Issue 254 - August / September 2024 www.signlink.co.uk
3 NEWS Industry 06 Business 08 kit & media 10 environment 14 FESPA has achieved ISO 20121:2012 certification for 'Sustainable Event Management' people 18 events - the print show 23 SPECIALS Under the Hood: Epson SC-R5000 33 q&a: Izabella Ivanovici, INV Recruitment 36 Under the Hood: Fujifilm Ultra Hybrid Pro 39 company spotlight: very displays 42 Adventures in signwriting 44 colour management 46 wide-format applications 48 industry tips 50 FEATURES exhibition stand systems 53 We look at how companies can stand out from the crowd in this busy sector modular sign systems 59 wide-format kit 63 the print show preview 69 CONTENTS Issue 254 August / September 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 254 - August / September 2024 ISSN 2976-9213 IN THIS ISSUE 08 53 36 06 44 24 42 53
Issue 254 - August / September 2024 4 ISSUE 254August / September 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine GHOST SIGN CORNER: Rawles Butchers, Bridport, Dorset This wall sign for the Rawles butchers (founded 1918) was originally designed and painted by George Biles [see page 44] over 100 years ago. While the business is still trading today, its sign has regularly faded and fallen into various states of decay, as shown in this 2008 photograph. Its maintenance has involved repainting on numerous occasions, including a name change for a short period when it wasn't managed by the Rawles family. These touch-ups have been carried out by various firms, with the iteration in this photo [underneath the word 'quality'] bearing the signature of Hartsigns. This sign raises the question of whether advertising for a going concern can be considered to be a 'ghost' sign, or not. Some define ghost signs as only those for businesses that are no longer trading, while others focus on the faded (ghostly) appearance as the most significant characteristic. What do you think? Sam Roberts is the editor and publisher of BLAG (Better Letters Magazine) www.bl.ag and www.ghostsigns.co.uk Publishing director Page Tuck Sales director Chris Davies Lead contributor Rob Fletcher Contributors Brian Sims, Sam Roberts Contact Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Production: 0117 980 5041 Accounts: 0117 980 5042 Find us online www.signlink.co.uk Socials All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher. The views expressed by contributors to Signlink magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or editorial team and Link Publishing Ltd. takes no responsibility for any errors that may have occurred. The publisher also accepts no responsibility for the advertising content, including any error, omission or inaccuracy therein. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Link Publishing Ltd. retains the right to publish and re-publish any images or information sent to the publication. Link Publishing Ltd, Unit G, Link House, Britton Gardens, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1TF Editor Carys Evans carys@linkpublishing.co.uk Online editor David Osgar david@linkpublishing.co.uk Production Shaun Edwards shaun@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Tim Hall tim@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Luke Stoneham luke@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Kathryn Quinn kat@linkpublishing.co.uk Office therapist Skye MEET THE TEAM Signlink Signlink SignlinkMagazine Printed on Sappi Magno Satin from EBB Paper CBP00015512002182040 Hello and welcome to SignLink August / September! I hope you’re all enjoying this very British summer and making the most of the sunshine when it sporadically decides to appear! In this jam-packed issue, there is plenty of change and positive news to highlight including a number of appointments and promotions (P16); acquisitions within the software and coatings sectors (P08); a host of new technologies including new dye-sub and fabric printers from Epson (P10 & P12); and a huge kit investment deal of £8m between Titchfield Group and Durst (P08). With this being our last issue of SignLink before the much-anticipated Print Show this September, we also have a bumper Events section highlighting all the innovations set to be on show from major names (P23 to P30). In our Specials and Features, we pick the brains of INV Recruitment founder Izabella Ivanovici to find out what the pain points currently are within recruitment and how we can bring fresh talent into the industry (P36). We also shine a light on some of the impressive wide-format print jobs completed recently (P48 & P49) as well as take a look at the wide-format print kit options available to enable sign-makers to complete these monster jobs (P63 to P66). As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and please get in touch with any news you have to share! EDITOR S NOTE Carys Evans 38 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LJ Photo: Keith Roberts / History of Advertising Trust
6 Issue 254 - August / September 2024 www.signlink.co.uk INDUSTRY / NEWS signlink signlink signlinkmagazine The safety and legality of Mumbai billboards have been questioned following the devastating collapse of a large hoarding in the city. At the time of writing, it was reported that 14 people had been killed and at least 75 injured after the 70m x 50m hoarding fell onto houses and a petrol station in May. Reports say that the collapse was caused by a severe storm that included “speedy winds” causing the billboard to sway before crashing down and trapping several vehicles below. Local authorities have stated that the billboard was several times larger than the permitted size and the agency that erected the billboard did not have permission to do so. The hoarding has been in place since 2021, and according to local journalists was rented out at ₹2 crore a month (£189,000). According to journalist Linah Baliga, the BMC wrote to the Government Railway Police (GRP), which manages the land, about the illegality of the billboard in 2021 to which the GRP said that they did not need the BMC’s permission. The case is now in the Supreme Court. The role of the GRP is to observe law and order in all railway properties. The BMC has said that 179 illegal billboards still stand in different spots throughout Mumbai. In 2015 a woman was seriously injured after a four-tonne digital billboard fell from a site in London. At the time Clear Channel investigated the installation and 39 others that were rolled out around that time. Fourteen killed after Mumbai billboard collapses Iron advertising structures, like the 100-foot billboard that fell, can become victim to rust in harsh weather ISA-UK reverts back to BSGA The new logo for the rebranded BSGA The British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA) and the International Sign Association (ISA) have amicably