West Yorkshire-based diversified signage, displays and vehicle graphics business Jess Wright Graphics has opened up on how its use of DECAL polymeric vinyl and DECAL polymeric overlaminate from Soyang Europe has allowed it to take on a wide range of interior display work within the education sector.
Agfa, a leading provider of inkjet printing solutions, introduces the next generation of its Anapurna H3200 wide-format hybrid printer, representing a significant leap forward in speed and print quality.
The print and paper advocacy group Two Sides is excited to announce its newest member, Frugalpac, the British sustainable packaging company with a global mission to decarbonise the food and drinks industry.
Soyang Europe, the leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide-format and superwide-format media and surface coverings, and a supplier of leading-edge print production solutions through Soyang Hardware, is delighted to announce it will exhibit on stand G10 at Sign & Digital UK 2024.
Roland DG, a leading global manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, proudly introduces two cutting-edge products to its esteemed VersaSTUDIO series.
Metamark UK Ltd has announced the appointment of Phil Wild to the role of CEO in a move to strengthen the company’s board in support of plans for continued growth.
Following a busy 12 months, Hampshire-based Roland reseller, printMAX has once again secured its position as Roland's top-performing UK partner for 2023.
Sign & Digital UK has announced that the International Sign Association (ISA-UK) Explains Lounge will return in 2024.
One of the most challenging aspects of any business, especially if you are just setting up shop, is how do you know what prices to set for your products and services?
Aiming to empower young people and foster their potential through unique opportunities and experiences within the print industry, award-winning branded environments expert MacroArt, a Moss Global Company, has partnered with local non-profit organisation Inspire 2 Ignite.
Sign Trade Supplies is set to debut at Sign and Digital UK 2024 (SDUK). Now established as a leading provider of aluminium profiles, sign fixings, components, and many other products for the sign trade, the company aims to meet customers and prospective customers face-to-face at the show.
Two Sides, the print and paper advocacy group, is excited to announce its newest member and supporter, Acorn Web Offset, the specialist A5 and A4 magazine printer.
Retail marketing specialist The Valley Group has installed two swissQprint Kudu flatbed printers, ensuring the business continues to provide clients with the latest in exceptional Free Standing Display Units (FSDU).
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd announces the further enhancement of its partnership with Production Print Direct Ltd to include its range of Digital Label and Packaging Press solutions.
printMAX, Roland’s most successful dealer, has proudly announced the UK’s first sale of Roland’s VersaOBJECT MO-240 printer. The printer found its home with Aford Awards, a dedicated Roland user and long-time printMAX client, on the day of its highly anticipated release.
Signage and display specialist Signs & Labels Hereford has invested in a new VeloBlade Nexus 2516 from Soyang Hardware Ltd., revealing how it plans to use the machine to expand its business into new and profitable markets.
Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Devlin as Customer Service Manager for the UK, with immediate effect.
Colourbyte Europe Ltd, an existing Graphtec GB reseller, has added the Mutoh eco-solvent sign and display printers to its product portfolio. With more than 25 years of experience in the wide-format digital printing market, Colourbyte is extending its range of solutions even further with the addition of Mutoh’s XpertJet 1341SR Pro 54” machine and the ValueJet 628 24” printers.
With just a few weeks to go before the doors open for Sign & Digital UK 2024, the event is all set to be a vibrant showcase of cutting-edge products and innovations. The organisers are particularly delighted to announce that many new businesses from across the UK and international markets will be exhibiting at the show.
LexJet announces it has achieved a silver medal from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. This is the first year the company has earned a medal from EcoVadis.
Fujifilm will host a Packaging Open House event from 12th-15th February 2024 at the beta-site of its new Jet Press FP790 digital flexible packaging press in the UK.
Quadrant2Design, a leading exhibition stand design and build contractor based in Poole has announced the expansion of its business premises at The Fulcrum industrial estate on Vantage Way. The company has acquired an additional building adjacent to the existing facility, marking a significant milestone in its 23-year history.
With dozens of top brands confirming their attendance among an expected 7,000 visitors, and over 400 exhibitors showcasing the brightest and the best the packaging industry has to offer, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024 is proving to be the hottest ticket in town.
The IPIA has continued to champion print at the heart of Government - with its Chair Charles Rogers having attended a Business Leaders Reception at No10 Downing Street at the invitation of the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP.
