Editor's Blog

Just saying…the option is there for those of you that think you meet the criteria for UK Futures Programme funding. It’s worth a look-see at least.

As someone living in Middlesex I know what it’s like to fall through the net when it comes to regional representation, but it’s not so common for the UK to be in that position. So let’s hope we hear soon about a Fespa backed congress for PSPs on this home turf.

If so, you could learn from Your Print Specialists how to put it to good use. The more companies that get involved as learning partners in ventures like the new one at Studio West Newcastle, the wider the sector’s recruitment and knowledge pools will become. We complain they need topping up – so let’s do something about it.

Why not do yourself a favour and market your own solutions to marketers at the new PODi Launch Pad Pavilion at the Technology for Marketing and Advertising Show later this month. Let me know if you take up the opportunity…it’s an initiative that deserves backing by the industry it’s trying to represent in the marketing mix.

The debate over the meaning of ‘industrial print’ continues apace as InPrint organiser FM Brooks announces that it’s taking the show to Milan next year. Working on the understanding that ‘industrial print’ means more than having the ability to print on various media – rather the ability and desire to be part of an industrial scale production system, perhaps it’s time to again ask how many of you see your PSPs developing in that space?

As L’Oreal Americas announces it is collaborating with Avery Dennison to identify and reduce the environmental impacts of packaging, it has also put out a wider message that should hit a nerve with all print suppliers – that environmental issues are very much on the brands’ agenda. David Wolbach, assistant vice president, Packaging Hair, L’Oreal Americas, has made it clear as to how it will operate going forward: “To achieve the ultimate goal of reduced-impact materials, we cannot work alone. It is essential that all facets of the value chain - material suppliers, printers, consumers, and recyclers - collaborate to establish a clear and transparent low-impact product stream globally.” Where L’Oreal goes….

Have you got the feelgood factor for 2015? Plenty of largeformat PSPs have according to the conversations, the emails etc. coming through focusing on expansion, investment, acquisition etc. And data from the first Widthwise 2015 survey respondents is providing the same positive outlook. But what are you experiencing? Tell us by taking part in the eighth annual survey of the UK and Ireland’s wide-format PSPs at: www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/widthwise2015

Just wanted to say a massive thanks to all of you who have completed the 2015 Widthwise Survey – we’re now up to almost 200 participating companies, and ahead of where we were this time last year when we finished with almost 350 respondents. Obviously, the more info we get the better for the UK wide-format sector analysis we’ll again provide in the annual Widthwise Report in May. So if you haven’t taken part in the poll so far, please do so at: www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/widthwise2015

Well done to Fespa for launching Printeriors, a much needed and long awaited showcase of print possibilities to wow creatives. Let’s hope it will do what it sets out to do. I’m of the mind that while this is a fab step in the right direction, what we really need to do as an industry sector is take the showcase concept and put it into the show environments that are already high on creatives’ list of ‘must attend’ events. But hopefully, Printeriors will become one of them!

Are you reading this on a mobile device at Heimtextil in Frankfurt? If you’re into textile print in any shape or form, this is probably where you should be. If that’s the case, let me know what will be your key takeaway from the event.

2015 is seeing a number of new chiefs taking the helm at various print trade associations and bodies, so I’d just like to take this opportunity to put out there the thought that the wide-format digital print sector - now a mainstream part of the industry - deserves fuller consideration and a higher profile when it comes to industry-wide representation and debate. That might well be just be my personal view – what do you think?

Let us know how business is doing as part of the eighth annual Image Reports’ Widthwise survey and you’ll help provide the best stats available on the state of the UK’s wide-format print sector when the subsequent Widthwise Report is published in May. Last year nearly 350 PSPs took part – we’re hoping for even more in 2015! Help us to help you by taking part in the poll at: www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/widthwise2015

As I’m now signing off for the Christmas holidays can I take this opportunity to wish you all festive fun. From what I can see it’s been a great year for many PSPs in wide-format digital print – may 2015 prove even better!

Were you one of the 300 at ESMA’s recent Inkjet Conference? If so, what did you bring away from it that will impact your business development?