printMAX are returning to Sign & Digital UK for the 13th time, and are thrilled to be back. Authorised to distribute both Roland and Mimaki wide format and flatbed printers, reseller printMAX is set to bring a more extensive array of the latest industry-leading solutions to the show; the newest technology capable of taking wide format printing to the next level, maximising workflow and ultimately, increasing company growth and income.
While much has been said and written about making the move into wide-format as a way of growing a print business, what about moving the other way? Can sign and display specialists diversify into other markets, and if so, where should they be looking? LFR Editor, Rob Fletcher, investigates…
Despite being around since 1920, it is only in the last 20 years or so that the vehicle wrapping industry has exploded. In 2021, the global automotive wrap films market size was valued at a staggering USD 4.76 billion and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.2% from 2022 to 2030.
Signmakers from across the UK and Ireland are gearing up for a big reunion, as brand new industry event The Sign Awards begins the countdown to the inaugural gala dinner.
Quality Print Services (QPS), the one-stop-shop for the wide-format print market, has announced its plans for the upcoming Sign & Digital UK 2023 event.
Wide-format equipment distributor and Soyang Europe business Josero is expanding the group’s relationship with Fujifilm, announcing an appointment as a Fujifilm Acuity Prime partner to supply the range to customers in the UK.
Hampshire-based Roland reseller, printMAX, has been announced as Roland’s most successful UK partner for 2022.
Growth in output and orders was only marginally positive in Q4 as the reality for performance in the UK printing and printed packaging industry turned out almost exactly as the forecasts provided in the previous quarter.
Lancashire based trade printer, Super-Wide Digital (SWD) has invested in its second Agfa print engine. They took delivery of a new Avinci CX3200 dye sublimation machine in December.
Nottingham’s Simply Cartons has chosen the Packaging Innovations trade show at the Birmingham NEC (15 – 16 February) to announce its latest press fleet upgrade from Koenig & Bauer.
Soyang Europe, the leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide-format and superwide-format media and surface coverings and – through its acquisition of Josero – a supplier of leading edge wide and superwide format print production hardware solutions, will showcase a comprehensive range of market-leading products on its stand (G10) at Sign & Digital UK 2023.
Fujifilm announces that the installation of the world’s first Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED got underway at Echo House in Surbiton, UK on Friday 27th January.
Leeds-based print company, Imageco, have partnered with Make it Happen to launch their sustainability bootcamp for the print, signage, graphics, and display industries in the North of England.
The FUJIFILM Speciality Ink Systems award-winning factory in Broadstairs, UK, manufactures high performance inks for a range of markets, including Uvijet wide format UV inkjet inks, and Sericol screen and flexo inks. The company has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives over the last ten years, and more recently the recruitment of Antonina Realmuto as Group Sustainability Director, and Craig Milsted as Sustainability Advisor for the site, has brought about a much greater focus to accelerate change towards more sustainable operations.
Premier, a leading supplier of paper, packaging and materials, has recently expanded their operations in Glasgow, with a move to larger premises.
Using over 30 years’ experience of researching, developing and manufacturing inks and media; InkTec are launching a complete DTF (Direct to Film) range.
Ainsley Signs has invested in a Canon Colorado 1650 UVgel roll printer from CMYUK. The printer was purchased expressly to boost the throughput times of its banner production. It follows close on the heels of a Kongsberg X24 Digital Cutting Table installation, also purchased from CMYUK last year.
The 3.2×2 metre flatbed Nyala 4, has delivered significant advantages in both speed and capability over the 2-metre machine it has replaced. Print-2-Media's team of eight is already seeing the Nyala 4's productivity and ease of use contribute significantly to all aspects of their business.
The Printerverse - 'Women's Print HERstory Month' coincides with Women's History Month to align storytelling that empowers and inspires the fierce, fabulous females of print, as well as young women and students entering the industry or considering print as a career.
Mimaki’s exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, Hybrid Services, is to use its prime position at the entrance to the upcoming Sign & Digital UK exhibition to show a broad selection of the latest solutions from the Japanese technology manufacturer.
Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) returns to the NEC Birmingham from 21st to 23rd March 2023. The floor plan is growing fast, with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Roland DG, Epson UK, Premier, Hexis UK, Vivid Laminating Technologies and swissQprint, signed up.
Large Format Review (LFR), the online publishing arm of Format Media Group, has announced the appointment of Rob Fletcher to the role of Editor.
Back in October 2022 Ricoh UK announced the launch of its second series of ‘Anything in Print’ podcasts which highlight and celebrate organisations championing the print industry.
