Issue 249 - October / November 2023 www.signlink.co.uk Sign Painting Corner ▲ Sam Roberts pays tribute to James Cooper of Dapper Signs Page 32 Being A Sustainable Business We look at some of the ways sign-makers are implementing green practices Page 35 Building Wraps We highlight some of the creative building wrap projects from recent months Page 53 FaberExposize UK We paid FaberExposize UK a visit to find out what the company has been up to Page 24 Stylo celebrates creativity Stylo recently invited designers and clients to celebrate its new swissQprint Kudu Page 07 Sustainable Waste Academy FESPA UK Association has launched its new Sustainable Waste Academy Page 18
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 Kit & Media The latest in cutting-edge machines, materials, and installations Environment Need-to-know news from companies in the innovative signage arena News CONTENTS Issue 249 October / November 2023 Specials Under the Hood Brian Sims looks under the hood of Fujifilm’s Acuity Prime Hybrid model capable of both roll and flatbed production Focus On Vinyl Wrapping Materials Rob Fletcher explores some of the most popular solutions for a range of projects be it vehicle wrapping or smaller format work Market Trends Window Graphics Rob Fletcher takes a closer look at the window graphics market and finds out how sign-makers can move ahead of their competition Back to Basics Lamination Equipment Critical to protecting work, Rob Fletcher highlights the considerations for sign-makers when investing in new lamination equipment Taste for Success Building Wraps Rob Fletcher shines a spotlight on some of the most recent work produced by creative companies in this exciting sector of signage Business Opportunities Marketing Your Business With digital marketing on the rise and sign-makers striving to tap into new areas, David Osgar looks at some marketing tips and tricks Company Spotlight We paid Iain Clasper, MD of FaberExposize UK a visit to find out what the company has been up to (hint – a lot!) Under the Hood Brian Sims takes a closer look at AAG’s AXYZ Infinite router range and whether the technology lives up to its name Industry Tips Joe Arenella provides some tips and advice on learning to approach sales as a discovery process for happier clients Sign Painting Corner Sam Roberts pays tribute to James Cooper of Dapper Signs who passed away in August leaving a huge legacy within the signwriting community 06 08 10 14 41 45 22 30 32 24 email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 249 - October / November 2023 Features Need to Know Being a Sustainable Business Carys Evans looks at some of the ways sign-makers and wide-format print companies are implementing greener practices Sign Painting Corner James Cooper Tribute 32 Focus On vinyl Wrapping 41 57 Business Opportunities Marketing your Business Company Spotlight Exposize UK 24 Business Sports-mad Signwaves brings a competitive spirit 08 Applications Marble Arch hosts first brand takeover 10 Kit & Media Premier Paper to stock Drytac 14 ISSN 2976-9213 18 28 35 49 53 57
Issue 249 - October / November 2023 4 ISSUE 249October / November 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk Publishing director Page Tuck Sales director Chris Davies Lead contributor Rob Fletcher Contributors Brian Sims, Sam Roberts, Joe Arenella Contact Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Production: 0117 980 5041 Accounts: 0117 980 5042 Find us online www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine 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 t: 0117 980 5040 e: carys@linkpublishing.co.uk @signlinkeditor EDITOR'S Note signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Hello and welcome to our October/November issue of SignLink! As I write this it certainly feels like the seasons have turned and the great British weather is in full swing. In putting this issue together, we have been hearing about a number of partnerships with new distribution deals being made between companies including Artworker and VB Media to develop automation further within the industry (P08); Premier Paper Group becoming stockists of Drytac (P14); and Innotech penning an exclusive deal with Heytex Bramsche to supply its side curtain products and also with Pongs, further broadening its range of materials (P14). Also in the news this issue we hear about Make it Happen Signage Consultancy founder Sam Armstrong’s success taking her workshops overseas to the US (P06); how being ‘sports-mad’ is helping to boost productivity at Signwaves (P08); and one company has received a significant amount of R&D tax relief from the Government (P09). Over in our Specials, we take a deep dive into two machines from AAG and Fujifilm in Under The Hood (P22 & P28); report back after our enjoyable visit behind the doors of FaberExposize HQ in Leeds to find out what the company has been up to in recent months (P24); and Sam Roberts pays tribute to James Cooper of Dapper Signs, who passed away in August having made a huge impact on the signwriting community (P32). As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and please do get in touch with any news you have to share! Carys GHOST SIGN CORNER: Raleigh and Humber Cycles This Raleigh and Humber Cycles ghost sign in Warmley, Bristol, was painted by Cliff Headford in the mid-twentieth century. He was paid about £18 by the bicycle companies to paint the sign, which was positioned on the wall of the Webb’s of Warmley bike shop. This local business, founded in 1902, was the long-term occupant of the building, but eventually moved to new premises in 2013. When the building was recently redeveloped, the sign was given protection by the Council, which described it as “an important historic feature in the locality”. This also resulted in it being repainted by Frenzy Designs, and the plan is for it to be maintained in perpetuity. You can find out more about Cliff Headford by watching a short documentary on his life and work at bl.ag/cliff . High Street, Warmley, Bristol Photo: Jordan Crouch Sam Roberts is the editor and publisher of BLAG (Better Letters Magazine) Online: www.bl.ag and www.ghostsigns.co.uk Social Media: @betterletters (instagram) @ghostsigns (twitter)
