Business

Last summer we brought you a story entitled ‘war on waste’, looking at the value stream mapping lean journey Data Image had embarked on with Esko to make its business more efficient. So what have its actions achieved a year down the line, and what’s its target now?

Too many big businesses don’t play fair. Adopting the right tactics, however, can ensure you aren’t left waiting for the cash you’re rightfully owed.

Earlier this year Huddersfield-based Leach was acquired by French-owned Chargeurs, a materials manufacturing and services group based in 34 countries across five continents and operating in four segments - temporary surface protection, garment interlinings, technical substrates and combed wool. So how’s that going to impact Leach as the Brexit deadline looms? I asked Richard Leach who, as head of what was a family firm, was responsible for finding the new owner.

By Lesley Simpson

It Has To Be Brilliant calls itself a ‘pioneering cross-media production agency’ that does everything from web design, digital campaigns, bespoke photography, illustration and graphic design through to print and installation of ‘creative environments and exhibitions’ as well as packaging, direct mail, promotional goods.., oh, and now it sells cakes…and houses and… other stuff. Sounds like diversification gone mad? I put that exact question directly to founder and MD Simon Tabelin.

By Lesley Simpson

Wallpaper print specialist john mark is doing rather well by providing an innovative service. So could any printer with large-format digital capability follow suit?

To most business owners, selling a business is uncharted territory, and there are many pitfalls along the way. But, with his vast experience in selling - and buying - print businesses for clients, Paul Holohan leads you through this quagmire.

News of an MBO at North-East-based Simpsons Group came in February. The move saw well-known chairman Mark Simpson and his shareholding brother and sister exit the business formed in 1972 by Bill Simpson. Bill McNally (MD) and John Quinn (finance director) have stayed on to “lead the new management team through a period of transition” but in August the new management team takes over. So how will an MBO affect what was a family business? I asked new commercial director Mark Jerrard.

By Lesley Simpson

Digital Tyger is really one-man-band Chris Pitts. He doesn’t print, but he works with those that do - and with customers they might not otherwise reach - to deliver creative printed interiors. But could closer working relationships extend that market?

Wondering about employing a mentor and how to get the best out of them? Colin Thompson, managing partner at Cavendish academy and long time mentor, explains how to do just that.

Heard of Brief Cases? It’s a model for co-operation between academia and industry, to ensure the right talent gets to the right jobs. Its founder Veronica Heaven wants large-format print companies to get involved, so should you?

The first Pure Digital event will take place in Amsterdam in April. Organised by former Fespa men and InPrint founders Frazer Chesterman and Marcus Timson of FM Brooks, it aims to ‘excite the European creative industry with truly innovative digitally printed applications.’ Great idea, but will it work, and should you be involved? Here’s what Chesterman had to say…

By Lesley Simpson

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on 25 May 2018. It applies to any business that has control over personal data, and those that process personal data on behalf of another business. If you’re not already compliant, this is how to become so.

Are PSPs in the large-format sector likely to flourish in 2018? That very question is being asked in our annual Widthwise poll, but being impatient to provide you with a grassroots point of view going into the new year I asked Signbox MD Mark Bartlett for his take on the situation.

By Lesley Simpson

Imaginators is giving itself a year from the installation of a Durst Rho 512R to increase turnover 20%. So is it all about that machine’s speed and flexibility?