Every day is different, I get to be creative, meet people, and be hands-on.”

That early momentum did not go unnoticed.

professionally with clients. “At first I was nervous, but now I feel confident explaining jobs; and I actually enjoy it,” she says.

In addition to her core duties, Weston has played a proactive role in expanding the business’s revenue streams. She promotes Signsations’ resin doming service; an addon that applies a clear, high-gloss coating over printed graphics for a more durable and premium finish. Championed in-house by expert printer Chris Arman, the service has since become a successful commercial offering. “Erin has led the charge in promoting this to our customers,” says Vicky Peters. “It’s resulted in increased sales, particularly through our online platform, Discontinued Decals.”

Her ability to not only deliver high-quality work but also identify opportunities for growth has added real value to the team. She is also highly capable in redrawing and vectorising graphics from photos; skills that have helped build out the company’s catalogue of repeat-order designs. “Erin is very competent, and gifted with artistic talent,” adds Peters, “She supports Rod in keeping everything organised and makes sure jobs are completed to the standard our customers expect. Clients often ask for her by name.” In addition, Weston spends time out in the field conducting job inspections, following up leads, and assisting with installs, supporting the team beyond the workshop floor.

Business owner Rod Baily admits he was once hesitant to take on younger staff. “I have always preferred to hire more experienced, older people,” he says. “But Erin’s passion and work ethic were clear from the beginning. She’s changed my view completely.”

In the workplace, Weston says she looks up to Baily for the way he balances high standards with a genuine sense of enjoyment. “He’s great at what he does and really enjoys it,” she says. “Rod brings a lot of fun to work even though the industry moves fast and is always busy.” Outside of work, Weston draws inspiration from her parents. “They’re both really hard-working,” she says. “I admire how they’ve built their lives, and I hope to do the same.”

Trainer Zara Riley from ASMI Training says Weston’s development over the course of her studies has been consistent and commendable.

“She’s shown great initiative and follows projects through with attention to detail,” Riley says. “Her employer’s feedback has been outstanding.”

Weston credits her team at Signsations for making work enjoyable and supportive. “Rod, Vicky and Chris are amazing to work with. Working with them is fun, I’ve learned so much

For young people considering a trade, Weston encourages them to give the sign and display industry a closer look. “I didn’t really enjoy school or classroom learning,” she says. “But in this job, I do something different every day. I now enjoy working full-time in the industry; it is a great path if you want a job that keeps you moving and thinking.”

With her apprenticeship ending soon, having just finished her final module, Weston is looking ahead, ready to keep building her skills and exploring where her career can take her next.

Like many apprentices, Weston had to build confidence over time. One of her biggest growth areas has been learning to communicate

“She applies herself to any challenge without hesitation,” says Baily. “Erin will no doubt go on to achieve all her goals, and we’re excited to see her future unfold. Based on our experience, I would highly recommend other employers consider hiring apprentices.”

Ball

&

Doggett Sign, Display & Digital:

Built for Busy Seasons, Backed by Experts

As retailers and brands gear up for what is usually the most significant trading period of the year, Australia’s sign and display businesses are preparing for a sharp spike in demand for high-quality, fast-turnaround point-of-sale (POS) and point-of-purchase (POP) solutions.

From festive window graphics to large-format promotional signage and seasonal activations, suppliers and production teams are under pressure to deliver standout work — fast.

Recognising this, Ball & Doggett is doubling down on its commitment to support the industry during its busiest time of year. “At Ball & Doggett, we supply what matters, from Print to Packaging, to Label and Sign Essentials. Our role is to help customers succeed with

access to the right products, equipment, and expertise, backed by people who understand the realities of this fast-moving industry,” says Luke Wilkinson, CEO of Ball & Doggett.

The Sign, Display & Digital division is one of the most experienced teams in the Australian market, supporting wide-format printers, sign makers, and visual merchandisers with a connected portfolio of materials, equipment, and services.

At the heart of the range are reliable, highperformance printable materials for both indoor and outdoor use; including EcoDisplay Board, a 100% recyclable fibre-based board ideal for retail displays, and Warrior Board, a lightweight, durable polypropylene substrate designed for POS and signage. The offer also includes repositionable window films, synthetic media

for pull-ups and banners, and a broad suite of self-adhesive films, including leading options from the Metamark brand, known for its trusted quality and performance worldwide.

To complement its media range, Ball & Doggett also supplies cutting-edge wideformat, textile, and finishing equipment from global brands such as HP, Mimaki, Roland DG, Kornit (Direct-to-Garment), Kongsberg, iEcho, CNC Impact, and DTF Eclipse.

One of the company’s biggest advantages is its ability to provide materials, equipment, consumables, and technical support from a single, reliable supplier. This streamlines procurement, reduces downtime, and helps businesses stay agile and production-ready during the busiest time of year.

“The ability to deliver both materials and

Solomon Ferreira National Service Manager

Sean Strange QLD State Manager

Que Nhi Makar National Marketing Manager

Tatjana Ferguson National ManagerLarge Format Equipment

National ManagerSelf -Adhesive and Transfer Films

Shinsuke Mizoguchi National Manager - Synthetic Media

Rob Brussolo General Manager Sign, Display & Digital

Modernising at speed

Hero Print rolls out national fleet of printers from Currie Group

When Hero Print first invested in a pair of Canon Colorado M-series printers for its Sydney facility, the aim was to modernise operations and gradually replace ageing equipment. Within months, Hero Print had scaled up to five Colorado installations across its national sites and added an EFI VUTEk Q3r; evidence of how quickly strong performance and supplier support can reshape an investment strategy.

A Trade-Only Model Driving Demand

Hero Print operates as a trade printer, working exclusively with printers, designers, agencies, and brokers. The business does not market to end clients and maintains a strict separation between trade and retail.

With growing demand across Australia, Hero Print had been evaluating ways to increase

output while reducing operating costs. After an initial trial in Sydney, the results from the Colorado M-series were immediate.

“The speed of the machines and their operating cost benefits were so significant that the retirement of several older devices was brought forward,” says Alex Coulson, CEO, Hero Print. “What began as an upgrade project became a national rollout.”

A Rapid National Deployment

Following the Sydney installation, a third Canon Colorado was quickly ordered from Currie Group for the Melbourne site. Within three months, Perth followed with a fourth unit, and most recently, a fifth was installed at the company’s Queensland facility.

The EFI VUTEk Q3r, also supplied by Currie Group, complemented the rollout by adding

further capacity in wide-format roll-to-roll production.

Hero Print credits the pace of its expansion, with five machines across four states in under a year, to both machine performance and the Currie Group’s hands-on support.

“We’ve been working with Currie Group for a long time, and their service always meets or exceeds expectations,” says Coulson. “They know our business, and we know theirs. It’s a strong relationship built over the years.”

Operational Gains

With the five Colorado machines now fully operational, Hero Print reports strong gains in speed, consistency, and production efficiency. While the machines are currently used primarily as workhorses, the team looks forward to exploring more of their advanced features in

the future, including gloss and matte finishing capabilities.

“We’re still early in our journey with the Colorados’ creative functionality, but we’re excited about the possibilities it opens up,” says Coulson.

Although exact production metrics are commercial-in-confidence, the company noted that the investment has resulted in tangible time and cost savings, particularly in high-volume environments.

Currie Group’s Role

Currie Group has long been recognised as a key technology supplier across the Australian and New Zealand printing sectors. The company was recently named Canon’s top Colorado partner in the Asia-Pacific region and ranks seventh worldwide. Year-to-date, Currie Group is leading the global partner leaderboard. It has

also expanded its footprint through a national distribution agreement with EFI for wide-format products.

Under the direction of Paul Whitehead, Sign & Display Business Unit Manager, Currie Group continues to strengthen its presence in the wide-format segment, backed by strong training, support, and responsive service for customers across the region.

“The installs have all been great. We’ve never been short of help when dealing with Currie Group,” says Coulson. “It’s a relationship built on trust, and that makes a big difference when you’re investing at this scale.”

