Image Reports October/November 2023

HOW THE JWEI JCUT FROM CMYUK HAS TRANSFORMED FINISHING

Advanced technology & aspirational functionality at prices never seen before

Finishing

Where are we in terms of automation, and where are developments taking us?

The Sustainable Waste Academy A look at the new Fespa UK programme

Business expansion Investigating SSAS and employee ownership funding opportunities

Premium features at unprecedented prices

Features

Automating large-format print finishing - where are we, and where are developments taking us? That’s the question we put to a wide swathe of kit providers in an attempt to find out if the production bottleneck faced by so many PSP is likely to be eased anytime soon. Turn to the technical section to find out what they had to say on the topic - will it make you re-evaluate your investment strategy?

Speaking of investment, it might pay you to read the piece in the business section on p21. The clear message I’m getting from the largeformat print sector is one of growth, so finding funding is bound to be an issue for at least some of you. While having a chat with Matic Media chief Richard McCombe about his expansion plans we got onto the topic of Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) pensions and how they are helping him buy additional space and equipment. He admits he’s no financial expert and that proper expert advice should be sought by companies thinking about implementing the scheme, but his personal take on its value to his business is definitely worth having. And have you thought about employee ownership as part of your strategic growth plans? There’s an article on that too in this issue - go to p19 where you’ll find specialist advice.

Perhaps your development goals are more towards bringing artificial intelligence on board? The Talking Point interview is with Gary Peeling, CEO of Precision Proco and global chairman of DScoop, whose UK summit this October focusses on AI in print. As a man with his finger on the pulse we talked about its place in the large-format digital print sector so turn to p16 for his take on the matter. As always, there’s plenty of other thought-provoking reading material too. Happy reading.

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

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Editor

LESLEY SIMPSON

LESLEY.SIMPSON@IMAGEREPORTSMAG.CO.UK

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From Top: Lesley Simpson Wayne Darroch Carl Archer

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Avinci

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Oberon

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2023

REGULARS:

8 NEWS

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

10 COVER STORY ADVERTORIAL CMYUK Launches JWEI digital cutting tables.

28 FORUM

Digging below the surface with Industry Mole; Out and About events diary; Vital stats.

30 ZEITGEIST

Is it time to invest in dye-sub? Simply Beautiful Print director Michael Tyrrell thinks it is.

SECTIONS:

TECHNICAL

12 What to Watch: Finishing

Where are we in terms of automation, and where are developments taking us?

BUSINESS

16 Talking Point

…with Precision Proco CEO Gary Peeling on the issue of AI in print.

19 Employee ownership

Specialist advice on how the model works.

21 SSAS pensions

Matic Media boss Richard McCombe explains how the scheme is helping him fund business growth.

22 Top Tips

Ice Blue Sky founder Charlotte Graham-Cumming provides pointers on CRO best practice.

NEWS AND VIEWS ONLINE

Go to www.imagereportsmag.co.uk for all the wideformat 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

ENVIRONMENT

25 The Sustainable Waste Academy

A look at the new Fespa UK programme

27 The real cost of climate change

Will the backlash against environmental, sustainability and governance issues cost us the Earth?

z Case studies from AXZY, Drytac, HP, Ultraflex Europe, CMYUK, Fujifilm, QPS, Agfa, Ricoh, Hybrid Services, Epson, Soyang

z CMYUK introduces JWEI JCUT digital cutting tables

z Premier Paper now exclusive Drytac stockist

z Dscoop UK summit focuses on AI

z OOH global revenue tops $40bn says new report

z Power of Print announces keynotes for November seminar

z Atech becomes UK distributor of new EcoLam 1650

z Quadrant2Design takes UK’s first Jetrix XGR320

z BSI seeks UK graphic technology standards development committee lead

z Innotech to distribute Pongs textiles in UK

z Premier adds eTEC ACM to media portfolio

z Dataline acquires Palmart

z Compass appoints new head of credit

z Colorado M-series and UVgel 460 inks get 3M warranty

z ZCC Zund Cut Center gets major revamp

z Hybrid’s upgraded showroom officially opens

z Pinnacle Awards winners announced

z The Confederation of Paper Industries joins Two Sides

z IMI puts new inkjet courses online

z AAG opens new HQ

z Leading Edge scores naming rights deal with Liversedge FC

z Large-format art prints aim to educate the public

z Colourbyte becomes InkTec DTF reseller

z Inkcups enlarges UK and Ireland team

z Fujifilm partners with Hungary-based dealer Hesse Trade

z Barbieri appoints Viktor Lazzeri as COO

z Perfect Colours director completes charity challenge

z HP moderating expectations after Q3 results

z ESMA Academy introduces inkjet glass printing course

z BPIF Training celebrates ‘good’ Ofsted rating

z New regional OEM sales manager at Global Graphics

z Felix Schoeller scores fourth Ecovadis gold

z UK firms see little benefit of post-Brexit trade deals

z Stylo creates a stir

z Antalis UK and Ireland to offers extended Coala range

z XpertJet 1462UF now available in EMEA

z UPM gains EcoVadic platinum status

z Hybrid kicks off free events series

z New HR director at Canon UK and Ireland

z Roland turns heads at festival

z Color-Logic certifies Canon Colorado M-series

z Agfa announces Q2 figures

Roland DG acquires 50.1% stake in UAB Dimense

Roland DG has bought a 50.1% stake in UAB Dimense print, a subsidiary of UAB Veika, a Lithuania-headquartered manufacturer and vendor of wallpaper-related products.

In its midterm business plan (FY2021-23)

Roland DG has stated it aims to transform into a lean, nimble organisation and transition its business portfolio. This includes examination of growth investments to establish new core businesses. The Japanese wide-format inkjet printer developer believes that while digitalisation of wallpaper printing has not yet fully penetrated the market, growing demand for personalisation and market expansion present an opportunity for it to make its official entry into the market via the UAB Dimense deal.

Key staff changes at InkTec

Julian Mennell has joined InkTec as national hardware sales manager. The appointment coincides with a number of internal staff moves - Scott Peaper has been made Jetrix technical lead and Ian Windebank has moved to European technical sales.

InkTec Europe MD Joey Kim said: “It is time to proactively push the business forwards with myself, Julian and Ian forming a core InkTec hardware sales team focused on driving Jetrix business to the next level. But at the same time, we are delighted to be able to nurture those within the business and given them additional opportunities and responsibilities to take on new and exciting roles.”

Mennell knows the wide-format printing sector well, having worked at brands and at print service providers. His remit is to increase InkTec’s hardware business, specifically focused on the Jetrix LED UV printers. This will enable other members of the team to develop and progress into new roles, the first of which is Windebank, who has been instrumental in building the strength of the Jetrix technical installation and support team. He will now be more focussed on European sales. This will involve him handing over elements of his role to Peaper over the next few months.

Claire Taylforth now FaberExposize UK operations director

Claire Taylforth has been made operations director of FaberExposize UK - the new trading name of Northern Flags. The move came on the ninth anniversary of her joining Northern Flags, where she has been on the management team since joining as marketing manager in 2014.

Managing director Iain Clasper said of the promotion: “Claire played an essential role in helping me transform Northern Flags into one of the UK’s leading wide-format display printers working with many major international brands

and leading sports and entertainment events and winning lots of awards in the process.”

Taylforth said: “I have loved the way I have been given the opportunity to grow my career. When I joined I really did not anticipate such a rapid change, from running email campaigns and marketing initiatives to creating one of the most efficient specialist wide-format printers in the UK. Now I am running a six-figure investment initiative to create a leading MIS system, and I cannot wait to be involved in our 2024 expansion plans.”

Roland DG now aims to strengthen its presence in the wallpaper market through the development, sales, and support of Dimense and Ecodeco, both proprietary technologies of UAB Dimense print.

Veika is a family business founded in 1991 in Vilnius. It has a number of laboratories dedicated to inks, polymers and coatings development.

Since 2012, its focus has shifted to digital printing, and production began on solvent inkjet printers and PVC wallpaper. Now, with an eye on protecting the environment, the company has gone PVC free, inventing and patenting Ecodeco, a plasticizer-free base for traditional hot embossed wallpaper production. The company’s solutions also include the Dimense inkjet printer, environmentally-friendly inks and substrate.

New survey highlights AI jobs fears

A new report by training company Corndel shows that 92% of UK-based employees working with data think there is a skills gap in their workplace. Nearly half of senior decision-makers believe that a lack of data skills is holding back their business transformation and over 82% have had no training in AI use.

The survey reveals the extent to which employees fear that AI will take all or part of their job, with younger workers particularly worried. 61% of them believe that this new technology will take at least 25% of their role by 2023, with 38% of the 18-34 year olds fearing that AI will take at least 50% of their job in the next ten years.  39% of the UK employees believe that it will impact them in the same way, yet 82% of employees have had no AI training. This number rises to 96% of those over 55-years-old.

Solopress launches Soloflo API for print procurement

Solopress has unveiled a Soloflo API, designed to improve third-party print procurement processes. Through its use businesses that sell print produced by Solopress can channel orders straight from their customer into the Solopress workflow.

Simon Cooper, Solopress MD, said: “System updates and changing SKUs have been a common frustration with other print APIs. Soloflo alleviates this issue with a user-friendly, easy-tomaintain system that integrates whatever SKUs the customer already uses. And, importantly, we commit to automating updates and providing advance warnings of any price changes.”