concluded their formal alliance meaning a rebrand for the UK association. The BSGA has been known as ISA-UK since 2019 when it formed its alliance with the US signage association. The two entities have assured members that a “robust collaboration” between the two groups will still exist. The rebrand back to BSGA comes with a new logo and new visuals for the various membership certifications that the association has distributed to members along with detailed documentation outlining the working guidelines for being a BSGA member. Gary Bagstaff, managing director of Print Sauce has recently taken on the role of vice president of the BSGA. FaberExposize, a wide-format printer based in Leeds, recently printed a set of large memorial banners for the beloved Leeds Rhinos legend, Rob Burrow. The commemorative crowd banners, each measuring 35m by 20m, were a focal point of the Challenge Cup Final, held at Wembley Stadium. The project saw the team work around the clock to meet its extraordinary turnaround time which despite other large deadlines, the team felt they had to undertake. Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in December 2019 which led to him raising awareness of the disease with fellow rugby player, Kevin Sinfield. On June 2nd, 2024, Burrow died from MND aged 41 at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield. FaberExposize honours Rob Burrow Registration has officially opened for the second edition of WrapFest, the specialist vehicle wrapping event organised by FESPA. Taking place from October 3rd to 4th at the famous Silverstone racetrack in Northamptonshire in the UK, the 2024 event will again play host to exhibitors from across the vehicle wrapping and graphics sector. Confirmed exhibitors so far include Adapt Amari Digital, All Print Supplies, William Smith, 3M, Garware Hi-Tech Films, and HP, with visitors able to learn more about their latest solutions for vehicle wrapping. The 2024 show will have a heightened focus on education and training as well as hosting the regional UK & Ireland World Wrap Masters heat. WrapFest is returning to Silverstone racetrack this year after a successful debut in 2023 Crowds held up large banners dedicated to Rob Burrow and his work for the MND Association Registration opens for FESPA’s WrapFest 2024 According to CMYUK, there has been a significant rise in Fiery Prep-it software sales which the supplier has hailed “a new era in pre-press efficiency and material savings”. The software solution enables the prep, layout, and automated production of printfor-cut jobs and connects seamlessly to any RIP, printer, digital cutter, or router able to process PDF files. This enables various brands to be integrated and enables printers and sign-makers to leverage their existing equipment. Other features of the software include free-angle true shape nesting technology which optimises specified surface dimensions by placing jobs as a group in the most space-efficient way possible. According to CMYUK, Prep-it reduces setup time by 90%. CMYUK reports rise in Fiery Prep-it sales Amira Bouchiba [R], CMYUK Academy Manager in a Prep-it training session By David Osgar
SEE US ON STAND B01
BUSINESS / NEWS 8 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Issue 254 - August / September 2024 Trade-only supplier of portable display solutions, Very Displays has launched a new e-commerce website for its trade account members. The new site is packed with exciting benefits and upgrades and enables customers to place hardware orders, repeat existing orders, view all pricing, track orders, and more. According to Very, the new ordering system is a significant enhancement as it provides a more seamless and efficient experience for customers. Very Displays launches new e-commerce site Titchfield Group signs £8m deal with Durst Titchfield Group has signed a deal with Durst Group for an £8m print spend over the next three years. Titchfield has five UK operations as well as sites in France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. The first part of the collaboration will involve the installation of two industrial digital production machines at Titchfield’s 100,00sq ft production plant in Cardiff. The first installation will be the Aleph Laforte 600 paper printing system which focuses on poster and billboard printing and the second will be the Durst P5 350 HSR D4 roll-to-roll LED machine in late summer. Coloreel Group, a Swedish technology company, known for its instant thread dyeing technology, has announced it has filed for bankruptcy. The company says it has struggled to develop business volume quick enough to secure the necessary financing to keep itself in the clear. Coloreel says it had many in-depth discussions with financial investors and potential industrial partners to secure funding but was unable to overcome financial hurdles. The business has over 90 customers in the global market and over 120 granted patents across 45 markets. Coloreel Group reveals it has filed for bankruptcy Inktavo, a provider of integrated software solutions for branded merchandise, has acquired management information system (MIS) software vendor, Clarity Software. Clarity Software specialises in job pricing, inventory management, and production management for the sign and graphics industry. According to Inktavo, the acquisition will further enhance its product offerings and expand its geographical reach. James Armijo, chief executive officer of Inktavo, comments: “Inktavo’s mission is to create a family of solutions for branded merchandise businesses to organise and grow. “Our acquisition of Clarity Software expands the geographics we can serve and positions Inktavo to provide even more flexible and comprehensive software solutions that enable signage shop businesses to grow seamlessly using a single application.” Richard Gamlin, chief executive officer of Clarity Software, adds: “Clarity Software sought to scale and expand geographically, particularly in the US and non-English speaking markets. Clairfield facilitated the search and sale, which will take the Clarity business to the next level.” Inktavo has acquired Clarity Software which it says will extend its geographical reach Inktavo acquires Clarity Software DPI, a marketing design and production service provider that launched in June, is looking to use its expertise to work with charities. The company’s offerings include creative design, website construction, SEO and social media marketing, as well as litho and digital print, large-format print, garment printing, promotional products, signage, and digital display. Kieran Bond of DPI was supported by The Prince’s Trust early in his career through the enterprise programme and now regularly participates in Princes Trust workshops. Bond has also produced materials for charities supporting people with