As manufacturers of JETRIX wide format printers, inks and media; InkTec have over 30 years’ experience in the printing sector and are delighted to now be working with The Printing Charity.
Make it Happen has recently joined FESPA UK, a federation of trade associations and an organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen printing and digital printing industry.
Having recently launched its all-new Acuity range of wide format presses, Fujifilm is looking to strengthen and grow its market position in the UK, with the appointment of Andy Webb as Wide Format Sales Manager.
The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) will be hosting an online roundtable event examining the impact of printed display and point-of-sale in the retail sector.
After the huge demand for our next generation in print training days which we are holding at ADAPT - Amari Digital printing technologies this January, we have decided to create a bigger networking event purely to support the next generation who are currently working within the graphics and signage industry.
ArtSystems, the Nottingham-based specialist systems distributor and service provider, has appointed Diatec, Papergraphics, Pyramid Display Materials and SEDO – Large Format Solutions as the new Vanguard Europe partners.
Sussex-based art publisher and online retailer, King & McGaw, has chosen swissQprint's Nyala 4 to deliver performance and quality, whilst providing exceptional return on investment and sustainability credentials for its growing business.
Soyang Europe, the leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide- and superwide-format media and the supplier of leading-edge print production hardware solutions from many of the industry’s best known printer brands, is delighted to announce the appointment of Gareth Newman as its new Technical Applications Manager, with immediate effect.
Funds associated with Codex Capital Partners (“Codex Capital”) has announced the signing of a binding agreement to invest in Carbon Quota Limited (“CarbonQuota” or “the Company”), resulting in a minority holding in the Company and appointment to join the Board of Directors.
Leading large format print and installation expert MacroArt has invested over £500,000 in a raft of new hardware and software solutions at its production hub in St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, to support its drive to deliver increased productivity and sustainability in 2023.
PressOn, the multi-award-winning large format digital printing and installation company, has invested in a second HP Latex R2000 printer to enable the business to take on more work in profitable markets, including transport livery.
Innotech Digital has announced a two-year agreement with UK Feather Flags, one of the UK’s largest flag producers, to supply their range of Acrobat Flag Hardware, including through the company’s new trade-only division, UK Feather Flags Trade.
Packaging Innovations & Empack, Featuring Contract Pack & Fulfilment is set to kick off the packaging industry’s 2023 with a bang, after it announced the first batch of speakers hosting talks at the triple-bill event.
swissQprint is presenting its latest innovations in flatbed and roll to roll printers alongside some impressive applications in UV printing, on stand J10 at Sign & Digital UK, at the NEC in Birmingham from 21 to23 March.
Stafford-based Sapphire Curtains & Graphics has invested in an EFI VUTEk Q3r printer from CMYUK. This new UV LED dedicated roll-to-roll printer with a maximum print width of 3.5m is set to modernise the company’s production methods and optimise future growth.
WrapFest has announced 10 internationally acclaimed vehicle wrapping specialists are sponsoring its first ever event, demonstrating the industry’s excitement for the first-of-its-kind show for the wrap industry.
Fujifilm has opened a new and improved UK headquarters in Bedford, a short distance from its previous site, where business operations had been located since 1983. Sustainability considerations were integral to the new building’s design and the new site’s excellent BREEAM environmental rating underlines this point.
Quality Print Services (QPS), the one-stop-shop for the wide-format print market, is delighted to announce its relocation to brand new, purpose-built premises as part of its ongoing commitment to delivering a high quality service to customers.
Founded in 1888 by award winning sign-writer Arthur Widd, Widd Signs is one of the most respected architectural and interior signage and brand design firms in the world.
As a fantastic end to 2022, Roland DG has revealed printMAX as the winner of its EMEA Challenge Cup. This is based on the number of Roland printers installed with Roland’s DG Connect software, designed to make every Roland user’s experience that little bit easier.
MacroArt has successfully installed a large-scale interchangeable art frieze and banner graphics to turn the alleys and streets around Soho’s The Photographers’ Gallery into a permanent new art gallery.
Based in Kidderminster, West Midlands, Aztec Label is a family-run business that has supplied high quality self-adhesive label products to a huge range of customers for nearly 30 years. Company owner, Colin Le Gresley, founded the company in 1993, in his garage, and since then the business has grown rapidly.
When ITV’s Emmerdale soap opera reached its milestone 50th birthday, the show’s producers marked the occasion with a series of stories that came to a head in a gripping special episode that aired on 16th October.
Established in 1989, WBC, which has 55 employees and an annual turnover of £18 million, is now a leading packaging and display product supplier to the speciality drinks and food sectors.WBC is the latest acquisition by Premier as it expands into added-value and complementary markets and follows the purchase of lamination film supplier Zulu Packaging (Now Premier Lamination Films) in July this year.