Paul Whitehead, Business Unit Manager, Sign & Display for Currie Group, adds, “Hero Print’s journey is a great example of what’s possible when the right technology meets a clear vision. Our role at Currie Group is to support

that ambition with tailored solutions, fast and reliable service, and a team that understands the pace of modern print businesses.

This is an excellent demonstration of the strength of Currie Group’s complete sign and display portfolio, combining technologies from multiple manufacturers to meet customer needs. Hero Print’s latest investment further deepens our strong and valued relationship.”

With its new fleet in place, Hero Print is wellpositioned to meet demand across its national network and further expand its trade offering.

As Hero Print continues to refine its processes and explore the full capabilities of its new equipment, one thing is clear: strategic investment, backed by the right supplier, has placed the business on a firm path for future growth.

When Pop Meets Print

Signageworld shines with seamless event management

Adelaide-based Signageworld has carved a niche in event signage by delivering under pressure, adapting quickly, and consistently meeting tight deadlines. Founded five years ago by Derek and Lisa Michalanney, this full-service signage company designs, manufactures and installs, for clients such as Netball Australia, the Adelaide Thunderbirds, and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre (AEC).

“We partner with the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to create event signage and venue branding designed to provide event goers and artists with an immersive experience,” says Derek. The work ranges from installing decals on sprung wooden courts for sporting events to configuring venue-wide signage for concerts and other large-scale events.

That partnership included signage for four Katy Perry concerts held recently at the AEC. The events also marked the first major test of the company’s new HP Latex 530 printer, one of the first in Australia to be installed shortly after its Australian launch at PacPrint in May.

“One of the things about the HP Latex 530 that appealed to us was the fact that it is a hybrid roll-to-roll and flatbed printer, which means we didn’t need two separate machines,” Derek explains. “If you look at the total cost, it’s not a huge step up when you consider what we can now do with rigids and the variety of signage products it adds to our portfolio.”

The decision to upgrade wasn’t about chasing the latest technology but rather driven by operational efficiency. “We normally work on

changing printers every three years. Labour is one of the biggest costs in any business, and the amount of labour we can save using this machine will help us improve our productivity as well as reduce production waste,” Derek explains.

Signageworld’s relationship with Aran Kilpatrick of Graphic Art Mart played a role in the purchase. “We’ve had a strong partnership with Aran and Graphic Art Mart since we started the business five years ago, and we appreciate their service and support,” Derek says. Kilpatrick describes the HP Latex 530 as “a practical fit for small to mid-sized shops that need versatility without taking up too much floor space.”

While equipment helps, it’s Signageworld’s scheduling and site management that often makes the difference. Their refined bump-in and bump-out processes, sometimes executed in under an hour, are essential when turnaround windows are tight. Recent installations at the AEC have had to follow major stage shows, such as Wicked or Disney on Ice, giving the installation team just hours to work with before doors opened for netball games the next day.

“We’ve got it to a point where we can bump in and out in 40 minutes,” Derek says. “It’s all about rails, hooks, and a repeatable system we’ve built through trial and error.”

Looking ahead, Derek notes that investments like the HP Latex 530 are as much about staying efficient as they are about staying relevant. “We’re not building the business for today. We’re building for the next three to five years,” concludes Derek.

Fast-Tracked Luxury for Interior Fitouts

Inside the Makeover Revolution with Cover Styl

In retail and hospitality, appearances convert and sell. Storefronts, hotel lobbies, and commercial interiors are increasingly recognised as high-performing sales tools.

The logistics of renovation and the realities of extended refits can slow momentum, disrupt trading, and drag down ROI. Enter Cover Styl, a self-adhesive architectural film now available through ORAFOL Australia, offering a faster, more flexible approach to interior transformation.

Widely adopted across Europe, Cover Styl has found strong traction among premium brands looking to maintain high visual standards while minimising downtime. With over 500 finishes available, including wood grains, metallics, marble, and solid colours, the product allows businesses to refresh their look without removing fixtures or closing the business.

ORAFOL Australia says it’s tapping into the clear appetite for alternatives to traditional refurbishment and is now distributing the range across both Australian and New Zealand markets. The company reports a strong response from signage professionals, interior designers, and commercial installers seeking to

streamline upgrades without compromising on aesthetics or durability.

Cover Styl blends design flexibility and commercial practicality. Designed for use on walls, counters, lifts, doors, cabinetry, and furniture, the films offer strong adhesion, scratch resistance, and stretchability. Installation is quick, quiet, and clean; no demolition required, no paint fumes, and minimal business disruption. For retail environments, where studies show that 70% of first-time foot traffic is driven by curb appeal, this kind of agile transformation can be the difference between stagnation and a surge in sales. ORAFOL says that to date, product use in Europe suggests post-renovation sales lifts averaging as much as 40%, driven in part by the improved look and feel of a refreshed store environment.

Luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Maserati and Swarovski have adopted Cover Styl as part of their visual merchandising strategies, indicating to their suppliers that they value both the premium finish and the speed-to-market benefits. In the hotel sector, where Tripadvisor reports that a single negative review can cost a

Novotel and Marriott are using the product to revitalise guest rooms and shared spaces with minimal interruption to operations.

Sustainability is another factor driving adoption. Cover Styl is manufactured using processes that reduce CO₂ output, and the films are free of VOCs and heavy metals. Their application extends the life of existing materials, reducing the need for landfill-heavy rip-outs. For organisations with ESG targets, the environmental profile of the product aligns well with internal policies and procurement criteria.

Backed by ORAFOLS national distribution support network, complementing ORAFOLs existing product portfolio, Cover Styl is more than a material—it’s a business strategy. It equips companies with the tools to execute highimpact, brand-aligned interior upgrades that meet the pace of modern retail and hospitality.

As demand for visual differentiation grows, so does the need for renovation solutions that can keep up. With Cover Styl, the time between concept and completion gets shorter, without sacrificing quality, safety, or visual impact.

Spicers Expands Ace Range

Strengthening a Trusted Name in Fibre-Based Signage

Ace, a brand long recognised for its premiumquality screenboard, has continued its evolution with a broader selection of fibrebased signage substrates. Spicers has expanded its Ace collection, reinforcing its commitment to delivering sustainable, highperformance signage solutions.

The new additions uphold the hallmark standards of the Ace brand, addressing the growing needs of the visual communications industry with recyclable, 100% fibre-based substrates suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

As sustainability becomes a top priority for designers, printers, and brands, Ace offers a broader range of product options, providing a strategic response to an industry in transition. According to Spicers Portfolio Manager Wayne Hood, “The industry is shifting towards fibre-based options, and Ace offers the perfect balance of sustainability and print performance. This range is versatile, recyclable, and compatible with the latest printing technologies, exactly what customers are looking for.”

Raising the Stakes with Ace

Designed to solve a wide range of signage challenges, the Ace range includes substrates engineered for specific applications:

• Ace Outdoor: Weather-resistant with exceptional image clarity for external signage.

• Ace Blockout: Fully opaque and doublesided printable, ideal for suspended signs and window displays.

• Ace Screenboard and Ace Matt Art: High-quality print surfaces for premium indoor graphics.

• Ace Flute and Ace Greyback: Durable options with aesthetic appeal for short-term indoor signage and displays.

• Ace ICB and Ace HCB: Structural solutions offering the strength needed for freestanding or engineered signage.

This comprehensive collection enables designers and print providers to make more sustainable choices without sacrificing quality or performance, something that Spicers says redefines conventional signage materials.

Print Compatibility and Flexibility

All Ace substrates have been thoroughly tested and approved for use across a wide range of printing processes, including Latex, UV Curable, and Offset printing, ensuring seamless workflow integration and reliable, highquality results across diverse production needs.

A Campaign That Plays Its Cards Right

To support the range expansion, Spicers has launched a creatively driven campaign built around a “deck-of-cards” concept, a symbol of confidence and choice. Each substrate is presented as a collectible insert, offering customers a tactile and engaging sample and experience of the range.

