Wide-format Blogs

The Forum of Small Business (FSB) recently welcomed the Department for Education's plans to create a digital skills platform that will simplify bureaucracy for small employers hiring apprentices. Do you know much about the changes, and will they impact the likelihood of you taking on more apprentices in your business?

I’ve seen the images of that fab mural MacroArt has delivered for London's Sculpture in the City project and would love to see what large-format ‘artworks’ you’ve created for public show this summer. It’s a great way to show-off the creativity of the sector - as well as that of the artist!

I see POPAI UK - the industry association for the retail sector - is looking for a business development manager to help expand and develop its sustainability programme. Perhaps you use its Sustain eco-design tool? Anyway, it has me wondering if you’re noticing much of a change in attitudes towards eco-print from the retail sector? That the demand for greener solutions is rising is something we’ve been hearing for a good while now, but is that the case within your own experience? I ask because our 2023 Widthwise grassroots research throws up something of a confused picture when it some to all things environmental. You’ll be able to see the data and get the analysis when the report is published in a couple of weeks.  

With news of various print kit and media suppliers extending their reach overseas via new partnership and distribution deals etc., I am wondering if UK-based wide-format orientated PSPs are doing more or less work for markets abroad since you know what - the B word!

I note that trade bodies Fespa UK and ISA UK have come together to formulate a new information exchange platform that sounds exactly the kind of thing this sector has been wanting for some time. Have I got that right? If it doesn’t work for you, what would you like to see?

I note that Cestrian is the latest PSP to have joined Fespa UK (well, it is as I write this anyway!). The association seems to be on a bit of a roll when it comes to new members. Do you think we’re seeing a resurgence of interest in trade bodies that enable us to connect and share ideas?  

A quick reminder now that we’re in July, that the Fespa UK hosted ‘Next Generation on Tour’ interactive workshop for the industry’s youth takes place at the new Liyu customer experience centre in Burscough on the 12th. Anyone wanting to attend needs to pre-register with the association.

According to a survey of 500 mid-sized businesses by BDO, nine out of ten are putting growth plans on ice because of problems accessing capital. Are you in that position - or have you found a novel way of funding?

A timely reminder that the IPIA is wanting your input to help it advocate for the print industry with Government. The association - which has been conversing with Government advisors since early this year and recently led a delegation to a rountable discussion at No 10 - wants as much feedback from PSPs as possible so it can fully represent the needs of UK print sector.

News of various eco developments/events within the sector has me wondering whether you have anyone specifically looking at all things green within your company. As head of the business are you the environmental strategist or have you someone else who keeps a constant eye out for where you can make gains? Perhaps the reality is that you still don’t pay the issue that much attention?

A big hand to MacroArt, which has launched a banner rental service for the events sector as part of its eco drive. Applause to all of you who are doing your bit to reduce the impact of print-based projects - let me know if you’re rolling out programmes worth flagging up.

Where do you want to see more integration across your business systems? It’s today’s hot topic ,and one I’ll be focusing on in the next issue of Image Reports, so let me know your pain points and I’ll work on getting info on how you can ease the agonies.