He added: “While our primary audience may be print resellers, we recognise that our customers may define themselves differently, such as tech start-ups. Soloflo caters to anyone who needs print production and recognises the benefits of automating the ordering process.”

HP introduces Latex 630 series for small PSPs

HP has unveiled its 64in-wide Latex 630 Series printer range, promising the smallest PSPs entry to white ink applications. The company has also announced a HP PrintOS Design and eCommerce Web-to-print solution to extend PSPs’ market reach.

There are four models within the new Latex family - the HP Latex 630, HP Latex 630 W (white), HP Latex 630 Print and Cut Plus, and HP Latex 630 W Print and Cut Plus, all now available in the UK. The new HP Print OS Design and eCommerce solution is expected to be available from November in the UK.

For sharp image quality the Latex 630 range uses HP Pixel Control Technology and there’s new printhead architecture for sharper small text, all at standard speeds of 14m2/hr. An SAi Rip is offered out of the box.

The new printers use water-based latex inks that have UL Ecologo and Epeat environmental certifications; and carton-based cartridges that reduce plastic by using 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard containers, as well as recycled plastics from HP’s closed-loop process.

The range offers automated front-loading and simple, fast load/unload workflows. There’s inprinter storage of up to 10GB for easy re-prints.

“The new HP Latex 630 series packs our leading latex features, such as white ink, into a more compact and affordable form factorallowing even the smallest of print businesses to effortlessly deliver high impact signage and décor applications, boosting margins,” said Daniel Martinez, general manager, HP large format.

The Printing Charity names new leaders

David Phillips, COO of Paragon’s Customer Communications business line, has become chair of The Printing Charity, and Julia Cole, currently a non-exec strategy consultant for the BPIF, is the new vice chair. They replace Jon Wright and James Povey respectively, who stepped down at the charity’s AGM having served the maximum tenure in a trustee role, both joining the council in 2004.

Phillips has worked at Paragon since starting there in 2006, promoted in April 2023 to COO for the Paragon Customer Communications business.

Cole has spent her lifetime in print, starting at Xerox in the 1980s, then at OKI before moving to HP, where she spent 15 years in roles heading up UK marketing, transforming Dscoop EMEA.

The charity has also appointed three new trustees specifically recruited to bring additional legal, social care and financial expertise to the board.

Global Graphics granted patent for AI Rip technology

Global Graphics Software has been granted a US patent for ‘Methods and Systems for Enhancing Raster Image Processing Using Artificial Intelligence’ - technology embodied in the company’s SmartDFE.

“Real-time inline rasterisation of variable data for high-speed digital presses poses a significant challenge, as it requires a very high constant rate of raster data to be delivered to the press. Unfortunately, the diversity of PDF files and computing hardware ensures that very complex jobs may process too slowly for inline rasterisation. Compounding this issue is the vast number of PDF creators in the market, who prioritise design flexibility without considering rasterisation or printing. Digital press operators have been forced to process jobs in advancewhile their press sits idle - or to process jobs inline and hope that the DFE can provide data at the speed of the digital press. This risk has made the production use of inline Rips for high-

speed inkjet presses impractical until now,” said Eric Worrall, VP of products and services and the inventor of the patented technology.

With this invention, SmartDFE harnesses the power of AI and machine learning to create an intelligent Rip model, uniquely tailored to each press manufacturer’s chosen computing hardware and encompassing an extensive range of over 1000 PDF operations which take place in the Harlequin Rip that powers SmartDFE.

“We applied for this patent two years ago, long before artificial intelligence became an everyday term. But this is a very practical application of AI that solves some long-standing challenges in inkjet production printing,” added Worrall.

SmartDFE is built on components from other Hybrid group companies including Hybrid Software’s STEPZ, the PDF job creation solution for pre-press and VDP, and its Cloudflow workflow automation. It also includes support for Meteor Inkjet’s printhead drive electronics and software.

Mimaki brings out new LED UV printers plus faster DTF model

Hybrid Services has brought two new Mimaki LED UV printers to market - the UJV100-160Plus and UCJV330-160. Both are compatible with Mimaki’s new printer status monitoring tool Pict.

The UCJV330-160 roll-to-roll printer/cutter outputs at 28m2/h in four-colour mode or 18m2/h with white and/clear inks, which come as standard. The unit offers contour cutting too.

The new UJV100-160Plus model runs at 0.5kW, consuming less than half the power of many other eco-solvent and latex/resin printers according to Mimaki’s own research. A new function reduces

Antalis adds to eco-offering

Antalis has introduced Coala PVC-free selfadhesive media, suitable for solvent, UV, or latex printing. It has also brought out new Orajet 3720 (removable) and 3740 (permanent) digital printing films.

The new Coala PVC-free grades come in a variety of materials with various adhesion options. The range, available from stock, includes Coala PP Stick and Coala Paper Stick Coala PP Stick polypropylene self-adhesive films have been designed for (eco) solvent, latex, and UV inkjet printing and come in permanent, removable, and high tack versions. Coala Paper Stick is a paper-based alternative to self-adhesive PVC vinyl and plastic equivalents. It is FSC certified and has a waterbased acrylic adhesive that allows for easy application and repositioning.

The Orajet 3720 and 3740 films are made from polypropylene and have a white, matt, coated surface for better UV inkjet printability and water-based, solvent-free adhesives for application to many surfaces.

ink consumption by up to 50% while maintaining the colour balance of the printed design, with ink reduction levels set by the operator using RasterLink7 software. There is also a function that pulls back the printed substrate to enable up to three-layer printing.

The UJV100-160Plus links with Mimaki’s CG-AR cutting plotters, enabling users to output cut data directly from RasterLink7 to the plotter.

Mimaki Europe has also brought out the TxF300-75, which runs three times faster than its first DT printer, the TxF150-75.

BPIF report flags up poor outlook for print

The BPIF’s latest Printing Outlook survey reveals that print industry output, order and confidence all flatlined in Q2 2023.

The previous forecast was that Q2 would experience an upturn but the BPIF said this expectation had been thwarted following a fragile economic performance, increased interest rates and prolonged concerns over inflation levels. It said that while cost pressures were easing lower prices may be required to encourage output, and where pricing goes is a critical concern for many.

The trading trends survey was carried out 30 June-18 July among 107 companies. It revealed that less than 30% managed to increase their output levels in Q2 2023, whilst 43% were able to hold output steady. That left 27% that experienced a decline in their output levels. The resulting balance (the difference between the ups and the downs) was therefore +3, well below the over-optimistic +34 that was forecast, but a little improved from the -3 experienced in Q1.

CMYUK LAUNCHES JWEI JCUT FAMILY OF DIGITAL CUTTING TABLE SYSTEMS

Unparalleled features with aspirational calibre cutting and finishing performance at unbelievable prices –exclusively from CMYUK

CMYUK, Shrewsbury, 11th September 2023: CMYUK has added the JWEI JCUT digital cutting system to its production equipment portfolio. A vanguard of innovative disruption, these tables offer accuracy, reliability, and an array of superior features at an investment level that has previously never been attainable.

Available in three sizes – 1600mm x 2500mm, 2100mm x 3100mm, 3200mm x 3000mm, the largest sized table supports super-wide digital printed textile cutting production in both the mid-range and premium industrial printer markets. This 3.2m wide model offers an aspirational solution commensurate with the capital equipment costs of mid-range printers. It is also designed to be the uncompromising and integral multi tool finishing component for those operating premium high-end industrial printer technologies.

FEATURE-RICH AS STANDARD

Ambitious in its reach, the JWEI JCUT has a feature set that is nothing short of audacious. This includes an automatic feeding conveyor, 1800kW liquid cooled router for powerful milling, Auto Tool Changer (ATC), Universal Cutting Tool (UCT), Kiss Cut Tool (KCT), Electric Oscillating Tool (EOT), Crease Wheel Tool (CWT), V-Cut Tool (VCT), and a modularised cutting head that accommodates up to 3 sets of tool combinations simultaneously.

Its bed is comprised of separate vacuum zones that secure materials and guarantee complete lay flat consistency for all substrates during production. Speed performance from this table is formidable too, running up to 1200mm per second, the equivalent of 75m per minute, with a maximum acceleration point of 1G.

All tables are solidly engineered for stability, with the 3.2m wide model fitted with a carbon fibre reinforced gantry that ensures stable precision during super-wide intense production cycles.

SUPERIOR OPERATING SOFTWARE

The JCUT range of tables are controlled by the powerful, easy to use OptiScout Vision controller software for accurate and fast automated cutting.

Individually configurable import filters ensure optimum preparation of the cut contours during importation. For example, open contours can be closed or optimised, or duplicates removed. Individual macros can be executed automatically before and after the import, to optimally feed data into the subsequent cutting process. The use of a CCD camera increases the precision of the output that compensates printing inaccuracies and thereby reduces waste. Flexible registration reliably processes even the most problematic of materials that are prone to distortion.

At the heart of ‘Production Process Automation’ is the material database that can be accessed at the job preparation stage, ensuring that the material and method are compatible for production, avoiding any errors early on.

OptiScout is supported by all industry leading RIPs, including Agfa Asanti, Aurelon PrintFactory, Cadlink, Caldera, ColorGATE, EFI, ErgoSoft PosterPrint / TexPrint, IGEPA MasterRip, ONYX, Pjannto, PosterJet, Prep-it, SAi, and Wasatch. It ensures the quick and reliable generation of all cut files.

