'Print Your File' service launched by i-Sub to demo power and quality of Mimaki JV5

Conscious of the fact that many signmakers and display print professionals may not always have the necessary time to attend demonstrations, i-Sub Digital is offering potential customers of the Mimaki JV5 production printer the chance to have their sample files printed remotely and delivered directly back to their own premises for inspection.

On the introduction of the new ‘Print Your File’ service, Andy Spreag, Managing Director at iâ€"Sub says, “For printers with a higher production requirement, the Mimaki JV5 is arguably the best wide format solvent printer available.  It combines high production speeds with exceptional quality and is a genuine round-the-clock work-horse.”

He continues, “We are fully aware that taking time out from a busy schedule might not be practical for all customers, so we are pleased to offer them this ‘Print Your File’ service. In basic terms, the customer can send us any file â€" based on either a production job, or any test file that they might use to evaluate printer performance â€" for us to print on the JV5 printer we have in our demonstration room.  We will return the sample to the potential customer with details of how long the file took to print, along with any other relevant information they have requested.”

Highlights of the Mimaki JV5 include an ability to print with either solvent-based inks for durable outdoor print or dye-sublimation inks for soft-signage and fabrics.  The exceptional performance of the JV5 is made possible by an impressive array of 32 print channels, allowing production speeds of up to 40 square metres an hour at 1080dpi resolution.

To further facilitate its use as a true production printer, the JV5 is configured with up to 1.76 litres of ink per colour for long print runs and unattended production.  Further capacity is made possible by the addition of a Mimaki MBIS (Bulk Ink System).

John de la Roche - national sales manager for Hybrid Services Ltd, Mimaki's exclusive UK & Irish distributor, adds, “The Mimaki JV5 delivers a unique combination of output speed and high quality print. With production oriented features, it's geared to enabling print service providers to respond rapidly to customer demand."

Available in 1.6m and 3.2m models, the Mimaki JV5 is available from i-Sub with full finance packages.  Potential customers interested in the offer â€" and putting the JV5 through its paces - can send files to i-Sub by using the following upload link: http://www.i-subdigital.com/jv5-print-your-file.html.  Alternatively, they can post the relevant file to i-Sub on a CD or a USB memory stick, or they can email i-Sub with links to the files they wish to have printed.

“Sample files will typically be turned around and sent back to the customer within a matter of days,” adds Andy Spreag.  “We feel confident that â€" once they’ve seen the quality of the resulting output â€" customers will be more inclined to visit us for a more comprehensive demonstration at our Kettering office.”

He concludes, “The JV5 is an excellent printer.  It is unique in the way it combines grand format levels of production performance with a level of quality more usually associated with printers running at much slower speeds.”

To upload your sample file, please visit http://www.i-subdigital.com/jv5-print-your-file.html

Alternatively, for more information on the offer, please send an email to info@i-subdigital.com with ‘Print Your File’ in the subject header.

LFR on the Money: Tine to broaden your funding horizons?

While the upcoming cuts to Corporation Tax will help UK businesses, many are still looking for that elusive funding facility in order to stabilise and grow. Managing Director of Hilton-Baird Financial Solutions, Evette Orams, identifies options that could assist. She says...

"George Osborne may have been widely criticised for his admission in December’s Autumn Statement that the Government has failed to meet a range of targets, however it appears that the Chancellor is listening to business owners’ wishes.

A running theme throughout the annual Statement was his attempts to stimulate the economy by improving conditions for businesses. From various tax cuts â€" including the complete scrapping of January’s planned 3p rise in fuel duty â€" to the extension of the Small Business Rate relief scheme, Mr Osborne’s message was clear: businesses are integral to the economy’s recovery.

In October, Hilton-Baird Financial Solutions conducted its biannual SME Trends Index, a survey that questions business owners and finance directors from across the UK about their businesses’ performance, challenges and funding habits. Ahead of the Autumn Statement, it asked respondents for the single most important action the Government could take to help their business to grow, and found tax cuts were highest on the majority’s agenda.

Reductions to VAT and Corporation Tax were top of the respondents’ wish-lists, representing 30% and 15% respectively, with a further 14% hoping for a cut in Income Tax. While VAT is set to remain at 20%, respondents will have been pleased to see that Corporation Tax will fall to just 21% in April 2014. Meanwhile, next year’s higher-than-expected increase to the basic Income Tax threshold is hoped to increase consumer spending.