6 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 www.signlink.co.uk INDUSTRY / NEWS signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Sam Armstrong makes it happen in the US Sam Armstrong, a well-known figure in the signage industry thanks to her training workshops and former role as ISA-UK president, has continued to make strides in the signage community. After previous discussions with the International Sign Association (ISA) in the US, Armstrong spoke to ISA president and chief executive officer Lori Anderson to organise taking Make it Happen to the states. Make it Happen is a consultancy and training company set up by Armstrong to use her experience in the signage industry to train and advise signage companies and their workers in the UK and further afield. Due to its unique offering, Armstrong saw a lot of requests to take the workshops international which led to her quickly booking her flights to the ISA International Sign Expo 2023 in Las Vegas where she sold out all three Signage Bootcamp workshops. The sessions received fantastic feedback with many attendees appreciating how signage training like Make it Happen did not exist in America. Armstrong described the reception as “overwhelming” as many praised her charisma, style, and of course ‘her accent’. Following the workshops Armstrong continued to receive positive feedback at the ISA Rocks afterparty where many attendees asked when Make it Happen was returning and how they could find out more. Armstrong described it as an incredible moment in her career which allowed her to reflect on what makes her workshops fun and engaging. Make it Happen will be returning to the States this autumn with its Illuminated Bootcamp and On the Frontline workshops at the SSSA Conference and Expo in Orlando on September 21st, 2023. Armstrong has received great recognition for her work in the industry at The Sign Awards earlier in the year, where she won the Industry Champion award. Recently Make it Happen has also launched a new website with the ability to book online, plus Armstrong has appeared on the first episode of The Printerviews podcast by Colin Sinclair McDermott. Sam Armstrong has over 20 years of experience in the sign and print industry Updates revealed for SignPlot software Developers of the SignPlot sign face and sign structure design software have announced a series of updates for the solution. Included in the latest edition of SignPlot are all the new signs required for the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions amendment for Wales, which recently came into effect. Beginning from September 17th, the default speed limit in urban areas in Wales is now set at 20mph. In updating its offering, SignPlot says it is the first system to cater for this change. SignPlot also says it is the first software to include the new Welsh dragon plate as a vector graphic symbol accurate enough for signs manufacture. This symbol is based on the winning design in a competition for school children. Simon Morgan, chairman of Buchanan Computing and original author of SignPlot, comments: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Welsh government and to assist with the process to select the winning child’s artwork. “Using SignPlot enabled the graphics for the Statutory Instrument to be produced quickly and accurately, as we had done for the TSRGD amendment for Scotland last year.” Other enhancements to SignPlot include structures for ‘back-to-back’ signs, while SignLoad, the built-in post and foundation design software, has been upgraded with new structural components from a number of major suppliers. The latest version of SignPlot includes new signs for use on Welsh roads FaberExposize UK has announced the appointment of Claire Taylforth to the new position of operations director. Taylforth joined FaberExposize UK as marketing manager in 2014 when the business was known solely as Northern Flags. Following her promotion, Taylforth says she is looking forward to playing a key role in the company’s expansion plans moving forward. Taylforth says: “I have loved the way I have been given the opportunity to grow my career in the same way we do for all our team. When I joined, I really did not anticipate such a rapid change from running email campaigns and marketing initiatives to being responsible for moving the business into a new state-of-the-art factory; and then creating one of the most efficient, modern specialist wide-format printers in the UK. “Even now I am running a six-figure investment initiative to create a leading MIS system and I cannot wait to be involved in our 2024 expansion plans.” Managing director Iain Clasper, adds: “Claire played an essential role in helping me transform Northern Flags from one the UK’s leading custom flag specialists into one of the UK’s leading wide-format display printers working with many major international brands and leading sports and entertainment events and winning lots of awards in the process.” Claire Taylforth has been with the business since 2014 By David Osgar By Rob Fletcher By Rob Fletcher Taylforth handed new role
email: news@signlink.co.uk 7 INDUSTRY / NEWS Issue 249 - October / November 2023 Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Ultraflex Europe has named Jim Fox as its sales director almost three years on from its acquisition of Mayday Graphic Products in 2020. Fox joined Mayday Graphic Products in 1991 and worked there for 26 years before being part of an MBO of the business in 2017. He was managing director of the company when it was taken over by Ultraflex in 2020. The merging of the two businesses has since been described as having accelerated growth and Ultraflex Europe is now a substantially sized business supplying wide-format digital print media. “I’ve enjoyed being a part of the consolidation and I’m looking forward to focusing on driving sales,” Fox says, adding: “We now supply several larger direct customers and distributors with a much broader range of products. These include rigid and roll medias like first-class mesh, front-lit, back-lit, and block out outdoor banners, printable textiles, rigid foam PVC board, and many speciality materials.” Carousel Lights illuminates Harvey Nichols restaurant Multi-award-winning British lighting and signage producer, Carousel Lights, was chosen to illuminate Harvey Nichols’ famous ‘The Fifth Floor’ restaurant with stunning signage. Having expanded to 14 locations globally, the well-known retailer turned to Carousel Lights to design and produce decorative lighting for its restaurant windows, creating a standout feature. Carousel Lights has worked with Harvey Nichols on many occasions including the iconic 2020 post-pandemic Christmas windows where Carousel supplied the BAH HUMBUG – BRING ON 2021! Neon SuperFlex signage which was widely featured across the national press. For the new lighting in Harvey Nichols’ ‘The Fifth Floor’ restaurant, Carousel Lights used RGBQ LED tape fitted inside 2m metal channels with an opal