(L-R) CMYUK’s Robin East, JWEI’s Snow Lin and CMYUK’s Jon Price

UNPRECEDENTED PRICES

Prices for the JWEI JCUT range start from £64,995 + vat for the J-CUT PRO-1625 and £89,995 for the 3.2m J-CUT PRO-3230. All cutting tables come as standard including compressor, delivery, installation, operator and application training,18 months on-site warranty, Auto Tool Changer (holding up to 8 router bits), a range of tools including 1.8kw liquid cooled router, Universal Cutting Tool (UCT), Creasing Tool (CWT), Electric Oscillating Tool (EOT), V-Cut Tool (VCT) and Kiss Cut Tool (KCT). The solution also includes the OptiScout Vision controller software workstation.

CMYUK CUSTOMER SERVICE

CMYUK’s renowned customer service infrastructure underpins the JWEI JCUT commercial proposition and offers a choice of extended warranties and service level agreements. Our in-house engineers provide installation, operator, and application training, ensuring customers utilise all functionality available from the equipment they have purchased.

CMYUK also includes free lifetime training on equipment, on-going support and service. We also stock all consumables and spare parts to ensure quick availability.

“As an organisation, CMYUK has a great deal of technical knowledge and market intelligence regarding finishing and digital cutting. In our history, we have been very successful with both the Zund and Kongsberg brands and know the market sector intimately. We understand that many mid-range customers want the capabilities and versatility that these respected high-end brands offer. JWEI uniquely delivers this at an investment level like no other. “Now as the exclusive distributor of JWEI JCUT products in the UK and Ireland, we have the ability to democratise

high end digital cutting capabilities. We are extremely impressed with this established technology and are 100% confident that it will transform the digital cutting and finishing leader board – there is simply nothing like it,” said Robin East, Group Commercial Director, CMYUK.

JWEI – WORLD CLASS MANUFACTURING

JWEI was founded in 1993 and following considerable commitment in R&D has become an industry leader in digital flatbed cutting systems. Its products are installed in over 100 countries and regions around the world. The company is headquartered in the Ningbo National High-Tech Zone, an advanced manufacturing facility that was completed in 2021 representing an investment of more than 1 billion Yuan.

The build calibre and reliability of JWEI’s digital cutting technology, in concert with its focus on quality control and inspection processes has underpinned the company’s trusted international reputation. It has both ISO9001:2000 and CE certification, and an enviable accolade record that includes TOP 10 Software Enterprise, TOP 10 Innovative Enterprise, National Hi-Tech Enterprise, and Municipal Key Software Enterprise.

With an R&D team of 50+, JWEI continually strives to innovate and implement progressive improvements to its product offerings through successful collaboration with well-known global manufacturers.

Snow Lin, founder and CEO Jingwei Systemtechnik (JWEI) said, “We are delighted to be working with CMYUK and recognise its considerable reputation and influence within the digital printing industry. As pioneers in our field, our goal is to achieve a technology revolution with perseverance. Our partnership with CMYUK places quality and customer satisfaction at the heart of our joint commercial endeavour.”

The Auto Tool Changer

THE END OF YOUR TROUBLES

AUTOMATING LARGE-FORMAT PRINT FINISHING - WHERE ARE WE, AND WHERE ARE DEVELOPMENTS TAKING US?

If only we had a pound for every time we heard that finishing was the production bottleneck in the print process… hence a couple of questions to the sector’s finishing kit providers: one - what’s being done to improve large-format print providers’ throughput and efficiency via inline finishing and automation developments?; two - where do you believe the biggest gaps still exist in the market, and how do you propose to fill those? So will the responses from some of the industry’s key suppliers have you reaching into your coffers in the hope of improved throughput and impressive ROI?

Elitron points out that its cutting and automation systems include those with optional loading and unloading/stacking automation through to the fully integrated, completely automatic, pallet-to-pallet Kombo TAV. With the latter, an integrated ‘Seeker System’ camera identifies the position of the printed graphics and reference points from both the top and underside and realigns the cutting file to allow for any possible distortion. An optional, integrated roll-in, roll-out multipallet system can incorporate an automatic, inline or standalone Reversa sheet turner for further automation when the media needs to be creased from the underside. There’s also an Acetal unloading conveyor which can be programmed to unload single or batches of sheets as required. Two independent, multi-tool cutting heads cut and crease single or multiple smaller boards and Elitron’s patented ‘Airo Panel’ then removes all cut and waste material and creates a neat stack in the unloading bay, on the waiting pallet.

This year has also seen Elitron’s introduction of modular, feeding and stacking systems that can automate loading and/or unloading of its complete standalone range of cutting systems. Now all the company’s finishing

systems can be automated using the Elitron Feeding System (EFS) and Elitron Stacking System (ESS). The EFS feeding system can also incorporate the Seeker System plus the still new Protective Material Handling system (PMH) which has a floating mechanism to prevent any media damage while loading.

Zund highlights its Q-Line with BHS180, launched this spring. The integrated system - with board handling system and undercam for pallet-to-pallet automation - is intended for the demands of industrial finishing of printed boards for displays and packaging. Working together, the new machine components generate a speed of up to 2.8m/s. Acceleration of up to 2.1g is made possible by a new, linear drive system. The new substructure for Q-Line cutters is made from concrete to ensure optimum cutting precision even at extremely high speeds.

The Q-Line with BHS180 comes with Automo L, providing a creasing pressure of up to 50kg. This makes it suitable for creasing with large crease wheels such as the Creto 150. Other tools include Unito, used with centred

Elitron Kombo TAV-R

Zund Q-Line with BHS180

and off-centred drag knives and suitable for processing materials up to 5mm thick. A Tomac Tool Management Client takes care of tool management, digitally linking the tools with presets. The Q-Line with BHS180 captures information stored for each job using QR codes and thus ensures an intelligent production workflow.

The new Q-Line with BHS180 is available initially as a dual-beam system in three different sizes - the Zund Cutter Q 32-32 D has a working width of 3.2m, the Q 22-32 D a working width of 2.2m, and the Q 18-32 D a working width of 1.8m. In addition to the hardware new Q-Line with BHS180 comprises software, such as the latest Zund Cut Center or the Zund Connect production monitoring and analysing tool.

Speaking of the ZCC Zund Cut Center, the software and user interface have this year been reworked to provide more capabilities for automated file preparation and digital cutting.

There are two different editions. ZCC Zund Cut Center Basic is aimed at those in production environments that don’t require functions such as automatic data import, job queues, or data exchange with other systems. With the Basic version, the operator can manually convert source files into .zcc files using ‘cut editor’ and open them as production files in ‘cut center’.

ZCC Zund Cut Center Advanced is suitable for those with high order volumes and wanting to increase workflow automation. In this edition, users have access to functions such as the job queue, information on the estimated production time, import via hot folders, and email notifications. For both editions, options such as the camera, pick and place, visualising, and routing can be bought individually.

Cut editor is the central software component of every ZCC software suite and is used to import source files and prepare them for cutting. It can be run directly from the workstation at the cutter. It can also be installed at other workstations in prepress and used for file preparation. If needed, it can be expanded with a nesting option.

Cut server provides automated data import via hot folders, data exchange with other systems such as the ERP and Rip, and an estimated production-time calculator. It also handles the communication between cut editor and cut center. Other systems can connect to the cut server using the .zcc file format.

David Preskett, vice president of Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, EMEA and APAC, stresses: “We continue to explore and develop innovative new ways to add value to the cutting and routing processes, which in turn add significant value to businesses. Our solutions combine with advanced software and robotics to deliver complete automation for printers and converters around the globe.”

For example, the latest version of Kongsberg’s iPC (i-cut Production Console) software is packed with new features and upgrades, and the integrated iPC version 2.6 software now comes as standard with Kongsberg cutting tables.

Note too the Kongsberg automated Feeder and Stacker for pallet-to-pallet automation. “With a stack height at 915mm and quick automatic load cycles, it’s the optimal solution for production in all typical packaging and display materials,” says Preskett.

“Combining the power, performance and versatility of our digital cutting solutions with workflow software and robotic material handling delivers huge efficiency and productivity gains. At Kongsberg PCS, our tooling

and material handling options deliver a fully integrated, automated system that serves to boost throughput, delivering the bottom-line results that are so crucial to our customers.”

Keencut chairman Paul Moxon however is eager to promote the value of manual finishing, saying: “Customers tell us that combining auto and manual cutting machines gives the ideal solution for larger operations with complex or repetitive jobs. While an automated system takes time to set up and run through its whole programme, the [manual] Keencut cutter can carry on cutting other less complex items. The Keencut SteelTrak or Evolution3 is always ready for immediate action, leaving equipment like CNC machines for different tasks. In this way, you remove bottlenecks in workflow by providing quick, repeatable cutting or one-off cuts.

“For lower volume or start-up operations, automated cutters are expensive. A Keencut manual cutter can meet all the print finishing cutting needs, providing a highly efficient, cost-effective, space-saving, and simpleto-use alternative. With a Keencut manual cutter, there is no cutting dust or debris to damage printers. Keencut cutters take less than 10 minutes to master, and there is no need for an experienced operative. There is no programming time, power costs, downtime, or complex maintenance. You get a boost in productivity with quick precise cutting accuracy.”

