3 Industry The latest must-know news from across the sign and display sector Business The lowdown on the latest deals, ventures, and growth in business Applications The projects and completed work that have stood out in the field News CONTENTS Issue 245 February / March 2023 Specials Under the Hood Brian Sims takes a closer look at the Canon Arizona 6100 Mk II flatbed which launched at FESPA 2022 Under the Hood Brian Sims analyses the Durst P5 TEX iSUB and its ability to print direct-to-fabric and via dye-sublimation Company Spotlight We speak with Erskine Stewart, managing director of swissQprint UK about the company’s offerings Features Taste for Success Textile & Garment Print David Osgar looks at some considerations to take when investing in textile and garment printing Market Trends Direct-to-Object Printers Rob Fletcher finds out whether investment in a direct-to-object printer could be profitable Need to Know MIS Software Carys Evans explores how an MIS solution can streamline operations and keep things running smoothly Business Opportunities Sign Fabrication Rob Fletcher looks into the work involved in this skilled and technical area of signage Kit & Media The latest in cutting-edge machines, materials, and installations Environment Need-to-know news from companies in the innovative signage arena People Appointments, promotions, and personal stories from across the industry Focus On Stephen Jones highlights some tangible ways sign businesses are working to be greener Industry Tips Joe Arenella, founder of two sign shops and a software program offers his tips for quoting Event Spotlight Rob Fletcher looks at what we can expect to see from the upcoming Printwear & Promotion LIVE! Exhibition at the NEC Events All the details on recent and upcoming shows and conferences 05 08 10 12 14 15 16 37 43 47 53 20 24 26 30 33 22 Hello and welcome to our first SignLink of 2023! You will notice we are back with a new format, a fresh look, and more space for plenty of longer-form specials and articles packed with tips and advice, in-depth looks at the latest technology on the market, and previews and reviews of upcoming industry events. As always, our Features section covers a broad range of topics including textile and garment print (P37) which is seeing a big surge in popularity, and the upcoming Printwear & Promotion LIVE! Exhibition is set to showcase all the latest developments in this market. You can read more about what you can expect to see at the event on P31. In our Specials section, Brian Sims gets under the hood of two more machines, the Canon Arizona 1600 Mk II which launched at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022, and in keeping with the textile printing theme, Durst’s P5 TEX iSUB machine. In other news, we recently visited Erskine Stewart, managing director of swissQprint’s UK subsidiary in Bracknell who walked us around the demo centre and told us about the company, its history, and its product offering which you can read about on P22. With the cost of living continuing to rise and energy prices set to change again this spring, businesses are having to assess their usage, and some are even turning to more environmentally friendly solutions as a result. As the topic of sustainability remains an important one as we enter a new year, Stephen Jones explores some of the ways signage businesses are going green and reducing their impact on the environment (P24). US-based Joe Arenella, founder of SignTracker, has offered his insight into successful quoting when taking orders for sign jobs in the first of a series of tips and advice offerings (P28). In the News section of this issue, we hear about some predicted workplace trends for 2023, a new sign installer directory, and changes to government energy support (P06). There have also been a number of appointments and reshuffles within the industry from new CEOs to new apprentices (P15). As always, we really hope you enjoy this issue, and please do get in touch to let us know if there’s anything you would like to see covered. Carys t: 0117 980 5040 e: carys@linkpublishing.co.uk @signlinkeditor EDITOR'S Note Business Zünd opens new a subsidiary in Barcelona 09 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 245 - February / March 2023
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