face for even distribution of light. From this, colour changes and animated sequences can be created with a push of a button on a handheld remote. Lights can also be dimmed to produce the desired ambience with subtle colour hues, or the opposite effect can be achieved with a multi-colour display with lights changing colour and flashing on and off. From this one system, hundreds of different colour themes can be achieved such as pink or red for Valentine’s Day, multicoloured for Pride, or green for St Patrick's Day. “The team at Harvey Nichols are an absolute joy to work with and we were honoured to have been appointed by them for this project,” says Ben Reynolds, co-founder of Carousel Lights. The lighting can be changed depending on the desired ambience for different themes Jim Fox has been appointed as sales director of Ultraflex Europe Ultraflex names sales director Stylo celebrates creative print Stylo recently invited designers and clients to an event which demonstrated its creative print capabilities. Hosted in Bounce, London, Stylo hosted a gallery of art pieces printed using the swissQprint Kudu with texture and movement using Styglow neon inks all under a backlight setting. Described as an excellent addition to Stylo’s printer family, the Kudu has ten colour channels with two dedicated to StyGlow neon ink and the others providing CMYK, Lc, Lm, Varnish, and White. Printing to a size of 3,240 x 2,030mm and a roll width of 3,200mm with up to 50m clearance, Stylo can print on a wide range of substrates. The machine also offers environmental credentials running off just 2.2kWh, the same as the average kettle. Stylo will be hosting more events to celebrate the printer’s arrival over the coming months and the company also welcomes anyone to pay a visit to its production facility which is described as a ‘Playground for Creatives’. Stylo hosted an event to showcase the capabilities of its new swissQprint Kudu PSCo steps ahead with new LED floor Trade-only display specialist PSCo has announced the launch of new high resolution LED floor display, Absen MR2.5. Exclusively available from PSCo in the UK for trade-only rental and purchase, Absen MR2.5 is supplied in 2.5mm pixel pitch and uses a GOB SMD packaging process, which the supplier says results in deep blacks with a non-reflective surface. The MR2.5 features a high-strength frame design with a maximum load-bearing capacity of 2,500kg/sq m, is covered with a matte finish that makes it easy to clean, and has a scratch-resistant layer. In addition, the new solution can be combined with Absen PL2.5 Pro Brompton LED walls to create seamless floor-to-wall 2.5mm displays running from the same Brompton controllers. Tom Allott, asset manager at PSCo, comments: “As a trade-only supplier of the latest display innovations, we have been blown away by the MR2.5 LED floor which has been carefully developed by Absen over the last few years.” The Absen MR2.5 was made available in the UK from September Carys Evans Carys Evans
BUSINESS / NEWS 8 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Cheltenham-based printing business In2Print has merged with exhibition services provider Backen Wright. Under the agreement, Backen Wright will join the large-format and exhibition side of the In2Print business, expanding its offering and allowing it to take on more work within these markets. Founded in 1987, Backen Wright offers printing services such as posters, banners, graphics panels, as well as exhibition graphics for shell schemes or self-build modular systems. The business also provides outdoor signage. Leon Saddington, managing director of Backen Wright, will also join the business as part of the merger. He says: “It’s great to be joining In2Print, after having dealt with them over the years helping my customers with their excellent Litho print quality and great turnaround times.” New partnership for Artworker and VB Media Technology company Artworker has announced a new collaboration with print e-commerce platform VB Media in order to further develop automation in the industry. Earlier in the year Artworker unveiled its free filing-sharing service created specifically for the printing industry. The solution means that customers and businesses can send artwork files with more ease as it hasn’t got the same limitations and restrictions as other file-sharing services. In order to continue building new integrations and partnerships with businesses, Artworker has collaborated with VB Media, enabling it to continue empowering businesses to streamline operations and production times. Gavin DeBoos, director of VB Media, comments: “We have recently transitioned to using Artworker's new file-sharing service as the standard for sending and receiving files with VB Media-powered websites. “Artworker is a game-changer for us and our customers. Our partnership is a perfect match, and we have exciting plans for further collaboration in the pipeline.” VB Media, the sister company to Venture Banners, a large-format trade supplier for the printing industry, has itself evolved from an online tool to a full provider of digital solutions. Describing itself as committed to fostering partnerships and building integrations that provide printing companies with a wide array of choices, Artworker says the collaboration cements its commitment to helping print companies. Artworker provides a quick and easy-touse file-sharing website for businesses in print production Backen Wright began life almost four decades ago in 1987 In2Print in merger with Backen Wright Signs Express team reach milestone Carol and Steve Morris, the husbandand-wife team that run the Rotherham and Sheffield branch of Signs Express, are celebrating reaching 20 years in charge of the business. The duo had to overcome major challenges such as economic downturns and the pandemic to hit the milestone, drawing plaudits from across the Signs Express network and the local community for their achievement. Carol and Steve took charge of the franchise in 2003 when Signs Express was just starting out in the UK, growing it to become the successful and busy business that it is today – working with a wide range of clients throughout the past two decades. “We have managed to work with a wide variety of customers and industries, from sole traders to large corporates, public bodies, and charities, building very strong relationships with them and our long-term supplier network,” Carol Morris says. “Many of our existing customers and suppliers started their businesses at a similar time to ourselves and it has been very rewarding to watch them develop and grow too. We