Custom flags, banners and large-format print specialist FaberExposize UK recently used ST-100 Diana Soft Backlit from Soyang Europe to produce stunning backlit lightboxes as part of its eye-catching Christmas display.
A late enquiry from a company they hadn’t worked with before led Manchester-based Liberty Signs to deliver a fantastic pop-up shop in Deansgate at the time of the Manchester Marathon.
South Wales-headquartered diversified printing business DecTek has openly praised the impact its HP Latex 2700W printer has had on the business, revealing that the machine’s ability to produce a wide range of output has helped them to attract new customers.
Exclusive UK and Ireland Mimaki distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd will present three new printers at Sign & Digital UK 2024. Comprising a pair of LED UV printers and the company’s latest and fastest direct-to-film model, all offer tangible upgrades and benefits over alternatives.
The business of digital print media supplier Ultraflex Europe Ltd has been acquired by Endutex, providing the expanding European technical coated textile Group with a new distribution base in the UK.
FirstLite LED Systems Limited, a leading supplier of LED modules to the UK sign market, has announced that Megan Woodcock has taken the role of Managing Director.
Walsall-based large-format print business Colour Graphics has revealed how its use of Soyang’s SL-F04 Premium Solar Greyback Frontlit banner material has allowed the company to expand its sustainable offering and win profitable new work from environment-focused customers.
After announcing the co-location of Sign and Digital UK and Printwear and Promotion Live! from 25-27 February 2024 at the NEC, several companies will be exhibiting at both shows.
2023 has been a year of significant growth for the UK business, which saw its 100th machine installed. The arrival of the award-winning Kudu at the company's UK headquarters also saw a raft of demonstrations and six machines installed during the year.
Leading branded environment specialist MacroArt has partnered with Tobacco Dock to become its exclusive supplier of sustainable graphics, marking an important step towards enhancing sustainability practices at London's most creative venue.
Soyang Europe, the leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide-format and superwide-format media and surface coverings, and – through its acquisition of Josero – a supplier of leading edge wide and superwide format print production hardware, has announced it is to bring the Josero business under the Soyang banner as part of a strategy to unify its operations and strengthen its overall market presence.
After a busy year working hard to support our Next Generation, FESPA UK will be starting 2024 off with a large event taking place on the 21st of February at Coventry Transport Museum.
Loughborough-headquartered Marsden Direct Group has praised the impact its HP Latex R2000 Plus printer has had on the company, revealing the machine has allowed it to achieve a number of key business and sustainability goals.
Hinckley-based Inspire CNC Manufacturing has revealed how its purchase of two new ColorJet Verve Mini LED UV printers from Quality Print Services (QPS) has allowed it to increase its output and take on more work.
The UK’s only exhibition dedicated to the garment and promotional product decoration industry will throw open its doors in less than three months’ time for yet another vibrant, dynamic and interactive event.
Fujifilm will host a Christmas-themed Print-On-Demand (POD) Open House event on 6th December at its new Customer Innovation Centre in Luton. The customer event will run from 10.30am – 5:30pm.
Known as the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic, InkTec are providing the boat branding using their latest UV DTF technology for the Vibe the Wave Team. The three women who are taking on this extreme challenge, will be rowing 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera to Antigua.
Soyang Europe, the leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide-format and superwide-format media and surface coverings, and – through its acquisition of Josero – a supplier of leading edge wide and superwide-format print production hardware, is delighted to announce the launch of ST-2163 Nightstar Onyx polyester blockout display fabric.
The business and manufacturing support policies announced in the Autumn Statement by the Chancellor are welcomed by the IPIA. They should collectively work to relieve a degree of economic pressure and stimulate investment for the print and paper industries.
Following sustained and focused advocacy on behalf of the UK print and paper industries, the IPIA is looking forward to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement and the announcement of expanded business tax relief.
Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark de Lancey as a UK Regional Manager.
Graphtec GB has announced that ColGraphix UK has been appointed as a Certified Reseller for Mutoh sign and display and flatbed UV direct-to-object printers.
UK-based signage and vehicle livery specialist Allen Signs has become the first company to invest in Fujifilm’s new Acuity Prime Hybrid printer. The ground-breaking machine, which was released earlier this year, is highly versatile due to its ability to handle both rigid and flexible media.