The funding gap

Another desire amongst respondents was the introduction of new Government funding initiatives, as cited by 16%. While there was an extension to the capital allowance tax relief and confirmation of the Government providing a further £1 billion for the Business Bank, no actual initiatives to tackle the immediate funding gap were announced. This shortfall is highlighted by Bank of England data, which shows that lending to private non-financial corporations in the form of overdrafts and bank loans decreased by 3.2% in the 12 months to the end of September 2012.

However, despite the lack of government support and reduced lending via ‘traditional’ funding methods, other types of business funding are still very much available. Figures from the Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA), the official body that represents the UK’s asset based finance industry, have once more highlighted the significant value this sector adds to businesses and therefore the UK economy. Between July and September 2012, the ABFA’s members advanced £16.5 billion to UK businesses. Not only is this the highest figure recorded since Q4 2008, it also represents a 3% increase on the corresponding period last year and provides a marked contrast to the traditional lending picture. The number of businesses using invoice finance increased by 4% over the same period to 43,429 â€" the highest figure since the end of 2009.

Asset based finance solutions excel at providing tailored cash flow support to businesses by releasing cash against a range of assets, primarily the debtor book, to help with day-to-day commitments, such as paying suppliers and facilitating orders.

This flexible funding enables businesses to stabilise in this turbulent economic climate, as evidenced in the ABFA statistics which show that clients’ sales reached £63.6 billion in Q3 2012, which represents an increase of 1% on the corresponding period the previous year.

The official statistics also demonstrate that asset based finance products, such as factoring and invoice discounting, are available to businesses of all sizes. Indeed, 49% of the ABFA’s members’ clients turn over less than £1 million, with 34% turning over between £1 million and £5 million. Larger businesses also benefit from asset based finance solutions, with 9% of the ABFA’s members’ clients turning over more than £10 million.

Holistic outlook

These figures go to show that, while traditional funding is not widely available at present, there are viable and, often, more suitable facilities available to businesses of all sizes.

Since its inception in the UK market in the early 1970s, the asset based finance industry has benefited thousands of businesses over the years and particularly throughout these more recent challenging times. With the economy’s future by no means certain, its flexibility and ability to release cash against the value of assets are key in times of both stagnation and growth.

What’s crucial is that businesses take the time to consider the full spectrum of lending options available to them. While traditional bank lending of course has its place, opening up to more flexible forms of funding can provide the support required to help achieve success."

About Evette Orams: Evette Orams is Managing Director of Hilton-Baird Financial Solutions, which is part of the Hilton-Baird Group of companies. As an independent commercial finance broker, Hilton-Baird’s aim is to clearly identify their clients’ business requirements and introduce them to relevant providers.

Hilton-Baird Financial Solutions was voted Asset Based Finance Broker of the Year 2009 & 2010 at the Business Moneyfacts Awards and UK Asset Based Finance Broker of the Year 2012 at the ACQ Global Awards, demonstrating its reputation and the trust its clients place in its service.  he business’ affiliations to the leading financial industrial bodies, the Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA), the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) and the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), ensures it maintains the highest level of standards for its clients.

Find out more about how asset based finance can help your business at www.hiltonbaird.co.uk/FS.

For more information, please contact:
Evette Orams
Managing Director, Hilton-Baird Financial Solutions
Tel: 0800 9774833
Email: LFR@hiltonbaird.co.uk
www.hiltonbaird.co.uk/FS

Colourprint wins Hybrid Services' 'Wide Format Wave' prize draw

Colourprint has been announced as the winner of Hybrid Services' Wide Format Wave prize draw.  The company - which is the wide format arm of longstanding North Liverpool-based litho printer and regional magazine supplier Keep it Local - attended the free two day event and, as an added bonus, discovered they were also the lucky winners of a new iPad

As well as an iPad, Colourprint proprietors Steve and Shelley Pilson and designer, Daniel Jenkins, left the event with 'a head full of great ideas'.  "We've been trading for 15 years, but our move into wide format was only made last year," Steve recounts. "The Wide Format Wave event taught us so much and to receive the iPad is the icing on the cake."

The company originally started litho printing two-colour local magazines â€" hence the Keep it Local brand â€" and this still forms a big part of the business today, with some 40,000 printed and distributed each month. Having invested in its first wide format printer at PaperLinx's 2012 Discover Digital event in Manchester, the company consistently produce a large self adhesive vinyl contract that almost fills its Mimaki CJV30-130 and hasn't looked back since.