TALKING TEXTILES

So what’s being done to make printed textiles/fabrics finishing easier and less labour intensive for professional large-format PSPs? Automated recognition systems are one ask, alongside things like more efficient welding and sealed edge cutting processes, so are those print operations facing such difficulties likely to see much headway?

Allan Ashman, managing director at Atech (distributor for Matic and PlastGrommet) says developments to improve efficiencies are coming through. On the sewing side of things he points to Matic’s fully automated machines. Matic Cronos and Overlock sewing machines

OUR SOLUTIONS COMBINE WITH ADVANCED SOFTWARE AND ROBOTICS TO DELIVER COMPLETE AUTOMATION FOR PRINTERS

David Preskett

Kongsberg’s iPC (i-cut Production Console)

can be supplied with a QR Reader - when the QR code is scanned, either from the job sheet or directly from the material, the machine will load the program indicated for this specific application and automatically set the correct parameters, such as thread tension and sewing speed. When applying keder for example, the tension for each side of the banner may be different to avoid waves in the fabric, these saved settings will ensure the right finish. What’s more, data and production history (manufacturing orders, items, articles, operators, programs etc.) will be recorded and can be exported to Excel for analysis, or imported into an ERP system.

On the PlastGrommet front, it has been developing a range of banner finishing systems that automate and integrate tasks such as welding and eyeleting into a single process. For large banner jobs, the All in One is a fully automated roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet machine that welds and inserts eyelets simultaneously to both sides of banners. It offers the option to finish the banners using

EASTERN PEARL

CMYUK announced in September that it had become the exclusive UK/Ireland distributor of the Chinese-made JWEI JCUT digital cutting systems, which group commercial director Robin East says he’s “100% confident will transform the digital cutting and finishing leader board” due to the high-end spec minus eye-watering price tag.

Available in three bed sizes - 1600mm x 2500mm, 2100mm x 3100mm, 3200mm x 3000mm - the range kicks off at £64,995 (ex VAT) for the J-CUT Pro-1625 and £89,995 for the 3.2m J-CUT Pro-3230.

The spec includes an automatic feeding conveyor, 1800kW liquid cooled router, Auto Tool Changer (ATC), Universal Cutting Tool (UCT), Kiss Cut Tool (KCT), Electric Oscillating Tool (EOT), Crease Wheel Tool (CWT), V-Cut Tool (VCT), and a modularised cutting head that accommodates up to three sets of tool combinations simultaneously.

All tables are solidly engineered, with the 3.2m wide model fitted with a carbon fibre reinforced gantry. The cutting tables have a top running speed of 1200mm per second (75m per minute) with a maximum acceleration point of 1G.

The tables are controlled by the OptiScout

keder, tape reinforcement or hem welding.

The system also integrates a rewinding and slitting station allowing PSPs the option of working roll-to-roll or cutting the banners reading cut marks, typically hemming, eyeleting and cutting a 50m roll in under nine minutes according to Ashman.

He says the Finishing Station, a single-sided combined welding and eyelet machine, is the ultimate solution for mid-size production. A single operator can finish banners in one step. It is also possible to either weld or just eyelet as both machines are mounted on linear guides and can be stepped back for individual use.

Other offerings that can help PSPs reduce the textile finishing bottleneck include: the Roll2Roll Welding system, which automates the process of welding both sides of the roll simultaneously using hot air technology with low noise level compared with other systems; Roll2Roll Eyeleting, which handles automatic eyelet setting on both sides of a roll by selecting distance between eyelets (this figure will be constant for the entire roll); and the Roll2Roll Eyeleting Pro. This has the same features as Roll2Roll Eyeleting but incorporates a motorised traction gantry and an automatic slitting device.

There’s also the TrackXpress, an automatic eyelet press that adapts to almost any finishing table with unidirectional wheels and linear roller guides.

Sarah Fenna, group sales director at Soyang Europe/ Josero, also notes that textile finishing equipment is becoming more advanced, and points to the Meevo (for which it is exclusive UK distributor) line of sewing machines that bring three different levels of automation to sewing large-format panels while maintaining efficiency and accuracy.

that are prone to distortion.

At the heart of ‘Production Process Automation’ is a material database that can be accessed at the job preparation stage.

OptiScout is supported by industry leading Rips, including Agfa Asanti, Aurelon PrintFactory, Cadlink, Caldera, ColorGate, EFI, ErgoSoft PosterPrint/ TexPrint, IGEPA MasterRip, ONYX, Pjannto, PosterJet, Prep-it, SAi, and Wasatch.

CMYUK engineers will provide installation, operator and application training. The price also includes free lifetime training on equipment, on-going support and service, and stocks all consumables and spare parts for quick availability.

Vision controller software. Individually configurable import filters ensure optimum preparation of the cut contours during importation. For example, open contours can be closed or optimised, or duplicates removed. Individual macros can be executed automatically before and after the import, to optimally feed data into the subsequent cutting process.

The use of a CCD camera increases the precision of the output that compensates printing inaccuracies. Flexible registration reliably processes even the most problematic of materials

JWEI was founded in 1993 and, with a R&D team of 50-plus, has become a specialist in digital flatbed cutting systems, with its products installed in over 100 countries and regions around the world. The China-based company is headquartered in the Ningbo National High-Tech Zone, a manufacturing facility that was completed in 2021 representing an investment of more than 1bn Yuan. It has both ISO9001:2000 and CE certification, and holds accolades that include Top 10 Software Enterprise, Top 10 Innovative Enterprise, and National Hi-Tech Enterprise.

Matic Cronos and Overlock sewing machines can be used with a QR reader

PRINTERS AND THEIR FINISHING

The adoption of open platform large-format inkjet printer architecture means we’ve seen, and continue to see, increasing synergies between print and finishing. With that in mind a wide swathe of printer manufacturers were asked about who they are working with to improve finishing efficiencies for large-format PSPs - and what developments we can expect over the coming year or so.

Philip Van der Auwera, product manager sign and display at Agfa says it “is in close contact with finishing suppliers to exchange, adapt and optimise users’ and customers’ needs and processes whilst the needs of customers with different shift patterns and different machine performance vary. Existing solutions are closely monitored, reviewed and adapted to the changed requirements”.

He adds: “Automation is key as the combination between workflow software or Rip solutions together with print and cutting and/or other finishing devices as one part of the finishing process. Over the past years, Agfa has extended the workflow solution Asanti to adapt it to the needs of the market. Today, amongst other features, online filesharing via PrintSphere, cut marks settings or QR code creations are standard, as well as creating profiles that fit to users’ needs. In addition, connection to other workflow solution providers is supported.

“The next step Agfa is taking in automation is robotic solutions. It will set a new trend in the marketplace. The focus point for the next years is dependent on market needs and on how fast the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence will be accepted and integrated in production processes.”

Canon UK and Ireland production portfolio marketing manager Carlotta Maria Basile reiterates the company’s open architecture strategy and says that across the large-format market it has seen “a particular increase in demand for end-to-end workflow automation, which delivers maximum productivity with minimum operator interaction. This will continue to be a key consideration when it comes to working with finishing partners.”

She continues: “Our Arizona flatbed printers feature a robotisation interface, enabling easy integration with robots for unattended 24/7 print or print-and-cut solutions. As a result, some of our customers have delivered print output equivalent to more than 1m/m2 on a single Arizona printer.

“Additionally, our Colorado roll-to-roll printers feature an optional Jumbo Roll Interface and output interface, which easily connects to XY cutting, rewinding, and taping modules. This enables print factories to print from jumbo roll into finished, ready-to-ship end-products. We’ve seen a particularly strong uptake of this solution in the digital wallpaper industry, which has been driven further by Canon’s UVgel Wallpaper factory, a fully automated and modular production facility for digitally printed wallpaper.”

Basile reiterates that Canon’s preferred partner for contour-cutting is Zund and for roll-to-roll XY-cutting it is Fotoba. “Our customers benefit from the range of our solutions which are further enhanced by our partners. We work with them to support their customers achieve higher revenues, lower operational costs and increased customer satisfaction. These will continue to be key priorities in the coming years, especially as global economic uncertainties persist.”

Epson too has an open platform approach, and UK head of sales, commercial and industrial (UK) Phil McMullin simply says that means its printers “can interface with pretty much any kit out there so as not to restrict customer choice.”

Shaun Holdom, high end marketing manager, Fujifilm Wide Format Inkjet Systems, stresses that “the only way to maximise the investment in a fast printer, is to include automation and finishing as part of the process”.

He expands: “Fujifilm is always looking for more ways to make this process easier for customers and will be introducing additional products which can be added to our hybrid devices. These will include automated media loaders and unloaders giving the user the ability to deliver pallets for printing. In addition, we will also be launching larger roll feeding systems, offering the ability to print master reels of roll materials, with the inline slitters, specifically on the Acuity Ultra R2, allowing the user to take a master reel, slit it to size and minimise the time required for finishing.”

For Arjen Evertse, general sales manager, Mimaki Europe, the finishing developments in the spotlight are in relation to its introduction of direct-to-film (DTF) printers.