Cyndi Setia, Spicers’ Marketing & Design Manager, notes, “The deck-of-cards approach was a creative way to connect with our audience. It’s more than just samples, it invites users to rethink signage materials with sustainability and performance in mind.”

The campaign features insert cards printed by Mezographics on their Swiss Q Kudu, a high-performance printer known for its neon capabilities, with each piece enhanced with vibrant, attention-grabbing finishes.

Spicers also showcased the range at The Spicers Precinct POP UP Gallery at PacPrint 2025 in Sydney, an immersive installation built entirely from Ace ICB panels. The space demonstrated the structural strength and design flexibility of the range in a compelling real-world application, and reinforcing the campaign’s sustainability message.

Play Your Ace

With environmental regulations tightening and demand for sustainable signage materials on the rise, Ace is positioning itself as a new benchmark. All products in the range are recyclable, FSC or PEFC certified, and free of plastic-based content.

The complete Ace range includes:

• Ace Screenboard

• Ace Outdoor

• Ace High White

• Ace Kraft

• Ace High Bulk

• Ace Matt Art

• Ace Blockout

• Ace Greyback

• Ace ICB

• Ace HCB

• Ace Flute

Whether for retail displays, event signage, or structural installations, the Ace range delivers sustainable strength and print quality to meet the demands of today’s signage world. For samples or further information, customers can contact their local Spicers representative or visit spicers.com.au for more details.

FSC is a registered trademark

SAS and Signarama Hobart put on speed skates to meet MBSA deadline

When Michael Caruso, Director/Owner of the Signarama Hobart franchise, visited PacPrint and saw the new digital linkable LED Poster Screens on the SAS (Signage Accessories Suppliers) stand, his instant reaction was to reach out to Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena, who needed a ‘cool’ signage solution to promote the transformation of its main venue into a 30m x 15m ice rink for the school holidays.

MSBA were keen, but Michael and SAS would now need to put their skates on if they were going to get four of the screens across to the venue prior to the 16th June SHIVER ice rink opening day.

“Patrick and the SAS team pulled out all the stops and the MyState Bank Arena also had a tech-savvy employee in their team who was able to assist with the installation on site and get the LED SHIVER feature wall and promotional signs up and running before the schools started pouring in,” says Caruso gratefully.

“The reality is, these signs really are a ‘plug and play’ offering. As long as you have a 240v power point and good Wi-Fi connection, the installation and set-up seem to be straightforward.”

Nevertheless, this was a new product to

Caruso and his team and one which he has been watching the tech develop on with interest.

“From our perspective, the problem with an LED sign solution has always been that it came with a paid software subscription, which essentially left the control and support of that client relationship more with the sign supplier than with us as the intermediary,” explains Caruso.

“I did see options to this at Sign China and Label Fair but the challenge there was that the service and support if anything goes wrong is a long way away.”

“So, when I caught up with Patrick and the SAS team at PacPrint in Sydney and he walked me through their new LED sign offering – which even came at a ‘show special’ price! – it was only a phone call away to my contact at MyState Bank Arena before making the decision to purchase the 4 panels.”

Caruso sees a modest market for these Linkable Digital LED Poster Screens in Tasmania, at mutli-use venues like the MyState Bank Arena, as well as in larger retail outlets, ‘used together as a feature wall or individually for wayfinding signage or special customised promos or product ads that stand out’.

Patrick Bala from SAS adds: “Signarama

Hobart bought the standard 640 x 1920mm panels, but we also supply a wider 960x1920mm version and there are sealed outdoor versions in both sizes too, so we also see them as a really strong – and affordable - alternative to current supermarket LED signage or shop awnings.

“We supply all of them absolutely ready to go, with an HDMI cable and a Wi-Fi number that you just punch in your supplied password for and you can play any digital file you want through the accompanying app on your phone. This gives customers the flexibility to make multiple changes on the fly and even remotely, which is why we are confident there is a huge market for them.”

Caruso plans to take potentially interested clients to the MyState Bank Arena. “Not to skate,” he quickly adds, “but to see the signs in situ, because the graphics really pop and that ability to easily change from one message or promo to the other is obviously a huge plus over a static printed display banner.”

“We’re also talking to Patrick about procuring a set for our a Signarama Hobart showroom too.”

There’s no flashing sign outside this printshop’s modest Melbourne premises; no grand titles for the business founder and owner, whose e-mantle simply says Manager at Printrade ; and the business name itself, a tip of the hat to the conventional, hardworking trade printer, is gloriously respectful and under-stated. But all this belies an innate confidence in the continued success of a printer that is content to be thought of as ‘a silent partner in premium print’.

Paul Ilieski, Manager at Printrade, has a clear and confident understanding of where Printrade sits in the increasingly competitive melting pot of garage printers, right through to high-end commercial printers, sign and display through to label printers, brand houses through to packaging printers.

“First and foremost, we have the hardware/ software to get the colour right - every time. Our customers know that their brand representation

simply will not change from ‘spot on’ for every sticker or sheet or product they receive back from us.”

“But the way we’ve designed our workflow, the PrintIQ system that sits behind that, and the kit we use – Canon Production Printers, Colex, Fotoba, Summa – have also enabled us to help our customers achieve productivity benefits, without compromising quality, far beyond those they have been able to achieve elsewhere. Plus they know that we are the ones driving that speed and reliability for them…there is no carrot or stick necessary: that’s just who we are.”

As Ilieski says, this starts with the engine and scope of Printrade’s two 64” roll-toroll UVgel printers: the Colorado 1650 and recently commissioned Colorado M-Series – which offers two speed configurations and an easy-care white ink option, which boost its productivity and substantially raise the range of possible applications.

Complementing these printers is a Canon Arizona XTF UV flatbed printer, designed for printing edge to edge (full-bleed) and doublesided on multi-board, multi-layer, large tiled images, heavy, smooth, pre-cut rigid media or flexible media.

Cutting and finishing is handled by Printrade’s two large format Summa S3-160TC cutters (from Pozitive Graphics), a Colex SharpCut Pro and Fotoba XLD 170HS XY cutter.

“We do our own packing inhouse too,” adds Ilieski, “from shaping/printing/cutting the PVC Boards, right through to producing our own mailboxes to send jobs out.”

Whilst he cut his own printing teeth managing a steady but reliable glass printing production

(with the Arizona) out of a corner of his Dad’s engineering business, next door to Printrade’s current Laverton North premises, Ilieski confesses that his own background is more in the IT and tech space.

“Perhaps that’s what has given us a slight edge over our competitors,” he suggests. “We put a good 16 months in working out the optimum design and production workflow for this place – what combinations of printer/ cutter/finishing would work best for the types of jobs we get in, right down to where the power points would go… and our proprietary PrintIQ software is what makes the whole production tick.”

The next layer to this tech-enabled footprint is in the development of a fully-integrated e-commerce platform that truly enables seamless print-on-demand capability.

“Our customers don’t come here, nor do they need to. We have consistently been able to take their existing requirements and improve both the quality of product, as well as the productivity – time and cost – compared to anything they have previously been able to achieve.”

Printrade’s customer base is typically highend retail and the printer has set itself up well to deliver more niche applications, like peel and stick wallpaper or the production of a rage of diecut / kiss-cut stickers and labels. “We’re looking at phasing out our corflute banner work,” adds Ilieski, seeing that work as a ‘race to the bottom’ in pricing. “Instead, we’re doubling down on the high quality and high productivity that we’re set up to achieve – every time.”

Unlocking Time and Talent

A Practical Approach to Automation in Signmaking

Ask any sign business owner what they could use more of, and the answer is nearly always the same; time. Time to respond to customers faster. Time to train staff. Time to follow up on leads or get through the day with less stress. Yet for many, that time is steadily being eaten away by higher costs, labour shortages, and increasing complexity across the board.

In this environment, automation isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. But not every approach to automation fits the way most sign businesses operate.

The Limits of Traditional Workflow Automation

There’s a common assumption that automation tools like Enfocus Switch, Zapier, and similar platforms are the key to greater efficiency. They promise to streamline file handling, automate routine steps, and free up staff for higher-value tasks.