support school career events, work with public bodies, councils, and environmental bodies as business representatives.” [L to R] Steve and Carol Morris took charge of the branch in 2003 Sports-mad Signwaves brings a competitive spirit Signwaves believes its employees’ passion for sport is benefitting motivation within the company. Scientific research has found that participating in sport can have a significant positive impact on morale, motivation, and productivity within a working environment. Recently, on National Cycle to Work Day, a number of the team, both keen cyclists and those who rarely ride, took their bicycles to commute to and from Signwaves’ headquarters in Great Yarmouth. Other employees have taken part in over 50 parkruns; an ultra-marathon; and played hockey for 30 years. With such sporting passion running through its veins the company jumped at the opportunity to produce advertising signs and display products for Sportability, a charity providing access to sport for people with disabilities. The Signwaves team says it is reaping the benefits of sport and wellness within the company in the form of productivity By David Osgar By Rob Fletcher
Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 BUSINESS / NEWS email: news@signlink.co.uk 9 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 Route Media which is part of Dragon Group has demonstrated its continued growth throughout Wales with partnerships including a West Wales bus network. Earlier in the year Dragon Group was formed via the amalgamation of Dragon Signs, Route Media, Colour Studios (based in Bath), and Sportin Wales under one group. Route Media has continued to expand over the past two years becoming a major supplier of out-ofhome (OOH) and digital out-of-home (DOOH) in areas like Cardiff and Newport. The expansion has seen new installations in the previously mentioned cities as well as in Colwyn Bay, Wrexham, Rhyl, Llandudno, Bangor, and Swansea. Route’s partnership with a West Wales bus network means ten vehicles will be installed with streetliner and rear signage that will be visible to around 10 million people a year. Route Media has also recently announced a collaboration with media owner iQOOH meaning its clients can take advantage of new DOOH opportunities in Cardiff and Flintshire. Designs receives £100K Government R&D tax relief Hull-based design and signage company Designs Signage Solutions has received £100,000 in R&D tax relief from the Government following its work developing 3D scanning technology and new sustainable solutions. The 3D imaging technology is able to map a surface to help in the planning and applications of signage designs. Previously the work required older techniques such as using hand drawings and mask taping. The new solution is particularly useful for curved surfaces as the scans take these surfaces into account rather than relying on flat designs. R&D tax relief has been a growing form of investment for businesses in print and signage, two areas which are seeing significant innovations are regarding green products and automation. The scheme was introduced in 2000 to incentivise innovation resulting in either reduction in a corporation tax or a cash lump sum. Managing director for Designs, Rob Daysley, says: “We’re in a very competitive market, and so we need to create our own niches and efficiencies to ensure we can continue to grow. “That’s why we do so much R&D work and the money we receive gets put back into the business and capital investment. Our whole senior leadership team is always looking at R&D and ways we can improve and have a point of difference over our competitors.” Designs also developed its range of sustainable event signage which is easier to store, reuse, and be recycled. Designs Signage Solutions has received significant R&D tax relief from the Government Route Media’s digital screen in Wrexham joins the company’s network of over 700 sites Route Media continues to expand Leading Edge scores with Liversedge FC West Yorkshire-based Leading Edge Signage and Graphics has agreed a deal to become the new stadium naming rights partner of Northern Premier League football club Liversedge FC. Under the arrangement, the team’s home stadium will now be known as the Leading Edge Clayborn Stadium. Leading Edge will renovate all diectional and information signage and branding across the stadium, both externally and internally. This will include installing a series of 100 new signs. The work includes perimeter boards for sponsors, as well as graphic design and artwork services. The company will also provide a graphic design and artwork service to businesses wishing to take out perimeter board sponsorship at the stadium, which is located on Quaker Lane in Cleckheaton. Matthew Evans, managing director of Leading Edge, says: “Investing in the stadium and the club further strengthens our ties to the area and supports our aims of creating a positive impact on the local economy while fostering a sense of pride among our employees.” The Liversedge FC naming rights deal will run for three years Brett Martin highlights Scottish dedication Manufacturer of specialist plastic products, Brett Martin, has highlighted its investment in supporting merchant businesses in Scotland. Operating from its Cumbernauld distribution hub, the company has invested in a fleet of new delivery trucks and offers a delivery service of two-to-three working days to main cities, towns, and ports. Brett Martin also offers a direct-to-site delivery service and call and collect options for emergency situations. Having been operating its depot in Scotland for 50 years, the company understands the market and the challenges its customers face and says: “it’s all about first-class customer service, flexibility, on time deliveries, and stock availability”. To deliver on these needs, the company is committed to helping merchants increase sales and can support with point of sale display materials such as banners, product display boards, and product literature. Something Brett Martin offers is a focused plumbing and drainage package for those operating within this industry. Brett Martin has highlighted its offering for builder merchants in Scotland By David Osgar By David Osgar
