If you were at Fespa 2015 you can't fail to have noticed the emphasis on digital textile print technology. For once, the Fespa Textile part of the exhibition was a hub of activity – even if that had as much to do with its positioning as content – and many of the inkjet printer vendors were showing off textile kit on their main showfloor stands too.
For years now we've been talking about the potential for graphics producers to make money from digital textile print, but it's been a slow burn in the UK - not just because of technological issues and steep learning curve, space requirements etc., but because of the shape and nature of the various textile markets. Quite simply, PSPs have considered there to be easier ways of making money. But are we on the brink of change? Your Print Partner founder Stuart Maclaren uses the Zeitgeist feature slot to shout about digital textile print and why he thinks the time is ripe for more large-format PSPs to get involved.
And what about other potential business areas? Ahead of this year's show Fespa said it was keen to highlight areas at the periphery of its core technological focus - including industrial and 3D print showcases, areas close to the interests of exhibitors looking to expand their own business interests. The debates continue as to whether they could enhance yours, and the On the Radar feature this month continues the discussion in relation to 3D print.
Meanwhile, in this month’s Talking Point interview, Raccoon founder and MD Richard Clark explains the rationale behind his company's diversification - into vehicle hire! Where next?