And in the right context—typically large, repeatable workflows with technical support on hand—they can work well. However, most signmaking operations aren’t set up in that manner. With teams of five to twenty people managing custom jobs and shifting priorities, these systems often prove too rigid or too complex to deliver real value. What starts as a time-saver can quickly become another thing to manage.

A Better Fit: Human Automation

At M-Power, we focus on what we call “human automation.” It’s not about removing people from the process. It’s about building

systems that help people do more, without adding unnecessary complexity or relying on specialised tech skills.

For example, a quoting tool that allows your receptionist to confidently handle straightforward jobs without involving your estimator. Or clear job checklists that make it easier for installers to follow the right steps on site. These are tools that support your team, reduce the margin for error, and free up time for more critical work.

When DIY Automation Backfires

Many businesses attempt to create their own automation systems by linking together tools such as Zapier, Make, Google Sheets, or AI platforms. Sometimes those setups are quite clever. But they often end up demanding more time than they save, especially when something goes wrong.

One business owner told me about building a custom quoting and workflow system that worked brilliantly until a minor platform update broke one link in the chain. It took him days to sort out. In the meantime, he was pulled away from customers, staff, and production, right when they needed him most.

Automation as an Enabler

The purpose of automation is to reduce friction, not introduce additional complexity. For automation to serve its intended role, it must align with how your business actually operates, not how a developer envisions it should. This means starting with clear roles,

defined quoting structures, and consistent workflows before introducing any complex integrations or system dependencies.

Prioritise Practicality Over Perfection

The most successful implementations we’ve seen apply the 80/20 rule. That is, aim to automate 80% of processes that are consistent and repeatable, and accept that a small portion will always require manual oversight. Systems that try to automate every scenario often never reach deployment or collapse under their own complexity.

The Real Outcome: Time for Strategic Growth

When implemented thoughtfully, automation does more than streamline operations—it empowers your team. It reduces bottlenecks, supports scalable growth, and enhances customer experience. Most importantly, it gives business owners the freedom to focus on leadership rather than logistics.

The sign industry doesn’t need more complexity. It needs clarity, consistency, and confidence. Automation, especially human automation, offers exactly that, not by replacing your team, but by helping them do their best work more often. If automation enables you to quote faster, keep jobs moving, and free up time for your best people to focus on growth, that’s not just a win for your bottom line; it’s a win for your sanity too.

Nigel Davies Founder of M-Power Software

Supercar Blondie x Avery Dennison

An exclusive, bold new wrap collection shaped by celebrity influence

When one of the world’s most influential automotive voices joins forces with a leader in highperformance wrap materials, the result is a bold new direction for vehicle customisation.

Avery Dennison’s latest collaboration with global media phenomenon Alex Hirschi, known to millions as Supercar Blondie, has resulted in a striking collection of vehicle wrap colours that are set to make an impact.

Developed in close collaboration with Avery Dennison’s technical experts, the collection combines cutting-edge film technology with bold design flair.

The four standout colours are:

• Gloss Smooth Sage

• Satin Sunset Ryde

• Gloss Metallic Cosmic Rose

• Matte Dreamline Blue

Avery Dennison films are designed to fuse creative expression with premium material performance, giving wrap shops and car owners a fresh palette to play with.

Behind the scenes, Avery Dennison’s technical team conducted rigorous testing to ensure each colour delivers on consistency, durability, and ease of

application, all critical for professional wrap installers. Input from Supercar Blondie’s global fanbase also played a role in shaping the final line-up, giving the range both expert integrity and realworld appeal.

As part of the campaign, Supercar Blondie invited her followers to vote for which of the four exclusive colours would be used to wrap her personal BMW X6 M, with the reveal scheduled for September.

Global Launch & ANZ Availability

All four of the exclusive shades in the Supercar Blondie colour collection will be available globally from September 5, with full distribution across Australia and New Zealand secured through Avery Dennison’s authorised distributor network.

Avery Dennison says the wraps offer a supercar-inspired look at a fraction of the price, giving customers a new way to stand out with confidence and flair.

Follow for Updates & The Big Reveal

Stay ahead of the launch and see Supercar Blondie’s final colour choice: Follow @SupercarBlondie on Instagram

Follow @adgraphics_apac on Instagram

Smarter Workflows and Better Installs

with the 3M Pattern Marketplace

In May 2025, 3M launched the Pattern Marketplace, a modernised replacement for its longstanding Pattern and Solutions Center (PSC). The new cloud-based platform was officially unveiled at FESPA 2025 and marked a major shift in how installers access, edit and manage paint protection film (PPF) and window tint patterns.

With over 5,500 patterns available at launch, and a user migration period extending to the end of June, 3M positioned the Pattern Marketplace as a future-focused, installer-led solution. Since the start of July, the Marketplace has become the central hub for automotive film professionals looking to streamline workflows, maximise material usage and customise installations with greater flexibility.

The platform’s feature set reflects direct feedback from installers and prioritises speed, flexibility and ease of use in day-to-day operations.

One of the platform’s key advantages is its open access cutting software. Unlike closed systems that restrict users to a single brand, the Marketplace allows installers to use a wide range of films—offering greater control and adaptability for different project requirements.

The system also includes advanced editing tools such as Quick Nest, Slice, and Pattern Ghost. These features are designed to simplify the layout process and improve material

efficiency. For example, Quick Nest automatically arranges pattern parts to optimise film usage, while Pattern Ghost overlays the original outline to support accuracy during edits. Together, these tools help reduce waste and support a consistent, installer-friendly workflow.

With a database of nearly 4,500 vehicles— spanning more than 10 model years—installers have access to a wide range of patterns for both current and older models.

Installers can also shape how the platform develops through the Pattern Request function. By submitting feedback or requesting specific vehicle patterns, users play an active role in driving updates and improvements. This direct line to 3M means the tools evolve in response to real-world needs on the job, not just product roadmaps.

As a cloud-based tool, the Pattern Marketplace gives installers the flexibility to log in from any computer—whether they’re in the workshop or on the road. That flexibility also supports collaboration across teams, with access to the same tools and files regardless of location.

Finding patterns is quick and intuitive thanks to the platform’s dynamic search bar and improved filtering tools—essential for navigating a growing pattern library. Since launching with over 5,500 patterns, the Marketplace has expanded to more than 7,000, giving users even broader coverage across makes, models and years.

Regular updates and responsive support are built into the platform to keep pace with the evolving needs of installers. Whether it’s accessing new features, getting help through FAQs or direct technical assistance, users can rely on 3M’s support team—backed by product expertise—to keep things running smoothly.

Collaboration is embedded into the platform’s design. Multi-tab browsing allows installers to open and work on several vehicle patterns at once, switching between them or handing files off between team members without losing track of edits. This helps busy shops coordinate efficiently, facilitate teamwork, and avoid versioning issues during high-volume installations.

Since launching, the 3M Pattern Marketplace has brought together open access software, flexible editing tools, and responsive support in a cloud-based system built for installers. As the platform continues to expand its features and pattern library, users can expect a smoother, more flexible experience that supports their workflow from start to finish.

Learn more AU

www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/p/d/b5005533015/

Learn more NZ

www.3mnz.co.nz/3M/en_NZ/p/d/b5005533015/ Log in here patternmarketplace.3m.com

Epson SureColor S9160 for premium signage and graphics

For signage businesses seeking both quality and reliability, the new Epson SureColor S9160 ticks all the right boxes. This 64-inch eco-solvent printer brings together high-end image fidelity, a broad colour gamut, robust engineering, and a range of operator-friendly features for print providers serious about premium signage and graphics production.

Broad colour gamut

The SureColor S9160 utilises an advanced 11-colour ink set, including Red, Orange and an all-new Green for vibrant, high-impact prints with true-to-life colours, as well as opaque white ink, which can be used on clear or dark substrates to add versatility and enhance colour. This expanded ink set delivers the broadest colour gamut ever seen in an Epson signage printer, enabling vibrant and accurate prints on a variety of media, including vinyl, canvas, film, wallpaper up to 1625 mm in width.