Having seen their sales in Dye Sublimation grow substantially over the past few years, Simply Beautiful Print decided to invest in Agfa equipment to satisfy their growing demand in-house. At the end of September, they installed both an Agfa Avinci CX3200 wide-format printer and a Klieverik Calender unit, launching the business into Dye Sublimation production and finishing.
It's been a £300k+ investment for the company, which has included a 2000 sq ft mezzanine floor being built to extend their East Sussex facility to 6500 sq ft. The first floor now houses the stitching and finishing equipment which has made space for the new 3.2m print engine and calendar unit on the ground floor.
Simply Beautiful Print was established by Michael Tyrrell in 2011 following a career in print which started as a graphic designer in a screen-printing business after leaving college. The business is now based at Golden Cross, north of Eastbourne, has 6 full time staff and supplies exhibition contractors, advertising agencies and retailers with high quality graphics, point of sale and signage.
Michael explains:
“I started Simply Beautiful Print from my home office in 2011, outsourcing all the production and we now reside in a facility that houses an Agfa Anapurna H3200i LED UV Printer, an Agfa Avinci CX3200 Dye Sublimation Printer, an HP 800W Latex Printer and a Canon iGAF Printer. To support these engines, we also have a Kongsberg C64 Edge, Klieverik Calender, Neschen Coldlam Laminator, CWT Application Table plus Sewing Machine with Conveyor Line.
This growth hasn’t come overnight, and we have worked in a few smaller units over the years, including one we shared with an ambulance for a while. But we have grown steady and consistently, monitored the market and outsourced till we had the volume to bring it in house. We now have a loyal customer base that trust in us and we have a lot of capacity and are self-contained which is important as it means that we control both the timing and quality for our customers.”
Michael was introduced to Agfa through a ‘Red Carpet Event’ that they held back in 2016. He visited the Agfa Head Quarters site in Mortsel, Belgium and was blown away by the size, scale, support and quality of machinery.
“It gave me the confidence to invest in the Agfa Anapurna H3200i LED UV 3.2m Hybrid machine, which we installed in 2017 and it has been a workhorse for us ever since. It is so reliable and the support that we have been given by the knowledgeable Agfa team has been impressive. Whilst I did look at other manufacturers when deciding to invest in Dye Sublimation, it’s this experience that made Agfa the choice for the new Avinci machine. James Argent at Agfa has been very helpful throughout the process, he also assisted with the deal for the new Klieverik Dye Sublimation Calender unit too as Agfa has a partnership with this brand across Europe. So, the installation of both pieces of equipment has been done together making it a very smooth process. We also took advantage of the Agfa finance, which is a strong support tool and a great deal.”
The Agfa Avinci CX3200 Dye Sublimation roll-to-roll machine reliably prints on a wide range of polyester-based media, creating vibrant colours on fabrics up to 3.2m wide. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor soft signage applications as well as interior decoration, it can print directly to fabrics, as well as onto transfer paper and uses an offline calender unit to ensure perfect fixation.
Michael is excited that this new investment into the Dye Sublimation market will not only satisfy his current requirement for textile and fabric printing in house but give him access to new customers and markets to grow his business to the next level. Whilst already a busy printer he is already talking about the extra capacity an evening shift could bring to the business.
Picture caption: r-l: Michael Tyrrell from Simply Beautiful Print with James Argent from Agfa by their new Agfa Avinci Dye Sublimation machine
Moss Inc, a leading producer of premium graphics, complex structures and custom installations for brand experiences, has announced the acquisition of MacroArt in the UK. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
HP is proud to sponsor Nick Hollis, linking him up with long-time HP technology user PressOn and the most environmentally certified technology HP Latex R2000 and HP Latex 3600 printers, to create graphics for an intense endurance challenge that will see him row solo across the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness of climate change.
Contra Vision, a pioneer in cutting-edge window film technology, proudly announces the launch of their all-new Privacy Window Film. An innovative collection of window films set to revolutionise privacy for homes, businesses, and many more spaces.
Pureprint continues to invest in its large format Newcastle site, broadening its product range to satisfy the growing demand shown by Retail, OOH and Events clients.
New starter, James Badger has joined to work as part of the technical installation and support team.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd announces it is a Bronze Sponsor of the 2023 Digital Printer Awards, which are being held on Wednesday 22nd November at the prestigious InterContinental London Park Lane.