APPLICATIONS / NEWS email: news@signlink.co.uk 10 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 www.signlink.co.uk Wide-format specialist MacroArt has completed its largest wrap project to date, creating and installing a 280sq m mural installation at the worldfamous Blenheim Palace. Working alongside Creative Gravy, the 12m-high piece was produced to cover essential repairs being made to the Flagstaff. The wrap features a collection of art created by 30 budding artists from across Oxford, aged between eight and 25. Printed on MacroArt’s Durst 512R, the mural was stitched together before being installed on the outside of the building that was the birthplace of Sir Winston Chuchill. The impressive mural took the MacroArt team three days to construct, one day to install, and two days to build the framework behind it to ensure it remains in place and holds up against the elements. MacroArt’s group account director, Mike Hamling, comments; “Not only is this our biggest installation to date with [Blenheim Palace], but it is also fantastic to support such a great cause that is Oxfordshire Youth. Witnessing young artists take inspiration from seeing their designs now in situ.” MacroArt signs off on record Blenheim Palace project The wrap measures 12m high and is MacroArt's largest wrap to date Banana distributor Chiquita is bringing its iconic yellow banana buses to London again this summer for the ninth year of the special campaign. Seven fully electric buses will run along central and high-pollution transportation routes from the beginning of July to mid-August, helping to cut emissions in the capital. Each bus is wrapped in Chiquita’s signature yellow and blue colours to spread the word about the brand while raising awareness of the benefits of electric-powered vehicles. “Chiquita is so excited to be back on the bustling streets of London embracing the tenets of sustainability as we forge ahead on our journey towards climate solution,” says Peter Stedman, Chiquita’s director of sustainability. “These bright buses will continue to help consumers to build an environmentally friendly future.” Shining bright in London Large-format print and design business, Print Station, has used Kavalan PVC-free banner to deck out a vegan restaurant in Windsor. The restaurant, named Garden of Eden, is owned by Manjinder Bhandal who wanted to dispel some of the negative associations of being vegan and show the world that "vegan food is good food". He knew how to create a great menu, but needed help with the aesthetics. Bhandal wanted a simple design with neutral, earthy colours with a dedicated children’s play area incorporated into the design. On the advice of CMYUK, Chonkaria and the team opted for Kavalan Gecko 320 GB, a greyback wallcovering material for the interiors printed using a JETRIX flatbed LED printer. Print Station used Kavalan PVC-free banner to decorate the new restaurant The buses were in service from July to mid-August Print Station decks out vegan eatery with Kavalan Large-format print and fabrication company, Stylographics, recently used Print Floor from Soyang Europe to produce an eye-catching retail window display for global fashion brand, Marc Jacobs. The company has partnered with Marc Jacobs on a number of projects to showcase its brand with the latest collaboration being the retail window display. Stylographics was tasked with creating a display that would draw the attention of passers-by and tempt them into the store with the design featuring a bold black and white pattern stretching around the entire window frame. To achieve this, the company used Print Floor, a PVC flooring material from Soyang Europe, and printed the design using its Durst P10 250HS UV inkjet printer. Print Floor was chosen due to its hard-wearing and reliable properties. Stylographics sets new trends Marble Arch hosts first brand takeover After being awarded the Best in London network award, Vodafone has celebrated by becoming the first brand to advertise on the purpose-built sleeve covering the Marble Arch in London. The out-of-home (OOH) sleeve has been constructed while an extensive conservation project is underway to maintain and protect the iconic London landmark. Managed by outdoor media owner Ocean Outdoor, the activation is running through the month of august, covering the six arches and four panels of Marble Arch. Maria Koutsoudakis, Vodafone’s UK head of brand, says: "We are incredibly excited to be the first brand to take an OOH spot on the new Marble Arch advertising sleeve to recognise our reliable, award-winning network being named 'Best in London'. “This unique opportunity at Marble Arch is the perfect way to celebrate, allowing us to give back to London by playing a part in supporting the conservation of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks." Vodafone won the Best in London award via European network testing agency NET CHECK and was tested on speed, capacity, and quality. By Rob Fletcher Vodafone has become the first brand to invest in advertising space on the Marble Arch during its renovation By David Osgar
KIT & MEDIA / NEWS 14 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 www.signlink.co.uk A global manufacturer of adhesive-coated products, Drytac has partnered with Premier Paper Group which has become the latest stockist of its products. Drytac trademarks include SpotOn, ReTac, ViziPrint, Polar, WipeErase, ChalkMate, Facemount, and Emerytex. Premier will stock the UK-manufactured Drytac stock in branches throughout the UK and through GMPI in Ireland. Chief executive officer at Drytac, Hayden Kelley, says: “Here at Drytac, we want our products to be easy to print, easy to install, and easily available. We are so excited to announce that the Drytac range will be stocked and distributed by Premier from its branches across the UK and Ireland, making it even easier and quicker to get the Drytac product that you are looking for.” Brad West, Premier’s Wide Format Media sales director, comments: “This is a significant move for us. The Drytac range will be stocked throughout our branch network and in-depth at our display graphics centre in Wellingborough.” Germany’s Fokina sets market first with Fujifilm German graphics business Fokina has become the first company in the world to invest in an Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED from Fujifilm. The new machine will run alongside an original Acuity Ultra model, which was installed back in February of 2020. The first device was used to print Fujifilm’s stand graphics for a number of events including FESPA last year. Fokina visited Fujifilm at the spring event to finalise its purchase of the new printer. The machine will be used to print on materials such as forex, PVC, dibond, self-adhesives, banners, and mesh. “The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED is the full package,” says Sven Breiter, managing director of Fokina, adding: “The media transportation process is very smooth, and its ink drop