Image Reports October November 2020

Actively investigating and supporting the wide-format print sector

ISSUE 5 • VOLUME 28 • OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

GET INTO THE FLOW The new Arizona 2300 series from Canon

Talking Point Steve Lister on a retail reboot and the impact on this sector Ensuring a future after furlough Insights from HighVis co-founder John Boland Zeitgeist Why you should have a LPA for your business

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Editorial

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC Editor: Lesley Simpson lesley.simpson@imagereportsmag.co.uk

If you’re a signed-up subscriber to Image Reports you’ll be getting the 2020 Widthwise Report alongside this issue. If you’re not, you

Production / Design: Alex Gold

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polls undertaken this year due to the impact of Covid-19 - can I VXJJHVW \RX GR VR <RX PD\ EH VXUSULVHG RU QRW DW WKH Ă°QGLQJV of what is the 13th annual independent survey of UK/Ireland

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large-format digital print companies. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly not all doom and gloom. Indeed over half of the respondents to the second poll, in

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July, said they were optimistic about their business over the next year. Hopefully, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling the same. If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the case,

To purchase a subscription please visit www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/subscribe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UK ÂŁ54, overseas ÂŁ84

WKHUHâV SOHQW\ LQ WKLV LVVXH WR KHOS \RX ðQG \RXU ZD\ In the Talking Point interview Steve Lister considers any likely retail

Printed in Great Britain.

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reboot - or not - and the impact on large-format printers working in that space. Top Tips looks at building business after furlough, an issue on many a mind as the end of the scheme looms. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less likely to be on your mind is arranging a Lasting Power of Attorney for your business, but perhaps you should be. Turn to Zeitgeist for an explanation.

Other timely features include an update on new media introductions since lockdown (theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not all for socially distancing ĂąRRU JUDSKLFV DQG KRZ HQYLURQPHQWDO LVVXHV DUH DJDLQ FOLPELQJ up the agenda.

Hoping thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something of interest and use to you all, whatever your situation.

From Top: Lesley Simpson Alex Gold Wayne Darroch Carl Archer

Editor LESLEY SIMPSON LESLEY.SIMPSON@IMAGEREPORTSMAG.CO.UK TEL: 01932 707173

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Contents

CONTENTS OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

REGULARS: 7 News Keeping you abreast of all the latest news in relation to digital wide-format print.

19

10 Cover Story Advertorial Get into the flow with the Canon Arizona 2300 Series.

26 Think Bigger Gallery showing off the creativity and complexity of largeformat inkjet print.

28 Forum Vital stats to help you run your business; Digging below the surface with Industry Mole; Out and About - events diary; Over to You with Alex Wood, commercial director, RMC Digital Print.

30 Zeitgeist Should you be putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney for your business?

SECTIONS:

26

Business 14 Talking Point … with Steve Lister on a likely retail reboot and the impact on this sector.

16 Top Tips HighVis co-founder John Boland on ensuring a future after furlough.

Technical 19 What to Watch Media: launches since lockdown

Environment NEWS AND VIEWS ONLINE Go to www.imagereportsmag.co.uk for all the wide-

25 Cleaning up Gardners talks about its eco strategies and developments.

format sector’s industry news, updated regularly online. Image Reports can also send a twice weekly enews bulletin straight to your inbox – register at: www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/ newsletter

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News

YPP seeks retail partners

Precision Printing, ProCo Print and Prime Group merge

YPP Group is seeking more online retailer partners for its personlised product offering, which is expanding via a number of new licensing deals.

“We are adding add some exciting items to our Custom Gift online range,” said CEO Stuart Maclaren. “Since the beginning of the year YPP has seen a 70% jump in turnover, and personalisation has been a massive growth area along with social distance signage, PPE and hygiene dispensers. With Christmas approaching, and people wanting to order from home, we are preparing to increase our offering and reach.”

YPP can offer online retailers a plug-in that effectively adds all its Custom Gift products to the retailers’ own websites. The retailer can brand as desired, and once payment is made the order is automatically sent to YPP for fulfilment before being directly dispatched - either white label or in the retailer’s packaging - to the end customer.

Precision Printing, ProCo Print and Prime Group have merged to form the Precision Proco Group. The new entity, which also includes the online print portal Where The Trade Buys and digital solutions provider Climb, expects to grow turnover to £45-50m this year.

There are no redundancies as a result of the merger.

New group chairman, and merger advisor, is former British Airways director, Philip Osmond. Gary Peeling of Precision Printing - which has sites in London and Sunderland - is the new group’s CEO. Jon Bailey, formerly of Sheffield-based ProCo, becomes COO. Jon Tolley, of Prime in Nottingham, is group CIO. Dominic Neary, who has joined from Just Eat, has taken on the role of CFO. Precision and ProCo will operate as Precision Proco, while Prime will retain its name with a new brand identity.

The companies, which have worked together for years, said the driving force behind the move - which has been under discussion for two years - was the recognition that they shared a “combined passion to print differently for e-commerce”.

GO TO WWW.IMAGEREPORTSMAG.CO.UK FOR THE FULL STORY…

“Our customers in the main are established brands which are looking to expand their market share though innovation, or businesses re launching or developing an e-commerce brand,” said Peeling.

“The introduction of Climb as part of the group, a digital solutions provider specialising in e-commerce, and the unique technology platforms it is creating for us, will allow us to optimise offline marketing through smart automation, smart collaboration and smart utilisation.”

Climb is now on a recruitment drive for skilled developers following its assimilation into the new group, which has large-format kit, 15 digital presses, four litho presses, high-speed inkjet, and various finishing lines. The companies work across a range of sectors, printing for consumer brands and retailers along with developing a number of e-commerce products and platforms. Peeling said: “We are continuing to invest in the company and have already acquired a new 3716m2 site outside of Nottingham and a new compass binding machine which together represent a £1m investment.”

] Insitu takes UK’s first Durst’s P5 350 ] New Gunner cutters come to Europe

Epson launches its first UV LED flatbed

] Caldera launches WebShop for large-format PSPs ] InkTec brings out inkset for Mimaki UCJV300-160 ] New MD for Mimaki Europe ] Canon updates its ColorWave and PlotWave series ] SME’s face mental health crisis says report ] tilia Griffin v2.2 integrates with Summa cutters ] Imageco partners on tree planting initiative ] OneVision improves Asura prepress software

Epson has announced its first UV LED flatbed printer - the 10-colour SureColor SC-V7000. It will be available from November.

The newcomer has a 2.5, x 1.25m maximum print size and can handle substrates up to 80mm thick. It has a four-zone vacuum system, ionizer and registration pins as standard. Epson Edge Print Rip

software, along with UV Flatbed controller software, are intended to aid print speed and job repeatability.

The newly developed 10-colour inkset includes light cyan, light magenta, grey to provide low graininess, and red for vivid and bright prints.

At the time of going to press Epson had not confirmed a price.

] SME’s need to do more formal training shows new report ] Drupa Preview to launch online ] Steve Lister becomes head of sustainability for Popai ] Antalis introduces Alugrip6 screens system ] Hybrid now selling Mimaki SWJ-3220EA solvent printer with VOC extractor unit ] Graphtec GB adds WID C Series machines to portfolio ] Avery Dennison report advocates for business transparency ] Fespa awards winners announced ] Agfa Anapurna backbone of Solopress wide-format growth ] Brett Martin plastics gain cutting certification from Eurolaser

Self-sanitising stretch fabric from Ultima Displays Ultima Displays has come up with a self-sanitising stretch fabric using HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 technology that has been tested to be 99.99% effective within 30 minutes against SARS-CoV-2, the Covid-19 causing virus.

Tests have been carried out to ensure the treated textile with the HeiQ Viroblock technology has a strong antimicrobial efficacy demonstrated

by ISO 20743 and ISO18184. The technology is EU Reach compliant and certified as safe, as all its ingredients are cosmetic grade, bio-based (72% bio-based carbon) and recycled.

The treated textile can be cleaned if graphics become dirty by gently washing at 60°C for up to 30 washes, without effecting the antimicrobial properties.

] Epson merges Robustelli and For.Tex ] Landa S10P helps PSP extend POP/POS offering ] YPS launches Your Print Institute

HiVis seeks print staff as volumes jump

] IoD calls on government for more SME support ] Seacourt XL built on back of HP Latex 365 installation ] New MD for CPS ] Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions Europe now Squid distributor ] BPIF welcomes extended timeframe for climate change scheme ] Siegwerk partners on environmental initiative ] Landa S10P helps PSP extend POP/POS offering ] Banner Box focuses attention on eco credentials ] 3 Sixty installs EFI Vutek h5 ] GMG launches ColorProof Go

Custom workwear and safety signage company HiVis.co.uk has seen its in-house large-format print operation take-off since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with anticipated turnover jumping from around £300,000 in 2019 to “at least £1.5m” of a total £5.5m in 2020. It is looking for print staff to help it cope with the increased volume of work.