The UK’s printing and printed packaging industry struggled with its performance in Q3, at least as far as output and orders are concerned; however, expectations are more positive for Q4.
For nearly twenty years, Poppy Signs has served the northwest of England with a complete and comprehensive sign design, build and installation service.
Manchester-based signage company Seymour Sign & Print has praised the impact its new HP Latex 335 printer has had on the business, revealing the machine has helped reduce turnaround times significantly and bolster production efficiency in just a matter of weeks.
Registration is now open for Sign and Digital UK's 2024 show! The three-day show starts on a Sunday for the first time, making it more accessible for small business owners to take the opportunity to see the latest products and network without losing valuable business time.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has announced the appointment of Suzie Thorogood as Chief Financial Officer.
Registration for Printwear & Promotion LIVE! 2024 is now open. Be a part of the UK’s only national exhibition dedicated to the booming garment decoration industry and register today.
Barnsley-based family-run signage business Turner Signs recently used Drytac Polar Grip white gloss vinyl with matching Drytac Weathershield Matte UV laminate to produce a range of colourful and inspiring wall coverings for a nearby school.
Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce that Emily Butcher has been promoted to the role of Customer Service Manager for the UK and Ireland.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd announces it will be appearing at the IPIA Expo – Recognising Excellence, which is being held at the Leonardo Hotel and Conference Centre, Hinckley Island, Leicestershire on Wednesday 29th November. Aimed at Commercial Printers, the event will feature a day-time Expo and Networking Lunch, followed by a Gala Dinner and Awards night.
With registrations now open, we’re officially on the road to Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024 – one of the biggest dates in the packaging industry’s calendar.
ArtSystems, the Nottingham-based specialist systems distributor and services provider, and a number of its Vanguard Europe reseller partners recently visited Vanguard Europe’s headquarters in Brixen, Italy, to gain insight into its latest technologies and developments.
The IPIA has remained committed throughout 2023 to delivering events and special projects that drive growth for the UK print industry.
Irish Sign specialist Freeney’s Graphics has chosen to futureproof the business and its ongoing evolution with investment in an Epson SC-V7000 UV Flatbed printing solution and an Epson SC-S80600 Large Format roll to roll printer.
Innotech has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer. Their Living Wage commitment will continue to see everyone working at Innotech receive a minimum hourly wage of £10.90 in the UK, higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £10.42 per hour.
Following a fantastic initial response and continued demand for their Waste Producers Academy Course, aimed at supporting print and signage businesses within the Graphics community, FESPA UK are excited to announce the launch of the next stage in their academy project, the Supplier Course, which will be available from the 30th November.
Dundee-based trade printing specialist Tradeprint has opened up about how its use of HP Latex print technology is supporting the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and its efforts to drive customers to more environmentally friendly output.
After Soyang Europe and Josero recently announced their new partnership with leading finishing solutions provider Vivid Laminating Technologies, LFR took a closer look at the deal and how it could help UK customers.
ArtSystems, the Nottingham-based specialist systems distributor and service provider, is delighted to announce that Zac Ambler has been promoted to the role of Supplies Account Manager.
FESPA UK are excited to announce the latest event in our ‘Next Generation” road trip series. The event will offer our delegates the chance to oversee the entire print process including design, print, cutting and finishing, giving the attendees an understanding of the whole workflow process, and allowing them to experience roles that others within the business carry out.
Drytac recently announced a major restructuring to its UK distribution, with Premier Paper Group being appointed as its exclusive supply partner in the UK and Ireland for all wide format print media. LFR spoke to Hayden Kelley, CEO at Drytac, to find out more about the deal and how it will benefit customers across the region.
Quality Print Services (QPS), the one-stop-shop for the wide-format print market, has significantly expanded its demonstration suite in Lancashire with the installation of three ColorJet LED UV printers.
Premier, a leading supplier of paper, packaging, and materials throughout the UK & Ireland, was thrilled to announce its prominent presence at The Print Show 2023, the UK's most prestigious event dedicated to the print sector.
Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, has today announced that two printer/cutters from it’s market-leading TrueVIS range – the AP-640 resin and LG-640 UV model wide format printer/cutter – have earned BLI (Buyers Lab) 2024 Pick Awards, while receiving high marks in evaluation tests conducted by independent testing provider, Keypoint Intelligence.
