Need some support and back-up? Garth Allison, UK managing director of Fastsigns, a visual communications franchise with over 530 centres worldwide, puts forward some compelling arguments for reviewing the franchise option.
Business
In sickness and in health
Good cash management is arguably more imperative to company success in an upturn that in a downturn. So make sure it stays on the agenda even though things are getting better writes Walter Hale, our business knowledge expert.
Building Bridges
Belinda Holden in an independent built environment art consultant who works with architects, interior designers, council departments etc. and acts as an interface between these design and management teams and the print sector to explore the evolving range of graphics possibilities for public locations. The following is her take on the symbiotic relationship that can develop between the creative and print communities.
A passport to expansion?
Could you be doing something for your country as well as for yourself by sending more print abroad? Susan Haird, acting chief executive of UK Trade and Investment, explains that help is on hand to enable you to do so and offers her top tips.
Tax and all vat
Would you pay more for a simpler tax system? According to a recent poll of small businesses, over half would. But, given that’s not going to happen anytime soon, Ray Abercromby, partner at BTG Tax, gives his top tips for cutting through some of the red tape.
an evolutionary tale
One time photo lab turned large-format print printer, Contact Photographic Services continues to push the envelope as the 2000th company to buy into Océ’s Arizona print technology uses it to find new markets.
Driving forward together
After a year in partnership, Borney UK and Your Sign are seeing the strategy pay off. Could a similar move be your best route to growth?
Demystifying social media
Your business will not die if you fail to use Twitter or LinkedIn. But, it may not grow as fast as it could either. Consultant Jacky Morgan uses her 25+ years marketing experience and business knowledge to uncover the truths and realities about online networking.
You’d have to to have been living in a cave for the last 12 months not to be aware of the impact that Social Media is having. But it’s an impact that, on the whole, seems to be passing printers by. The legendary Jeff Hayzlett, ex-CMO of Kodak, brands those in the print sector who don’t adopt social media as “stupid”. He’s convinced that there’s money to be made from it and can’t understand the reluctance. When I’m speaking to clients they’re ready with a wealth of reasons why they’ve not opted in. I too have a theory, but unlike Hayzlett, I don’t think it has anything to do with stupidity.
Bang goes the theory
The next big thing in 2011 is that there is no big thing. There’s no overarching management theory that promises success but considering a number of focused ideas could improve business. Walter Hale gives his top tips.
If at first you don’t succeed…
Failure is not something you would associate with fast-growing pixartprinting, but its expansionist plans have not delivered in the UK, which is why it has switched tactics.
Localise to internationalise is the strategic thinking behind Italian Web-to-print specialist PIxart’s new partnership with the UK’s Precision Printing to form pixartprinting.co.uk and behind the creation of ‘virtual shops’ across Europe and beyond. It’s a bold move by PIxart founder Matteo Rigamonti but it’s his bold moves that have taken the fast-growing company into a new 12,000m2 facility in Quarto D’Altino just outside Venice, which boasts an eye-watering array of wide- and small-format digital kit, plus two litho presses, and employs a staff of 120 working around the clock to deliver 2,000 print jobs per day. Rigamonti expects 2010 to have delivered a 55% growth over 2009, but he’s not satisfied.
There’s no business like show business
Make the most of your talents by taking to the road and flaunting your capabilities and business knowledge.
Want to show off your talents? Then stage it so that you play to the biggest audiences possible. Scour the events and shows listings, highlight those that will attract the customers you most want to impress and get your act together. Using exhibitions outside the print trade arena could be the making of you in 2011.
Entering the third dimension
NES did it, you can too. Director Jon Baker tells how the company developed its 3D print operation and why it makes sense to consider following suit.
Its wednesday afternoon, an email arrives, ping, it’s an enquiry from your ‘favourite’ retailer; he’s got the budget and just needs to place this one with you to get it off his desk. You read on. 700 panels, 5mm Foamex - great, it looks straightforward enough. UV print, one artwork, external use, no lamination - you’re thinking “put it on the old Inca, no problem”. Delivery seven days – tight, but if you get on to your production manager straight away he should be able to squeeze it through and it will certainly make the month look a lot better than it did this time yesterday.