Speed for real-world workflows

Whether printing signage, graphics or other large-format jobs, the SureColor S9160 delivers exceptional speed without compromising quality. Engineered for maximum efficiency, the printer is faster than its predecessor, reaching a top speed of 119.4 m2/hr (1 pass 300 x 300

dpi), and is further enhanced by its advanced drying system, which minimises downtime by ensuring prints are fully cured and ready for handling almost immediately.

User self-maintenance

The PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead is built to last; however, should it ever require it, can be replaced by the operator, which means no need for a service call or unnecessary downtime. Integrated nozzle verification and temperature sensors ensure that the output remains consistent, even over extended production runs.

Convenient media handling

The SureColor S9160 handles media, including vinyl, banners, films, canvas, and wallpaper, up to 64 inches wide, and rolls weighing up to 45 kg. It is equipped with a media lifter, which allows a single user to handle heavy media easily and securely. Paired with a precise media take-up system and advanced auto-tension control, it optimises handling for large and complex print jobs, providing exceptional control, reliability and efficiency in high-production environments.

Smart Integration for smarter workflows

Bundled with Epson Edge Print Pro RIP and Epson Cloud Solution PORT, the S9160 slots

neatly into multi-printer setups. PORT enables real-time job tracking and analytics, essential for those managing remote teams or juggling multiple jobs.

Service and maintenance

Ink-less nozzle status monitoring, autonozzle replacement, auto head cleaning, and an air circulation system with mist extraction are all features that help keep maintenance predictable and straightforward. Ink is available in 800- or 1500-ml cartridges, depending on the volume requirements. The printer comes with a comprehensive onsite warranty, extendable up to five years with optional CoverPlus service.

The SureColor S9160 stands out for its combination of vibrant print quality, durable engineering, and operator-friendly features, making it ideal for sign businesses that aim to streamline operations without compromising detail or reliability.

maintaining image alignment without distortion. “We removed and reinstalled the functional pins, trimmed around the existing C-shaped horizontal channels, and ensured the finish looked integrated and clean,” Claxton explains.

Before going onsite, the team dry-fitted the laminated prints in the workshop to test alignment, compensate for any feed rate variances, and apply reference tape marks to guide the final placement. “It’s all about consistency,” she says. “You need even tensioning on each drop and to check as you go so the pieces land where they should.”

Subtle and Precise,

the elevator in ABC Hobart that invites stillness

Not all wraps need to shout to be seen. At ABC Hobart, Flying Colours Group took a quiet, considered approach to transform the inside of an elevator into a calming visual escape with a custom architectural wrap.

The full-service job was printed on a Mimaki CJV300-160 PLUS roll printer and finished with a UV matte laminate to ensure both visual longevity and durability. The artwork features a scenic landscape of a wooden decking path winding through grassy hills under a bright blue sky with white clouds; creating an immersive effect, as if the elevator opens out into nature.

“This project was all about experience, not just aesthetics,” says Isobel Clarke, Marketing Manager and Director at Flying Colours. “We wanted to reframe a functional environment into something thoughtful, a little moment of calm in someone’s day.”

Flying Colours’ in-house team handled the tailored layout, print production, lamination, and

install. The design was created by Nick Caddick, Graphic Designer, with printing and lamination managed by Amy Claxton, Production Specialist and Installer. The installation was completed by Claxton alongside Sam Mackey, Installer, who together brought the final vision to life.

The install took place over approximately 3.5 hours during normal trading hours, with the elevator taken out of service to allow uninterrupted access. The timing was coordinated with the ABC following the installation of a new control panel and other servicing work. “An install like this simply can’t be done with people moving in and out of the space – it needs to be still,” says Clarke.

To navigate the elevator’s curved corners and structural components, the wrap was printed in smaller, manageable drops – each around 900mm wide. This approach enabled the team to work methodically from left to right, neatly rolling material into the corners and

Veteran installers Claxton and Mackey managed the process from survey to completion, describing the project and install as one of those “everythingjust-clicked” jobs. Their experience and attention to detail ensured a smooth, professional result.

With a presence across Tasmania, Launceston based Flying Colours Group continues to lead the state’s signage and print sector offering services as diverse as offset printing to channel letter fabrication. Their integrated service approach and deep understanding of branding has earned them trusted partnerships across the tourism, construction, education, and government sectors.

The client, ABC Hobart, was so pleased with the outcome that a follow-up project is already in the works.

Tips from the Flying Colours Team:

• Don’t overlook the “unseen” spaces –creative transformation can happen anywhere.

• Measure twice, print once – tight spaces like elevators demand precision.

• Print in smaller drops for tight curves – this gives better control over corners and fittings.

• Dry-fit and reference-mark in advance – it avoids surprises and ensures seamless joins.

• Focus on feeling – sometimes, subtle design has the greatest impact.

For Flying Colours Group, their ABC elevator wrap is a reminder that every surface holds potential; that that understated design, coupled with meticulous execution can have the biggest impact.

Paying All-Inclusive Rates of Pay: Benefits, Risks, and Compliance

Paying employees an all-inclusive rate of pay is a common practice in many Australian workplaces. It can simplify payroll processes and offer employees certainty over their earnings. However, it also carries legal and financial risks, especially in light of new wage theft laws that came into effect in January 2025.

Employers must approach this pay structure cautiously and ensure they comply with all applicable employment laws. Let’s explore the benefits and risks of paying an all-inclusive rate of pay, highlight the need for periodic wage reviews, and explain the importance of clear contractual terms.

What is an All-inclusive Rate of Pay?

An employer pays one consolidated rate instead of itemising separate entitlements on each pay slip. An all-inclusive rate of pay is a single hourly or annual rate intended to cover all entitlements under an Award or the National Employment Standards (NES), such as:

• ordinary hours

• overtime

• penalty rates

• allowances

• annual leave loading.

The Benefits

A primary benefit of all-inclusive pay is the administrative simplicity. Employers often turn to all-inclusive rates to simplify payroll administration. Instead of tracking multiple pay categories and adjusting pay for different work patterns or entitlements, payroll processing becomes more streamlined. Another benefit is the certainty it offers the employee, which is a consistent and predictable income. This pay structure’s flexibility makes it suitable for roles where hours fluctuate, particularly where

employees regularly perform overtime, shift work, or weekend work.

The Risks

One of the most significant potential risks of an all-inclusive rate of pay is underpayment. It must not result in the employee receiving less than they would otherwise be entitled to under the relevant Award or the National Minimum Wage. Suppose an employee works a pattern that triggers numerous entitlements (e.g. overtime or penalty rates). In that case, the allinclusive rate may no longer cover all applicable payments, which would lead to the employee being underpaid.

Additionally, it’s worth considering whether an all-inclusive rate of pay is costlier for the business. If an employee consistently works only ordinary hours without triggering overtime or penalties, the company may end up paying an unnecessary premium through an all-inclusive rate.

Components such as superannuation, annual leave loading, and long service leave can also increase the effective cost of the arrangement, particularly if these aren’t clearly articulated in the employment contractual arrangement.

These risks emphasise the need for employers to be cautious and ensure they are not inadvertently exposing themselves to liability through insufficient periodic reviews or unclear contracts.

The Importance of Periodic Review

Given that Award rates and the National Minimum Wage are reviewed annually, it’s essential to also periodically review any employees with all-inclusive rates, to ensure the rates remain compliant. Failure to adjust rates in line with Award increases may result in underpayment, exposing the business to backpay claims. It’s worth noting that undertaking regular reviews also helps to address changes in

your employees’ work patterns that could affect the adequacy of the all-inclusive rate.