“We launched the TxF150-75 earlier this year and have recently announced our upcoming high speed DTF printer, the TxF300-75, expected to be available by year-end. To ensure our customers can benefit from a total ‘A brand’ solution that maximises efficiencies, we partnered with Adkins, the UK’s leading manufacturer of heat transfer and fusing machines. Adkins developed a unit that matches our DTF systems in both size and quality - the Inline 800 Automatic DTF Powder Shaker Cure Unit. This unit and both our DTF printers are 80cm wide, 20cm wider than the standard DTF machines on the market, and this extra width enables customers to reduce waste and make the DTF process more cost-efficient.

swissQprint points out that: “Our customers are free to choose the cutter but lots of them run Zünd cutters, and this combination works well. There are no particular jointprojects in the pipeline at this point.”

Rob Goleniowski, head of sales UK for Roland DG, meanwhile says: “At the minute, we are working with key strategic partners, including Northern Ireland-based plastic manufacturer Brett Martin, to test and improve the finishing efficiencies of our large-format machines. We have successfully tested a wide range of Brett Martin’s materials on Roland’s VersaUV LEC2 S-Series UV and IU-1000F largeformat flatbed UV printers in particular, gaining approved partner status from the substrate producer.

“Through our rigorous testing measures, we have worked on some exciting updates for customers to look forward to in the coming year. Customers now have access to SAi software through our partnership with the print and cut software provider, which builds a more integrated and efficient workflow for the GR2 cutter and the EU-1000MF printer. When looking at the GR2 cutter in particular, the software enables a much smoother integration between print and cut, all driven from one application. Users can load their designs in FlexiSign, assign the appropriate cutting lines, and forward their designs easily from FlexiSign to VersaWorks for printing and cutting.

“Printshops have never had it easier.”

FUJIFILM WILL BE INTRODUCING ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS WHICH CAN BE ADDED TO OUR HYBRID DEVICES

Shaun Holdom

THE NEXT STEP AGFA IS TAKING IN AUTOMATION IS ROBOTIC SOLUTIONS

Philip Van der Auwera

Rob Goleniowski

WE ARE WORKING WITH KEY STRATEGIC PARTNERS TO TEST AND IMPROVE THE FINISHING EFFICIENCIES OF OUR LARGE-FORMAT MACHINES

PARTNERS

AI - are you concerned about how it will impact your business? Given it’s a topic on everyone’s minds I spoke with Precision Proco CEO Gary Peeling. As global chairman of DScoop - whose UK summit this October looks at the subject - he has his finger on the pulse.

talks to...

Gary Peeling,

Our Widthwise survey suggests that few UK-based wide-format print companies are investing in artificial intelligence (AI). How do you think print service providers should first engage with this technology?

A lot of companies are talking about AI but aren’t actually experimenting with it and seeing what it can offer. It’s incredibly simple to use and it’s free so it makes total sense to get hands on and see what it’s all about.

Think about everything you do on a daily basis - taking notes, turning the notes into action points, analysing data. AI can do all of these things for you, which frees you up to bring more value to your business.

We often confuse being creative or being entrepreneurial with the work process but that’s not actually where the value is being delivered. AI allows us to free ourselves from being process driven. At Precision Proco we use AI in every one of our daily management office tasks. It allows us to identify trends so we can see how this will impact on sales, look at the resources we need and allows us to make informed decisions.

We need to look at AI as an asset, not as something to be fearful of. We need to see how it can work for us.

How will AI be most useful for print service providers then do you think?

Used properly, AI can allow us to make maximum use of our time in the right way. For example, if you’re pitching for business, your potential client is not interested in how much time you’ve spent putting a presentation deck together. If AI can do that part of the process for you - and allows you to create eight presentations a day where previously you may have only been able to create twothen that means you can pitch to more clients and you are creating more value.

AI can also provide the data to help inform marketing decisions and even proofread - helping to cut down on the time spent on processes by key staff and instead work

in areas that bring more value. That’s the kind of ways that our industry and AI can work together to be of huge benefit. It’s not something that we should be afraid of.

And what are the biggest risks AI presents for print service providers?

The biggest risk AI presents is to certain business models - those which work on an hourly rate for the services they provide for instance. Because AI can carry out so many tasks so quickly, people like solicitors, data analysts, copywriters who charge by the hour are the people who will be danger.

The term ‘service provider’ is also one that is going to have to change, because the services we provide and the way they are provided will be very different as we move forward. Going back to the previous example of the person preparing the PowerPoint for a pitch which might be charged by the hour - that simply won’t be necessary anymore. It is, however, better to embrace these changes and make them work for you.

Many early adopters of AI seem to be large companies. How accessible/affordable will it become for SMEs do you reckon?

Unlike previous technologies such as word processing and desktop publishing which all came with a hefty charge when they were first introduced, there is no barrier to entry with AI. It is accessible and affordable to everyone because at the moment it is absolutely free. It is an incredibly powerful piece of technology which everyone can use, so the argument in my mind is that this actually makes the playing field much more level as large companies and SMEs both have the same access to it.

Do you believe that companies which ignore AI will soon find themselves at a competitive disadvantage? If so, why?

Any company that doesn’t acknowledge what AI can bring is definitely going to put themselves at a competitive disadvantage going forward.

The amount of tasks we are dealing with on a daily basis doesn’t give us much time for creative wisdom. AI can help quieten the mind - that is by taking away the time that we have to spend on processes and how to carry out certain tasks - and actually allow us to use our wisdom and experience in a much more worthwhile way.

It needs not to be seen as a threat but an asset which can do the heavy lifting for us.

Some of the creators of AI have called it a threat to humanity. What is your take on this?

AI is able to do many things and can replicate intellectual thinking, but what it can’t do is copy our other level of thought - that can be our intuition, gut instinct, whatever you want to call it.

Sometimes that’s pushed to the back of our minds because we are having to concentrate so hard on the task in hand. AI will give us the opportunity to listen more and to tune into that instinct because we will be freed up to do so.

It’s understandable the way some people think of AI as dangerous, but that’s more than likely because they have no experience of it. It’s out there for us to use and we should make the most of it. It makes absolutely sound business sense for everyone to do that and look at the positives it can bring, rather than thinking of it in a negative and threatening kind of way.

As an industry it is something we all need to embrace.

The questions above were put to Chat GBT too as a matter of interest in what kind of answers we’d get via AI. The answers are as follows:

Our Widthwise survey suggests that few UK-based wideformat print companies are investing in AI. How do you

think print service providers should first engage with this technology?

Print service providers should start with AI by exploring workflow automation and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and customer personalisation.

How will AI be most useful for print service providers?

AI can assist print service providers in optimising production scheduling, predictive maintenance, and enhancing customer experiences through personalised marketing campaigns.

And what are the biggest risks AI presents for print service providers?

The main risks are data privacy breaches, job displacement, and over-reliance on AI without human oversight.

Many early adopters of AI seem to be large companies. How accessible/affordable will it become for SMEs do you think?

AI accessibility for SMEs will increase as technology matures, with more affordable solutions and cloud-based options becoming available.

Do you believe that companies which ignore AI will soon find themselves at a competitive disadvantage? If so, why? Yes, companies ignoring AI may struggle to remain competitive due to efficiency gains and customer expectations for personalised experiences.

Some of the creators of AI have called it a threat to humanity. What is your take on this?

AI’s impact on humanity depends on its ethical use. It can be a powerful tool for progress, but responsible development and regulation are crucial to mitigate potential risks.

CEO, Precision Proco

AI IS ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE TO EVERYONE BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT IT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE

With sizes starting from 1800mm x 1600mm, the

Nexus is a range of wide-format digital die-cutting systems that operate seamlessly with substrates up to 25mm in thickness. Including; dibond, MDF, fabrics, acrylic and much more! Opening up a vast array of markets for your business operate in and enabling you to create endless amounts products with exciting varying materials.

POS/POP/FSDU DISPLAYS

PPE/PROTECTIVE SCREENS

SCREENS

With sizes starting from 1800mm x 1600mm, the VeloBlade Nexus is a range of wide-format digital die-cutting systems that operate seamlessly with substrates up to 25mm in

VeloBlade

HOLDING IT TOGETHER

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ADVANTAGES LOOK GOOD ON PAPER, SO SHOULD YOU BRING YOUR PEOPLE ON BOARD WITH YOU? SPECIALIST JOHN DORMER OF THE RM2 PARTNERSHIP TALKS YOU THROUGH THE OPTIONS.

Wider employee ownership doesn’t just benefit employees, organisations and the economy, it also helps business owners retain skilled individuals and recruit new talent whilst boosting their productivity and profitability. So says John Dormer of the RM2 Partnership, who has worked for over 20 years with private company owners to help them establish and run employee share plans.

The RM2 Partnership itself was formed in 1991 and became an employee-owned business in 2019, using the ‘Employee Ownership Trust’ model and the team there has been involved in the design of ‘Share Incentive Plan’ (SIP) and ‘Enterprise Management Incentives’ (EMI) legislation (and other government sponsored employee share plans) and often comments on guidance, policy and market practice relating to employee share ownership. So the following - from Dormer - is worth noting if you’re considering going that route.

Firstly, note that the benefits of employee ownership are available to businesses of all sizes. Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOPs) allow employees to acquire shares in their business through tax efficient means and in the process promote positive employee behaviour by encouraging them to think more like business owners, with the incentive of future rewards. For business owners looking to sell, employee ownership is an increasingly popular choice. By selling the majority of shares to an ‘Employee Ownership Trust’ (EOT), owners can be confident that the business will be owned and run by those they have

previously worked with and trust.