The one-stop shop for the vinyl customisation and vehicle wrapping industry will return from 3-4 October 2024.
The print and paper advocacy group, Two Sides, is excited to announce its newest member and supporter, Dynamic Print, the UK-based specialist print and design company.
Datateam Business Media Ltd., the new owners of Sign & Digital UK and the organisers of Printwear & Promotion LIVE! (the annual exhibition for the UK garment decoration industry) are pleased to confirm that the two shows will run alongside each other at the NEC, Birmingham, from Sunday, February 25th February until Tuesday 27th February, 2024. The shows will be in adjoining halls, with SDUK in Hall 2 and P&P LIVE! in Hall 1.
LFR takes a closer look at the new HP Latex 630 printer series to find out more about what these latest HP machines offer to users.
Setting up a new business in the print industry is by no means an easy task, especially when you do not have all the equipment required to produce the type of work you want to offer to customers. LFR speaks with David Purcell, Managing Director of Purcell Branding, about how the company’s decision to work with printing partners, rather than invest in all its own machinery, has helped pave a path to swift success during its first year in business.
Founded in 2013, NOPINZ is a renowned UK-based manufacturer of clothing for cyclists and triathletes. The company's first product was the ‘SpeedPocket’, a product that allows competitors to attach their race numbers more easily (and with ‘no pins’) while improving the all-important aerodynamics.
Bristol-based signage and exhibition company N3 Display Graphics used Drytac Polar Grip white polymeric self-adhesive vinyl and Drytac ReTac Textures embossed film in a canvas finish to produce a series of eye-catching interior graphics for Cancer Research UK’s (CRUK) new distribution facility in Warrington.
Ricoh UK will next week host a special event at the Ricoh Customer Experience Centre in Telford, allowing industry members from across the UK to learn more about its latest technology developments.
Two Sides, the print and paper advocacy group, is excited to announce its newest member, Elanders UK, the global supply chain service with print and packaging solutions.
ArtSystems, the Nottingham-based specialist systems distributor and services provider, is delighted to announce that it has become a member of the FESPA UK Association.
Following the announcement earlier this year that Graphtec GB had become the UK distribution partner for Mutoh Europe’s sign and display and direct-to-object UV LED printer ranges, the company has now announced the appointment of Lawrence Hebron as UK Product Manager.
Leading branded environments specialist MacroArt is continuing its major investment programme with the installation of the award-winning Nyala flatbed printer from swissQprint.
Reading-based large format graphics supplier VGL has installed a swissQprint Kudu, as the business continues to invest in pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional print for its customers.
Soyang Europe, the leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide-format and superwide-format media and surface coverings, and – through its acquisition of Josero – a supplier of leading edge wide and superwide-format print production hardware, are delighted to announce that they have been appointed as approved resellers of the VeloBlade range of digital die cutters from leading print finishing manufacturer Vivid Laminating Technologies.
Exclusive UK and Ireland Mimaki distributor, Hybrid Services has announced the launch of two new UV printers that extend Mimaki’s popular 100 and 330 series product ranges – the UJV100-160Plus and UCJV330-160.
Innotech Digital has partnered with Liyu UK to release a new swatch book for a selected range of PVC-free, backlit and other digital display media that are fully tested and approved for the Liyu range of UV LED printers.
ArtSystems, the Nottingham-based specialist systems distributor and service provider, is delighted to announce that Bradley (Brad) Davis has been promoted to Service Operations Manager.
Leading exhibition stand design and build contractor Quadrant2Design has become the first company in the UK to adopt InkTec’s new state-of-the-art JETRIX XGR320 Roll-to-Roll LED UV Printer.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd announces its sponsorship of the UK Packaging Awards’ category for ‘Label of the Year Award’.
Smith, part of William Smith Group 1832, is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new website, designed to elevate customer experiences and streamline online shopping for Chevron Kits.
Premier, a leading supplier of paper, packaging and materials to the UK market, is thrilled to announce its exclusive partnership with Drytac, a pioneering company in adhesive science and print media technology.
Exclusive Mimaki distributor, Hybrid Services will be holding a series of free events at its Cheshire showroom this autumn to help inspire and advise businesses looking to invest in the very latest printing and cutting technology.
FESPA UK are thrilled to announce the launch of the latest project ‘Sustainable Waste Academy’ in their ongoing mission to drive environmental awareness through the industry.