Blogs

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.

Picon, the trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers to the printing, papermaking and paper converting sectors, has just announced two new experts have joined its council - Mark Lawn, head of print-on-demand for Fujifilm Europe, and Steve Turner, managing director of Komori UK. The others serving on the council are: James Boughton, Edale (chairman); Ryan Miles, Heidelberg; Iain Bullock, Renz; Stuart Murphy, Rollem; Tim Klemz, Compact Engineering and BPMSA representative; Greg Bird, Kolbus; Kevin O’Donnell, Xerox; Mark Bristow, Friedheim; Neil Jones, Bobst; and Peter Murphy, Turnbull and Scott and BPMSA representative. As you can see, the wide-format digital inkjet print sector isn’t particularly well represented. Would it be of any benefit if it were? Just asking…

So, SDUK has been bought from longstanding owner Faversham House. It’ll be interesting to see what new parent Datateam Business Media can do with the show, once the must-attend event for the UK’s wide-format print and signage sectors. How would you like it to take shape in its next incarnation?

I love, love, love the ‘50 Shades of Ginger’ colour index Roland DG is creating to coincide with the Redhead Days Festival 2023 in the Netherlands in August. As something of a greying redhead myself I’m wondering how they’re incorporating that colour! But what a fabulous bit of attention grabbing marketing.

The sun is out so it seems fitting to share with you the news that, according to the Image Reports Widthwise Survey 2023, UK-based large-format PSPs think the future is looking bright. The full analysis will appear in the Widthwise Report - which I’m working on right now and will be published (in print and online) with the August issue of Image Reports - but here’s to those of you finally beginning to enjoy brighter days.

It’s so inspiring to see so many new introductions at Fespa Global - this may now be a mature sector but there appears to be no slowing down in hardware, software and consumables innovation. Long may it continue…

Just to wish all of you heading to Munich for Fespa Global's opening tomorrow a happy, safe trip. I’d love to hear from you on your return as to what caught your eye. Meanwhile, I’ll be keeping everyone updated on product launches etc. on the Image Reports website. Enjoy!