“15 years ago large-format print was just an add-on to the business I started with Dave Butterworth back in 2001 [as Elite Industrial Supplies] to produce custom workwear, clothing, sign and safety PPE for businesses,” said joint founder John Boland. “We

now have a bank of 15 or so Roland RF-640’s and since lockdown we’ve just seen demand surge. We’re getting work from customers we didn’t even know existed due to signage requirements. We had a staff of 45, but we’ve already added another six in the print department since we brought people back from furlough, and we’re looking for another four in the department as demand is continuing to grow.” www.hivis.co.uk is an ecommerce site with a customised printed products capability. It was established in 2008, having been born out of eliteindustrial.co.uk.

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News

Restructuring at CMYUK

Gardners launches air cleaning coating

CMYUK has restructured its consumables business to underpin its expansion plans. The changes see Damien Clarke become sales director and Joel Willcock commercial director as part of a new business development team. The overall strategy of this team will be led by CMYUK’s main board, which comprises: Jon Price, group finance and operations; Robin East, group sales and marketing; and Michael Crook as business development director.

East said: “CMYUK is entering a new phase of expansion with our sustainable materials supply. We have set out a new structure to ensure the scalability we require to grow rapidly into new geographical regions with innovative new product ranges.”

CMYUK has also recently signed a multi-millionpound exclusive contract with Taya Groups to supply its patent-pending Kavalan PVC-free banner range into the UK and Ireland.

Former RA Smart’s Susie Williamson has been appointed as a key account manager for CMYUK’s interiors, fashion and design digital print textiles.

Gardners has launched a pollution eating print range called ReactivAir - a specialty coating that can be used on a wide range of print applications to significantly improve air quality, while also keeping the surface cleaner for longer.

The ReActivair coating, which is made of naturally occurring minerals, purifies air by using energy from natural sunlight to breakdown pollutants and odour molecules in the air.

When sunlight hits the ReActivair coating, it

Hexcite acquires Blaze Blaze Signs and sister company Cygnia Maintenance have joined Gardners and Kesslers as part of the Elaghmore-owned Hexcite group, creating a £60m turnover suite of operations with a customer base of more than 100 retailers and brands worldwide.

In total, Blaze - acquired from private equity firm Mobeus - employs 250 people across the UK, and last year had a turnover of around £25m.

Blaze - based in Broadstairs, Kent, and with a manufacturing and service centre in Birmingham designs, makes, installs and maintains signage for brands. Cygnia is the UK’s largest provider of sign maintenance, repairs and image protection services.

The addition of Blaze to the Hexcite group is the ninth acquisition made by Elaghmore from its £60m, initial private equity fund, Elaghmore I (Fund 1) which closed at the end of 2016. The investment strategy of the fund is focused on businesses that present a significant opportunity for growth and value creation. .

prompts a series of reactions taking humidity and oxygen from the air turning them into cleaning agents that scrub the air of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and Nitrious oxides (NOx) smog.

Gardners said results from Sheffield University show one square coated meter can take out about 2g of NOx per day - so, a banner (of around.50m2) could reverse the effects of the pollution created from a bus or about 20 cars every single day.

Global Graphics brings out Harlequin Host Renderer 13 Global Graphics has introduced a major new release of its Harlequin Rip. Harlequin Host Renderer 13 adds new features for large-format output, such automatic tiling to maximise the throughput of large PDF, TIFF and JPEG files, splitting them across multiple Rips for increased speed and improved load balancing.

Harlequin 13 also introduces direct printing of PNG files. There are enhanced controls over sizing of output from image file formats such as TIFF, JPEG and PNG where the image does not specify a size.

There’s also extended Advanced Inkjet Screen (AIS) with the introduction of Opal especially good at mitigating artifacts when inkjet printing on absorbent substrates at higher resolutions.

The Harlequin Host Renderer (HHR) is supplied as a component or pre-packaged with a parallel processing pipeline as Harlequin Direct to enable OEMs to achieve the fastest possible time to market while building a high quality DFE for a highspeed digital press.

New Arizona 2300 series 20% more productive Canon has brought out a new Arizona 2300 series of LED-UV flatbed printers that it says are more than 20% more productive than the previous generation of Arizona machines.

The series comprises the Arizona 2340 XTF, 2360 XTF, 2380 XTF with flatbed area of 2.5m x 3.08m, and the Arizona 2340 GTF, 2360 GTF, 2380 GTF with a 1.25m x 2.5m flatbed. Three colour versions are available - 4, 6 (CMYK, double white, or white and varnish) and 8 (CMYK, Lc,Lm, double white or white and varnish). The Arizona 2300 UV inks are UL Greenguard Gold certified..

The new printers use Arizona ‘flow’ technology, an airflow suction technique that combines a zoneless, multi-origin table layout with pneumatic

registration pins to better secure the substrates in place. The pneumatic registration pins allow users to align media to either the left or the right edge of the table - or both - and 2-up, 4-up and 6-up printing is possible. Top speed is 95m2/hr.

With the Arizona 2300 series, Canon is also introducing Arizona Xpert version 2.1, which supports ‘recipes’ for print and cut workflows via integration with Canon’s ProCut software. The software also enables easy ‘recipe’ exchange between print supplier and designer, so they can see the end product with a 3D view in Adobe Creative Suite.

A roll media option allows the use of heatsensitive media up to 220cm

in the role of production director, and we’ve also promoted Alex Wood to the role of commercial director. He has been instrumental in the growth and development of RMC Digital Print over the years and we’re delighted to welcome him onto the board of directors.”

The long-term plans for the business include investing in new equipment with the ultimate aim of expanding an already substantial client-base and broadening RMC Print’s customer offering. “We’re looking at replacing two flatbed/hybrids with one that can produce the same amount as the two, and we’re in the process of introducing a new MIS

system which will make quoting, job raising and scheduling much quicker,” explained Nicole.

Richard added: “We’ve got great plans for the business. One of our main goals is to bring people from a non-print background into the industry, sharing our knowledge and experience to show them that print can be an exciting place to be.” The company is looking for someone without experience in both account management and possibly for the factory floor.

“We’re also keen on setting a training plan for any new starters by collaborating with others within the industry,” stressed Nicole.

MBO at RMC Digital Print Large-format trade printer RMC Digital Print has undergone an MBO, with former MD Richard Spencer and operations director Nicole Spencer now owning the company 50/50.

Nicole - currently also president of Fespa UK - has become managing director, with Richard taking on the role of chairman.

“To drive the business forward we recognised the need to streamline the decision-making process, allowing us to become a more agile business and more responsive to our customers’ needs,” said Nicole, who added: “We have a strong leadership team in place, with Lee Cundill

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 9

Cover Story

GET INTO THE FLOW WITH THE ARIZONA 2300 SERIES FROM CANON Explore the unlimited creativity, productivity and quality of the latest Arizona flatbed printers.

architecture for ease of use, and productive printing.

Arizona FLOW technology introduces an impressive airflow technique that combines a zone-less, multiorigin table layout, supported by easy-to-use pneumatic registration pins, with no masking required for the vast majority of applications. This delivers hassle-free production, including multi-board and double-sided printing.

Choose from an array of print modes to suit your application and produce quality output at up to 93 m2/hr.

When a valuable rush job comes in, you want to be able to get on with it immediately. The instant-on capability of the Arizona 2300 series means there is no warming up necessary. Thanks to its innovative LED-UV curing system, it is always ready to go.

UPTIME IS KEY The robust Arizona 2300 has been designed to stay productive. The Automated Maintenance System (AMS) offers hands-free printhead maintenance, restoring reliable nozzle functionality in seconds. This even applies to white, a traditionally difficult colour to maintain. With the Arizona 2300 series, the white ink system is just as reliable as other colours.

Our Remote Service option enables you to authorise remote assistance by certified service technicians, should the need arise. This way, you receive support as quickly as possible maximising your printer’s uptime.

As the global leader in Large Format imaging systems, Canon has set the market standard for productivity, instant operation, reliable performance, and amazing quality. Arizona Flatbed printers have long been at the heart of this. Since the first Arizona launched in 2007, over 7,000 printers have been sold worldwide – making its mark as the leading flatbed printer and industry choice.

When you join the Arizona family, you can rely on, instant on printing, productivity, and incredible creative high-quality applications print after print, year after year.

The Arizona 2300 series of flatbed printers are based on LED UV-curable ink. Quick, reliable and low maintenance, this latest printer series provides the optimum in productivity, print quality and versatility. It delivers a mindblowing application range limited only by imagination, for both rigid and flexible media applications.

PRODUCTIVE: READY TO GO, INSTANT PRINTING Benefit from the time and labour Arizona cost savings to be made with the technology new game changing Arizona FLOW technology, featured on all models.

Revolutionising the way we look at flatbed table

10 | October / November 2020

VERSATILE: SUPERIOR PRINT QUALITY COMES AS STANDARD The Arizona 2300 series uses the impressive VariaDot imaging technology featured in all Arizona printers. This award-winning technology delivers near photorealistic print quality in even the fastest production modes. It delivers finer details and smoother gradients in highlight areas, crisp colours in the mid tones, and incredible density in shadows and areas of solid colour. Your images will look far superior to those printed on a conventional, fixed-droplet, 6-colour inkjet printer.

The new High-Key print mode and enhanced screening give you outstanding results, print after print. Add light cyan and light magenta inks, or our brightest white UV ink ever, or even varnish to your ink channels, to create high-quality photo and fine-art applications.