"We're looking to push digital print forward from what we learnt at the Wide Format Wave" adds Shelley. "We're doing lots of photographic work, garments and banners but we've realised there's potential to create so much more on the Mimaki that we currently offer our customers."

Their investment in the CJV30-130 printer/cutter ensured they could dispense with buying in trade print, retaining better control and margins and being able to add new products to their line-up. "This side of the business is growing very fast," says Steve. "But whilst there's a lot that's quite new to us, we're experienced printers and know our customers well."

Having owned a vinyl cutting plotter for most of the life of the business, the Pilsons thought they knew which direction they were going with their wide format print investment, but meeting members of Hybrid's team at the PaperlinX event, were suitably impressed with the opportunities the Mimaki offered over alternatives and invested on the spot.

"We get so much pleasure from seeing the finished jobs," enthuses Steve. "The first impression we got of the Mimaki at the open event is something that carries through day-to-day. Sending quality prints that look great and that we know are going to last, pleases our customers - so it makes us happy too!"

Colourprint’s growth is such that it is already considering another Mimaki printer to provide capacity. Consistently delivering contract work keeps business stable, but the addition of the wide format capability is something Steve is relishing. "There's a new website coming to show the company off better, but the Mimaki is the best piece of equipment I've ever invested in. It's brought in so much new business and allowed us to do so much more for our customers â€" and that's what it’s all about."

For more information, please visit www.colourprintmaghull.co.uk.

Duomedia survey reveals that print 'must adapt' to the digital age

Pan-European communications agency, duomedia, conducted a survey in the fourth quarter of 2012 to gain insight from key consultants in the graphic arts industry. The results of this international survey make it absolutely clear that print must adapt in order to continue to play a crucial role in the communications mix. In the study , print professionals and influencers from 10 countries shared their expert opinions on how print will evolve in the digital age.

Lutt Willems, partner at duomedia, comments, “The duomedia end-of-year survey provides an accurate snapshot of the status of the print industry. By soliciting the opinions of professionals and influencers from around the globe, we can help print houses identify the most important areas of focus to drive revenue and to ensure that print remains a highly effective component of the cross-media communication mix.” 

Moving from a manufacturing to a service industry

Many survey respondents identified the need for print houses to adopt a new strategy. They urged printers to go beyond being just a supplier, and to work more closely with customers and brands to establish themselves as value-addedservice providers in the marketing and communication supply chain.

Eddy Hagen, Director and Trendwatcher at VIGC (Flemish organisation for Graphic Communication), comments, “Print houses need to change their mindset and focus on offering solutions and services rather than selling products. A marketing manager doesn't need a printed brochure, he needs a solution to convey his message to his (potential) customers. Identifying the real needs of their customers, will lead to new and interesting offerings. I recently spotted a simple but very effective example of this solutions-oriented mindset: a printer solved the number one issue of a small winery - missed sales - by simply changing the layout of the label. A small change with a big impact. Of course, a change in mindset means investing time and resource. But it’s well worth the effort if it means your company is seen as a high-value link in the marketing and product development chain rather than as just a supplier of printed paper or of printed packaging. This industry will evolve from a product industry to a solutions and services industry.”

Print on-demand is in demand

Many survey respondents flagged the growing trend for short-run, on-demand work, which is being facilitated by advances in digital printing technology. High volume printing will decrease over time as more print is produced on demand.

A perfect example of why short-run, on-demand work is proving so popular are school books. It doesn’t make economic sense to hold on to thousands of copies when it’s highly likely they’ll need updating before too long. With digital, the school can print as many copies as they need, when they need them, and be able to update content as needed to keep educational materials as relevant as possible.

A market for print products with added value

Respondents highlighted that there are growth opportunities in producing products to which people attach a new function, an added value or an emotional value, such as photos.

Ed Boogaard, freelance journalist in the printing industry, believes some people will always value print over digital: “For example, for many people, printed photos hold a special place. Looking back at pictures on a laptop just isn’t the same as seeing them in an album or photo book. Also magazines will become more and more functional for people, especially with the trend towards short run printing.”    
Making Print Interactive

Whether you are talking about magazines, commercial print or packaging, QR Codes, personalized URLs or augmented reality; there are a variety of ways to make print interactive and blend it more seamlessly with digital communications strategies.