Clear Contractual Terms Are Essential

To mitigate the risks, employers must ensure that employment contracts contain clear terms that set out the following:

• the all-inclusive rate of pay,

• exactly what entitlements the rate covers (e.g. ordinary time, overtime, penalties, allowances, annual leave loading, etc.),

• when and how the rate will be reviewed, and

• a Set-Off or Offset clause to confirm that the all-inclusive rate is intended to satisfy any applicable Award or statutory entitlements. Such clauses can provide some protection for the business and employees in a dispute, although they aren’t entirely foolproof. They must be drafted carefully to comply with current laws and withstand scrutiny.

Key Takeaways

While paying an all-inclusive rate can benefit a business and its employees, it’s not a set-andforget arrangement. To ensure compliance, companies should:

• regularly review pay rates against the Award or other applicable rates;

• document agreements in clear terms;

• implement proper payroll processes to monitor hours and entitlements; and

• seek advice when and where it’s necessary.

Charles Watson GM – IR, Policy and Governance Visual Media Association

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Rethinking Plastic Films in Print

The recent Plastic Free July campaign serves as a potent reminder not only of the enduring presence and impact of plastic in our environment but also of the general perception many people have of plastic, in particular, that it is inherently bad and should be avoided. It feels like sustainability has been reduced to the simple premise that if you stop using plastic, you are suddenly contributing to a better world.

There is a continuous stream of anti-plastic rhetoric in the media and on social media. Every day we are confronted with images of littered beaches and marine life entangled in plastic. Alarming headlines are warning that microplastics have entered every corner of the earth, the ecosystem and even the human brain! We are seeing unprecedented engagement with environmental issues by the public, and sustainability has become highly influential in lifestyle choices.

Of course, we should be concerned about plastic waste (as well as many other issues that affect our environment), but as an industry, we should also be concerned about the perception of plastic as a whole. Plastic is an integral part of the materials we use, from vinyl banners to selfadhesive films, laminates, and rigid substrates.

Plastics underpin the products and solutions our industry provides. As such, both regulations and shifting public attitudes will increasingly affect our work.

Eliminating plastic from our processes is neither simple nor, in most cases, even feasible. Plastic is our material of choice for a reason. It offers unbeatable durability and functionality at a cost-effective price point. In many cases, its unique properties cannot be matched by alternatives.

The conversation needs to shift beyond general condemnation of plastic material and towards a more informed understanding. As industry professionals, it is hugely beneficial for us to take the time to understand the types of plastics we use, how they differ and what their performance and environmental impacts are, both positive and negative. This way we can effectively communicate with our customers, help them make informed choices and reassure them that using plastic can go hand in hand with sustainability when done responsibly.

NOT ALL PLASTICS ARE THE SAME

In the media, plastic tends to be represented as one thing, but in reality, there are at least seven main types of plastic, each with unique characteristics, uses and impacts. In terms of

self-adhesive films, the main plastics used are PVC, PU, PET and PP.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

One of the most used plastics in sign and print, PVC is valued for its balance between flexibility, durability, and cost. It is weather and UV resistant, making it ideal for longterm outdoor signage. The addition of plasticisers (phthalates) makes PVC flexible and conformable, ideal for vehicle wrapping and other 3D applications. PVC has excellent chemical resistance and, due to its high chlorine content, is self-extinguishing, giving it a high fire resistance rating.

However, PVC’s production and disposal raise environmental and health concerns, primarily related to additives and its tendency to persist in landfills for centuries. While PVC itself is not classified as a carcinogen, its monomer, vinyl chloride, is. The most significant risks are in manufacturing and end-of-life disposal, not during service life. The addition of phthalates is also of toxicological concern to humans, depending on the type and concentration used. Responsible manufacturers adhere to strict REACH guidelines to eliminate or reduce certain additives and chemicals.

There are no known end-of-life recycling

options for self-adhesive PVC in Australia or New Zealand.

PVC is ideal for long-term outdoor durability and conformability, but increasingly can be replaced by PVC-free alternatives for certain applications PU/TPU – Polyurethane

PU is tough, durable and conformable and is traditionally used for paint protection films. Increasingly, PU is being used for vehicle wrap films and marketed as a more environmentally friendly choice due to it being free of PVC and its associated additives.

There are no known end-of-life recycling options for PU, and when landfilled, the time it takes to break down will depend on its composition. Typically, these films have been much more expensive than traditional PVC wrap film, but the price gap is narrowing.

Ideal for paint protection and when the client wants a long-term or conformable PVC alternative.

PET (Polyester)

PET is a food-grade plastic regarded as relatively safe, with a long history of consumer use. In print, it is used for optically clear window films, anti-graffiti laminates, durable wall films, and more. PET is valued for its clarity, high heat tolerance, and in some cases, flame resistance. It is not conformable, so it is limited to flat surface applications. PET is marketed as sustainable due to being PVC-free. PET films can also contribute to sustainability when used for solar protection films, as they improve heating and cooling efficiencies, reducing energy consumption.

While PET is one of the most widely recycled plastics globally, PET films used by our industry are much more challenging as they are contaminated with ink, adhesives and silicones. There are, however, some limited recycling options in Australia and New Zealand.

PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene is one of the greenest plastics. Films made from PP use fewer natural resources,

generate less waste and are regarded as having a cleaner production footprint. PP is considered one of the safest plastics and is also used in food packaging. PP is considered to be non-toxic and is readily recyclable, even as a printed selfadhesive film.

PP is not conformable and is best suited for short-term flat outdoor and indoor applications such as seasonal sale decals, real estate signs, events and in-store POS.

Moving forward, our industry can manage the use and perception of plastics by:

• Knowing your materials: Not all plastics are created equal. Understanding the differences is essential for offering the right solution.

• Evaluate full lifecycle impacts: Focus on overall environmental performance, not just material composition. This means considering durability, maintenance, endof-life management, recycling infrastructure and the value the material delivers during its service life.

• Educate and communicate: Take the initiative to help clients and the public understand why plastic sometimes remains the best material, what responsible use looks like, and how alternative options compare.

• Advocate for circular solutions: Support alternative material use where possible and invest in schemes that facilitate the return, recycling, or reuse of plastic materials.

Plastic Free July is a reminder that plastic use is under the microscope, and how people feel about plastic impacts their decisions. We don’t have to feel guilty and move away from sound material choices. Instead, we can address our use of plastic by being more informed, using materials responsibly and adopting ( or at least offering) sustainable alternatives where it makes sense. By doing so, we can continue to deliver high-quality, effective print solutions while also contributing to a more sustainable future.

DENISE KIRBY has nearly thirty years’ experience supplying selfadhesive media to the sign and print industry. Initially starting out in the family business as a distributor, she went on to work for leading self-adhesive manufacturers in marketing, business development and product management roles across Australia and New Zealand. She now has her own business, Kirbyco, which develops and supplies eco-friendly, recyclable and sustainable print media, and created ZERO, a product stewardship scheme which recycles end of life printed media. Denise is highly passionate about the industry and enjoys writing about applications, opportunities and new developments in print and signage. Her goal is to inspire people to explore new creative, functional and sustainable opportunities in print as well as educating the industry on products, trends and innovations.

What makes an Entrepreneur? Great

question. Let’s explore.

A quick Google search will define an entrepreneur as “a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.”

But I must disagree. By that logic, anyone who starts a business could call themselves an entrepreneur. In my view, it’s far more nuanced than that. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching a venture; it’s about mindset. It’s about an inner drive and instinct to create something of value, seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, and finding new ways forward when the obvious path hits a dead end.

You’ve heard the saying, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” For an entrepreneur,

the saying might as well be, “Find a better way to sell the lemonade, and brand it so well no one else can compete.”

Looking back, I realise the entrepreneurial spirit was always part of my DNA. I may not have always seen it, though.

Take primary school, for instance. Back then, marbles were the game of choice. The rules were simple: stack four marbles in a pyramid, step back four paces, and try to knock the top marble off. If you hit it, you kept all four. If you missed, you lost your marble. I played the same game as everyone else but did it on my terms. I’d always race out and claim a slightly uneven patch of ground. Not

Photo Credit: Angela - AdobeStock

and persuasion, I had him genuinely considering it. Ultimately, the sale didn’t happen, but the process showed me the power of influence and positioning.