One of the key ingredients behind the exceptional print quality of the Arizona 2300 series is the precision from highly accurate registration and pixel placement. A high-resolution camera alignment system guarantees easy, quick, and precise printhead alignment and flatbed table mapping. Active Pixel Placement Compensation creates an accurate, uniform print geometry over the entire flatbed surface. This effectively makes the whole of the flatbed table flat to within an impressive 50 microns.

Cover Story

ADD AN ENTIRELY NEW DIMENSION Design and print jaw-dropping textured images with incredible ease. The Arizona 2300 series can be equipped with the fascinating Touchstone technology that opens up a wealth of new, pioneering applications to further set you apart from the competition.

SMART: READY FOR GROWTH We developed software that manages the printing process end-to-end, by optimising and automating the entire workflow with Arizona Xpert’s selflearning functionality. Intuitively design complex, multilayered print jobs once, and then print it over and over again. By designing complex jobs just once, you can easily adapt and repeat designs, saving valuable time on future projects.

The Arizona 2300 series printers are designed to be responsive and reliable, suiting even the busiest print environment. You can make last-minute adjustments at the printer, such as nesting, batching complex jobs, step and repeat, mirroring, and re-assignment of print modes.

FUTURE-PROOF TECHNOLOGY This new generation of the Arizona flatbed printers takes its position as a global leader up to the next level. The future-proofed technology will ensure the Arizona continues to lead the field for years to come. Its open interface enables you to exchange job information with your Management Information System or automate your printing processes further with robotised media handling.

SUSTAINABLE: READY FOR THE FUTURE At Canon, our Kyosei philosophy is reflected in our commitment to creating a healthier working environment and protecting the planet we live on. That’s why Canon actively searches for safer solutions and creates a sustainable way of working. Canon is always actively striving to offer solutions

that lower costs, minimise environmental impact and create a safe working environment.

LOW INK CONSUMPTION Utilising tiny 6 to 30 picolitre drops, the high productivity of the Arizona 2300 means it has extremely low ink consumption. Thanks to the VariaDot printhead technology, less than 8 millilitres of ink is used per square metre printer, this includes any ink used for maintenance.

Canon LED-UV inks are UL GREENGUARD Gold certified, so the Arizona 2300 can produce fabulous prints that are safe for all your customers, including schools, hotels, and hospitals.

Operating with a standard voltage power supply reduces energy consumption. There are also no power peaks during operation. The Arizona LED-UV curing results not only in lower energy consumption, the longer lamp life also saves costs and is better for the environment.

JOIN THE REVOLUTION The Arizona 2300 is truly revolutionary, and when it is supported by the extensive knowledge of the Canon Large Format Graphics team it creates an unbeatable combination. Our expert account managers take a professional approach working closely with our customers to make sure every system meets their individual needs.

Our application support managers conduct comprehensive demonstrations, testing applications to make sure every aspect is addressed, so our customers can make a fully informed business decision. Once the systems are installed, they deliver in-depth training, so our customers are fully empowered to deliver outstanding results themselves.

Post installation you can count on Canon’s nationwide dedicated expert service team, to provide unrivalled support, ensuring you maximise your uptime, so you can meet your production deadlines.

Why Canon Our people’s unrivalled knowledge Our unbeatable quality Our unrivalled range of supplies Our nationwide dedicated service team Our range of flexible finance options Our excellent professional training

Contact derek.joys@cuk.canon.co.uk to find out how the Arizona 2300 can help your business unlock its creative potential. Or go to canon.co.uk/arizona2300

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 11

Special | Widthwise 2020

WHAT YOUR DATA SAYS ABOUT YOUR SECTOR THIS YEAR IS LIKE NO OTHER. OUR ANNUAL WIDTHWISE SURVEY OF THE WIDE-FORMAT SECTOR REFLECTS THAT, CORONAVIRUS HAVING PROMPTED US TO DO NOT ONE BUT TWO POLLS – ONE AT THE START OF THE YEAR, THE OTHER THIS SUMMER. THE FULL FINDINGS ARE IN THE NEWLY PUBLISHED WIDTHWISE REPORT - BUT HERE’S AN OUTLINE OF THE KEY FINDINGS.

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2019

2020 An Image Reports publication The thirteenth annual survey and report on the state of the UK and Ireland’s wide-format print sector

Sponsored by

Digital Print Technology & Materials

www.imagereports.co.uk | Widthwise 2019 | 1

12 | October / November 2020

It’s nothing short of amazing. The most notable finding of the second Widthwise survey 2020 - undertaken in July - is that 54.5% of respondents remained optimistic about their business over the next year. 20.5% went so far as to describe themselves as ‘very optimistic’. Only 4.6% said they were ‘very pessimistic’. It’s not all that positive obviously, but it’s not all negative either.

A whopping 228 print chiefs running large-format PSPs across the UK and Ireland took part in the first Widthwise 2020 poll throughout January and February. Due to the scale and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we polled 88 of those again in the summer.

Both sets of data were analysed for the Widthwise 2020 Report (which can be downloaded online at https://www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/widthwise), the intention being to put all the findings in the context of the sector’s ‘next normal’.

Cautious optimism would probably be the best way to describe the state of mind of the UK’s PSP owners and managers at the time of the second poll: 21.6% expected Covid-19 to increase demand for wide-format print in the short to medium term, while 36.4% believed the market would bounce back to previous levels, though 42.0% were convinced the market would shrink.

While in July one in four companies reported that their revenues had slumped to 0-20% of pre-pandemic levels, 18.2% said their sales had not declined at all.

In this light, the five top priorities for PSPs talking to us over the summer, were: growing revenue (62.5%), reducing costs (44.3%), diversifying their wide-format offering (39.8%), improving cashflow (31.8%) and exploring new markets outside the wideformat sector (17.0%).

The pool of respondents to the second Widthwise poll was representative of the bigger initial group - 228 PSPs. Over half (51.32%) of these had five employees or fewer, though 6.58% had more than 100. Their turnover pretty much reflected that - 43.86% had a turnover under £250,000 though for almost one in ten (9.95%) it was more than £5m. For a quarter of respondents (25.44%) wide-format print accounted for under 20% of their turnover, while for 4.39% it accounted for all of it.

The resounding good news from across this grassroots sample of large-format companies at the start of 2020 was that nearly half (47.37%) said they had seen their wide-format profit margins improve

Special | Widthwise 2020

in 2019. Most (87.28%) said they expected their wide-format turnover specifically to grow in 2020.

61.84% expected wide-format print to become a bigger proportion of their overall turnover.

However, general business optimism, though not bad by any means, was not quite as high as it was in January/February 2019. Then 42.51% said they were ‘very optimistic’ about their business in five years hence. That figure dropped to 27.19% this time around, though more than half of those polled (58.77%) were still ‘mildly optimistic’. Bear in mind though that only four companies out of the 228 that responded were ‘mildly pessimistic, and just two were ‘very pessimistic’.

Covid-19 has of course altered that, but perhaps nowhere near as much as one would have thought.

Asked how they felt about their business’s prospects, more than a third (35.96%) at the start of 2020 said they were confident of growth. In contrast, 58.33% said they were concerned, though less so than they had been at the same point in 2019!

At the time of the survey, with few businesses in the UK and Ireland having heard of Covid-19, it was not one of the ‘key concerns for 2020’ put in front of PSPs. Of those that were, the price of supplies was by far and away the chief concern, noted as such by 60.96% of respondents. The impact of Brexit was up next (37.72%) followed by pressure on print prices (16.23%).

In term of business priorities over the 12 months, 46.26% of respondents said, at the time, that growing turnover was their key consideration . And it seems that adding or extending design related services was once again a focus for those wishing to do so 65.35% said they were planning to add/extend such services. Adding print installation services was a priority for 42.54% of companies.

This agenda was reflected in the sector’s investment plans. Asked how much they expected to invest in wide-format technology altogether in the next two years, 68.86% said under £20,000. Asked if they expected to buy a new digital large-format inkjet printer specifically in the next two years 54.39% said no (although 33.77% said yes). When questioned about investment plans for software and finishing - with various options flagged up 73.68% said they would not be investing in any of them.

Where any money was expected to be spent it was on design software (11.40%), workflow software and webto-print software (5.26% respectively) and in terms of finishing, on contour cutters (5.70%).

Of the 33.77% which indicated that they planned to buy a new large-format inkjet printer in the next two years, 22.08% said it would be a flatbed, with UV rollto-roll having polled 19.48% and UV hybrid 18.19%.

Solvent printers were still on the buying list for 20.78% of companies looking to buy presses, while dye-sub machines loitered towards the bottom of the pile (7.79%).

As PSPs try to recover from the financial damage inflicted by pandemic and lockdown, it is probably worth them considering the markets/type of work undertaken, where they expected to see the fastest growth, and where they planned to make inroads when looking at kit/ software buying plans.

As you would expect, 80.70% of respondents were

54.5%

of respondents remain optimistic about their business over the next year

36.4%

believe the market will bounce back to previous levels though 42.0% are convinced that the market will shrink involved in general banners/flags, followed by 68.42% in posters and 59,21% in exhibition and display graphics.