Family-owned garden pottery supplier Woodlodge Products used its HP Latex R2000 Printer to produce an impressive and sustainable exhibition stand for its recent appearance at a major industry trade show.
There’s an intoxicating enthusiasm that prevails at UPG, a rapidly expanding full-service print manufacturer and installation management team, in part fueled by their delight in the performance of their new Agfa Jeti Tauro H2500 LED UV Print engine.
imageData Group has ordered an EFI VUTEk Q5r UV LED dedicated roll-to-roll printer. Due for installation in December, this 5m wide industrial powerhouse is set to take its place on the production frontline, where it will replace a ten-year-old Durst printer.
Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, recognised in two categories at the Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2022 for the circular economy and the overall category.
ArtSystems, the Nottingham-based specialist systems distributor and service provider, is delighted to announce that it has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Hahnemühle’s Digital FineArt range.
Gina Farran had built a successful career in the finance industry as an investment banker in London. As her demanding career progressed, finding time for simple personal pleasures, like getting to a salon for a manicure, became more of a challenge.
Nerdy Banana, the digital online agency that produces unique printed giftware, has invested in a Mimaki UJV100-160 from CMYUK.
St. Helens based full-service sign and graphics company, Vinyline, has invested in swissQprint's Nyala 4 to deliver enhanced quality, versatility, and productivity for its ever-broadening range of clientele.
Organisers of The Print Show have announced the event has reached a major milestone months ahead of time, revealing that floor space for the 2023 show is already 30% sold out.
Keypoint Intelligence announces the availability of the Wide Format Print Market Forecast: 2021-2026. The report evaluates and predicts trends, automation, profits, and more in the wide format market.
Dover-based Cactus Graphics, formerly known as Buckland Media, has invested in a new Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e from CMYUK.
Dundee-based web-to-print business, Tradeprint, has installed GMG ColorServer Hybrid for colour consistency across multiple outputs, increased speed and cost reductions on consumables.
Xaar, the leading inkjet printing technology Group, has launched its revolutionary printhead – the Xaar Aquinox – delivering exceptional reliability, creativity, and sustainability for printing aqueous fluids.
Surrey-based diversified print service provider POSITIVE+ has said its investment in an HP Latex R2000 printer has significantly enhanced its environmental credentials and expanded its printing capacity, enabling it to take on more work.
Global Wallcoverings brand, Seltex, has invested in a new Agfa Anapurna wide format H3200i LED hybrid print engine to help them flex to the growing demand for shorter runs and interior design personalisation.
Fujifilm is pleased to announce that it will host a first-of-its-kind, in-person event on 9th and 10th November, at its award-winning ink R&D and manufacturing site in Broadstairs, Kent, to showcase and demonstrate its Acuity wide format range.
Spandex is offering sign-makers and graphics producers a significant new choice of environmentally responsible materials with the addition of ImagePerfectT EverGreen.
Amesbury-based Digital 23 has taken delivery of a Mimaki UCJV300-160 UV LED print and cut machine from CMYUK. It joins an existing Mimaki UJV55-320 UV LED 3.2m printer that was installed earlier this year.
Hybrid Software Group, developer of enterprise software for industrial inkjet manufacturing, is showcasing its complete range of solutions at IGAS, the international graphic arts exhibition at the Tokyo Big Sight in Japan (24 – 28 November).
Kellogg's, one of the world's most recognised food manufacturing companies, has partnered with the HP Brands Innovation Platform and the team at print service provider, Precision Proco Group’s Sheffield site, to design and digitally print special packs of Corn Flakes to mark 100 years since Kellogg's first brought its iconic cereal to the UK.
Sustainability has been a major buzzword in the print industry for a number of years now as print service providers (PSPs) adapt the way they operate in order to reduce their impact on the environment and satisfy the rising customer demand for greener print.
The UK’s wide format print industry celebrated its biggest achievements of the past year at a glittering gala dinner on October 5th, at the second UK Graphic Awards.
Mimaki Europe has unveiled plans to demonstrate its latest solutions at Formnext 2022 (15-18 November, Frankfurt, Germany), designed to break new ground for full-colour 3D model makers.
The team behind the successful launch of the UK Graphic Awards (UKGA) have announced a brand new competition for the UK and Ireland Sign industry.
Delivering expertise in large-format print solutions runs through the veins of everyone at HP Platinum Partner and large-format solutions provider Papergraphics.
Based in Slough, Berkshire, Vario Press is a marketing agency founded in 1970. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in print production, their products vary from exhibition graphics to branded gift packs.
