Zeitgeist

Your kit and consumables suppliers have a vested interest in helping you succeed. So do you use them to best effect in helping grow your business? Tim Greene of InfoTrends thinks you should demand more. 

It may sound simplistic, but we [at InfoTrends] believe that there is a great case to be made that wide-format printing companies of all size could be taking a more aggressive approach to business growth and development by leveraging the resources of their suppliers.

Can it be done? That was the premise of a Jet Set Digital Conference panel discussion at Fespa 2013. Here’s what transpired…

How can we futureproof the printing industry, the wide-format sector in particular, and the print businesses operating therein? That was the premise of the Jet Set Digital Conference panel discussion, chaired by Image Reports editor Lesley Simpson, on the third day of Fespa 2013.

Is Web-to-MIS is the way forward? Emerson Welch, marketing manager at Clarity Software, argues the point for such development.

Get integrated, sell more. It’s a simple phrase, but one that’s resonating with forward-thinking printers as they strive for new ways to reduce costs, increase output and win more deals at top margin. The Web provides the perfect platform to make it happen, which is why 94% of surveyed Clarity customers want to use it to expand their businesses.

Why Phil Phillips of Colouration is so enthusiastic about the spot gloss UV capability of the company’s new Oce 480XT. Should you be enthused too?

“Spot varnish application is creating a huge level of interest with prospective clients and allowing us to talk to new customers and offer a point of difference, so it's a real winner for us.” So says Phil Phillips of Colouration, which began putting work through its new Oce 480XT flatbed printer with varnish and roll-feed at the beginning of March. 

… and where else 3D printing is likely to impact. We muse over the possibilities for wide-format print providers as the technology gains ground.

Business Rates proving too heavy to bear? Scott Conway of Venture Banners puts out a rallying call for SMEs to join him in a revolt against expected rate rises in 2013.

Are you a member of one of the UK’s local business networks?If not, perhaps you should think of joining. Other printers are and to tremendous effect.

Is David Cameron playing games with us when it comes to environmental policy? Is the man who promised “the greenest government ever” leading from the front or tagging along at the back?