More companies said they now do floor graphics (35.96%) than retail/POP/POS work (25%) - the full breakdown can be found in the report. The most striking finding is probably that, asked to identify the fastest growing markets within their own business, more than four out of ten (40.79%) said it was similar across all their sectors. Opportunities for growth were felt to be highest in exhibition/display graphics (10.96%). How things change.

The oft talked about - and so far over-hyped - textile print markets polled much lower down as fastest growing parts of individual PSP’s operations - textile for banner/flags cited by 2.63%, textile for home/ interiors 1.75%, textile for garments 0.88%. Textile print did garner attention when it came to markets respondents expected to enter in the next two years (though it is important to remember that most players are already involved in the more mainstream largeformat print applications).

What most definitely does not look like remaining niche is environmentally-friendly printing. A whopping 80.70% said it was more important to offer ‘green’ options than it was two years ago, way up on the 40.14% that said so in the 2019 poll. It’s good news - for the industry and the planet - that 75% of PSPs already had some sort of environmental accreditation, and that many (47.81%) planned to measure/cut their carbon footprint in 2020. That said, there was one anomaly - 63.16% of PSPs also said only a ‘few’ clients asked about environmental credentials or their sustainability plans. A tiny percentage (2.63%) said most clients ask. That sounds counter-intuitive, but as this year has so emphatically reminded us, the speed and scale of change can wrongfoot us all.

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 13

Business | Talking Point

talks to...

Steve Lister Retail has always been a key market for large-format digital print companies. So how will the sector be impacted by the retail reboot - or lack of?

I asked well-known consultant Steve Lister for his take.

14 | October / November 2020

How do you think the retail reboot is going to play out – and how do you think that will impact the large-format print sector beyond social distancing graphics?

This is the million dollar question. Lockdown created a change of habits which may never change back again. We have seen unprecedented online growth so retailers will have to give customers a reason to come back to stores - they need to give them the experiences they so missed in lockdown.

Retail footfall is still at -54% of the previous year and this will increase the pressure on some retailers to remain closed or to completely review their retail estate. The industry has already seen some high profile brands and retailers close their businesses forever. There is no doubt that we will see a continued consolidation of retail outlets as brands and retailers try to figure out the best store estate size for the future. The one thing we do know is there isn’t going to be a Pret A Manger on every street corner moving into 2021. There is no doubt that this will have a huge knock on effect with the amount of POS and print being produced for retailers.

At present we are seeing huge print volumes around the social distancing messaging and this is not going to go away in the short term. What has gone away, and the volumes significantly decreased, is the seasonal and campaign launches which is customary from all the brands and retailers.

If we take Unilever, one of the largest FMCG companies, it cut ad spend by 40% in the first half of 2020. Considering that it spends 3.5% of its 52bn Euro on marketing that is a huge decline in the amount of in-store marketing and print being reduced - and that just one company.

The good news is that Unilever has announced that it is planning to ‘invest heavily’ in its brands and marketing spend in the second half of this year. There is no doubt that we will see a return of campaigns and new products launches but the print volumes that surround these will be more considered than the past.

The issues that brands and retailers have is that they are fighting for effective messaging with the social distancing messages. They do not want to overload their stores with POS and print and they look cluttered or de-value the brand. From the marketing meetings I am attending I am seeing some great campaigns coming but they will have fewer pieces and more effective and impactful designs.

More than ever the brands and retailers are completing pre-launch testing of their designs to ensure that their marketing messages are being seen. Their mantra now is that POS that isn’t effective or have immediate impact is a waste of money, and we already know that marketing budgets are cut and teams are un der extreme pressure to delver than ever before.

Will those PSPs not used to dealing with the big brands, retailers, shopping mall owners etc. get a look in - or is the supply chain going to increasingly focus on the big players dealing only with big print outfits?

Outside of the major brands and retailers there will always be a need for print and POS in the smaller high street retailers and independent stores. There are some really good initiatives from the small business community and this represents a huge opportunity for those in the print industry to use their incredible knowledge and experience in servicing a whole new set of customers. I fully understand that the print runs won’t be as high as with the major brands or retailers, but I bet the margins will be better!

There is a global trend moving towards more local shopping anyway, with the large out of town shopping malls declining dramatically as consumers shun the idea of getting in their cars and driving to what used to be a packed mall with the same cookie cutter shops. Smaller, more artisan stores with local produce will grow as consumers have formed new habits in staying within a smaller locality to socialise and shop.

Business | Talking Point

global retail innovation and sustainability consultant So how proactive are PSPs - especially the smaller ones going to have to be to ‘sell’ the ‘knowledge’ of what print products are now available to help them make a splash/ differentiate themselves as a physical store?

As an industry I don’t think we’ve been as proactive as we could have been because the volumes have been there and that’s not a criticism, it’s just my observation. However, this is the time where PSP’s have to get out there and find new customers and leverage their relationships with their existing ones. This is the time where we have to showcase exactly what the industry is capable of, huge creativity, great designs, a wide range of materials and hopefully all still underpinned with producing in a sustainable way.

When you think of the changes that bars, restaurants and cafe’s have had to make - re-inventing themselves into home delivery companies etc. just to survive - that’s the level of creative thinking the PSP’s now need. It’s all about innovative thinking.

Lots of PSP - of all sizes - are investing in creative teams - Widthwise 2020 again reiterated this. Do you think this will be a valuable move in terms of gaining retail work?

Personally, I think this is the number one thing moving forward that will drive our industry forward. In these uncertain times, creativity wins every time. Firstly, companies need to communicate effectively to inform and inspire new or existing customers. If those people don’t know what you do then you will never get an order! There are a lot of companies out there vying for business and it’s going to get competitive, so you’ve got to get your message heard and stand out from your competitors.

For me, the other side is maximise all the social media channels like never before - we are in a visually exciting industry, but how many PSPs have Instagram, LinkedIn or FaceBook accounts targeting on their locality or nationally?

I bet very few, but this is where the ‘eyes’ are all looking at the moment so start a meaningful plan of action to get your

business out there and selling yourself like never before.

Create a new service or style that no-one else is providing make your business indispensable!

Partnership working (between PSPs/shop fit-out specialists etc) - is it becoming more of a thing to meet retail supply chain demands do you think?

I think this is key to the future success of PSPs - creating robust partnerships within the supply chain. Do not look on these are ‘competitors’ they are a way of securing shortand long-term business opportunities. Why wouldn’t a print company partner with a retail fit-out company?

We know sustainability/environmental issue are climbing the agenda when it comes to the brands - how is that likely to impact PSPs in this sector?

Over the last few years we have seen a huge rise in the public conscience about ‘doing the right thing’ when it comes to the environment. All the major brands and retailers have huge, board level commitments on sustainability and this is not going to go away because of Covid-19. Now, like all downturns and at times of crisis, some issues get pushed back and sustainability is no different, but I think this time it’s not going away.

All the hard work by the ink and media companies to eliminate PVC and enhance their environmental credentials are still a prerequisite of doing business with the major brands and retailers. In saying that we are seeing the smaller independent retailers wanting to have recycled materials which can be recycled easily at the end of life. Communicate about the materials you use in a simplistic way and explain recyclability so you become the supplier of choice.

I think more than ever that those in the print industry will need to clearly demonstrate that they can fully declare their supply chains and understand and communicate their commitment to sustainability.

IT IS ESSENTIAL TO THE LONG-TERM SUCCESS OF ANY PRINT COMPANY TO FULLY ADOPT INDUSTRY 4.0 PRINCIPLES.

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 15

Business | Top Tips

Ensuring a future after furlough John Boland is co-founder of custom workwear and safety signage company HiVis.co.uk, which has seen its in-house large-format print operation take-off since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. His take on developing that side of the business may well help you do likewise.

PRICE IS NOT THE MAJOR FACTOR, CONTRARY TO SOME OPINIONS, SO WE USE THIS AS PART OF OUR MISSION STATEMENT.

IT’S WHAT YOU ALL WANT TO KNOW - HOW DO YOU GROW YOUR WIDE-FORMAT PRINT TURNOVER NOW? HAVING GROWN HIS FROM AROUND £300,000 IN 2019 TO “AT LEAST £1.5M” IN 2020, HERE’S SOMEONE WHO MAY BE ABLE TO TELL YOU HOW TO DO THAT.

1.

CORNER YOUR MARKET

Remember, even in a recession you haven’t already cornered all of your market. There are still many customer avenues or streams you haven’t tapped into, or that know you are even around and what you can do. Social media is the obvious route to changing that these days. We find the Facebook and Instagram are a great way of showcasing your products and services, and word-of-mouth recommends via these channels go a long way.

Also, cross-sell by dropping simple flyers in every delivery you send out, advertising other products or promo offers - even free sample products if you can manage it. We have a habit that if a customer spends over x amount on our website on any of our products, say printed banners or signs, we drop their logo onto another product like cheap T-shirt or mug and send that with the delivery at the same time. Cost is minimal as printed together and ROI is can be quite good by cherry picking customers maybe with a certain amount of staff or turnover.

2.