When my wife Dianne and I bought our first home, a modest property in Cockatoo, nestled in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, we had to stretch every dollar. The house cost $23,000, and money was tight. But I’d been watching prices for front-end loaders and spotted an opportunity in the Trading Post, the equivalent of today’s Marketplace. I bought one for $5,000, a considerable sum for us then, but I was confident.

We used it to do the heavy work on the property, then sold it three weeks later for $7,000. Dianne wasn’t thrilled at first, but she quickly saw the upside. We repeated the process several more times. That wasn’t just a trade, but a calculated risk based on observation, timing, and confidence.

My point is this: true entrepreneurs don’t just start businesses; they see things differently. They find leverage where others don’t. They act with conviction and hope.

Years later, in the signage industry, the market became saturated. Everyone had their own digital printer, even home setups. It became a race to the bottom on price per square metre. Competing in that space didn’t make sense. So I chose a different approach.

I invested in a Durst flatbed printer, cutting-edge technology, and leveraged it uniquely. While others printed cheaply on vinyl, I created a premium product: Crystal Print. The name sounded highend and deliberately so, but the finish delivered on that promise. We printed directly to the substrate and then applied several coats of high-gloss, two-pack clear coat. The result was a stunning, durable finish, and we priced it accordingly.

enough to be unfair, but just enough to add challenge. It made a difference. I won so many marbles that my mother had to sew a custom bag to carry them all. Eventually, the school banned the game because I won too much. Was it cheating? Not at all. Others had the same chance. I just saw the advantage; they didn’t.

Later, as a teenager in trade school, I came close to selling my sailing dinghy to one of my teachers. When I first mentioned it, he wasn’t even remotely interested in my type of boat. But over several weeks, through persistence

The market noticed. I even began receiving calls from competitors asking how we did it. Of course, I never disclosed the process. Crystal Print gave us a powerful point of difference— because it wasn’t just a product; it was a brand, a story, and a solution no one else was offering.

That’s the essence of entrepreneurship: not merely creating a business, but building something distinct, something valuable, and something lasting

You don’t need to be born with it to be successful in business, but the results often speak for those with the instinct to spot opportunity and act decisively.

That’s what makes an entrepreneur.

VERNON KINGMAN is a highly respected and prominent figure in the signage industry. He is known for cofounding Kingman Visual in Perth with his wife, Dianne, in 1984. Starting from their garage, the business grew into one of Australia’s leading signage companies, known for major projects such as Perth’s Optus Stadium and the largest sky sign in Australia at St John of God Murdoch Hospital. In 2020, Vernon sold the company. He remains active in the industry as a consultant, continuing to influence and support other businesses in the field. You can contact Vernon at vernonjkingman@gmail.com.

Photo Credit: Orlando Florin RosuAdobeStock

Photo Credit: Andrey Popov - AdobeStock

Why you may be missing your sales targets

Finding the clarity in your pipeline

Do you have enough qualified leads in your pipeline to hit your revenue target?

It sounds like a simple question. However, for many business owners and commercial leaders, the answer remains unclear or becomes apparent only when it’s too late.

That was precisely the situation one of our clients found themselves in during the final quarter of FY24/25. They had set a strong growth target and were three months out from year-end. On the surface, the sales team was active: quotes were being sent out, meetings were being held, and follow-up was being maintained. The pipeline looked full.

But something wasn’t adding up.

What We Found in the Review

Over 12 weeks, we conducted a structured pipeline review with the client to gain a deeper understanding of what was happening beneath the surface. In just six sessions, we uncovered three critical data points:

• Their average deal size

• Their average deal duration

• The average number of live opportunities per rep at any given time

With that information, we could finally model their trajectory against the target. The results

were clear: the current volume of qualified opportunities wasn’t enough to deliver on the goal. Not even close.

This is a common pitfall that many teams fall into. The pipeline looks busy, but it’s not truly aligned with what the business needs to achieve its target, let alone grow.

The Illusion of a Full Pipeline

Salesforce’s State of Sales report shows that top-performing sales teams are nearly three times more likely to use pipeline data to inform strategic decisions. That visibility gives them an edge. They can course-correct early, while others only realise they’re off track once it’s too late.

That was precisely what had happened here. The pipeline was opaque, and without clarity in the data, the team had no visibility into the shortfall until the final quarter. By then, urgency had replaced confidence.

What Changed Once Clarity Arrived

Once the numbers were visible, everything shifted.

The sales team refocused on building the pipeline. Rather than casting a wide net, they began targeting specific segments to increase the volume of quality opportunities.

Marketing got involved earlier. Instead of operating in isolation, they collaborated with sales around shared goals and accounts. Lead generation became far more strategic and directly supportive of what sales needed in the final stretch.

The leadership team gained control. With a transparent sales process in place, managers knew what to coach. Reps had something concrete to work toward. The scramble was replaced by structure.

FIVE SIGNS YOUR PIPELINE ISN’T AS HEALTHY AS IT LOOKS

This experience surfaced patterns we see across many organisations. If you’re unsure whether your pipeline is genuinely working for you, here are five red flags to watch for:

1. Stalled deals dominate.

If most opportunities have been sitting in the same stage for weeks or months, they’re probably not progressing. A healthy pipeline has momentum with opportunities flowing through it.

2. Heavy reliance on a few ‘big fish.’

If a handful of large deals make up the bulk of your forecast, one delay or “no” can derail your entire quarter. Be aware of the reliance on the ‘big fish’.

Photo Credit: MrArtHit -

3. Inconsistent win rates across the team. This often points to unclear qualification criteria or coaching gaps. A strong pipeline begins with alignment on what constitutes a good opportunity, and all team members are consistently coached against the same criteria.

4. Frequent complaints about lead quality. If sales and marketing are pointing fingers, it’s likely that they aren’t aligned on the definition of a viable lead.

5. No agreed-upon benchmark for “enough pipeline.”

If your team can’t say how many qualified opportunities each rep needs at any given time, you’re flying blind.

Using the Numbers to Build Confidence

We used a simple model to show the team what “enough” looked like. Here’s the logic we walked through together:

• Average deal size: $50K

• Win rate from the top of the pipeline: 10%

• Average days to deal: 60 days

• Annual target per rep: $1M

To hit that number, each rep needs:

• 20 closed deals per year

• 200 identified opportunities

• Around 20 identified opportunities must hit the top of their pipeline each month

This gave the team a tangible benchmark to work toward. More importantly, it replaced uncertainty with clear metrics, allowing them to build a plan aligned with those metrics.

Why Alignment Is Non-Negotiable

Pipeline clarity isn’t just a sales issue. Without alignment, marketing may focus on visibility or engagement while sales is left chasing deals that don’t convert.

According to LinkedIn’s B2B Benchmark Report, organisations with strong sales and marketing alignment are 208 per cent more likely to report positive ROI. They’re also 67 per cent more efficient at closing deals. When marketing understands what the pipeline needs and why, they can focus their effort where it matters:

• Generating demand in underperforming segments

• Supporting strategic accounts

• Creating content that helps convert, not just attract

In this client’s case, it wasn’t about doing more. It was about doing the right things, in the right order, with the right data.

What This Means for You

If you’re heading into FY25/26 without a clear view of your pipeline health, you’re not alone, but you are at risk.

Now is the time to ask:

• Do we know how many opportunities we need to hit the target?

• Are sales and marketing aligned on how to generate and convert those opportunities?

• Do our representatives have a sufficient quality pipeline in place right now?

If the answer to any of these is “not sure,” then gaining clarity should be your first priority this quarter.

Need a Clearer View of Your Pipeline?

We help organisations review their pipeline and reduce revenue risk by uncovering what’s really happening in the sales process.

If you’d like to assess your current sales position or develop a plan to start the financial year strong, please don’t hesitate to contact us at support@sellabilities.com.au.

While retail is preparing for the Christmas Rush

You should be testing to fill your January pipeline

Every November, the rush hits.

Orders ramp up, fulfilment goes into overdrive, and the team barely has time to breathe, let alone look at or optimise a digital advertising campaign.

