Features

Image Reports speaks to Jason Pavlou, MD, Giraffe Press.

Can it be done? That was the premise of a Jet Set Digital Conference panel discussion at Fespa 2013. Here’s what transpired…

How can we futureproof the printing industry, the wide-format sector in particular, and the print businesses operating therein? That was the premise of the Jet Set Digital Conference panel discussion, chaired by Image Reports editor Lesley Simpson, on the third day of Fespa 2013.

o what opportunities and difficulties do you face? Graham Clark of McKenzie Clark, Clive Hill of Repro Arts, consultant Trevor Ford, Janette McCormick of MCS Ltd, and Lesley Simpson, Editor of Image Reports magazine discuss these issues in a roundtable. 

Then hear what Jacky Hobson has to say about it. As a professional marketer with both client- and agency-side experience, she has worked as a marketing consultant almost wholly in the print space since 2002, so she knows what she’s talking about with these top tips.

Fespa 2013 has departed London and it’s time to assess what we have learned before the dust settles. Nessan Cleary reports. 

Even though this year’s Fespa show took place in London, it remained undeniably a European show, thanks to the sheer number of overseas visitors. It was busy, with most visitors having done their homework and knowing exactly what they had come to see. And there was plenty to see, with most stands crammed with equipment and visitors alike.

Nessan Cleary gets to grips with this Mimaki TS34-1800adaptation.

This month’s Machine Matters covers a roll-to-roll solvent printer from Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT), a division of Amari Plastics that is perhaps best known as a reseller of printers from the likes of Mimaki, Epson and Agfa.

Fespa UK Association dates back to 1934 when it was formed as the Display Producers and Screen Printers Association. It has since undergone various name changes, officially appearing in its current guise in January 2012. It represents the interests of screen and digital wide-format print service providers, industrial and specialist printers, the objective being toinspire best practice and ultimately help guide businesses to a profitable and successful future. Mark Simpson has been the association’s president since 2010, so asked him how it is living up to its remit.

Should you be following Greenhouse Graphics’ lead and using customer call wait time to promote your products and values?

Sustainable print specialist Greenhouse Graphics has reinforced its forward-thinking business approach by implementing an innovative marketing campaign that exploits telephone hold time. The EMAS-accredited firm, which has recently diversified its print operations, will use the phone to keep customers up to speed with the changes and to promote its green strategy.

Twenty four digital print and imaging production tools have been honoured this year with an EDP Award. The 2013 Awards, now in their seventh year, were presented at Fespa, in a ceremony hosted by Fespa MD Neil Felton

swissQprint, the manufacturer of high-end inkjet systems, had two printers on show for the first time at Fespa. Different configurations demonstrated the many and varied possibilities of these modular, precision-built machines. An all-new tandem function for non-stop printing and a reinforced roll to roll option to allow printing of flexible media up to 3.2 m wide were among the presentation highlights. On top of that, the Swiss also launched the 9 picolitre droplet for their printers.

Green interior design makes perfect child's play for a thriving family centre in Singapore.

Singapore: a tiger economy, a city synonymous with big business and high finance, but amongst the gleaming steel skyscrapers is The City by Littlez - a children’s play and discovery centre that is pretty unique. Everyday settings, such as a supermarket, a hairdresser’s, street scenes and more, have been attractively recreated to enhance children’s educational experience through role-play - a concept created by Smadar Ron, a designer and business partner at The City by Littlez.

Image Reports speaks to Stuart Barker, general manager, Weedoo Signs.