OUTSOURCE FOR LONGER-TERM INCOME

Don’t be afraid to outsource if a request comes in for something you can’t handle. We outsource probably 10-15% of our work, resulting in lower GP and sometimes even loss leaders, but referrals and orders for other items from those customers pull back the initial investment and all add to the bottom line.

16 | October / November 2020

3.

MOVE OLD MACHINERY ON

The cost of machines these days is as low as it’s ever been for what you get, so I feel that if yours are not performing at peak output, and the warranty cover doesn’t quite cut it, move them on. There are many smaller businesses looking to buy on auction sites - or go down the part-ex for new. The downtime versus production cost for us is important as we run a 24 hour shift pattern so machines going down through the night mid shift isn’t good. Luckily with our Roland machines - mostly all still in warranty issues are very rare.

4.

DESERVING OF THE EXTRA COST

Having mentioned downtime and warranty, we always get the gold or platinum Roland Care warranty. The service has been excellent, and again, keeps the output at peak until it drops and it’s time to sell. With telephone support, a next day/two day service visit and telephone support, we wouldn’t switch. The days of YouTubing solutions has long gone and just doesn’t work when operating at full throttle most of the time.

Business | Top Tips

A MAJOR ACCELERATION IN OUR BUSINESS AND TURNOVER CAME WHEN WE SET UP OUR EXPRESS TURNAROUND SERVICE.

5.

IT PAYS TO BE GENUINE

Always stick to genuine inks and parts is our mantra. We tried other options in the early days - no names mentioned - but they never lived up to our standards and can invalidate warranties. We had blockages, seals worn, poor print quality and less tough prints. Being sold the “next best thing” and “bulk ink systems” wasn’t for us so we swiftly switched back to original inks and parts.

6.

SPOTLIGHT ON MEDIA STORAGE

At one point during lockdown we were growing the wide-format print part of our business so quickly that we purchased storage containers outside for the pallets of self-adhesive media and laminates. Two weeks later the self adhesive rolls wouldn’t work as well, weed as well and various other problems. So my top tip is to always make sure your storage area is within the recommended temperatures of the media its housing. In our case, the temperature inside the shipping container got very hot during the long spells of lockdown sunny weather - an oversight that easily halved our output/income.

7.

8.

USE RESELLERS

We find resellers and drop shippers such as office supply companies, trade counters and the like, to be a great resource for reselling our products - usually at a lower margin but order volumes tend to be up, as most of the big office supply players have thousands of customers on their books.

Setting up online resources in the form of dedicated reseller websites for them to use when pricing for when they get inquiries allows them to resell for you. Even simple PDFs, as long as the pricing structure is easy to translate - after all, you don’t want to have to babysit every order for a company as that can soon whittle away any resell profit.

We look at the possible lower margin to be to be offset against the cost saved for us not having reps and ancillary costs of sales reps on the road.

9.

TRACK AND TRACE

It goes without saying that a reliable shipper is a must, and we have tried pretty much all of the big names. At the end of the day no shipper is perfect, but end-to-end tracking is a must as we all know. Most now provide texts and email updates to customers - but here’s a good question: which are going to charge you the best prices for oversized parcels? We’ve learned to always get the shippers outsize charges for the dimensions.

OFFER EXPRESS TURNAROUND

A major acceleration in our business and turnover came when we set up our express turnaround service. Our customers have three choices now - same day, three day and standard seven day turnaround - the first two being chargeable (depending on the amount/size of the order). This is not to be confused with a delivery service. It is a service where you pay extra to be slotted in the front of the production queue, and generally these “express” services are printed on the nightshift.

Our figures show that almost 40% of the orders that come in daily now choose one of the express services when presented as a chargeable choice - thus generating extra income for orders that may have even been turned around in that timeframe anyway if production levels weren’t too high. We now have a dedicated department for our express services, but lately the demand has outstripped our ability and speed at which we can install extra machines and staff to keep up, so we had to suspend it for a week or so!

10.

PUT PRICE DOWN THE AGENDA

Overall, I’d say speed, quality and reliability are the main factors in growing the company. Price is not the major factor, contrary to some opinions, so we use this as part of our mission statement.

We also find that being too price focused when we buying equipment or media etc, can lead to shoddy supply in the likes of eBay imports etc, and poor results, which is why we stick to genuine reputable suppliers - to ensure good service and having a plan B should things go wrong.

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 17

Technology | What to Watch

CONSUMABLES CONSIDERATIONS SUPPLY CHAIN PROTECTION, PRICING WORRIES, ECO CONCERNS: THEY ARE ISSUES THAT WORRY A LOT OF YOU. BUT SHOULD YOU BE MORE OPTIMISTIC GIVEN WHAT MEDIA AND INKS MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS ARE DOING? You’ve heard the stories of PSPs having bought a ‘normal’ year’s worth of wide-format print media in one go to ensure they can meet the boom in demand for social distancing graphics throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. So it will come as no surprise that that’s exactly where most media companies have focussed development and launched the most new products since lockdown.

But there are other issues that need addressing like how they are ensuring an ongoing, continuous supply of materials, and what they’re doing in regards to the environment.

Antalis product manager Mike Collins says “all products launched this year have been geared towards anti-Covid social distancing graphics. We have had a large demand for indoor and outdoor floor-graphics in particular and Antalis has invested in building up large stocks of a wide variety of different solutions to meet customers’ immediate demands.”

He adds: “The growth is certainly being aided by the increase in demand for new media as sustainable options come to the forefront once again. The rise of carbon offsetting - when it comes to selecting and specifying a sustainable substrate - is becoming a real consideration. Antalis announced earlier this year that all materials purchased from across its paper, packaging and visual communications ranges (including large-format media) can now be carbon offset. We anticipate the demand for sustainable solutions will increase as designers, brand owners, end users and printers look for environmental product support from suppliers.”

Environmental issues are proving core to CMYUK’s media range development. “We’re committed to sourcing clean eco materials that will really make a difference to the industry,” says group marketing director Robin East. “Brands have been crying out for viable sustainable alternatives that deliver on quality and price, and with our recent launches for Ufabrik and PVC-free Kavalan we are leading the charge for clean, eco-responsible materials for the wide-format digital print industry.”

Shaun Holdom, global product manager at Drytac says it too has upped its eco offering. “There has been an unprecedented demand for floor graphics media, as businesses discover the value of floor decals to encourage social distancing, to direct customers around one-way systems and for advertising. Drytac’s manufacturing facilities in the UK and Canada have been working around

WE FEEL IT IS OUR MORAL DUTY TO MAKE PRODUCTS REQUIRED FOR ECO-SUSTAINABLE APPLICATIONS

the clock to produce media for floor graphics applications in particular.” And he points out: “Our range now includes more PVC-free products. Our new SpotOn SynTac and Interlam EcoTex two-part solution, aluminium-based Polar Street FX for outdoor applications, and Polar Floor PET are all PVC-free.

We are also developing more environmentally friendly products across our signage and display ranges.

Guandong goes as far as saying: “We feel it is our moral duty to make products which include all the technical and technological characteristics required for eco-sustainable applications. This is why we use the highest possible percentage of recycled line products, and our products are manufactured using selected resins so that, during the disposal phase, waste is totally recyclable and/or similar to Urban Solid Waste (MSW). Also, our materials are all covered by the Greenlife guarantee seal, registered several years ago, when eco-sustainability was a creed and not a fashion.”

Mark Mashiter, managing director of Soyang, is also eager to point out his company’s green credentials.

“At Soyang we have continued to develop our textile range and non-PVC range, taking the best products from both our own production and our partners’.

“The ongoing investment at Soyang has been for material made from recycled polyester yarns and also yarns made from recycled PET bottles for applications such as flag, display and backlit textile printing. We are in stock of products up to 5m wide which can be used across most digital printing types and all are OEKO- TEX certified and meet the EU standard for flame retardancy.

Flame retardancy is also a focus at Swedoard, where this autumn sees the introduction of SB Fibre FireRetardant.

But not all planned launches are going to plan - the Covid-19 scene having disrupted the intentions of some, such as Inktec Europe. “Despite everything going on, we’ve continued to be open and offer the supply of our materials throughout lockdown. Bearing in mind the situation, we have also looked at what is happening in our sector and re-prioritised the products that we were launching to reflect the need and demand,” says managing director Joey Kim. “While the situation may be easing slightly, we will be re-looking at the products we initially intended to launch to gauge whether the moment is right to bring these to market too, or whether we should hold off in the short term.”

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 19

Technology | What to Watch

LAUNCHED SINCE LOCKDOWN CMYUK Ufabrik Wallcovering Canvas Eco Greyback This material is manufactured from recycled PET plastic yarn.

Fabricating yarn from plastic waste involves the collection of pre and post-consumer plastics. Bottles are cleaned, sorted, shredded into flakes, and then converted into pellets, which are melted into extruded fibres.

These are then spun into yarn that when woven form the substrata of the Ufabrik Wallcovering Canvas Eco range.

