Tag: markets

On a roll

The display and signage market led the way but now other market segments are following in its wake, realizing the potential of digitally printed textiles and flying the flag for the UK.

Move over Laurence Llewellyn Bowen, we all have the ability to become interior designers now. Just take a look on the Internet and you will find a number of businesses offering you the ability to turn your illustrations, designs and photographs into curtains, cushions, shower curtains, roller blinds, huge canvas triptychs and more, so much more.

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Pitch Perfect

Why large-format digital print is still in the premier league when it comes to sports stadia. By Melony Rocque-Hewitt.

According to Andrew Hodson, sales and marketing director at Icon, the UK-based sporting and events branding specialist, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games represented somewhat of a watershed for sports stadia, as it was here that the phrase “Look of the Games” was first coined.

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Quick response demanded

Thanks to QR codes, print has moved into a whole new dimension. Act fast and become involved to access new opportunities.

Printing has gone beyond surface. What you see is no longer the whole picture of what you can get. Thanks to the development of smart phones and the use of Quick Response or QR codes, print has now become a gateway to dynamic, moving worlds and new markets.

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Niche moves

Melony Rocque-Hewitt takes a look at some of the more unusual niche markets opened-up by digital wide-format print.

Digital print technology is at the stage where anything can be realised. Here we look at how some companies have capitalised on the possibilities of wide-format to grow and evolve their businesses and in doing so, have created new market areas.

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Entering the third dimension

NES did it, you can too. Director Jon Baker tells how the company developed its 3D print operation and why it makes sense to consider following suit.

Its wednesday afternoon, an email arrives, ping, it’s an enquiry from your ‘favourite’ retailer; he’s got the budget and just needs to place this one with you to get it off his desk. You read on. 700 panels, 5mm Foamex – great, it looks straightforward enough. UV print, one artwork, external use, no lamination – you’re thinking “put it on the old Inca, no problem”.  Delivery seven days – tight, but if you get on to your production manager straight away he should be able to squeeze it through and it will certainly make the month look a lot better than it did this time yesterday.

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22-24 FEB, 2026
Sign & Digital UK

Where?

Hall 6, NEC, Birmingham

Cost?

Free to members of the sign making and digital print trade.

What is it?

Running for more than 35 years, Sign & Digital UK is a central part of the industry’s calendar, providing an annual launch pad for all that is new, and an economic stimulus for the industry. The show gives the opportunity to meet in person, see and compare equipment and kit from the major industry suppliers, and the chance to source new suppliers and gather new ideas to enhance and drive your business forward.

23 FEB, 2026
The Sign Industry Awards

Where?

National Conference Centre, Birmingham.

Cost?

An individual ticket is £289, whereas a table of 10 is £2,800.

What is it?

The Sign Industry Awards, presented by Sign Update and Sign & Digital UK, celebrate excellence in the visual communications sector by honouring past achievements, present innovations, and future advancements. These awards recognise outstanding suppliers, sign makers, and individual traders in sign making, digital printing, and visual communications. With over 35 years of industry service, SDUK and Sign Update ensure that everyone in the industry has a voice, highlighting and rewarding the best in the field.