autism. Another member of management, Dan Williams, has worked in the print industry for almost 30 years and has expertise in supplying of all types of fundraising, marketing, and administrative products to the charity sector. Committed to helping charities, DPI offers a lifetime discount on all its products and services to any registered charity regardless of whether it’s a one-off project or ongoing support. DPI is keen to support the charity sector with its print and marketing services at a discounted rate DPI Design keen to support charities Intertronics, a supplier of adhesives, coatings, sealants, and manufacturing equipment has acquired Dyne Testing. The deal means that Dyne Testing is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Intertronics, which aligns with Intertronics’ existing business. Dyne Testing offers a range of measurement equipment for testing surface energy and tension, surface cleanliness, adhesion, and coating thickness in order to improve industrial processes and quality. Intertronics already supplies surface treatment technologies that alter the energy of a substrate and remove contaminants to improve adhesion, meaning the purchase was a logical acquisition for Intertronics. Peter Swanson, managing director of Intertronics, says: “Most of our customers are interested in adhesion and/ or cleanliness, so it is not surprising that Intertronics shares around 75% of Dyne Testing’s customer base.” Over time all operations will be moved from Dyne Testing to Intertronics’ site in Kiglington, Oxfordshire. Peter Swanson, MD of Intertronics; Alison Fox, brand manager at Dyne Testing; and Ben Swanson, CCO of Intertronics Intertronics acquires Dyne Testing By Carys Evans By Carys Evans
SEE US ON STANDS B50 + B60
10 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 254 - August / September 2024 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Venture Banners has invested in a third EFI VUTEk FabriVU dye-sublimation printer to further strengthen its service offering and allow it to serve more customers. Purchased from CMYUK, the VUTEk FabriVU 340i offers both direct-to-substrate and paper sublimation printing. It also features an integrated fixing unit that removes the need for a separate heat press. Key features on the machine include eight Kyocera printheads rather than the usual four, which EFI says doubles resolution from 300dpi to 600dpi and increases POP speeds by around 48%. A redesigned heating plate ensures improved temperature uniformity, particularly between jobs and less outgassing, while a new flag ink removal kit allows the system to manage high ink volumes without touching the loaded material. Speaking about the new purchase, Scott Conway, director at Venture Banners, says: “Apart from the fact that we needed another textile printer to cope with increased volumes, we also wanted to buy ourselves some contingency. Conway also explains that the new machine will support Venture’s expansion plans in the textile print market, with demand for such services on the rise. Going hand in hand with this is Venture’s impressive finishing setup, which includes 17 sewing machines and nine dedicated finishing operatives working in-house. “There seemed to be a shortage of good finishing staff a couple of years ago,” Conway says. “The situation has changed and I’m not sure why, all I can say is that we have a thriving, high calibre cohort of finishing staff. They are busy producing large amounts of silicon edge graphics for lightboxes, displays, and flags.” Venture Banners takes on third EFI VUTEk FabriVU [L to R] Venture Banners directors Wayne Bodimeade and Scott Conway with the new machine Moss makes big investment Moss has invested in a new Durst P5 500 Moss, a specialist in branded environments and a part of Moss Global, has invested in a Durst P5 500 to expand its print capacity and undertake more complex and demanding projects. The company purchased a Durst P5 TEX iSUB in 2022 to expand on its growing textile and graphics work. The latest investment is expected to increase speeds of super-wide materials by up to 50% and is in line with Moss’ commitment to sustainability due to the machine’s LED curing technology and reduced energy and ink consumption. According to Moss, the Durst P5’s automated conversion from non-porous to porous materials will help the business achieve quick changeovers while media loading and changing will be simplified by the machine’s integrated roll support. CP Arts has revealed how its recent investment in a new Agfa Jeti Tauro 3300 UHS print machine has led the company to halt all screen printing. Purchased in December, the Jeti Tauro 3300 is the third Agfa wide-format printing machine to be installed at the company’s Exeter site. CP Arts decided to invest in response to a rising demand for its services. However, the purchase also rendered CP Arts’ remaining screen printing machine redundant, meaning for the first time since the 1970s, the company is no longer offering large-format screen print. CP Art’s first venture into the digital world came in 2012 with the purchase of an Agfa M Press Leopard. Investment sees CP Arts drop screen printing Epson has announced a new 76-inch industrial dye-sublimation printer with an optional Jumbo Roll which has been made for high-demand textile production. The new SureColor SC-F11000 and SC-F11000H models are designed for applications in fashion, sportswear, home furnishings, and soft signage with high productivity, speed, quality, and reliability being its core selling points. The printer, which features Epson printheads, ink, and EdgePrint Pro software, has been launched following the success of the SureColor F1000 and F1000H textile models launched in 2020. The SC-F11000H has been designed for maximum up-time thanks to the optional Jumbo Roll which enables continuous production and reduced downtime thanks to the printer needing less frequent media changes. The new printer uses Epson precision dot technology with PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads CP Arts took on the new Agfa machine in December of last year Epson announces new dye-sublimation printer Drytac has announced the launch of Paper Fleece Smooth wallcovering, a PVC-free solution for interior décor applications. The product is a non-woven wallcovering solution designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, eco-friendly interior solutions for projects in homes, retail stores, hotels, and offices. Kieran Blacknall, academy manager at Drytac, says: “We are delighted to add Paper Fleece Smooth to our range of market-leading materials. “The flexibility of the product means it can be used in a wide range of interior décor projects, while its sustainable features make it an even more attractive option for users.” Paper Fleece Smooth is a 180gsm nonwoven wallcovering with a smooth satin fi nish. New PVC-free wallcovering launched by Drytac The product is supplied in rolls of up to 1,370mm wide and is offered with a five-year durability guarantee Rob Fletcher
