Features

Remember all the publicity LifeArt received by making coffins out of a patented composite material that can be buried but is designed to burn effectively too, so you can really personalise your last journey? Well, there are plenty of other attention grabbing materials out there. Here’s a round-up of the newest.

This Scottish PSP has applied eight years of R&D to a Web-to-print software that is transforming its business model. Could it be something manufacturers take on board and begin to sell to other printers in the sector?

Well, where are they? When it gets to director level, women are few in this sector. But is that changing? 

On 10 October Fespa UK is hosting the conference ‘The Future of Print i4.0’ at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. But who will be there, and should you be? Image Reports’ own Widthwise Survey - conducted among 151 of the UK and Ireland’s large-format PSPs at the start of this year - showed that only 5 of them had invested in i4.0 technology over the last 12 months. Those who hadn’t were asked if they would be doing so in 2018. The answer? A big fat 0. So, what’s going on? I spoke with Fespa UK Association’s Peter Kiddell for his take.

By Lesley Simpson

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

Do you use your MIS system properly? Tharstern’s business development manager Ross Edwards, and pre-sales consultant Philip Dodge, argue that PSP in the wide-format sector aren’t using them to best advantage. But is that about to change?

If you’re greening up your act, shout about it. People want to know that you’re environmentally responsible. Really. Walter Hale expands.

Last summer we brought you a story entitled ‘war on waste’, looking at the value stream mapping lean journey Data Image had embarked on with Esko to make its business more efficient. So what have its actions achieved a year down the line, and what’s its target now?

Too many big businesses don’t play fair. Adopting the right tactics, however, can ensure you aren’t left waiting for the cash you’re rightfully owed.

Earlier this year Huddersfield-based Leach was acquired by French-owned Chargeurs, a materials manufacturing and services group based in 34 countries across five continents and operating in four segments - temporary surface protection, garment interlinings, technical substrates and combed wool. So how’s that going to impact Leach as the Brexit deadline looms? I asked Richard Leach who, as head of what was a family firm, was responsible for finding the new owner.

By Lesley Simpson

Clarity has become a well known software brand within sign and display print markets, so what plans does its parent company have for this division and its other business sectors - and how will that impact the market?

The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) has written what it believes to be the final draft of the large-format specification. Ahead of its expected publication, David Van Drieesche of four pees - who was instrumental in founding the Ghent PDF Workgroup - brings you up to date on developments for this sector in what is PDF's 25th anniversary year.