The Canvas Eco Greyback joins Canvas Eco white back. It is B1 flame retardant, Reach compliant and usable with water-based. latex, solvent, and UV inks. It is a paste-the-wall application in widths up to 3.1m, with smaller widths on request.   PVC-free Kavalan CMYUK says Kavalan looks like PVC, has the strength of PVC, welds like PVC - and has â&#x20AC;&#x153;a ver y attractive price pointâ&#x20AC;?. The material is designed for eco-responsible waste-to-energy disposal - a 3.2m roll of Kavalan can generate enough energy to power an iPhone for five years, and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, it weighs 50% less than traditional PVC, reducing carbon emissions from its transpor tation. Kavalan also has

B1 and EN13501-1 fire ratings, and is EN-71, 33P, ROHS and Reach approved. Kavalan has just been 100% endorsed by FIAB and Miller Weldmaster, which have each given it 100% for its weld performance. Â

Ufabrik Wallcovering Canvas Eco Greyback

SpotOn SynTac Floor Another PVC-free release, this is 9.6 mil (240Îź) film coated on one side with Drytacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dot patternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; removable adhesive to make application easy on all common floor types, and quick, clean removal within 12 months. Paired with Drytac Interlam EcoTex overlaminating film, SpotOn SynTac Floor creates a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;peel and stickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; two-part floor graphics solution.

PVC-free Kavalan SELF-SANITISING FABRIC Ultima Displays has launched a self-sanitising stretch fabric that it expects to unlock the potential for tension textile displays and partitions, and provide a JVUĂ&#x201E;KLUJL IVVZ[ [V [OL L]LU[Z HUK L_OPIP[PVU PUK\Z[Y` The HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 technology has been [LZ[LK [V IL LŃ&#x153;LJ[P]L ^P[OPU TPU\[LZ against SARS-CoV-2 (the Covid-19 causing virus) and PZ KLZPNULK [V PUOPIP[ [OL NYV^[O HUK WLYZPZ[LUJL of bacteria enveloped viruses on textile surfaces.

Its antiviral and antibacterial properties are due to a combination of silver and vesicle technologies KLZPNULK [V ZPNUPĂ&#x201E;JHU[S` YLK\JL ]PYHS HUK IHJ[LYPHS infectivity on treated surfaces.

Polar Street FX Made to meet demand for outdoor floor graphics, this PVC-free, aluminium print media has achieved an R12 slip rating without the need for lamination. The 10mil medium is resistant to scuffing and high levels of traffic for up to 12 months outdoors, and is fast and simple to apply for fast-turnaround projects.

Protac AMP This is an antimicrobial surface protection film with Microban technology. It uses zinc to help protect doors, keypads, counters and other surfaces from bacteria and other harmful microbes for up to 15 years, even when cut to size.

SpotOn SynTac Floor

¸;OL [YLH[LK Z[YL[JO [L_[PSL ^P[O [OL /LP8 =PYVISVJR technology is a game changer for the industry. The inherent self-sanitising properties means that the NYHWOPJ YLTHPUZ NLYTZ HUK TPJYVILZ YLZPZ[HU[ ^P[OV\[ [OL ULLK [V ^PWL JSLHU š ZH`Z 4HYR 4J*SLLY` 4+ H[ Ultima Displays.

Stringent tests have been carried out to ensure the [YLH[LK [L_[PSL ^P[O [OL /LP8 =PYVISVJR [LJOUVSVN` OHZ H Z[YVUN HU[PTPJYVIPHS LŃ?JHJ` KLTVUZ[YH[LK I` 0:6 HUK 0:6 ;OL [LJOUVSVN` PZ ,< 9LHJO JVTWSPHU[ (SS VM P[Z PUNYLKPLU[Z HYL JVZTL[PJ NYHKL IPV IHZLK

bio-based carbon) and recycled.

DRYTAC Polar Floor PET 170 This 6.7 mil PVC-free polyester film has been developed for indoor applications of up to six months. It has achieved a post-printed anti-slip rating of R10 and has the durability to withstand heavy foot traffic - including highheeled shoes.

Polar Street FX

The treated textile can be cleaned if graphics ILJVTL KPY[` I` NLU[S` ^HZOPUN H[ Â&#x2021;* MVY \W [V ^HZOLZ ^P[OV\[ LŃ&#x153;LJ[PUN [OL HU[PTPJYVIPHS WYVWLY[PLZ The HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 technology is a patent WLUKPUN [LJOUVSVN` HUK PZ HSZV 6LRV[L_ JLY[PĂ&#x201E;LK ZDHC and bluesign homologised.

Copper Antimicrobial Tinted Film

GUANDONG REvita Tack Puro The main features of REvita Tack Puro are a textile-like feel and the use of nano tack technology. It is 70% recycled and 100% recyclable.

INKTEC EUROPE Floor Graphic Media Available in a matte finish, in 25m rolls with a width of 54in, is this 450gsm combination of PVC and fabric. It is R12 slip-resistance certified (DIN-51130 by IFA) and can be used on various surfaces including carpet, rougher textures and even walls. It is said to offer excellent scratch-resistance, requires no protective laminate, and is easy to remove.

Copper Antimicrobial Tinted Film Anti-microbial coatings can play an important role in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environments and the addition of copper has been proven to kill many germs on contact. Big claims are made for this film, said provide a 90%+ reduction in contamination within 30 minutes and 99% by four hours. Efficacy lasts for three months depending on aftercare and touch frequency, and it can be cleaned with typical cleaning products, such as non-alcohol

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 21

Technology | What to Watch

INKS: PRICING AND SUPPLY PROTECTION

based multipurpose cleaners or water. Available as 30m rolls in 50cm widths and as sheets

>OLU ^L JVUK\J[LK V\Y HUU\HS >PK[O^PZL Z\Y]L` VM <2 and Ireland large-format PSPs at the start of the year, a ^OVWWPUN ZHPK [OL WYPJL VM Z\WWSPLZ ^HZ VUL VM [OLPY biggest concerns for their business in 2020 and beyond. ;OLU *V]PK Z[Y\JR )\[ HZ JVTWHUPLZ ^VYR V\[ [OL ºUL^ UVYTHS» HTPK ^OH[ PZ Z[PSS H Å \J[\H[PUN ^VYSK^PKL Z\WWS` JOHPU scenario - and given the focus of this feature is consumables ^L HZRLK H U\TILY VM PUR Z\WWSPLYZ [V JVTTLU[ VU concerns about possible ink price hikes and disruption to Z\WWSPLZ [V <2 SHYNL MVYTH[ 7:7Z :OHSS ^L ZH` [OLYL ^HZ a certain reticence to respond, but those that did had the MVSSV^PUN [V ZH` ^OPJO WLYOHWZ HSSH`Z ZVTL MLHYZ& Bobby Grauf, Agfa sales manager UK and Ireland, points out that the company develops and manufactures P[Z V^U ^PKL MVYTH[ PURZ ¸-VY [OL <2 HUK 0YLSHUK ^L source directly from our main ink factory in Belgium. For SVJHS Z\WWS` ^L VWLYH[L V\[ VM MV\Y SVJHS ^HYLOV\ZLZ namely in Derbyshire, Kent, Somerset and Scotland for UL_[ ^VYRPUN KH` KLSP]LYPLZ WS\Z V\Y JOHUULS WHY[ULYZ JHYY` Z[VJR MVY [OLPY J\Z[VTLYZ 6U [VW VM [OH[ ^L OH]L the option to increase our safety stock at a central SVJH[PVU PU [OL <2 >L ZPNUPÄ JHU[S` PUJYLHZLK ZHPK Z[VJR in the run-up to the UK’s exit from the European Union, HZ ^LSS [OL YLJLU[ *V]PK WHUKLTPJ >L HSZV OH]L agreements in place for overnight deliveries from Europe HUK LSZL^OLYL PU[V [OL <2 ZOV\SK [OL ULLK HYPZL ¹ Mark Goodearl, EFI senior ink product manager at EFI, says the company “continues to build on this foundation HUK [VKH` THU\MHJ[\YLZ H ZPNUPÄ JHU[ WVY[PVU VM [OL PUR required for the UK and European market in the Bradford, UK facility. These initiatives reduce shipping costs, PTWYV]L [\YUHYV\UK [PTLZ Vќ ZL[ YPZPUN YH^ TH[LYPHS HUK THU\MHJ[\YPUN JVZ[Z ^OPSL HSZV PTWYV]PUN V]LYHSS inventory availability to our partners and customers in the region, particularly in the UK. Z^PZZ8WYPU[ [VV ZLLRZ [V YLHZZ\YL <2 J\Z[VTLYZ ¸Z^PZZ8WYPU[ PZ MVY[\UH[L [V OH]L WYVHJ[P]L HUK ^LSS prepared ink supply partners so there has been no KPZY\W[PVU [V V\Y PUR Z\WWS` JOHPU Z^PZZ8WYPU[ <2 OVSKZ HU extensive stock of our ink range to ensure our customers JHU JHSS Vќ MVY ZHTL KH` KLSP]LY` HUK UL_[ KH` KLSP]LY` VU all ink and consumables. We have held our prices through [OPZ JOHSSLUNPUN WLYPVK ZH`Z 4+ ,YZRPUL :[L^HY[

Roadshark

KERNOW Roadshark This new addition to the FloorSharK family of selfadhesive floor graphic products can be applied to various surfaces and is a highly durable R12 rated material for print, cut and apply outdoor use - no over lamination required. It will withstand pedestrian traffic and light industrial usage (pallet trucks, carts etc). It’s also water and cleaning detergent resistant and easily removable. It has low slip potential in dry and wet conditions.