12 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 254 - August / September 2024 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS signlink signlink signlinkmagazine William Smith has expanded its Vion Décor Reeded Glass range with a new ‘Charcoal Blue’ pattern. Designed to meet the needs of professional window film installers, Charcoal Blue Reeded Glass is manufactured to offer users obscured visibility while maximising light transmission. The film also adheres to Class Bs1, d0 specifications when applied to glass or plastic surfaces, ensuring durability up to ten years. William Smith says that this makes the product suitable for applications including restaurant booth dividers and kitchen cupboards. William Smith pledges new opportunities SwissQprint embraces flexible automation SwissQprint recently presented a concept for a new flexible automation option at drupa in Düsseldorf. The solution has been designed to maintain high productivity in flatbed printing by relieving operators of unloading tasks. An unloading option removes processed media up to 3.2 x 2 metres from the flatbed printer’s table to ease the burden of handling large runs efficiently. Carmen Eicher, chief of sales and marketing officer at swissQprint says drupa was the perfect place to show the concept and to collect feedback prior to final development which is expected to be available in 2025. Dorotape has announced the expansion of its LoopPET range of digital print films and laminates which has been made from post-consumer recycled polyester (rPET). ASLAN Ultratack DRP07 is made using 30% rPET and is the equivalent of 50 1.5L recycled PET water bottles. The solution is coated with special water-based high tack permanent adhesive which is solvent free and is made for short-to-medium-term applications. The film is printable using both Latex and UV Curable inks and according to Dorotape has an outdoor durability of up to three years. Dorotape expands its LoopPET media range Moss has announced the launch of a new transportable rental banner system designed to transform event spaces in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Billed as a ‘banner-in-abag’ option, Moss says the solution is available in various shapes and sizes, including circles, squares, and cubes, with the idea of catering to a wide range of branding needs. Moss adds that the solution is easy to use, with the customer simply having to pull the graphic up and zip it around the framework, without the need for tools or on-site graphics labour. Rentals are available over 10-to-15-day periods, with the solution to be offered alongside Moss UK’s existing tension fabric rental options. After customers are finished with their event, they can return the frames to Moss for recycling or future use with other clients. Matt Phipps, group account director at Moss UK, says the new offering will meet rising demand for hanging banners at exhibitions. He goes as far as to say that the solution could become a “go-to” option, especially for stand builders and event organisers who are often challenged by the logistics and costs of traditional solutions. “Our new ‘banner-in-a-bag’ system achieves high-quality, memorable branding without sacrificing our clients’ time, team, or resources,” Phipps says. “Taking proven technology from within the Moss Group our portable, versatile, and easy to install rental banners reduce show setup times and logistical costs, enabling clients to focus on creating unforgettable event experiences.” The Moss rental banner system is available in circles, squares, and cubes Moss eyes exhibition market By Rob Fletcher Epson has detailed its latest textile printer, the Monna Lisa 13000, a direct-to-fabric single-step pigment ink textile printer. Launched at drupa, Epson says the new machine is an affordable direct-to-fabric printer with a compact footprint and the advantage of requiring no additional equipment for pre and post-treatment, steaming, and washing. The printer comes equipped with three types of pre- and post-processing chemicals (pre-treatment, over-coating, and density enhancer) in addition to seven colour inks. The technology makes it possible to integrate pre- and post-processing in a single-step printing solution compared to other printers that require separate processes. The printer features 13 Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads and can operate with a print speed of 131 sqm/H with a resolution of up to 1200dpi on lower speeds and higher passes. Also revealed at drupa was Epson’s new industrial on-demand colour label printer, the ColorWorks C8000e which is designed for in-house, on-demand colour label printing. The solution builds on the success of its predecessor, the ColorWorks C7500 and is designed to help eliminate costs associated with pre-printing such as label waste and excessive inventory. The C8000e features Epson’s Nozzle Verification Technology (NVT) to prevent misprints as well as as spot colour matching and ICC profiling for easy and precise colour management. Epson used its space at drupa to demonstrate personalisation and production on-demand with a range of products including the new 64-inch SureColor SC-P20500, a printer made for the production of fine art photography and indoor signage. Epson’s new launch is the Monna Lisa ML-13000 direct-to-fabric printer Epson introduces a new textile printer By David Osgar
ENVIRONMENT / NEWS email: news@signlink.co.uk 14 Issue 254 - August / September 2024 www.signlink.co.uk Folex commits to becoming carbon neutral by 2045 Provider of finishing and coating of films and specialty media, The Folex Group, has revealed ambitious goals to reduce C02 emissions and become carbon neutral. The company’s goals include reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. Folex has compiled CO2 balances based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, which categorises GHG into three scopes, for all its locations in recent years. Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from sources controlled by the company and Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions related to the generation of electricity, heat, steam, or cooling consumed by the company. Scope 3 refers to all emissions generated in a company’s value chain but not controlled by the company. Having completed this assessment, Folex found that it was necessary to permanently reduce these emissions in line with the climate goals of the European Union. The result is a transformation concept developed in collaboration with Rudolphi Energieeffizienz initially developed for Folex Coating in Cologne but which will be implemented across other Folex Group locations in Schwyz and Erlangen. FESPA lands ‘Sustainable Event Management’ ISO Global print organisation FESPA has achieved ISO 20121:2012 certification for ‘Sustainable Event Management’, recognising its efforts to run environmentally friendly events. To achieve the internationally recognised standard, FESPA implemented a range of policies and procedures to address key objectives. These include waste reduction, energy efficiency, carbon emissions reduction, and stakeholder engagement. British Standards Institute (BSI) independently audits and verifies these activities and the system, concluding that FESPA was worthy of the ISO. As such, the FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin, Germany next year will be the first event in the speciality print sector to run under the certification. FESPA CEO Neil Felton comments: “We are thrilled to have achieved the ISO 20121:2012 certification, which proves our dedication to delivering environmentally responsible events and championing the need for the sectors we represent to make continued progress on sustainability. “Our team recognises the importance of operating our events in a manner that delivers exceptional value to our attendees and exhibitors, while also prioritising environmental responsibility and community engagement.” Mimaki expands its eco offering with new cartridges Mimaki Engineering has announced the global launch of its new carton-based ink cartridges, with the aim of offering its customers around the world access to more environmentally friendly ink options. The launch sees Mimaki replace traditional plastic cartridges with a paper alternative. This offering was initially rolled out in Japan last year and, following the success of this, Mimaki is now extending the new cartridges to customers worldwide. Transitioning to paper, Mimaki explains, has achieved a 68% reduction in plastic usage per cartridge. The manufacturer says such an approach is projected to eliminate approximately 44 tonnes of plastic and 65 tonnes of CO2 emissions. In addition, the lighter weight of carton ink cartridges translates to an estimated eight tonne reduction in CO2 emissions during transportation. Alongside this, Mimaki is working on other sustainable initiatives to support its longer-term goals. These include a neo-chromato process, which facilitates material recycling and leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions through the reuse of textile materials. Antalis stand gets a second life Antalis has donated part of a former exhibition stand to a school for students with special educational needs (SEN) in Leicestershire which is close to Antalis’ headquarters. The ‘market stall’ has been donated to Maplewell Hall School in Woodhouse Eaves which specialises in preparing SEN students for adult life. Made from sustainable materials from Antalis' Visual Communications product portfolio, the market stall was a part of a larger stand at the 2023 Responsible Packaging Expo in London. Marketing executive at Antalis, Liz Fletcher, says: “We design our exhibition stands to be as sustainable as possible, which includes finding opportunities to reuse them once their life as an exhibition stand ends. We are delighted that our market stall has been put to such good use thanks to Coalville CAN and the students at Maplewell Hall School.” The donation was facilitated by Coalville CAN, a community benefit society which provides spaces, support, and opportunities to its local community. The reassembly of the stall formed part of a problem-solving exercise for students. Mimaki initially rolled out the carton ink cartidges in Japan in May last year Pictured: Thermal insineration at Folex's Cologne site The market stall segment of Antalis’ Responsible Packaging Expo stand The ISO provides a comprehensive framework for organisers to prioritise sustainability without compromising on quality or success
18 Issue 254 - August / September 2024 www.signlink.co.uk PEOPLE / NEWS CMYUK has announced a double appointment, with Chris Martin being promoted to the role of sales manager for equipment and Adam Booth joining the supplier as a senior digital sales consultant. Martin will initially oversee business development and operations, focusing on optimising sales processes and infrastructure to improve revenue generation. He moves into the new role having served as senior digital sales consultant since joining CMYUK in 2022. “I’m incredibly honoured and excited to step into the role,” Martin says, adding: “The trust and confidence placed in me by our leadership team means a great deal, and I’m eager to embrace this new challenge wholeheartedly. “Collaborating closely with the entire sales team, I am confident that we can achieve remarkable success. That said, our team is already outstanding, and together, we will continue to deliver excellence for our customers.” Sue Hayward, commercial director for equipment at CMYUK, adds: “Chris is a talented and informed individual who excels in strategic vision and attention to detail. He is excellent at building, sustaining, and enhancing strong connections with both our customers and the manufacturers aligned to the CMYUK portfolio.” Meanwhile, Booth joins CMYUK to replace Martin in his previous role. Previously of RA Smart, Booth brings a wealth of experience to CMYUK and will support the company’s entire print production portfolio, which includes technology from EFI, Canon, and Mimaki. CMYUK confirms double senior appointment [L to R] Adam Booth and Chris Martin from CMYUK SEDO expands large-format team with two new hires Jessica Shorten-Hood has taken on the role of business development manager for hardware at SEDO SEDO - Large Format Solutions has announced a double appointment, with Jessica Shorten-Hood joining as business development manager for hardware and Marco Crow as sales executive across hardware and consumables. The two additions reflect the increased range of hardware and consumables products SEDO now sells. Shorten-Hood joins SEDO from Exertis UK, where she was a product manager for Brother, OKI, and Epson large-format printers. In her new role with SEDO, she will focus on expanding its reach within the signage and display market. Crow, who has a background in recruitment sales, will seek to manage and develop SEDO’s existing customer base within both the hardware and consumables sectors. Andy McGuinness, director at SEDO – Large Format Solutions, says, “Jessica and Marco's arrival at this juncture is strategic, bringing a fresh wave of experience and enthusiasm to our sales team.” By Rob Fletcher Tecna UK appoints new head of sales Tecna UK, a provider of modular event and exhibition displays, has announced the appointment of Andrew Hickinbotham as head of sales. Hickinbotham previously worked for