placement is highly precise. “As ever, Fujifilm went above and beyond. When I was shown the machine at the demo in Broadstairs, I was able to print my own jobs – and I saw for myself the high speed and quality it was able to deliver. “It made perfect sense to invest in another Fujifilm printer following the success we’ve had with the Acuity Ultra.” David Burton, business director of Fujifilm Wide-Format Inkjet Systems, adds: “Fokina has been a valued partner of ours for a number of years.” Fokina purchased the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED at FESPA Print Global Expo 2023 Premier Paper Group is a supplier of paper, packaging, and materials to the UK market Premier Paper to stock Drytac Shore Wraps invests in Epson SureColor kit from Perfect Colours Scotland-based vehicle wrapping and livery specialist, Shore Wraps, has invested in the Epson SC-S80600 to expand its solutions to customers and meet increased demand. Shore Wraps approached Epson supplier Perfect Colours looking for a system that could produce vibrant colours reliably. With Perfect Colours’ guidance, Shore Wraps decided to make the move from Latex to the solvent printer. The first job produced using the new technology was a wrap for a Lamborghini that entered this year’s Cannon Run luxury driving experience. The client for this project wanted to print on non-printable satin pearlescent film. However, Shore Wraps suggested they wait for the 80600 to be installed and as a result they were very happy with the finished look. “The new system makes all the difference,” explains Chris Williams, managing director of Shore Wraps. “The results are vibrant, it gives branding more life, and we have complete confidence in its ability to accurately recreate our vivid designs.” Shore Wraps first used its new Epson SureColor SC-S80600 to wrap a Lamborghini that had entered the Cannon Run Innotech pens exclusive deal with Heytex Bramsche Innotech Digital has finalised an exclusive distribution agreement with Heytex Bramsche to supply its Side Curtain products for trucks and trailers in the UK. Under the deal, Innotech will now offer the Heytex Side Curtains range of banner materials, which are supplied in 900gsm, in 2.5m and 3m widths, and are specifically designed for use as truck curtains. The product is immediately available in 17 different colours but can also be manufactured to meet the specific colour requirements of customer. Heytex Side Curtains are also the first of its product's kind in the industry to be designed for latex print. Water-based ink is free from harmful chemicals, making it more environmentally friendly and less harmful to people. Kieran Dallow, marketing manager at Innotech Digital, says: “Heytex Bramsche products have a fantastic reputation, and I am sure they will be very well-received in the UK. We specialise in supplying a broad range of grand-format products for our customers directly from stock, and we will be doing this with the Heytex Side Curtains. “These are heavy, durable and very high-quality products, and customers will be able to order them for same day or next day delivery as and when they need them.” Heytex Side Curtains are suitable for use with Latex inks Rob Fletcher Rob Fletcher signlink signlink signlinkmagazine
Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS Canon and 3M have announced that the Colorado M-series along with its UVgel 460 white ink have been approved for the 3M MCS Warranty program. The 3M MCS Warranty provides non-prorated protection for the intended lifespan of a graphic and includes protection against fading, cracking, peeling, blistering, discolouration, and many other aspects of print performance. The Colorado M-series and its UVgel 460 inks had to pass a series of rigorous tests in order to qualify for its approval. Released earlier this year the Colorado M-series was launched as a single, fully modular platform that can be configured to the growing needs of graphic businesses. The 3M warranty covers usage in vehicle graphics, signs, displays, floor graphics, and more; and now covers the Colorado 1630, Colorado 1650, and the Colorado M-series with the UVgel 460 inkset. Loughborough University invests in VeloBlade Nexus Vivid Laminating Technologies has revealed Loughborough University has brought its production in-house with the purchase of a VeloBlade Nexus digital die-cutting system. Print, Post and Logistic Services is part of marketing and advancement at Loughborough and is an in-plant service that supports all teaching, research, and enterprise activity. In addition to this, the department offers services to commercial customers mainly consisting of students, community groups, staff, and alumni, and therefore needed an automated solution to bring its production in-house in order to save time and money. The University provides a managed MFD service to both the Loughborough and London campuses, offering services such as cut-sheet printing and finishing, large-format print, branded gifts and souvenirs, corporate workwear, and promotional goods. Helen Clarke, Print, Post and Logistic Services manager at Loughborough University, comments: “The decision to implement a Vivid system was easy. Ever since incorporating the VeloBlade Nexus, we have successfully brought previously outsourced services in-house, resulting in significant cost savings for our University and introducing numerous commercial benefits. “In these early stages of our Nexus implementation, we are delighted with the seamless installation process carried out by the team, as well as the training they provided. Though we acknowledge there is much to explore and learn, we are grateful for the invaluable direct telephone support we receive from Matthew Milnes, which has been immensely beneficial to our team.” Loughborough University has invested in a Vivid VeloBlade Nexus to bring production in-house Canon is seeing growth in the take-up of its Colorado platform and patented UVgel Canon M-series approved for 3M MCS Warranty PressOn to demo Maribu laminator Producers of high-quality large-format digital print, PressOn, was so impressed with Marabu’s Clear Shield Gloss water-based liquid coating that it purchased a Marabu Starlam 1600R liquid roll laminator. Following the purchase, the company is now offering to demonstrate the technology to other potential purchasers. Based in Chatham, Kent, PressOn has been using Clear Shield Gloss for over ten years and has always been enthusiastic about its protection for digital print. The way the new Starlam 1600R liquid roll laminator works with the Gloss is an added bonus with the