William Smith Group 1832 is pleased to announce its latest expansion with the launch of LX Hausys BENIF.
Roland DG, the world's leading provider of digital printing solutions, has partnered with two female skateboarders paving the way for female skate culture to create personalised skateboards using its latest inkjet printer, the TrueVIS VG3-640.
The Soyang Group continues to expand its offering with its appointment as exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for MEEVO sewing machines.
The operation falls within the Fedrigoni Group’s strategy to reinforce its presence in premium papers for the luxury packaging market, in which it is already the reference global player.
Reconomy and the UK printing association, FESPA UK, have launched a new accreditation mark for companies participating in their sustainable waste management scheme for the print sector.
Swindon-based commercial B1 printing company Acorn Press has revealed that its recent investment in a new Ricoh Pro TF6251 UV flatbed printer has enabled it to significantly expand its point-of-sale (POS) services and secure a number of new customers.
William Smith are thrilled to announce the introduction of VION VP4000 to our Digital Print and Sustainable Portfolios. As the latest addition to our own brand, VION, VP4000 is a digital print film we’re particularly excited to finally share.
Leading branding and signage specialists, MacroArt, has further established its position in the visitor attractions sector, by supplying all the event branding for this year’s annual Visitor Attraction Conference held at the ICC in Birmingham last week.
Based in Bath, Minuteman Press has specialised in supplying high-quality printed products to customers for 24 years. As a customer-centric business, Minuteman Press prides itself on its creativity and the value offered to customers with a passionate team dedicated to delivering the very best quality and standards throughout the print and finishing stages.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Continued business expansion means Soyang Europe are currently looking to recruit a motivated individual for a junior role that includes the potential to grow within the business whilst working alongside a young dynamic team.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Continued business expansion means Soyang Europe are currently looking to recruit a motivated and experienced service engineer to take full responsibility for maintaining the wide-format digital printers in our demonstration suite.
Specialist large-format printer Colour Graphics has revealed its decision to begin using DuPont Artistri XITE S2500 Series Ink, on the back of a recommendation from Quality Print Services (QPS), has led to significant improvements in the quality of printed work.
HP is delighted to announce that it will be teaming up with Atech and authorised HP reseller Perfect Colours to showcase the capabilities of the market-leading HP Latex 700W printer and associated finishing technologies at the British Blind and Shutter Show (BBSA Show).
Large-format media and equipment supplier Soyang Group has partnered with InkTec Europe to distribute the new JETRIX LXiR320 UV LED roll-to-roll printer in the UK and Ireland.
Industrial enclosure manufacturer Spelsberg UK has installed a Mimaki UJF-6042MkII e digital printer from CMYUK. The new UV LED A2-sized printer will be used to print logos, images, and text in a variety of colours to virtually all types of enclosure materials.
Diversified print and signage business Greens the Signmakers has expanded its product capabilities and improved its environmental credentials with new HP Latex R2000 printer.
Bringing almost 20 years of print experience to the role, James Argent has been appointed as the new Southern Area Sales Manager for Agfa UK&I.
Epson has strengthened its leading position in the dye sublimation printer market with the launch of two new 44-inch, dye-sublimation products.
Kornit Digital (“Kornit”) is collaborating with furniture start-up Cozmo and London design studio Raw-Edges to showcase the unlimited creativity made possible by digitally produced custom sofa jacket designs at the London Design Festival, September 17th -25th.
Architextural, part of William Smith Group 1832 are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Decal with the introduction of their PVC-free All Decor 2d range.
Mutoh Europe nv, EMEA business unit of Mutoh Industries Co. Ltd., Japan, announces that it has appointed the company Nova Chrome UK Ltd. as Mutoh Certified Distributor for its new XpertJet 1341WR Pro 54” – 137 cm dye sublimation printer in the United Kingdom.
Nottingham-based specialist systems distributor and service provider ArtSystems has announced the immediate UK availability of Neschen easy dot PET transparent L-UV printable film.
Sometimes only the best will do, and this is most definitely the case when it comes to Yugo Student Living.
Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its products will be showcased on a number of stands at The Print Show 2022.
The Graphics and Print Media Alliance (GPMA) is today calling on the new Prime Minister and Business Secretary to move rapidly to cap industrial energy costs.
Sign Design GB has brought a range of services inhouse, enhanced production capacity and is now exploring further application opportunities following their investment in an Epson SureColor SC-V7000 UV flatbed printer.
Diversified print and sign-making business Effective Imaging has said its investment in a second HP Latex 335 Printer has helped speed up production and allowed it to move into a number of new markets, all while enhancing its environmental credentials.