Business

Heard of degree apprenticeships? Perhaps not, because ‘Print’ is not on the list of industry sectors offering courses. Should it be? And what can we do as an industry sector to ensure there is higher level training to meet our needs in 2017 and beyond?

Digital marketing isn’t an optional part of your marketing mix, it’s absolutely central to it. But having digital marketing and having effective digital marketing can be wildly different things. Here Javan Bramhall from marketing agency Digital Glue helps you achieve the latter.

A small ‘fablab’ in Scotland - Make Aberdeen - has installed a Jetrix KX3 large-format printer that the public and SME’s can use for short runs. Here’s how it works.

Mineheart’s Web page says it is always seeking new materials and interesting collaborations. How would you describe its current offering - and where does digital print comes into that mix at the moment?

Paul Holohan, chief executive of printing industry merger and acquisition specialist Richmond Capital Partners, advises on how best to progress with strategic partnership formation.

Design company T’Go Creative has moved into large-format print, and has launched a customised wallpaper service. Could you learn a thing or two from its approach to new markets?

When Your Print Partner MD Stuart Maclaren founded the company in 2011 with a £70,000 Mimaki direct-to-textile printer, the then 23-year-old thought he could make a good go of building a business producing quick-turnaround fabric print.

To attract and retain good digital talent you’re going to have to deal with more obviously strong competition. James Crawford, managing director of PR Agency One, gets you battle fit.

So what exactly does Simpson Group hope to achieve by becoming Silver Investors in People accredited?

Having been founded as a large-format trade print operation in 1992, Macro Art had been enjoying a significant growth spurt when it underwent an MBO in 2014. At that time, the new management team were confident of continued expansion. Now the Saint Neots-based company is making its first acquisition and opening a London branch. I asked commercial director Michael Green about the expansion. By Lesley Simpson

Getting little joy from those that provided you with kit that’s not performing to expectation? Then try this route to dispute resolution, recommended by Brian Sims, principal consultant at Metis Print Consultancy.

Does this sound familiar? “Hello, I’d like a quote for 20 posters needed by Friday.” “No problem, I’ll email your quote over. You would have to have your artwork with us by Wednesday…” Wednesday arrives, but no artwork.

The Massivit 1800 large-scale 3D printer created a real buzz when it was shown at Drupa. And Watford-based Stylographics has done likewise by being the first UK printer to buy one. I met with MD Simon Olley to talk about the investment. 

Given the huge scope of Drupa, we asked manufacturers and PSPs within the large-format inkjet arena: What did the show tell you about technological developments/trends that could impact large-format print? Here’s what they said…