company keen to highlight this to other businesses. “Marabu’s ready-to-use water-based liquid technology Clear Shield Gloss has been enhancing the overall protection of our digital printed output for many years,” says Andy Wilson, PressOn managing director. “It has played an integral part in meeting and exceeding the expectations of customers taking delivery of massive amounts of finished artwork for vehicle livery.” Andy Wilson, managing director of PressOn with the Marabu Starlam 1600R Innotech becomes PONGS distributor Innotech Digital has been appointed as an authorised distributor of PONGS fabrics in the UK, further broadening its range of materials and collaborators. Founded in 1913, PONGS is a recognised worldwide brand which produces all its textile products at its German-based factories. Innotech will distribute the majority of the PONGS range which can be used for a range of purposes such as décor, banners, displays, and acoustic fabrics, along with a range of creative and functional needs. Bernd Lautenbach, chief executive officer and owner at PONGS, says: "Innotech has caught the eye as a first-class supplier to our industry. It has built an excellent reputation for being a dependable and comprehensive supplier to the wide-format print sector. “This aligns perfectly with our own commitment to excellence, and we are looking forward to working with them to expand our innovative and inspiring textile solutions in the UK market." Head of procurement at Innotech, Deepak Bhat, adds: “This partnership strengthens our position as the leading materials supplier in the wide- and grand-format print sector.” Innotech supplies a range of display hardware such as roller banners and light boxes Carys Evans email: news@signlink.co.uk 15 Issue 249 - October / November 2023
ENVIRONMENT / NEWS email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 245 - February / March 2023 18 Signs Express invests in Net Zero Signs Express has announced it is working with Carbon Neutral Britain to determine the carbon footprint of its near-60 different centres. The signs and graphics franchise has detailed its carbon neutral status for 2023 and its drive to improve the environmental impact of the company as a whole. Director of Signs Express Limited, Aaron Davis, says the latest news is a “fabulous first step for Signs Express” and is helping to “raise awareness for these important issues across our network.” Signs Express has pointed to the fact that the industry has been traditionally creative and innovative, but the materials, machinery, and waste used has led to large carbon outputs. Due to this, the franchise has gathered data across a 12-month period, measuring carbon emissions from each centre’s operating activities, production machinery, and power outputs, along with the floorspace, to determine a clear picture of the franchise’s carbon footprint. The emissions have then been offset by supporting global reforestation projects which help education, employment, clean water, and local wildlife and ecology. Davis comments: “Far from being a token gesture, this is an important first step on a much longer journey and a broader set of environmental commitments, as we work towards Net Zero Carbon. “We constantly monitor the supply chain for new products and ideas and share these across our network, to keep centre managers informed and up to date. We offer customers a growing range of greener products and services and reduce our waste to landfill through improved waste management systems (with trials already in place with Reconomy).” David adds: “We feel this is very timely as the UK signage industry and suppliers come to terms with regulation, the need for every business to be environmentally considerate, and of course the growing number of customers who want more environmentally sustainable options. FESPA UK launches Sustainable Waste Academy FESPA UK Association has announced the launch of its latest project in order to drive environmental awareness through the print, signage, and graphics industries. The Sustainable Waste Academy will be a three-stage programme which will educate attendees on a range of different environmental issues. The first event was held at FESPA UK’s Sustainability Training Room at its headquarters in South Yorkshire on September 27th. The one-day courses are delivered by Jon Hutton, director at Reconomy and the Sustainable Waste Consultant at FESPA UK, and educate businesses about the different aspects of waste management. The course gives an overview of the key areas in waste management and covers important topics such as changing attitudes, greenwashing, and how contractors handle and process waste. Hutton explains: ‘’During these engaging courses, I’ll delve into areas such as developing a waste management strategy for today's graphics consumer markets; the circular economy; the UK’s Waste Industry and Recycling Industry infrastructures; and a how-to roadmap for a sustainable waste management Journey. “This will enable businesses to identify more suitable materials and help brand their business as sustainable. You’ll be acquiring the tools and understanding to make a positive impact, differentiate projects, and meet the expectations of an increasingly conscious world.’’ Suzi Ward, managing director at FESPA UK, adds: “There is also a lack of clarity and a huge gap in understanding the reality of waste management and what is achievable within print and signage. “Both Jon and I are passionate about being able to offer businesses the opportunity to grow their knowledge in a way that will empower them to have open and honest conversations with their clients about what can realistically be achieved with their end-of-use products.” The event will have a range of materials from suppliers on hand for attendees to consider and give businesses the chance to network and share ideas with like-minded people. The new courses will be delivered from 10am to 3pm and include lunch and networking opportunities By David Osgar Signs Express is working with Carbon Neutral Britain which is the UK’s Carbon Offsetting Initiative to help battle climate change By David Osgar
