Features

Fespa UK Association has been around (in various guises) since 1934, providing business, technical and legal guidance, educational services and events and networking opportunities to digital wide-format, screen and specialist PSPs - and to suppliers. Carol Swift took over the helm from Peter Kiddell last summer. Now she’s settled into the role - and given it’s show season - I took the opportunity to ask her how the association is representing the large-format sector, and to comment on hot topics like business confidence and investment plans.

By Lesley Simpson

Founded over quarter of a century ago, Derwent Displays has invested more than £1.75m in the last two years to underpin its strategy of employing the latest technology to continue its growth trajectory whilst enhancing customer service and experience.

Has PVC had its day when it comes to wallcoverings?

What’s having the greatest impact on your business at the moment?

The NEC in Birmingham is just about to open its doors to Sign and Digital UK visitors, and Messe Munich is preparing for Fespa Global. So will you be attending either exhibition? Here’s a precis of the key attractions at each.

The Widthwise 2019 poll shows that when it comes to software investment, PSPs are channelling their spend towards design packages. So what’s waiting to grab your attention? Simon Creasey investigates.

Today’s UV inkjet technologies offer all sorts of niche applications and it seems there’s a growing demand for Braille - and other tactile print. So is it something you should be investigating?

It’s now more than a decade since HP introduced Latex printing as a water-based alternative to solvent ink technologies, and it continues to grow in popularity. So what’s the big attraction, and is there room for improvement? We asked five PSPs.

...but how do you get it into your business? Partnering with a local uni is one way of doing it. Just take a look at the Teesside Advanced Practice Internship programme.

Showcard is on the scent of something good according to MD Mark Smith. Here’s how the company is refocusing to take advantage of structural print opportunities.

Money talks. So what have you been hearing about R&D Tax Credits? That it’s an incentive out of your reach? Don’t be too dismissive. Innovation can and does pay, as the likes of Signbox and Augustus Martin will testify. So can you too get a tax rebate on your development work, or is it too much hassle for the pay-back? I met with Adam Kene, MD of London-based R&D tax incentive advisory Kene Partners for the heads-up.

By Lesley Simpson

So you’ve stopped recruiting ‘print reps’ and are instead seeking ‘business builders’ to promote your diversified services offering. But how do you find the right people - those conversant with printing, consulting, design, installation and everything else that your business does?  Brandon Stapper has ten questions you can use to vet potential candidates.