So, suppose you want your digital marketing to keep pulling its weight while you’re flat out with delivery deadlines and customer service chaos. In that case, the time to prepare isn’t through October and November, just before the Christmas rush; it’s right now.

During the peak consumer season, you’re too busy delivering POS and pop-up display campaigns, you’re printing the New Year Sales collateral for your retail clients and perhaps wrapping a fleet with Christmasthemed branding.

So, when do you think about advertising through this rush? That process should be built on the back of August and September. These are your two months where the algorithm is less volatile, CPMs are a little more forgiving, and your business audience isn’t drowning in

discounts from all the retail sales and consumerfocused Christmas advertising. These two months are your testing ground. And so many businesses waste this time.

Now is not the time to ideate. Start testing variables.

Now is the time to work on getting an aggressive, creative, and offer testing schedule up and running, because you won’t be able to identify what works in a panic-fuelled November and December rush. Digital platforms will be flooded with sales and offers during the consumer silly season.

If you need to test hooks? Headlines? Formats? Offers? Now is the time.

Do you need to know if a video with a wrapping demonstration outperforms an installation collage?

Test it now.

Want to know whether your free shipping offer on a pull-up banner beats a 10% discount?

Test it now.

Not sure if your main offer will convert better with a social proof carousel or a one-liner and a Buy Now button?

Test it now.

You can’t wait until peak consumer sale season to explore the creative campaign content that drives clicks, what copy stops the doom scroll, or which business audience segment is researching and will buy ahead for 2026 in the middle of Christmas. Which means you cannot be A/B testing in November.

Creative Is King, But You Need a Court of Data to Rule

We love to say, “Creative is king,” but let’s be honest, most businesses are very likely still recycling the same ads, throwing them at Meta, and other social platforms, and praying the algorithm does them a favour, or they boost their best-performing organic posts, without changing anything.

If Meta ads have taught us anything in the last 12 months, it’s that lazy creative = lazy results.

Photo Credit: Miha CreativeAdobeStock

The algorithm rewards diverse creative inputs. It is designed to test, learn, and optimise.

August and September are for finding your winning angles, so your ads don’t just cut through end-of-year sales, they keep converting while you’re offline in late December and help fill your pipeline for January and February.

Right now, CPMs are typically lower, and the data from your audience isn’t drowned out by consumers in full deal-hunting mode. You can track and assess how different messages land without your data being skewed by aggressive sales.

This is when you want to exhaust your ad variations and let Meta do what it does best: learn. But it can only learn from good inputs. Offers can be made twice

Your “best offer ever” means nothing if you’ve never tested it before Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One of the biggest mistakes I see is brands saving their best sale for the end of November without even knowing if their audience cares to bite.

You need to understand what resonates with your customers, and what sounds good in a team strategy session might fall flat in your feed.

So, test the discount. Test the bundle. Test the value stack. Run a mini flash sale now; call it a “Spring Reset” or “End of Winter Glow-Up”. No one will care what it’s called. What they will care about is if it entices them to click. And you’ll care about the information that gives you, if they do.

If it bombs? Great, you learned that it

won’t resonate.If it works? Even better. You now have a tested offer that converts, one that will work just as hard through Boxing Day and into January, while you’re hopefully on a beach somewhere.

You don’t want Black Friday and Cyber Monday to be your first rodeo when you need to have cut through to get the new year work lined up.

Think Beyond the Ads

Testing doesn’t stop at the ad creative. Your funnel needs to be tested, too.

Is your landing page loading fast enough on mobile? Are your team prepped and ready to follow up quickly to convert those new leads from Meta? Is your product page optimised for urgency and trust? Do your reviews feel like real people or AI-generated fluff?

Use August and September to audit your buyer journey. If you don’t want to touch it later when orders are flying in, adjust it now.

Fix the friction now, and your digital funnel will keep converting during the holiday shutdown. Meanwhile, your team can get some welldeserved rest, knowing you’ll still be picking up leads and orders.

I worked with a client on this issue, and we doubled their Christmas trading revenue in 2024. How? In September, we overhauled their email sequence and tested their lead magnet with some small campaigns. By the time Black Friday and Cyber Monday hit, their list was primed with no cold leads, just warm traffic ready to buy.

This Is Your Press Check, Not Your Print Run

Printers know the job’s not done just because it rolls out the printer. You’ve still got finishing, logistics, delivery, and installation — the whole journey from done to delivered.

The same goes for your marketing funnel. August and September aren’t downtime; they’re your systems check. The marketing work you do now ensures your campaigns keep delivering when your hands are full with operational work. It will help you walk into January with momentum, not a rebuild.

If your Meta ads are underperforming during the Christmas rush, you’re not going to fix them midrush. You have to focus and fix them beforehand.

So, take a good, hard look at your ad account and digital marketing plans this week. Ask yourself:

• What am I testing right now that will shape my holiday campaign strategy?

• What data do I need to feel confident going into peak season and 2026?

• What parts of my funnel have I not stress tested yet?

And if the answer is “not much” for any of the above, then it’s best to get moving.

Because the only thing scarier than not being ready for the Christmas rush... is hoping and praying you are, without knowing for sure.

CASS THEODORE

Marketing Director and Founder That Mrkg

Now is the Time to Strengthen Your Business

While the financial year is well underway, many businesses are facing difficulties. This makes it an ideal time to think strategically about how to strengthen your business and ensure it can withstand future challenges. Use this checklist to help drive improved profit and cash flow this year:

1. Sales and Gross Profit

Review your sales and gross profit by product, service, customer, region, or division to identify your strongest performers—and those that are holding you back. Consider dropping underperformers and exploring new opportunities aligned with current market trends.

If you haven’t already adapted to digital or online marketing, now’s the time. Get expert help if needed—don’t let a lack of knowledge limit your growth.

2. Costs

Audit your business costs. Could supplies be sourced more efficiently or economically?

Labour is often a major cost, especially in service businesses. Evaluate staff productivity: How many paid hours are billable? Are you selling all the hours you’re paying for?

Small workflow improvements can significantly increase profitability. Tap into industry resources and AI tools to find faster, smarter, and cheaper ways to get things done.

3. Pricing

Ask yourself:

• When did you last raise prices?

• Are you afraid of losing customers if you do?

• Can you absorb ongoing margin squeezes without an increase?

If costs are rising but your prices aren’t, your profit is shrinking. Make sure your pricing reflects increased overheads and the true value you deliver.

If you’re competing on price, either reduce your costs or clearly articulate why your offering is worth more. Help customers see what makes your product or service superior.

Photo

4. Overheads and Net Profit

Go through every overhead cost and ask:

• Why are we spending this money?

• Does it contribute to profitability?

• Is there a cheaper or more efficient alternative?

Post-COVID, are there practices—like remote work—that can reduce premises or power costs long-term?

Shop around. Even if you don’t switch suppliers, creating competitive pressure can lead to better pricing.

5. Customer Payments

Understand how long it actually takes to get paid versus your stated terms. This gap can have a significant impact on cash flow. Measure your current average collection period, and set a goal to reduce it. Faster payments mean better cash flow and less reliance on credit.

6. Supplier Payments

Compare the time it takes you to pay your suppliers with the terms they’ve offered. If you’re paying earlier than necessary, you could be putting unnecessary strain on your cash flow. Negotiate better terms, especially if you’re a valued customer. Suppliers often have flexibility, particularly in competitive markets.

7. Stock Management

Think of your stockroom as stacks of cash. The more inventory sitting idle, the less cash

you have to invest in areas like marketing or staffing.

up your cash and slows turnover, it might not be worth it. Consider leaner stock levels or just-intime ordering.

8. Job Management

progress? The faster you complete and invoice jobs, the better your cash flow.

through upfront deposits, progress payments, or milestone billing.

track jobs efficiently and help you invoice faster and complete work sooner.

Final Thoughts

financial year, focus on these areas:

• • •

strong, resilient businesses.

these strategies, download our free eBook at this link

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