Human Built as sales director for four years as well as working at GES for seven years. Hickinbothom’s experience is rooted in the exhibition and customer experience space as seen through his former employment at Sovereign Exhibitions and Silver Knight. Tecna UK says it works with exhibition organisers, experiential agencies, trade customers, and end users in order to create exhibitions, conferences, events, and brand activations, all areas Hickinbotham is well-versed in. “I am delighted that I’m joining the awesome team at Tecna UK, in a role that will fuse my commercial, design, and innovation passions to help drive growth into new areas,” says Hickinbotham. “It’s no coincidence that team Tecna has an enviable reputation in sustainability, with an array of training and exhibitor resources, zerowaste stands, and a Tier-5 ESSA Accreditation.” Martin takes senior hardware development role at Soyang The Soyang Hardware division of Soyang Europe has appointed Damien Martin as its new hardware development manager with immediate effect. In his new role, Martin will primarily focus on hardware sales, connecting with and visiting customers across the UK to help them identify new wide-format print solutions. Martin will also help host live machine demonstrations at Soyang Hardware’s specialist facilities in Accrington and Cambridge. An experienced professional, Martin joined the print industry in January 2019, working in a hardware sales role supplying roll to roll and flatbed printers, alongside other wide-format equipment. Prior to working in print, Damien spent time in business development, education, and had a spell as the landlord of a local pub in Shropshire. “We are delighted to welcome Damien to the Soyang Hardware team,” says Sarah Fenna, sales director at Soyang Hardware, adding: “He brings with him several years of experience working in wide-format print sales and is well positioned to support new and existing customers with their investment in new technology.” Andrew Hickinbotham, newly appointed head of sales at Tecna UK Damien Martin has worked in the print industry since early 2019
Register at: www.theprintshow.co.uk | 0117 980 5049 | sales@theprintshow.co.uk @theprintshow The Print Show 17-19 Sept 2024 | NEC Birmingham Dedicated to showcasing the latest printing technology Back for its eighth edition, The Print Show will again play host to some of the leading brands from across the print industry, showcasing new opportunities to visitors from all markets. From commercial print to wide-format production, The Print Show 2024 is an event that simply cannot be missed. The UK’s Largest Dedicated Print Exhibition The Knowledge Zone The Print Show is again proud to present the Knowledge Zone, an area designed to inspire visitors to grow their business. Nick Hollis INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAINEER AND SEVEN SUMMITEERFITWAYS ADVENTURES 11:00 am – 11:30 am Paul Sutton Using LinkedIn to attract more clients Discover the secrets of ‘social selling’ – building your professional brand through consistent, thoughtful and valuable content 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Steve Donegal Leading innovation with Landa Find out more about the latest developments and advancements in nanographic printing technology from Landa 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Nick Hollis Drawing inspiration from extreme endurance challenges Be inspired by international mountaineer Nick Hollis and his incredible stories of extreme endurance challenges 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Andrew Wilson Diversification success: The story of PressOn Automative Hear the success story of PressOn’s diversification into the exciting world of vehicle wrapping and customisation 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Suzi Ward | Jon Hutton Andrew Simmons | Brad West Fostering sustainable waste management with FESPA UK FESPA UK offers an insight into how it is helping printing companies become more sustainable TUES 17 SEP 2024 11:00 am – 11:30 pm Marcus Timson Reigniting the forgotten art of storytelling for print Learn about the art and science of storytelling and why this is so important to print businesses 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Sam Nelson | Gabby Solarek Isabel Shanahan | Aaron Toombs Breaking down barriers: What the industry’s emerging talent needs to succeed in print Hear from young people about what print companies can do to make themselves more attractive to youngsters 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Simon Biltcliffe Intelligent thinking: How AI is transforming the print industry Gain insight into the impact of artificial intelligence on print and what this means for the industry’s future 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Simon Cooper Multi-channel mastery: Tailoring e-commerce for every customer Explore how a multi-channel approach and adapting your services can help you meet the unique needs of each sector 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Charles Jarrold | Kyle Jardine Championing equality and diversity in the print industry Join a panel discussion about the importance of equality and diversity in the UK print industry WED 18 SEP 2024 11:00 am – 11:30 am Marten Sims | Simon Allen | Lauren Gardner | Annabelle Turner | Del Simmons Lush, Dayfold and Arts University Bournemouth – Crafting print’s future Learn about a special collaboration aimed at developing new talent to support print’s long-term future 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Michael Knowles Bolster your online performance with effective SEO Understand the primary benefits of SEO and how this can improve your business’s performance online 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Karis Copp | Michael Green | Anthony Rowell | Dominic Harris | Adam Louden How to succeed with sustainability Draw inspiration from companies leading the way in sustainability and take away ideas for your own business 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Mathew Faulkner | Dave Williams World Unseen: Highlighting print’s role with the blind and partially sighted Discover the crucial role print has in the lives of blind people and the partially sighted 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Colin Sinclair McDermott Simon Cooper Printerview – Simon Cooper, CEO, Solopress The Online Print Coach, Colin Sinclair McDermott, sits down with Solopress CEO Simon Cooper for an on-stage interview. THURS 19 SEP 2024 Simon Cooper CEO SOLOPRESS Suzi Ward MANAGING DIRECTOR FESPA UK Paul Sutton DIGITAL MARKETING CONSULTANT INDEPENDENT Featuring specialist speakers from not only the print sector but also other relevant markets, sessions will cover the most important trends and talking points in the industry.