LINTEC PrintGrip PE-5000ZW PrintGrip provides exceptional levels of grip in dry and wet conditions, with independent testing indicating a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 75 (dry) and 68 (wet) equating to a R12 rating.

Constructed from a UV-stabilised PE-based film that is coated with grit and covered with a printable top coating for eco-solvent, UV and latex inkjet inks, the medium has a 50-micron adhesive, making it suitable for most exterior paved surfaces, including concrete, natural stone and tarmac.

PrintGrip PE-5000ZW

SOYANG ST110 RCY Flag / ST117 RCY Display Fabric Both of these materials are made from PET bottle yarns, as is the company’s Alterra Coated Backlit Fabric offering.

Also new to its portfolio is Altimis - Coates Backlit Fabric made from recycled polyester yarns.

SWEDBOARD SB Composite Premium 5mm It’s all about weight here, Swedboard having introduced a 5mm thickness following demand from customers already being offered the board in 10mm, 16mm, 20mm and 40mm. Though lightweight it is stable and stays straight, and does not crack in either direction if bent.

Swedboard’s SB Fibre, SB Composite Premium and SB Solid Premium can be ordered in widths of 1220mm, 1600mm, 2030mm, 2400mm and 2500mm. The lengths can be up to 4200mm. On the SB Fibre board front, the print liner now has with a thicker paper.

Environment

CLEANING UP BEING GREENER IS ABOUT MORE THAN MAKING MONEY - IT’S A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY THAT SOME PSPS ARE TAKING EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY. SO ARE YOU? If you could clean the air - why wouldn’t you? A timely question, and one which will have brought Gardners much attention - and hopefully sales - when it asked it at the launch of its air purifying ReactivAir print coating in the summer. But it’s not all about making money - is it?

“It seems intrinsic now to us to be greener, to want to save the planet for future generations. We have all become morally more responsible,” said Richard Courtney, director of Gardners, way before the Covid-19 pandemic concentrated minds.

The ‘Guardian’ recently reported that lockdowns across the world have led to sharp drops in carbon emissions. Researchers found that global CO2 emissions dropped by more than 25% in April 2020, and nitrogen oxides by 30%. However, it’s predicted that these results are unlikely to have an ongoing impact on the global climate crisis unless 123 countries across the world - which account for 99% of fossil fuel emissions - commit to real changes. To achieve this, businesses must also commit to green and more sustainable solutions, something that wideformat specialist Gardners is spending research and development time and funds on.

In July this year it announced a breakthrough with the introduction of the truly revolutionary air purifying coating ReactivAir. With ‘pollution eating’ qualities and technology developed by NASA scientists, this coating is powered by PureTi, a technology Gardners first came across in the construction sector, where the team found it was typically used to protect the external façade of high-rise buildings due to its ability to ‘eat’ volatile organic compounds and nitrous oxides - better known as smog. It’s made from naturally occurring materials and utilising the concept of photocatalysis, it purifies the air by using energy from natural sunlight to breakdown harmful pollutants and odour molecules in the air surrounding the area meaning it can clean the air and protect the longevity of any print campaigns.

Results from Sheffield University show 1m2 of ReactivAir can take out about 2g of NOx per day. This means that a single banner can remove the pollution generated from a bus, or about 20 cars, every single day (results that can fluctuate slightly depending on weather conditions, print placements and other influencing factors).

For those living in urban areas, this technology

AT LEAST A DOZEN ADDITIONAL INITIATIVES ARE CURRENTLY BEING EXPLORED.

could be game-changing and comes as the UK Government announces it will set legally binding targets to combat environmental challenges, underpinning the Environmental Bill 2020 and supporting its net zero emissions target for 2050.

Perhaps this announcement is unsurprising as in January 2020, research highlighted that more than one in 19 deaths in the UK’s largest towns and cities were linked to exposure to toxic air, with the World Health Organisation reporting that 4.2m people die each year from exposure to outdoor air pollution. With studies showing that the UK is not currently meeting the legally binding target of an annual mean of 40 micrograms per cubic metre, it’s clear that as a nation, we need to step up our efforts.

Gardners hopes that by asking: “If you could clean the air around you or improve your environmental credentials while you carry out campaigns you’d already planned in, why wouldn’t you?” that options like ReactivAir will become the norm for graphic display placements - be that fleet, billboard campaigns, larger property placements or other. From a business perspective, it is already reviewing how this can be used in all campaigns to support green initiatives alongside communication goals.

But, the company’s commitment to its environmental promises goes further. In 2019, it launched its doublesided changeable vehicle banner that offers a low-cost, more sustainable solution for its clients. Introduced following a successful trial with Northumberland County council, it utilises a patent Agripa frame system that can be easily ‘flipped’, keeping messages interchangeable and reducing print volumes and client costs.

Earlier this year, Gardners also partnered with Blue Castle and Soyang Europe to trial their new PVC Banner Recycling Scheme to help cut the volume of banners sent to landfill, and to support industry-wide sustainability goals.

Now, according to Gardners sales director James Morris, “at least a dozen additional initiatives are currently being explored” and it’s working hard to start vital ‘green’ conversations in the print industry.

Here’s hoping plenty will join in.

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 25

Think Bigger | Gallery

a. Now you see it, now you don’t Building wrap Specialist Project Print Management (PPM) has created a 40m (wide) x 12m (high) trompe l’oeil print to cover scaffolding and construction work at the British Museum in London. The company was also asked to hide the scaffolding behind the pillars with printed scaffold sheeting, which was digitally printed onto a fire-retardant mesh PVC. PPM owner Justin Murray said: “We colour matched the Portland stone and printed a solid colour. Then we added a sky effect to the roof area. The project required the printed scaffold sheeting to be hung vertically, unlike debris netting which is usually installed horizontally. The sheets were finished with a pocket at the bottom for a scaffold pole to hold the sheet in place. Almost 50 panels totalling 2,800m2 were used, making it one of the largest building wraps produced this year.”

b. A thank-you note Leeds-based Imageco worked with Hospital Art Studio and NHS Southampton to create this 23m x 5m piece of wallart at University Hospital Southhampton. It features raised lettering, aluminium birds printed direct onto brushed dibond and overlaid on to wide-format printed sails as the backdrop.

c. Bringing out the big guns MacroArt has delivered this internal mural at Dover Castle. It was colour matched to the surrounding walls to support the Elizabethan Cannon display. High quality satin posters were printed and mounted in bespoke frames with hidden security fixings to continue the history throughout these newly updated social areas. d. A seaside rendezvous One of a number of seaside pop-up-shops Hollywood Monster handled this summer.

e. Shining a light Large Format Graphics and Murals has been shining the spotlight on stair graphics with this G-Floor printed piece.

26 | October / November 2020

a.

Think Bigger | Gallery

b. c.

e. d.

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 27

Forum

DIGGING BELOW THE SURFACE WITH INDUSTRY MOLE Comments please to industrymole@imagereportsmag.co.uk

A customer asked me the other day if Mole Graphics was for sale. This was a double surprise. First, that we still had customers the dearth of which our sales director keeps bemoaning. And second, because Mole Graphics never will be for sale - not until I had over the reins to Mole Junior and he decides he’d rather do something else with his life.

I understand why the rumour started. In the kind of kick-bollock-scramble marketplace we’re in, many owners of print service providers are facing the same choice as professional poker players. Do they hand in their cards? Raise the stakes? Or hang on and hope that the cards fall in their favour?

In recent weeks, we have seen a slew of takeovers, mergers and MBOs. You don’t need to be Nostradamus to expect more of the same.

Most owners just want to run the business in such a way that they, and the people working for them, can earn a decent living. At Mole Graphics, having reinvested substantially three years ago, we can

afford to keep our powder dry for a bit. Some of our rivals - no names, no pack drill etc - are less fortunate. They face pressing decisions in the weeks and months ahead.

I expect the economic recovery not to be V-shaped, or even W-shaped, but rollercoastershaped. In such circumstances, I wouldn’t blame anybody who sells up, although they should remember that whoever buys them will demand a lockdown price. Besides, a little industry consolidation might be good for us all.

I do, however, blame those using the industry grapevine to spread fake news. We’ve all done things we’re not proud of to gain an edge or win an order, but these stories put companies - and jobs - at risk. The rumour that print service provider X is up for sale implies that the company is on its last legs. And the fact that some businesses are staring into the abyss makes these rumours credible and damaging. Let’s heed the sage advice of Bambi’s pal Thumper: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

FESPA GLOBAL 2021

DRUPA 2021

THE PRINT SHOW

When?

2 - 4 March, 2021

When?

9 - 12 March, 2021

When?

20 - 30 April, 2021

When?

28 - 30 September, 2021

Where?

NEC, Birmingham

Where?

RAI, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Where?

Dusseldorf Messe, Germany

Where?

NEC, Birmingham

Cost?

Free to trade visitors

Cost?

TBA

Cost?

TBA

Cost?

TBA

Who will be there?

