As technology evolves and more and more print and signage companies diversify, David Osgar looks at advice and solutions from providers of finance and funding in print, packaging, and wide-format print Choosing the Right Finance and Funding for You Over the past few years finance and funding have been crucially important to small and medium sized businesses as the market has turned more competitive, customer demands have changed, and the world has thrown several obstacles everybody’s way. Recently many businesses have restructured or changed management as older generations have passed on the baton, or some companies simply have struggled to adapt to changes in the marketplace. Here we highlight advice and insight into some of the financial and funding resources available to print and signage businesses which can help secure equipment, premises, and loans in order for businesses to offer the best possible products and services to their clients. Understanding the Market Key themes in the industry over the past few years have been diversification and automation, two things that can be brought about by investment in machinery and technology. Investment in the right tools can mean your business can solve problems with more output and offer better quality/more diverse products in order to increase profitability. A company often sees this transition is Compass Business Finance, an independent finance company established in 2005. The business specialises in providing what it calls flexible and competitive funding solutions tailored to the needs of businesses in print, signage, and packaging. When using financial services, Jamie Nelson, director of Compass, says: “Businesses should ensure they have a strong business proposition and choose a lender which understands the sector and SME lifecycles. It's essential to find a finance provider which can support the business from inception through growth, acting as a partner in the journey. The goal is growth, and your finance provider should understand your customers' value and your business's nuances, especially for larger projects or commitments.” Nelson also emphasises: “Our approach is relational rather than transactional, meaning we focus on building long-term relationships with our customers to support their growth and success.” Compass has acknowledged the growth in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as assets to businesses which can now improve workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance security. Compass also points to the increased popularity of sustainable solutions as a way that sign-makers are expanding and helping the way they operate. Sustainable initiatives can help to not only save on costs, but also improve branding, perception, and of course, the environment. When it comes to the challenges businesses are experiencing, Nelson comments: “Rising operational costs are placing an increasing strain on companies. Margins are being squeezed, and business owners are having to continually find ways of increasing the value of their products and services to their customers, whilst also finding efficiencies and creating value through new technologies.” With this in mind, many companies have adapted the way they operate or looked at Independent lenders and challenger banks are more flexible, focusing on understanding business needs and growth potential FINANCE AND FUNDING 41 Issue 258 - April / May 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk
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