BUSINESS / NEWS 10 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 344 - September / October 2023 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Yorkshire-based print company instantprint has celebrated reaching four years of being a Real Living Wage employer. Employees are paid £10.90ph or 4.5% more compared to the £10.42 national living wage and £10.18 minimum wage. The business also helps colleagues through a number of initiatives such as financial drop-in sessions, Westfield health schemes, and using mental health first aiders. The business has highlighted the decision to support staff more than ever due to rising costs and challenges for workers around the UK and the world. Instantprint supports team with higher wages Ricoh is praised by IDC MarketScape Ricoh Europe has been celebrating after a new report from IDC MarketScape named the company as a worldwide leader in high-speed inkjet solutions. Entitled ‘IDC MarketScape: Worldwide High-Speed Inkjet Press 2023 Vendor Assessment’, the report analyses Ricoh’s technological capabilities, product roadmap and R&D strategy, and support and services against the market and client needs. The report concluded that “all print service providers considering an investment in high-speed inkjet should put Ricoh on their vendor list”. Fedrigoni Group, a global manufacturer of speciality papers, premium labels, and self-adhesive materials has announced the launch of a new Innovation Center based in Verona, Italy. The centre, which is expected to be fully operational in Q1 of 2024, will reinforce Fedrigoni’s research and development (R&D) initiatives as well as continue the development and production of sustainable recycled and recyclable materials. The space will be 3,000sq m and is located next to Fedrigoni’s Verona-based office. Fedrigoni opens new Innovation Center Print and mailing company FDM has secured a contract worth £2m to produce the official ballot papers for the 2024 London Mayor and Assembly elections. Taking place on May 2nd next year, the election will decide who will lead London for the next four years. FDM will oversee the design, print, project management, and delivery of approximately 18 million ballot papers for the event. The awarding process was conducted by Transport for London (TfL) on behalf of the Greater London Authority (GLA). “We are delighted that the GLA has demonstrated its trust in us through our appointment as preferred supplier to the GLA ballot paper 2024 contract,” FDM sales director Ian Forster says. “As specialists in election services, it is a real privilege to be working on this landmark project. We are genuinely excited by the opportunity to deliver this highly complex, time-critical communication throughout London.” Alex Conway deputy Greater London returning officer, adds: “As would be expected, the tender process for this contract is detailed and rigorous. Its complexity and responsibility cannot be underestimated. “With the electoral experience that FDM has, alongside a proven track record of delivering against the strict parameters of such contracts, we are very pleased to announce that the company is our preferred partner.” FDM lands 2024 London Mayor ballot contract for May next year FDM will produce approximately 18 million ballot papers for the elections KBS Corporate has announced the sale of printing business Formara to boutique private investment firm Lifeboat Management. Founded in 1971, Formara operates as a printing specialist for commercial clients located in London and the Home Counties. The Southend-based company offers varied marketing and communications solutions to clients. KBS Corporate, which advised on the sale, did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. Fabio Rambelli, associate director at KBS Corporate, says: “It has been a pleasure working with all parties on this project. I wish Phil a very happy retirement and the Lifeboat team a successful and profitable future with Formara.” Formara bought by Lifeboat Management Bluprint UK, a supplier of consumables and parts for the printing industry is celebrating 20 years in business after navigating years of risks and challenges. The company started in 2003 when managing director Robb Harman moved from working in a busy industrial unit to setting up his own home office and converted outbuilding, dubbed the “International Distribution Centre”. Harman made the move in order to prioritise a better work-life balance and allow him to spend more time with his family while exploring new business opportunities. Harman says: "We are both grateful and humbled by what has been achieved from our modest beginnings. However, our mission has always extended beyond our own success.” The company has ensured it celebrates important milestones and a focus on colleague wellbeing by adopting a four-day workweek. Bluprint UK celebrates 20 years in business Bluprint created an expansive dealer network through Europe, Africa, and North/South America Financial details of the sale were not disclosed By Carys Evans
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