Traditionally, this is the UK show serving the sign and digital print market, and the exhibitors reflect that. Given all that is happening we’ll have to wait until a bit closer to the event to see how it is shaping up.

Watch his space.

Who will be there?

Fespa Global will no longer take place in Madrid in October 2020.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has prompted organisers to move it to 9 - 12 March 2021, when it will shift location to the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam. This event will replace the originally scheduled May 2021 event in Munich. The show will return to Munich in 2022. It is hoped that the usual key players will be in evidence, but worth checking closer to the time.

Who will be there?

Mmm, well…good question! This has been the key international trade how for years, but with the likes of stalwart Heidelberg pulling out and others reducing stand space it will pay to keep an eye of developments.

Who will be there?

Given the moves in the trade exhibition space at the minute, it’s hard to call yet. Will need to revisit

Should you go?

Worth checking out

Should you go?

Yes

Should you go?

Depends. Do you want to see as much print kit/systems and supplies as possible under one roof – or a more dedicated wide-format event?

Should you go?

Need to wait and see….

EVENTS

SIGN AND DIGITAL 2021

28 | October / November 2020

Rating

7/10

Rating

10/10

Rating

8/10

Rating

5/10

Forum

OVER TO YOU...

Your favourite bit of kit is..?

It has to be the Zund, of which we have two. To see it in action still blows my mind and even I can use it.

ALEX WOOD, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, RMC DIGITAL PRINT WWW.RMCDIGITALPRINT.CO.UK What’s having the greatest impact on your business at the moment?

Covid19 unfortunately. Before the pandemic we saw a positive turn in the retail sector with a couple of flex face skin rollouts planned for the year, which unfortunately, has been shelved for the time being.

Where do you see the greatest wide-format opportunities?

As a trade only printer we have seen an increase of companies coming to us to outsource the wide-format print they would have done in-house pre-lockdown.

Many companies are trying to reduce overheads or having to cut staff.

What would make your day-to-day operations easier?

Greater education of clients on print-ready artwork as lead-times are often short and we cannot afford to lose any time, but on many occasions we have to go back to the client requesting better files.

What’s the best bit of business advice you’ve been given?

“If you can laugh together, you can work together” The team environment is essential for us to grow as a business - we all need to pitch in together in the good and the bad times. Luckily, at RMC we have a great team ethic and rubbish banter.

What are you most proud of achieving?

I have been around since near to the inception of RMC when there were just a couple of machines.

To see how the company has grown in size and reputation makes me extremely proud. Apart from my children and partner, this would be my greatest achievement.

What lesson does the wide-format sector need to learn?

The impact of wide-format on the planet needs to be at the forefront of the sector, with greater education of our clients on what can be done. In addition, more in the industry need a better taste in music - I only know a couple of Radiohead fans in the sector which is shocking!

LEGAL EAGLE LEGAL EAGLE

DEALING WITH RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE ANXIETIES

BY LUKE MENZIES OF MENZIES LAW

With school resumed and the end of the furlough scheme on the horizon comes an increased expectation that more employees will be returning to their physical workspace.

We now know that this is unlikely to be a comfortable ride, and need to prepare accordingly.

Combining my employment law and HR experience with recent coaching psychology training, I expect to see a lot of situations where colleagues are overwhelmed with anxiety at returning to the workplace.

There is obviously quite a lot to be anxious about - public transport, close contact with colleagues and customers and the sharing of personal health information just for starters.

That’s before we consider the whole ‘world of uncertainty’ we’re all facing.

Some will be aware of their anxieties and comfortable in expressing them to managers and colleagues. This may feel disruptive but it’s understandable in the circumstances and they are likely to receive some empathy (at least for a while).

But what I’ve learnt is that many people are not consciously aware of their anxieties. Some are (semi) aware, but uncomfortable admitting

such things to managers or HR. There is potentially a huge category of employee either anxious about a return to the workplace but without being aware of that anxiety, or not able to admit it to their employer/colleagues. This is where I see the possibility of a huge amount of employment disputes.

It’s easy to see how such (perhaps unconscious) anxiety could create headaches for employers. Anxiety that emerges as concerns around health and safety or data protection over a person’s personal health data might well develop into grievances and whistle-blowing disclosures. A refusal to comply with an instruction to return to work or serve customers face-to-face could become a disciplinary and even a dismissal (alternatively, a constructive dismissal).

Some workplaces could find an escalation in grievances and disciplinaries. There are added legal risks associated with such issues.

Unfair dismissal compensation is available to employees from day one of employment if the dismissal (or constructive dismissal) relates to any health and safety concern that turned into whistle-blowing.

A dispute-free return to workplaces is only going to be made possible by how people feel about their return and their safety. That’s going to require heroic levels of great communication and empathy from line managers, leadership and HR. When a colleague gets very worked up about health and safety or data protection or other issues related in some way to their return to the workplace, we might want to ask: “Does this have more to do with anxiety about Coronavirus and their return to work than it is about the actual thing they are complaining about?”.

Rather than just pressing the ‘start’ button on the grievance/disciplinary process or whistle-blowing procedure, maybe start with an empathetic chat with the employee. Normalising their worries by saying things like “I think we all feel quite worried about this” can be helpful.

Some employees will become locked into a downward spiral of dispute and conflict with no happy ending. For them, you’ll have to let the process play out.

I suspect there will be a spike in workplace complaints and disputes. The majority will come from those who are mostly reasonable, hard-working colleagues very worried and with a completely rational fear of illness and death.

For them, a dose of empathy, understanding and flexibility is the best medicine - from both HR and managers and leaders.

My view is that compassion, not procedure, is going to be the way to solve many of these disputes.

www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 29

Zeitgeist

LPA: does your business need one?

WITH COVID-19 STILL VERY MUCH AMONG US, AND WITH MANY WIDE-FORMAT PRINT BUSINESS MDS IN THE ‘AT RISK’ CATEGORY, IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO ARRANGE A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

So, you know the benefits of a lasting power of attorney (LPA), which allows an individual to nominate someone to take decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated in some way. But do you know you can put in place an LPA for a business which, given the current health crisis, could be a smart move.

Sarah Nash, an associate director at Ansons and the head of its wills, probate and trusts team, points out that without a business LPA, the sudden illness of a managing director could have serious ramifications for a business and its workforce, to say nothing of the owner’s livelihood. Instead of having a trusted individual to temporarily take over, the business would have to rely on a court-appointed deputy, which could take a while to decide. Being unable to access business bank accounts or make decisions for months could precipitate a quick demise for many a business.

The benefits of having an LPA in place for the business on the other hand are straightforward - every person your company comes into contact with, from suppliers and creditors to clients and employees, could benefit from the head of the business having a trusted individual nominated to keep things running should they become incapacitated for any reason.

30 | October / November 2020

BEING UNABLE TO ACCESS BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNTS OR MAKE DECISIONS FOR MONTHS COULD PRECIPITATE A QUICK DEMISE FOR MANY A BUSINESS

Even if it’s never used, having an LPA in place makes sound sense. For a start, you have peace of mind knowing it’s there should it be required. The person trusted to step up and run the business can oversee the company’s bank accounts, and immediately deal with issues such as invoices, wages and tax matters, as well as assessing and signing contracts.

So why are LPAs for businesses so uncommon? Lack of awareness seems to be a key reason, but also, there’s probably some fear among those who run businesses that even a temporary period of mental incapacity may lead to them permanently losing control of their interests. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 deals with this concern, requiring the attorney you appoint to ‘so far as reasonably practicable, permit and encourage the person to participate, or to improve their ability to participate, as fully as possible in any act done for them and any decision affecting them.’

Others are content that in circumstances where capacity is lost, the Court of Protection will appoint a deputy. Whilst this is true, it can also present some serious issues as already indicated. Appointing a deputy can take several months, during which time, the decision-making processes and daily operations of a business, without leadership or direction from the top, can fall apart. Plus, the appointment of a deputy is also an expensive process - the combination of the long timescale and costs can significantly impact a business.

If you’re now thinking along the lines of setting up an LPA, know that it is relatively easy to organise.

A Form LPF1 must be completed and signed by a witness, the chosen attorney and a ‘certificate provider’. The form is then registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).

At time of writing the fee for registering a business LPA was £82. If you arrange a personal LPA alongside a business LPA, then your personal LPA should stipulate that it does not cover your business affairs. Your business LPA must state that your nominated attorney has power only over your business affairs.

The choice of attorney to be appointed requires a lot of careful consideration. It is therefore important to consult an experienced team of legal advisors, who will offer support in making this decision, and the factors to consider.

Ultimately, the long-term security of your business and employees is at stake. Without an LPA, you risk jeopardising everything you have worked hard to build over the years.

Weblook | Inks / Hardware

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Spandex supplies materials and equipment to the graphics industry. Our portfolio includes Avery Dennison, 3M, ImagePerfect, Arlon, Orafol, HP, Epson, Roland and more.

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AirplacÂŽ foam board is made in the UK. The lightweight panels come in all formats up to 3050x1524mm. The polystyrene foamboards are rigid, white and extra light. A new 100% recyclable XPS panel AirplacÂŽPRINTFOAM is perfect for environmentally responsible campaigns.

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