A sale to an EOT is free of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and offers increased flexibility for owners to decide their own exit timeline, without disrupting the ongoing operations of the business. Without having to negotiate, the sales process can be more efficient too, although owners must realise funds are paid from the company’s profits and can take five years or more to be paid.

Employees of a business controlled by an EOT can each receive annual bonuses up to £3,600 free of Income Tax, although National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will apply. Owners considering employee ownership should seek specialist advice on the different benefits and tax treatments before making a final decision. There are numerous ESOPs available, offering different benefits and tax advantages, but the three most popular plans are as follows...

Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) is a discretionary share option plan, providing a flexible, tax efficient way for smaller companies to reward some or all employees, by offering them the chance to buy shares in the business in the future, at a price fixed when this offer is made.

The company must be independent, with gross assets of £30m or less and fewer than 250 employees. Options may be granted over shares with a value of up to £250,000 at grant date, with the overall company limit set at £3m.

EMI options can be granted over different share types, with any exercise price and any performance conditions. The options can be exercised any time after grant but will typically lapse ten years after grant.

Options are free of Income Tax and NICs, but gains will typically be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT), but thanks to the application of Business Assets Disposal Relief (BADR), it is usually levied at 10%.

The Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) is another discretionary share option plan, for larger or non-EMI qualifying businesses. It can be made available to all employees or a select few and tailored to meet business objectives with different share classes and performance targets.

The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is an equitable, all employee share plan that provides a potential zero tax rate, with no Income Tax, no NICs and no CGT. Shares can be gifted free of Income Tax and NICs to employees, who can also use pre-tax salary to buy ‘partnership’ shares, which may entitle them to a further two free ‘matching’ shares for each one bought.

The decision to follow one of the employee ownership routes is not to be taken lightly. It is important to understand that share plans must comply with legislation throughout their lifespan. Care must be taken that corporate events don’t risk disqualifying the scheme, such as entering into a joint venture arrangement, which may disqualify an EMI scheme.

Ensuring the plan is administered correctly is also critical, especially should the company be sold, when the share scheme will be subject to close scrutiny during the due diligence process, when any errors could have serious consequences.

Employee share plans must be registered with HMRC and annual returns submitted. Failure to do so, could possibly result in fines, challenges during due diligence and in the worst-case scenario, disqualify the plan from the numerous tax advantages.

THE BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ARE AVAILABLE TO BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES

Increase efficiency. Accelerate results.

Increase efficiency. Accelerate results.

HP Latex 2700 Printer series

HP Latex 2700 Printer series

The high-performance, cost-effective wide format printers with a sustainable edge.

The high-performance, cost-effective wide format printers with a sustainable edge.

BANKING ON SSAS

“WHO WANTS TO OWN THEIR OWN BANK?” THAT’S HOW MATIC MEDIA FOUNDER AND MD RICHARD MCCOMBE PITCHED AN ALTERNATIVE FUNDING METHOD TO EMPLOYEES WHEN HE WANTED TO EXPAND. HE TELLS HIS STORY…

purchase the building we currently lease, so expansion at our existing location was not possible. We examined our options, and a local building coming onto the market led to the question: ‘How do we fund this?’.

At first, I considered a SIPP pension. A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is a type of personal pension plan, available in the UK, that is a tax-efficient savings vehicle designed to help individuals save for their retirement. SIPPs offer more flexibility and control over how your retirement savings are invested compared to other types of pension plans.

In short, as many of you will know, you can use your pension to purchase a building that you could operate your business from. The rent would then be paid into your pension. This offers many tax advantages for an individual - but what I found most interesting were SSAS pensions.

A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) pension is a type of occupational pension scheme, available in the UK, that is designed for small groups of company directors or key employees of a business, allowing them to take more control over their pension investments and decisions compared to traditional workplace pension schemes.

The story behind SSAS pensions is quite fascinating. I understand they were very popular in the 1980’s but were somewhat abused due to loopholes that allowed parties to extract funds from pensions and avoid tax. HMRC stepped in and ensured that this could no longer happen, and they fell out of fashion.

So, unlike SIPPs that are regulated under the Financial Conduct Authority, SSAS’s are under the eye of HMRC. The process of setting one up is quite laborious and costly, but they offer some very interesting benefits.

SSAS pensions are designed primarily for businesses, particularly small companies, and their directors and employees. They are used as a vehicle for retirement savings and, in some cases, for business-related investments. Unlike retail investment products that are sold to the general public, SSAS pensions are typically established for a specific group of individuals closely related to the sponsoring employer.

Anyone who knows me will be aware that I like detail, processes and systems - I don’t like risk. This can be a bit challenging for those around me, but it is my responsibility to safeguard our business and those within it. That leads me into a story… I have a friend who had a commercial printing business that went bust in 2012 and he fell victim to a major bank’s lending and support policies after the 2008 crash. In short, they closed him down. There has been a documentary made about the practices of this bank - it’s not happy watching.

Because of stories like this, I have always been overly cautious about borrowing and in return I may have been the stumbling block to our company’s growth over the years. However, we have always achieved positive levels of success and since the change in direction with our trade only brand Graphic Warehouse, we have seen our business outgrow our current premises and printing and finishing capacity. Sounds great, but we were not able to

My experience has told me that the scheme offers unbelievable flexibility and control of your pension investment fund. For example, you could gather some members of your business who would like to be part of that pension scheme. Those funds could be used to purchase a building or loan funds to the business to invest (there are strict conditions here). Alternatively, you could invest those funds through a fund manager in the way a personal pension would. You could even invest in a different business or other commercial properties - it can be quite flexible.

SSAS pensions come with many legalities and like all investments they have apportioned risk but you’re going make sure your business does not hit the skids or your livelihood is down the pan. I particularly like this because you have control over your returns by the way of interest the fund charges on loans or leases. And on top of this you can offer its benefit to others you think should be part of the SSAS.

If you want to know more about SSAS pensions you need to find a suitably qualified financial advisor with experience in SSAS pensions and expect this to cost you, but I found it worth the investment.

And finally, here is how I pitched it… “Who wants to own their own bank?”

YOU NEED TO FIND A FINANCIAL ADVISOR WITH EXPERIENCE IN SSAS PENSIONS AND EXPECT THIS TO COST YOU, BUT I FOUND IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT

CRO: is it a flier?

THERE’S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT THE CRO ROLE, BUT IS IT REALLY JUST A NEW FANGLED WAY OF LABELLING THE HEAD OF SALES? FOR SOME IT IS, BUT DONE PROPERLY IT ISN’T.

CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-CUMMING, CEO OF MARKETING STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY ICE BLUE SKY CEO OUTLINES HOW TO GET IT RIGHT.

CRO - is it worth considering within your business? Here’s specialist advice on understanding what it is and how can you maximise its application within your print operation.

1.

KNOW THE BASICS

CRO stands for ‘conversion rate optimisation’ and put simply is a method of increasing the percentage of your website’s visitors who take a desired action (or, to use marketing speak, who ‘convert’). While the CRO role may seem as if it’s just suitable for larger companies, it’s just as relevant for SMEs because where better to combine the end-to-end customer journey? It can be much more practical for SMEs to reap the benefits of this approach, as they can be more nimble in their response.

2.

DON’T JUST MAKE IT A NEW SALES ROLE

ASSESS YOUR CUSTOMER JOURNEY FIRST

You need to document the whole customer lifecycle in order to properly define the CRO role and the associated KPIs. You should consider the entire lifecycle, from awareness to advocacy, in order to properly understand what areas have a heavy influence on revenue, and therefore what experience your new CRO needs to possess. As we’ve seen, this should include post sale - it’s not just about sales and marketing. Doing this not only helps build understanding and identify areas that need improvement, but also means that the right KPIs are established holistically, and not in departmental silos. If you’ve ever had an issue with teams moving in opposite directions, then this likely to be an issue in your organisation.

3. SET CLEAR OBJECTIVES

At Ice Blue Sky we see this all the time - VP of sales has their role/title changed to CRO, or the CSO does, either way, you need to ensure you’re looking at the role in the right way. The CRO role should encompass all aspects of operations that impact revenue, so the right candidate should have a mix of skills, extending beyond just sales. An in-depth understanding of marketing, customer service and product are essential to having rounded knowledge necessary to combine all the revenue elements into one role.

4.

The overall objective for a CRO is to unify the approach to revenue generation within the organisation. Each team can continue within its own current hierarchy but the CRO should have a holistic view of how they are impacting revenue, even if there is no direct reporting line. This can include finance, product, customer service, sales (all disciplines), marketing and account management for example. The CRO role needs to create a connection between their KPIs around revenue, and the KPIs of each team to ensure they are coordinated and pulling in the right direction. This will require close collaboration with each team, and executive support when objectives appear to be clashing.

Better by design

5.

TRACK THE RIGHT KPIS

In order to facilitate this holistic approach, the right KPIs need to be established and agreed at board level. This can include revenue growth, churn rate (at various stages, pre and post sale), win/loss rate, customer engagement and advocacy, retention, lifetime value and time to close for example. You can also include finance metrics such as average debtor days, in order to provide a more in depth understanding of revenue performance. If steps three and four are done correctly (and this does take time) then it should be obvious which metrics are needed. As already stated, clearly identifying the  levers in each team that lead up to these KPIs is crucial.