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22 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 www.signlink.co.uk UNDER THE HOOD / FUJIFILM ACUITY PRIME HYBRID Fujifilm has been extremely successful with its Acuity Prime series of printers with the manufacturer pushing the envelope of both quality and production, carving a name for itself for being able to print on both flexible and rigid media. Never one to sit on its laurels, Fujifilm released at FESPA 2023 a new model in the form of the Acuity Prime Hybrid which clearly expands the capability of this series of printers. The Acuity Prime Hybrid has one major and significant difference (it might seem obvious but does need saying), it can print on both flat materials and now can print on reel-fed substrates too. This now greatly expands the ability and scope over that of the Acuity Prime model. However, when you look at the printer, Fujifilm has been clearly investing significant time and energy to ensure the new machine retains a small footprint. It would have been very easy to add the new media handling equipment expanding the capability at the cost of both the aesthetics and size of the printer. This has not been the case with the Acuity Prime Hybrid, the printer does not look any bigger, and the media handling tables for rigid substrate seamlessly fit into the body of the machine. Should you wish to switch to a reel-fed substrate, you simply remove a table front and rear of the printer, fold them up, and wheel them to some convenient place in the shop. With the tables removed, the media handling system is directly in front of you. Just because the reel handling is tucked away under the table of the printer, it is by no means undersized or lacking the ability to hold media. The Acuity Prime Hybrid has the capacity to hold reels up to 100kg in weight and this is down to Fujifilm retaining proud reference to maintaining ‘industrial build’ quality within the machine, not only in the media handling but throughout the machine. Ready To Go Fujifilm logically made no significant changes from the Acuity Prime when it designed the Hybrid model. Both models have the same robustly engineered overarm which carries the printhead. The Acuity Prime Hybrid is the printer that focuses on a CMYK inkset but with very good reason. As with any printer of this nature, there are six printing modes you can run production on depending on speed and colour laydown and there is image smoothing to ensure the highest quality of image regardless of production mode selected. Fujifilm recently launched the latest in the successful line of printers in its Acuity Prime range, this time with hybrid capability, for both roll and flatbed production. Brian Sims takes a closer look Should you wish to switch to reel-fed substrate, you simply remove a table front and rear of the printer, fold them up, and wheel them to some convenient place in the shop Fully Flexible Production ▼ Industrial build quality gives the Acuity Prime Hybrid capacity to hold reels up to 100kg
manufacturer is keen to demonstrate the machine initially in the top speed mode to win over the potential client with print quality, only then to advise there is potential for more. Being LED UV in nature, the colour is not the only benefit, as we all know the LED aspect of the curing means energy consumption is very low and the product is not only dry on demand but heat does not affect the more delicate flexible substrates you are likely to be printing. Another feature pulled from the Acuity Prime and one that Fujifilm is particularly proud of is the Automatic Printhead Maintenance System (APMS). Fujifilm has designed a system for the printhead that allows the machine to make the decision as to when the cleaning cycle should take place. Through market research, the manufacturer found that printers were spending time at the start of production preparing and cleaning the printhead, which they claim was costing printers around 30 minutes at the start of the day or week. Brian Sims Principal Consultant, Metis Print Consultancy, www.metis-uk.eu Fujifilm is confident in the fact that printing in one of the quicker production modes does not change the colour gamut, which can be an issue with a number of other printers. The manufacturer can demonstrate that regardless of the speed, there is no need for additional light cyan or magenta ink to fortify the image as the colour gamut is just as wide. The major upside to this is the cost of operation as utilising a process set keeps costs down. However, should you require it, the Acuity Prime Hybrid has up to seven channels which can include the use of clear, white, or a primer if there is the need for the use of additional image support. The printer contains the market-leading Ricoh Gen 5 printheads which can have variable droplet sizes from 7 to 21 picolitres depending on the production mode selected. The use of this printhead obviously sets the Acuity Prime Hybrid in the direction of quality output. The ability to do this comes not only from the inkjet heads themselves but the investment that Fujifilm makes in the production of the inks. The Uvjet HM LED inks are developed and manufactured in the UK by a large group of technicians and due to this the Acuity Prime Hybrid can lay down a low film of ink but the strength, high pigmentation, and vibrancy means the colour gamut is wide as claimed. With this in mind, the ▲ Highly pigmented inks mean higher production speeds do not affect colour gamut Colours: CMYK/W/Cl/primer Max print width: 2000mm Production speed: 141 m2/hr. Max reel weight 100kg Statistics The Acuity Prime Hybrid uses the APMS to prepare the printer when it is idle, it cleans and cycles the inks in the device such that when you come to use the machine, it is set and ready to print as soon as you are. Users In Mind Fujifilm goes to great lengths to ensure that the design of all its equipment has the operator at its core. This is the same for the Acuity Prime Hybrid and one of the key features of the flatbed version is a very user-friendly GUI which means the operation of the printer is clear and easy. To ensure the maintenance of the printer is equally as simple, there are status lights for the ink levels and access to the printhead, when needed, is straightforward. There are a number of less prominent features on the Acuity Prime Hybrid that makes the operator's life easier without them really knowing. Equipment built into the print carriage such as ionising static bars will make printing on some more troublesome substrates easier. This type of function on a printer is not overly obvious but it all shows the focus and investment Fujifilm makes to ensure its equipment runs smoothly with the minimum of operator intervention. Overall it is clear to see why the Acuity Prime Hybrid has been brought to market; it relies on proven equipment with the addition of new features expanding capability. UNDER THE HOOD / FUJIFILM ACUITY PRIME HYBRID 23 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk
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