EVENTS - THE PRINT SHOW / NEWS 23 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 254 - August / September 2024 First UK showing of Agfa's new Anapurna Ciervo H3200 hybrid model Taking place from September 17th to 19th in Hall 17 of the NEC, The Print Show is Europe’s largest annual dedicated print expo and will bring together big names such as Fujifilm, CMYUK, Agfa, Mutoh, and more under one roof. Exhibiting for the first time at a show located in the UK in a number of years, Agfa will use its presence at The Print Show to launch the new Anapurna Ciervo to the UK market. First introduced at FESPA Amsterdam in March, the Anapurna Ciervo H3200 is the latest in the Anapurna range’s 29-year history. The 3.2m hybrid model offers enhanced print quality and higher productivity than its predecessor and includes an almost 70% increase in printing speeds in Production Mode. Sign-makers and digital printers can produce a wide range of applications using the Ciervo including high-quality prints on uncoated rigid media such as exhibition panels, stage graphics, and advertising boards. Users can also produce prints on roll media such as film, vinyl, banners, canvas, and coated textiles, and backlit applications can be produced using the white ink function. All Agfa machines are driven by Asanti workflow software. Susi Roesner, marketing content manager at Agfa, says: “This machine is the perfect fit for The Print Show and the UK market. Depending on the size and needs of your company, we have more products in our portfolio to fit everyone’s needs. Visibility is KEY for this show and introducing innovative technologies and connecting with existing and new contacts.” Mike Horsten, senior president PR manager for Agfa, says: “We are very excited to come to the UK for a local show. It is going to be an opportunity for people to talk to us, look at samples, and the quality of output that we are producing. Agfa hasn’t done any shows in the UK in recent times so this is the right place and the right moment.” In addition to launching the Ciervo within the UK, Agfa’s focus at The Print Show will be to show the power of its solutions and its team. Agfa can be found on Stand D10 The brand-new Anapurna Ciervo will be launched in the UK by Agfa on its stand at The Print Show 2024 this September By Carys Evans
24 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 254 - August / September 2024 Kudu to take centre stage at The Print Show SwissQprint will be showing the Kudu flatbed model at a UK show for the first time this September at The Print Show. Launched at FESPA 2022 in Berlin, the Kudu is a 3.2 x 2m high-end UV LED printer with a productivity of 304m2/h, incorporating the latest printhead technology resulting in a resolution of up to 1350dpi. Like all the models offered by swissQprint, the Kudu is expandable with a roll-toroll option but is the first swissQprint model to feature ten colour channels, increasing application diversity. Inks are available in CMYK, light cyan, light magenta, light black, white, effect varnish, and primer, as well as spot colours orange and neon yellow and pink which are exclusive to swissQprint. Since its launch, the Kudu has been a hit having been crowned ‘Best flatbed/hybrid printer > 250m2/h at the EDP Association Awards last year. The machine is already proving popular in the UK with seven in use. The machine is also certified as first-class in energy efficiency, using just 2.2kWh of electricity – equivalent to the consumption of an average kettle. Commenting on swissQprint’s decision to exhibit at The Print Show for the first time, Erskine Stewart, managing director of swissQprint UK, says: “We will demonstrate a range of applications on the printer including rollto-roll production, neon, varnish effects, and other specialty applications. It’s a great opportunity to present our equipment’s capabilities to a new audience. Exhibitions, like The Print Show, are incredibly important to swissQprint.” Visitors to the swissQprint stand will be able to experience a wide variety of applications tailored specifically to the sign and display market, including ACM, acrylics, point of sale, and fabric printing. There will also be a special area dedicated to demonstrating how the Kudu can revolutionise retail applications, with backlit printing and packaging solutions using neon colours taking the spotlight. This immersive setup will demonstrate the wide array of applications businesses can achieve with a swissQprint machine. SwissQprint will also use its presence to highlight its industry-leading supported reliability in the form of its newly launched 36-month warranty which covers the entire swissQprint range. SwissQprint can be found on Stand C10 The Kudu was launched at FESPA 2022 and will be shown at a UK show for the first time at The Print Show InkTec to show DTF developments Manufacturer of JETRIX printers, inks, and media, InkTec Europe will showcase some new developments in its DTF (direct-to-film) and UV-DTF printer and consumable ranges. Building on the success of last year’s show, InkTec says it will use its presence at The Print Show 2024 to demonstrate its knowledge and understanding of the DTF sector to visitors. “As a business, we have long been committed to innovation and are now excitingly at the forefront of the DTF revolution,” the company says, adding: “So, this year’s show will be used as a platform to discuss this more with visitors.” Visitors to the InkTec stand will be able to see the company’s latest DTF and UV-DTF solutions in action, as well as discuss its extensive consumables range. Members of the engineering team will also be on-hand to discuss how they support InkTec’s DTF customers, from