According to Cary Sherburne, Senior Editor at WhatTheyThink, “Printers view digital alternatives to print as a threat and worry about cannibalization of their printing business. The truth is, this cannibalization will continue to happen, with them or without them. Making print interactive will extend the life and value of print, and it’s not that hard to do.  Additionally, adding value by supplementing a printed brochure with a tablet or smartphone app that overlays rich content such as audio, video and more, can add high margin revenue streams and increase customer loyalty.”

Packaging and labelling sector to continue growing

Those surveyed predicted that while commercial print volume will continue falling, the opposite is true for packaging and label printing. 

As one respondent summed up: “No matter how much digital evolves, you can’t download an ice cream. You’re always going to need packaging.”

But with environmentalists pushing for ever-smaller packaging, does this mean a smaller market? Not necessarily, according to one respondent. “You only have to look at Easter eggs to see how packaging has shrunk. But this doesn’t spell the end for packaging printers â€" it just means there’s more emphasis on creative packaging. Packaging designers and producers can add value to brands’ products by producing creative, attractive packaging, despite having a much smaller ‘canvas’ to work on.”

Sustainability - a crucial battleground

According to the survey, sustainability will become even more important, with brands using their green credentials to glean a competitive edge.

To this end, respondents suggested that all companies operating in paper-based industries should be more vocal in communicating their sustainability accreditations and initiatives, particularly as digital-based companies will come under greater environmental scrutiny in future than they are today.

Among the public, paper is still seen as the ‘bad guy’, despite the fact that paper production isn’t nearly as harmful to the planet as people think. The U.S. grows more trees than it harvests, for example. By comparison, digital gets a much easier ride because many people are totally unaware of the environmental impact of electronic waste. Paper industries can turn this situation to their advantage. They’ve been defending their position for so long, they’ve a host of sustainable initiatives that prove their commitment to greener practises. 

Education and embracing digital is key to a brighter print future

A common theme that ran throughout the survey was a greater need for everyone in the print industry to spread the word on the latest developments in print technology. This means closer collaboration among everyone in the print supply chain in order to sell the benefits of paper communication, because most printers don't know how to do this.

Ed Boogaard adds that resisting digital is futile: “There’s no point fighting digital. It’s here to stay. Print and digital can certainly co-exist and complement each other. Print houses and suppliers should focus on areas where paper and print can play an important role and add value in ways that digital can’t.”

For more information, please visit www.duomedia.com

[photo shows Lutt Willems, partner at duomedia]

'Totally Dynamic' Comic Relief transformation

Totally Dynamic was recently brought in to create a Comic Relief 'charity sensation' for former Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis.  Calling on all the skills of Scott Coleman and his team of Totally Dynamic South London experts, Theo had his fabulous new Range Rover V8 TDi Autobiography transformed into a shimmering chrome classic covered by a crew of Red Nose characters.

Totally Dynamic were handed the mission due to the complexity of the wrap in terms of the prominence of the graphics and the skill required in the positioning and application. They worked hand in glove with innovative display and graphics company 3M, who provided the material.  Both Totally Dynamic and 3M contributed their skills, time and effort to a great charity effort which raises millions each year for the worthiest of causes.

Theo's decision to make his own contribution to the charity meant handing his treasured brand spanking new Range Rover over to the top team. The superb car - one of only three in the UK at the moment - was described by Autocar as being able to "summon a fat storm of torque" that has it "spearing forward with the assured, unruffled authority of a global powerbroker".

Once Scott's team of experts had applied the seamless chrome wrap, they covered the Range Rover with dozens of red noses, which are more eye catching this year than ever before - particularly the huge snarling nose which covers the bonnet, grille and bumper.

Scott said, "There were three incentives to take on this challenging project - Theo Paphitis is a great guy who will always help people out; Comic Relief is one of the country's most effective charities; and 3M offer some of the best vehicle wrapping products available.  Given these factors, it was the least the boys and I could do to throw our weight behind this great Comic Relief effort and do the best job in our power to make a terrific car look even more eye-catching."

"The Red Noses are evolving into real characters in their own right and it was great fun - although pretty hard work - to get them all into position on time. I'm sure they put a smile on Theo's face," he concludes.

For more information on Totally Dynamic, please visit www.totally-dynamic.co.uk

UK debut for Epson SC-F7000 and SC-F6000 dye-sublimation printers at Sign & Digital UK 2013

Epson will debut its SureColor SC-F7000 and SC-F6000 dye-sublimation printers at Sign & Digital 2013 on stand N10.  The event is scheduled to take place between 30th April and 2nd May 2013 at Birmingham NEC.

