Features

The newly published Image Reports 2019 Widthwise survey does suggest that printers are reflecting on environmental matters. Are you one of them - and is your view impacting your business as well as the world around you?

Quarmby Colour in Leeds has been revealed as the first UK installation for the EFI™ VUTEk® h3 superwide format hybrid LED inkjet printer. However, it won’t remain an h3 model for long, as Quarmby has already opted for the field upgrade to the higher-throughput VUTEK h5 model.

Employee engagement and morale are frequently dismissed as functions of HR and dealt with via team building days or by putting a ping pong table onsite. But is that the best way of getting the best from you people? Apparently not. Here are some pointers to achieving more beneficial results.

With a turnover of 200m Euro and over 1m customers, Onlineprinters is one of Europe’s biggest Web-to-print providers. CEO Dr Michael Fries has said that “print companies that embrace industry transformation” will do well, and that he expects online print shops in Western Europe to continue a two-digit growth in turnover over the coming years. So should you be looking to W2P? Given the group’s bold expectations for continued growth, I met with Simon Cooper, MD of UK-based subsidiary Solopress, to talk strategy – and find out where wide-format fits in.

By Lesley Simpson

Do you know your legal responsibilities on things like fire ratings when it comes to printable wallcovering? Doing so will not only keep you above the law, but help you have better discussions with architects and other potential customers. Suppliers are helping raise the issue - look at what Papergraphics is doing for example.

Want to know what’s happening at grassroots level in the large-format print sector? Here’s the heads-up on the soon-to-be-published Widthwise Report 2019.

Most business failures are the result of inexperience or poor management, or reasons beyond the directors’ control. But some end up in receivership because of owners taking too much money out of the company or otherwise displaying what Companies House would define as ‘unfit conduct’. So how do you safeguard your business from companies seemingly come back from the dead?

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.