6.

PROVIDE BOARD SUPPORT AND ENDORSEMENT

For now, if you’re appointing a CRO, chances are it’s the first time you’ve done so. Which means there will need to be a winning of hearts and minds across the organisation. Heads of departments may feel their territory is being encroached upon and get defensive instead of being collaborative. The right candidate is crucial here obviously (someone who is collaborative their self for example) but board support is equally important. Without active board support and communication the initiative is at high risk of failure. This needs to be both at the outset of recruitment (getting stakeholders involved early), outlining and clearly communicating the objectives of the role, and how that filters down the various teams, and having regular, collaborative sessions to determine the way forward as change occurs.

LEVERAGE THE ROLE FOR GROWTH AND STABILITY 8.

Establishing a CRO role in your business is an enormous opportunity for “not doing business as usual”. Use the role to tackle inherent issues within the organisation. These could be silo based, communication, process or people based. Having a holistic view will open up new insights which can be used for iterative improvements over the longer term to achieve a more robust business.

UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS OF AUTOMATION 10.

When you implement a CRO role across the buyer journey, you open up further opportunities with technology, including AI and automation. Building seamless journeys de-risks process automation, enabling automation at scale - driving further growth.

DON’T FORGET PARTNERS AND SUPPLIERS 7.

External resources should be a strong consideration when planning the role of the CRO. Whether it’s manufacturers, vendors or resellers, they are likely to have an impact on revenue and the CRO should consider them as much a part of the ecosystem as the internal teams.

THINK LONG-TERM VALUE 9.

If you’re considering selling your business in the future, the CRO role unlocks a significant opportunity for building tangible and demonstrable value in your company. Creating a single revenue engine is a powerful catalyst to growth, going beyond integrating sales and marketing to managing the entire market landscape, the customer journey and experience leading to strategic growth. According to McKinsey, companies with a CRO outperform their peers by 1.8x revenue growth.

A LAST WORD 11.

What’s important to remember is that the CRO role is not always fully understood, so clear communication internally is crucial for driving the success within the role. Identifying the right candidate will mean the difference between success and failure, they need to be experienced across a number of disciplines, work collaboratively and be decisive. It’s a great opportunity to really understand all the revenue drivers in your organisation, and to unlock new opportunities for revenue growth in areas that aren’t typically looked at in this way. The only way to do this is for the board to completely get behind the idea that one role oversees all of the revenue generation and impact across the business.

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THE CRO ROLE SHOULD ENCOMPASS ALL ASPECTS OF OPERATIONS THAT IMPACT REVENUE

GET WITH THE PROGRAMME

at printers together with their clients - dates/details for these were yet to be decided at the time of going to press.

In time, the expectation is that the academy will also offer bespoke courses for larger PSPs that want to train a number of their staff on the specific products they use.

By attending the one of the first printer/signage/ graphics waste courses you’ll get an overview of the key areas of waste management and be made aware of the tools to drive environmental efficiency throughout your business.

Each of the day-long session (10am-3pm) will look at:

z The changing landscape and attitudes of print consumer waste

z How to effectively handle your waste management

Addressing greenwashing

z Understanding the waste and recycling industries

Establishing how contractors handle and process your waste

z How material choices reflect end-of-campaign treatment

z Engaging with your clients on all matters of sustainability

The training room has so far been filled with sample materials from suppliers such as Spandex, All Print Supplies, Soyang, Paper Graphics, Premier Paper/ Dufaylite, Amari Plastics, Antalis, CMYUK, Pyramind and Grafityp, and Ward is eager for more, saying: “We welcome all material suppliers to send us samples as we would like to have as many varieties as possible in our sustainability room.

FESPA UK HAS LAUNCHED A SUSTAINABLE WASTE ACADEMY. RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULD ATTEND ONE OF ITS FIRST COURSES.

September saw schools back and the new educational year kicking off with a new learning initiative from Fespa UK - the Sustainable Waste Academy. The first of a series of one-day courses - developed to educate companies about all aspects of sustainable waste management in the print chain - took place on 27 September, with those involved in its coming together the initial group. The wider print/signage community is being invited to the next sessions, running 19 October, 22 November and 14 December at the association’s HQ in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Cough up £199 (less if you’re a Fespa UK member) and you can benefit from the course, which has been created by Fespa UK managing director Suzi Ward and its sustainability consultant Jon Hutton, director of Reconomy - the company it works with on the Waste Management Scheme set-up early last year.

Hutton will deliver the actual course content in this initial Sustainable Waste Academy printer/signage/ graphics programme - which will be repeated to groups of no more than eight on each of the dates given above. Ward says the plan is for a three-stage expansion of the academy’s offering, with a subsequent course aimed at suppliers of materials to the print sector and another

“The samples are not all sustainable alternatives. We encouraged companies to send all their product lines as sustainable materials are not what this is about - it is about dealing with products that are used on a daily basis throughout the industry which will give the delegates the opportunity to discuss the products they work with and understand how and where these materials are treated as waste, as well as how they can best influence and drive sustainability.”

Indeed, the course has been designed to show those businesses already on the waste journey how they can use what they are doing to promote their business to clients and to provide them with the information they need to stand out from the crowd.

“After working with Jon on Fespa UK waste management projects for over two years now, while there is a lot of useful information out there for businesses, there is also a lack of clarity and a huge gap in understanding the reality of waste management and what is achievable within print and signage,” Ward says.

“Both Jon and I are passionate about being able to offer businesses the opportunity to grow their knowledge in a way that will empower them to have open and honest conversations with their clients about what can realistically be achieved with their end-of-use products. There is also too much greenwashing out there and this will give businesses the confidence to challenge what they are being told and ask the right questions, so they know that what they are being told is true,”

Hutton adds: “During these courses you’ll be acquiring the tools and understanding to make a positive impact, differentiate projects and meet the expectations of an increasingly conscious world.’’

THERE IS A LACK OF CLARITY AND A HUGE GAP IN UNDERSTANDING THE REALITY OF WASTE MANAGEMENT AND WHAT IS ACHIEVABLE

Actively investigating and supporting the wide-format print sector

Authored by former print professionals, Image Reports provides intelligent news coverage which targets those that produce and sell wide- and grandformat digital print.

Dedicated entirely to the digital print provider rather than the manufacturer or supplier, Image Reports presents information via three main filters – business, technology and the environment.

Also part of the Image Reports family is Widthwise Report, an annual survey and report on the state of the UK and Irelands wide-format print sector which is packed with facts, figures and features.

THE REAL COST OF CLIMATE CHANGE

in the fight against global warming, the UK is now so far behind the curve that, this summer, the leaders of the country’s largest publicly quoted companies published an open letter calling on the Government to show some consistency and continuity on environmental issues. And they weren’t just saying this because they thought it would be good for the planet, they argued that this was essential if their companies - and therefore, by extension, the British economy - were to prosper in the medium to long-term.

The key to the Telegraph’s counterblast is the use of the emotive adjective ‘obsession’ in its front-page headline, implying that climate change campaigners are deranged. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines obsession as “a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling”. Which rather begs the question: is it really unreasonable to be preoccupied by the idea that, within the next decade, Earth’s temperature will have increased so dramatically that millions of people could die from heat waves, famines and infectious diseases?

IS THE DRIVE TOWARDS NET ZERO MERELY ‘WOKE’ THINKING THAT IS FUELLING INFLATION? IT’S A MESSAGE THAT COULD DANGEROUSLY UNDERMINE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION AND END UP COSTING THE EARTH.

And so it begins. The backlash against the world’s efforts to ameliorate climate change stepped up a gear in September when Mervyn King, former governor of the Bank of England, declared that, as the Daily Telegraph headline put it, “Net zero obsession has fuelled inflation.” The broadsheet’s clear intention was to present the environmental, sustainable and governance agenda as just another example of the ‘woke’ thinking which infuriates its ageing readership.

It may be that King, having been heavily criticised by a parliamentary committee for his passivity in office during the credit crisis of 2008, now feels obliged to be excessively vigilant in warning about looming disasters. Even so, his claims don’t add up. For a start, the greatest driver of inflation is not net zero policies. Nor is it soaring wages. The biggest cause of rising inflation since 2020, as various bodies (including the European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund) have identified, has been corporate profits, with large companies increasing prices by much more than the spike in energy costs. Inevitably, this behaviour - which studies suggest could account for almost half of the increase in Europe’s inflation rate - prompted employees to demand wage rises.

The other gaping flaw in this argument is that, certainly since Rishi Sunak became prime minister in October 2022, the British Government has backtracked on many of the pledges it made at the COP climate change summit in Glasgow in the winter of 2021. Once a thought leader

We don’t even have to look that far ahead to be disturbed and preoccupied by the dangers. At the time of writing, there were 3,091 wildfires raging in the five most badly affected countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mozambique and Indonesia). At the other extreme, autumn flooding had killed people thousands across Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Greece, Hong Kong, Libya, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey, and the US state of Hawaii.

If King - and the Telegraph’s editors - really wanted to understand why so many people, politicians, campaigners and business leaders are preoccupied by the threat of climate change, they could do worse than visit Phoenix, Arizona, the hottest city in America where, for 54 days this year (out of 253) the temperature has reached, or exceeded, 60C and around 200 people have died from the heat.