The SureColor SC-F models are durable and robust roll-fed CMYK printers that support an extensive range of applications. The mid-high volume 64-inch SureColor SC-F7000 and low-medium volume 44-inch SureColor SC-F6000 have been developed for the efficient production of quality soft signage, sportswear, apparel, accessories, customised promotional items and decorated gadgets. Innovative single-operator media loading and set-up features, such as automatic media tensioning and an intuitive LCD control panel, make both printers easy and quick to set up and use.

The SureColor SC-F prints at speeds from 16 to 57m2/hr, depending upon application, and features an integral and easily refillable, high-capacity 1.5 litre ink system. The printer uses Epson UltraChrome DS ink, a specially-developed new aqueous ink, which produces outstanding images with vibrant colours, intense blacks, sharp contours and smooth gradations. Textile print is light- and wash-fast and resistant to abrasion and perspiration.

The SureColor SC-F printers are the first dye sublimation models from Epson and the first in this sector in which every component, from ink and printhead, to printer chassis and optional accessories, are all designed and manufactured by one company. As a result, quality, performance and reliability are all optimised for maximum productive uptime and profit, and a low Total Cost of Ownership.

Nick White, Business Manager, Professional Graphics, Epson UK, says, “Digital textile printing in the UK is growing in popularity. Our new SureColor SC-F range gives the market a new generation of robust dye-sub printers, designed from the ground up by Epson to produce superb consistent-quality results, reliably and cost-effectively and backed up by Epson expertise and support.”

Also on the stand will be models from Epson’s new SureColor SC-S range of wide-format printers for signage and POS applications.   These 64-inch (162.6cm) roll-fed printers offer a choice of colours â€" including metallic silver â€" and productivity to suit a variety of applications and budgets.

The 8- and 10-colour wide-format SureColor SC-S70600 is Epson’s first printer to support white and metallic inks simultaneously and is designed for companies that need maximum quality and application flexibility. It combines ultra high-quality, versatile wide colour gamut capability, flexibility and productivity in a printer that is capable of producing everything from simple signage to high-end displays and décor.

The SureColor SC S50600, 4- or 5-colour (CMYK /CMYK + white) printer, sets new performance standards in the highly competitive indoor and outdoor signage sector. Its speed is complemented by support for a wide range of media, ease-of-use, low cost of ownership and environmental credentials, making the SC-S50600 a compelling package for companies with high throughput requirements.

The SureColor SC-S30600 is a four-colour (CMYK) printer designed from the ground up to offer efficient production at the lowest total cost of ownership and enables print firms, signmakers, digital copy shops and repro centres to expand their service offering.

A3M Designs puts Océ Arizona 360GT to good use for National Motor Museum project

Hampshire, UK-based print company A3M Design Ltd used its Océ Arizona 360GT's capabilities to decorate one of the more popular children’s attractions at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

Eight specially-printed, profile cut, di-bond graphics featuring cartoon characters and cars add a splash of colour to the surrounds of the children’s pedal car track. The 3-millimetre thick boards are proving popular with the young motorists, who have to navigate road junctions and traffic lights as part of the fun at the popular New Forest attraction.

A3M Designs is run by husband and wife team Linda and Ken Green in Farlington, near Portsmouth. The project was printed by the company using one of the world’s leading wide-format inkjet flatbed printers, the Océ Arizona 360GT, a machine capable of printing to virtually any substrate up to 48mm thick.

Bridget Slevin, Head of Beaulieu Graphics Dept, comments, “These boards around the pedal car track have to withstand plenty of wear and tear so the ink has to be robust and tough and suitable for all kinds of outdoor weather. We’ve been delighted with the results. Ken’s very helpful and now he’s got the Océ Arizona there’s a lot more scope for future projects.”

Ken Green, Director of A3M Designs â€" which was founded over 30 years ago - says, “I’ve invested £100,000 in this new Océ Arizona and we are already seeing significant benefits with new work coming in, such as extra projects with the National Motor Museum along with other projects using white ink on acrylic panels and the more common foamex panels. The Océ Arizona has shown a three-fold saving in print times and a huge reduction in finishing work, allowing us to cut turnaround times for our customers and meet those all important deadlines.”

Dominic Fahy, Business Group Director, Display Graphics and Business Supplies, Océ UK adds, “The Arizona printers stand up to competition with all of their accolades and awards. Companies such as A3M Designs that have invested in the right systems and the right skills are in a stronger position to grow their business going forward.”