installation, training, and beyond. In addition, InkTec’s stand will feature a dedicated JETRIX area where the company says visitors can “learn more about the technology inside the printers, understand the capabilities of the range, explore their versatility, and discuss the ability to open up additional printing opportunities”. Q3XL, xline, and KCXL+ from Liyu UK Returning to The Print Show this September after a successful exhibition in 2023, Liyu UK will have its range of wide-format printers on show. Included on the manufacturer’s stand this year will be the popular Q3XL pro as well as the introduction of the new Xline model, and the showcase of the recently launched Platinum KCXL+ flagship flatbed model. The Platinum Q3XL Hybrid UV printing machine includes an automatic head cleaning unit, dual-direction automatic material loading and operation, a continuous printing system, and an antistatic system. Able to print onto materials up to 5cm thick, the machine also offers white and varnish options, a control system, 2400dpi printing resolution, and a 5pl droplet size. Launched at FESPA 2024, the Platinum KCXL+ flatbed model can be fitted with either 24 or 32 Ricoh Gen6 5pl printheads and features 25% faster top speeds than the KCXL. “Our favourite part is showing off the latest technology and how affordable it is! Liyu takes great pride in continuous research and technology focusing on the very best for each customer,” says Helen Wright, happiness executive and business development manager at Liyu UK. In addition to seeing the latest hardware developments from Liyu, visitors will be treated to fresh drinks and freebie gifts from the company’s friendly team. You can find the team on Stand D30 EVENTS - THE PRINT SHOW / NEWS
25 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 254 - August / September 2024 EVENTS - THE PRINT SHOW / NEWS Canon Colorado M5W UVgel LED printer on show on CMYUK stand Located directly opposite the entrance to Hall 17 of the NEC, CMYUK will showcase the Canon Colorado M5W from Canon’s new M-Series printer series at The Print Show. The fourth generation of the Canon Colorado, underpinned by Canon’s own UV Gel technology, the Colorado M5W was launched in March last year. Offering a modular, configurable upgrade platform, the M-series enables customers to add new features to their base models. For example, the M3 model with output speeds of 111sq m per hour can be upgraded to an M5 model that offers 159sq m per hour. Additional upgrades include white ink, FLXfinish+ for gloss and matt or a combination of both in a single pass, doublesided printing, and a magnetic media kit. Andrew Day, Large Format Graphics – Channel Manager at Canon UK, comments: “We’re excited to be supporting our partner CMYUK at The Print Show this year and demonstrating our commitment to working with large-format graphics producers to evolve their production and enable them to exploit new growth opportunities. “With the new Colorado M-series, which has our UVgel technology at its core, we’re helping customers to do just that by providing a fully modular printer platform capable of effortlessly handling highvalue, white ink applications.” Day continues: “The unique FLXfinish+ technology as well as the new white ink option will demonstrate the extensive range of applications it can print from bright and bold wallpapers to window graphics and high-impact front and back-lit signage. It’s truly amazing to have partners such as CMYUK showcasing our technology at the biggest print trade event in the UK.” CMYUK will also be showcasing JWEI JCUT digital cutting technology available in three sizes: 1600mm x 2500mm, 2100mm x 3100mm, and 3200mm x 3000mm. The largest size supports superwide digital printed textile cutting production in both the midrange and premium industrial printer markets. Features of the JWEI JCUT include an automatic feeding conveyor, 1800kW liquid cooler router for powerful milling, Auto Tool Changer (ATC), Universal Cutting Tool (UCT), Electric Oscillating Tool (EOT), Crease Wheel Tool (CWT), V-Cut Tool (VCT), and a modularised cutting head that accommodates up to three sets of tool combinations simultaneously. Also shown on the CMYUK booth will be Fiery Prep-it software for the prep, layout, and automated production of print-for-cut jobs. According to CMYUK, this package saves hours of manual prepress time with fast and easy cut path and layout preparation. Compared with manual methods, it cuts down on setup time by 90% and reduces material consumption by an average of 33%. According to CMYUK, one of the most compelling features of Fiery Prep-it is its universal compatibility. The software seamlessly connects to any RIP, printer, digital cutter, or router capable of processing PDF files. Specialists from Sheppex Asset Finance will be joining CMYUK’s product experts on the stand and will be on hand to offer guidance on financing options. Sue Hayward, commercial director of CMYUK, adds: “We are delighted to support this year’s Print Show, the most significant and best-attended print industry event in the UK. Our participation underscores the event’s theme of ‘Print Without Barriers’, a perfect reflection of the exceptional Canon Colorado M Series, the positive disruption of the JWEI JCUT digital cutting tables, and the innovative benefits of the Fiery Prep-it software. “We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with long-standing friends and prospective customers at our stand.” CMYUK can be found on Stand A01 [Above] The Canon Colorado M5W UV Gel LED printer will be demonstrated [Below] CMYUK will also show the JWEI JCUT range of cutters By Carys Evans
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