RIP workflows, cutting, and finishing, this can reduce manual intervention and increase productivity. “There are also opportunities in offering specialist products, materials, and finishing services that customers cannot easily produce themselves, creating value beyond simply competing on price.” Adaptable Partners Round off the discussion is Scott Conway, co-founder and director of Venture Banners, who says while customers still expect competitive pricing, they are also placing greater value on reliability, and consistency – in addition to a “much broader mix of work” from companies. “Their customers increasingly want to have as many of their needs as possible met in one place,” Conway says, adding: “While fairly standard, repeat requests were previously much more common, companies are now more frequently after a varied mix of products and need partners that can give them access to those capabilities without requiring them to invest in every piece of equipment themselves. “There is also more demand for products that are light to transport, easy to install, and able to be reused and recycled. Textile signage is a great example of this; five years ago, PVC banners and mesh would have often been the default, but today there is significant demand for lightweight, reusable textile alternatives.” There are plenty of opportunities for trade printers willing to evolve, provided they stay focused on what their customers need Conway goes on to say that there will always be pressure on price, but a race to the bottom leaves little room to invest in equipment, people, service, or future product development. He continues that for trade printers focused on helping customers expand what they can sell, using their scale and specialist capabilities, there is a “substantial” growth opportunity. “Successful businesses will need to be adaptable,” he says, adding: “Product and service demands will continue to evolve, particularly around textiles, reuse, sustainability, and material choice – so trade printers must be willing to test new solutions and invest where they see worth. “Above all, success will be defined by trust. Customers need partners that are honest about what is achievable, consistent in the quality they provide, and transparent and proactive if an issue arises. The trade printers that remove friction and risk for print businesses and allow them to concentrate on selling more print and adding more value for their own customers will be the ones that thrive.” For all the investment in technology, automation, and production capacity, the role of the trade printer comes back to a simple idea: helping customers do more. As expectations around speed, flexibility, and service continue to rise, those that can combine capability with a genuine understanding of their customers’ businesses will be well placed to remain an important part of the print supply chain. Some trade print companies are dedicated to certain specialist areas such as large-format, textiles, packaging, and promotional print Factoid ▼ Event Set Services and Jellyfish Print constructed The Knowledge Zone speaker area for The Print Show 2026 46 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 363 - November | December 2026 TRADE PRINTERS | ROB FLETCHER
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