The backlash against environmental, sustainability and governance issues may make some businesses pause for thought. It shouldn’t. Companies have to operate in the real world - and not in the world as it is imagined by climate sceptics, professional contrarians and swivel eyed loons. With various analysts debating the likelihood of national, continental or global recession in 2024, big companies may be temporarily less vigilant about environmental issues but, in the medium- to long-term, as the impact of rising greenhouse gas emissions becomes ever more catastrophic, they will need to act - or face expensive, distracting, legal action. And many of those who run the kind of smaller businesses that dominate the digital printing industry will be disturbed by the environmental legacy they will leave their children and grandchildren.

The climate change crisis is horrifying but it can still, even at this late stage, be managed - if we take action. There is nothing ‘woke’ about sensible environmental policies. They could help to ensure that Earth remains a planet we can still live on. If a drowning man asks you to throw him a rope, he is not obsessed - he is just trying to save his life. It really is that simple.

THE BACKLASH AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL, SUSTAINABILITY AND GOVERNANCE ISSUES MAY MAKE SOME BUSINESSES PAUSE FOR THOUGHT. IT SHOULDN’T

DIGGING BELOW THE SURFACE WITH INDUSTRY MOLE

Comments please to industrymole@imagereportsmag.co.uk

Money, money, no money

About ten years ago, when one of Mole Graphics’ largest customers went bust, owing us a shedload of money, I spoke to the bank about a loan. They were polite and enthusiastic until they ran the figures. We were not, they said with a tinge of regret, eligible for a loan unless I could persuade two of our other large customers to confirm, in writing, that they would continue to buy print from us for the next five years. I tried to explain that I could probably get these letters but, given that many print buyers changed jobs every couple of years, they would be essentially meaningless.

They accepted this point and rejected my application for a loan. They were very nice about it and when, at the end of our discussion, one of them asked: “Is there anything else I can help you with?” I managed to resist the temptation to point out that they hadn’t helped me with anything at all. It reminded me of Mark Twain’s definition of a banker as a “fellow who will

lend you an umbrella when the sun is shining but wants it back the minute it starts to rain.”

Mole Graphics struggled on regardless, buoyed by a mysterious, unexpected improvement in cashflow and, excepting the pandemic, I’ve never had to ask for a loan since.

Which is just as well because one of my old friends in the industry recently had a similar experience suggesting that despite the veneer of technological sophistication, bank practices have hardly changed. We all compete in a digital marketplace but bankers’ mindsets remain thoroughly analogue.

In June, I noticed that HSBC (not my bank) announced a £15bn fund to grow the British SME sector. It sounds promising although, over the years, I’ve heard many similar pronouncements. Besides, in 2022, the figures show that bank loans and overdrafts to SMEs declined by 18% to £18.4bn. As there are said to be 5.5m SMEs in the UK, that amounts to about £3,300 for each one - not a lot of help for a sector that is supposed to be the driver of economic growth is it?

FESPA

DRUPA

When?

22-26 January, 2024

Where?

Hotel Primus Valencia, Valencia,

Cost?

Various, depending on number of attendees from your business. A single person ticket to one course costs 895 Euro. There’s an early bird discount up to 31 October.

Who will be there?

A mixture of technical and applications specialists will attend this event, made up of courses that you can book separately. The full list is on the IMI Europe website.

When?

25-27 February, 2024

Where?

NEC, Birmingham

Cost?

Free

When?

19-22 March, 2024

Where?

RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam

Cost?

TBA

When?

28 May-7June, 2024

Where?

Messe Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf

Cost?

TBA

Who will be there?

Expect the usual cross-section of suppliers to the sign and digital print markets, but given the show will run in tandem with Printwear and Promotion Live! for the first time there may be even more cross fertilisation - especially in terms of visitors.

Who will be there?

This continues to be ‘the’ show for the large-format print sector and will no doubt host all the key suppliers as well as myriad interesting less well-known ones.

Who will be there?

It’s so far ahead of the event that it’s pointless looking at the exhibitor list yet but, suffice to say, you can expect most of the major players to get involved.

Should you go?

If you want deep-dive information and instruction.

Should you go?

Probably worth it just to see if there’s much change under the new owner Datateam.

Should you go?

Yes

Should you go?

Decide closer to the time, but it’s worth noting the dates.

IMI EUROPE INKJET WINTER WORKSHOP 2024

GLOBAL SIGN AND DIGITAL UK

VITAL STATISTICS

THE FSB IS CALLING ON GOVERNMENT TO INCENTIVISE MILLIONS OF SMALL FIRMS TO INVEST IN NEW TECH ADOPTION AND TO INNOVATE FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF ITS NEW ‘TECH TONIC’ REPORT. ITS CAMPAIGN IS URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE LARGE FIRMS THAT HAVE BEEN AWARDED R&D AND INNOVATION GRANTS TO ENGAGE WITH SMALLER BUSINESS AS PART OF THEIR SUPPLY CHAIN. THE FORUM IS ALSO ADVOCATING FOR GRANTS TO SMALL BUSINESS TO AUTOMATE PROCESSES WHERE ACCESS TO LABOUR IS AN ISSUE.

70% 14.8%

Nearly seven in ten small businesses have introduced innovative changes in the last three years

Small businesses that introduced innovation have seen, on average, a 14.8% increase in revenues as a result of having done so

of small businesses identify financial cost as a top barrier to improving their products

£34,495

39%

30% 46%

is the average cost for a small firm to introduce new manufacturing processes

of SMEs would be encouraged to innovate if they had more information/support with implementation

of small business owners pick additional tax relief as a driver of innovation

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IS IT TIME TO INVEST IN DYE-SUB? SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL PRINT DIRECTOR MICHAEL TYRRELL THINKS IT IS - AND HE’S PUTTING HIS MONEY WHERE HIS MOUTH IS.

“Recently, we made a significant decision at Simply Beautiful Print - a decision that promises to revolutionise our business and elevate our offerings. We decided to invest in dye-sublimation printing, bringing this transformative technology in-house.

“The decision to invest in dye-sublimation printing was not made lightly. As a company specialising in exhibition and event graphics, we have always been committed to delivering top-notch quality and efficiency. However, we’ve been outsourcing a significant portion of our dye-sublimation printing - roughly £200,000 per year, accounting for a substantial proportion of our overall turnover.

“While this approach has allowed us to maintain high standards, it also comes with limitations. Outsourcing undoubtedly has its benefits, particularly in terms of flexibility and scalability. However, as we considered our long-term goals and the changing landscape of our industry, it became apparent that bringing dye-sublimation in-house was not just a strategic move but a necessary one.

“To execute our vision, we’ve embarked upon a comprehensive investment plan. This has involved buying state-of-the-art dye-sublimation printing equipment at a capital expenditure of £300,000. Additionally, we’ve expanded our facilities with a new mezzanine, creating dedicated space to house this new equipment and facilitate the entire dye-sublimation printing workflow.

“The investment in equipment and facilities is substantial, both in terms of financial resources and commitment of time and effort. However, we believe that it’s not just a cost but an investment in the future of our business.

“Bringing dye-sublimation in-house puts us in the driver’s seat. It allows us to have full control over every aspect of the printing process, from materials selection to colour calibration. This level of control translates into unmatched quality assurance and the ability to deliver even more precise and vibrant graphics.

“Outsourcing can introduce delays and dependencies that are beyond our control. By having dye-sublimation printing in-house, we significantly reduce turnaround times. This speed and flexibility empower us to meet tighter deadlines, making us more agile and responsive to our clients’ needs.

“While the initial investment is substantial, we anticipate that over time, it will prove to be a costeffective solution. By reducing our outsourcing costs, streamlining operations, and optimising material usage, we can ensure that this investment pays dividends in the long run.

“Also, in today’s world, sustainability is no longer an option - it’s a responsibility - so as we make the transition to bring dye-sublimation printing in-house, we’re not only

investing in cutting-edge technology but also reimagining our materials.

“Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the printing process itself. We are proud to announce that all our materials will be sustainable and made from recycled sources, including innovative materials crafted from recycled bottle tops. By opting for these eco-friendly materials, we are reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a greener planet.

“This sustainable approach aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide top-notch quality while minimising our environmental impact. Our dedication to using waterbased inks, controlling waste, and recycling processes remains unwavering. We believe that sustainability is the future of responsible business.

“Speaking of the future - the decision to invest in dyesublimation printing isn’t just about addressing current needs; it’s also about future-proofing our business.

As the demand for large-format graphics continues to grow, we want to be well-prepared to meet the evolving requirements of our clients.

“In the ever-competitive world of exhibition and event graphics, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. By investing £300,000 in dye-sublimation printing equipment and expanding our facilities, we are taking a bold step towards securing our position as industry leaders. This investment is not just about the present; it’s about shaping a future where quality, efficiency, and sustainability are at the core of everything we do.”

IT BECAME APPARENT THAT BRINGING DYESUBLIMATION IN-HOUSE WAS NOT JUST A STRATEGIC MOVE BUT A NECESSARY ONE

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Your Print Specialists (YPS) offer an impressive portfolio of wide format print solutions, finishing equipment and software. Located in the North East and with over 40 years of print experience, YPS can safely advise you on the very latest developments in print technology. Over the last 13 years YPS has built its reputation as a fast, reliable and service-led partner within the screen, litho and digital wide format printing industry.

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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. Online store – training – next day delivery

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