Register at: www.thesignshow.co.uk 0117 980 5049 | sales@thesignshow.co.uk register for FREE ENTRY at www.thesignshow.co.uk The UK’s annual dedicated sign expo co-located with Hall 3 |NEC Birmingham 23-25 September 2025 Dedicated to the far-reaching UK sign-making industry, The Sign Show is a new event launching this year. The show will focus on providing the solutions sign companies need to succeed and grow. Co-located with The Print Show, the event will address the core areas of sign-making, offering insight into the processes, materials and technologies across segments such as sign fabrication, sign lighting, vinyl wrapping, CNC production and digital signage.
The UK’s annual dedicated sign expo co-located with
CONTENTS Issue 356 September / October 2025 ISSN 2977-005X NEWS Industry 08 Business 10 Software 14 People 16 Materials 18 KIT & consumables 20 Events | THE print show 2025 26 Check out all features, solutions, and equipment you can see at this year's show SPECIALS The Print Show Preview 39 Under the Hood: Fujifilm Acuity Triton 44 INDUSTRY TIPS: COLIN SINCLAIR MCDERMOTT 48 175 Years of Heidelberg 52 We travel back in time to look at the impressive timeline of this historic company Supplier spotlight: swissqprint 56 fresh Perspectives: Natalie evans 59 Using a Pr service 62 Accessing R&D Funding 66 Q&A: Joan Perez Pericot, HP industrial 70 FEATURES Trade printers 73 An important part of the industry, we look at the role the role of trade printers in 2025 Speciality Papers 79 MIS Systems 84 Lamination Equipment 91 IN THIS ISSUE 79 47 56 26 52 66 84 59 91 5 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356
Hello and welcome to Print Monthly September/October! It’s that time of year again when summer is over and many businesses must adapt to the “back to normal” mentality of the country as children go back to school, and workers return after taking annual leave. September also means the return of The Print Show, which is taking place once again at the NEC in Birmingham, in Hall 3 from September 23rd to 25th. This edition is our annual preview edition which is packed with all the information you need ahead of and at the show this year. Personally, I’m really excited for year’s edition, not only because it is the biggest show in recent years, but also because of the co-locating Sign Show, which will bring a whole host of creative applications and solutions to the show floor, including neon glass bending, traditional sign painting, and vehicle wrapping at The School of Wrap. Print Monthly will be there for the entire show on Stand P70 showcasing what we offer as a multimedia platform, including on stand interviews which will go out on YouTube and LinkedIn throughout the entire show. If you’d like to chat to us say hello to one of our team members, we’d be happy to hear from you! As well as information regarding The Print Show, this edition has a whole sleugh of useful articles and features to help you succeed in business. We have a guest article on page 66 about accessing R&D from Kene Partners, KC Media tells us all the benefits of using a PR service on page 62, and we speak to a host of trade printers in the industry on page 73. We also take a special deep dive into the fascinating 175-year history of press manufacturer, HEIDELBERG, on page 52. We hope you enjoy this bumper edition and I hope to see you at this year’s Print Show! ISSUE 356September / October 2025 Publishing director: Page Tuck Production: Ben Mallon Contributors: Rob Fletcher, Michael Walker, Colin Sinclair McDermott, Natalie Evans, Kene Partners, Mixie von Bormann Contact Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Production: 0117 980 5041 Accounts: 0117 980 5042 Find us online www.printmonthly.co.uk Socials 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 Print Monthly 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 David Osgar david@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Jan Thomas jan@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Manager Tim Hall tim@linkpublishing.co.uk Graphic Designer Ben Mallon ben@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Kathryn Quinn k.quinn@linkpublishing.co.uk printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Printed on Sappi Magno Satin from EBB Paper CBP00015512002182040 EDITOR S NOTE MEET THE TEAM VIDEO COVERAGE Scan the QR code to watch our video coverage over on our Print7 YouTube channel Multimedia Journalist Jonathan Pert jonathan@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Executive Lucas Naylor lucas@linkpublishing.co.uk printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink 6 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 Feature Writer Rob Fletcher rob@linkpublishing.co.uk It's with a heavy heart that we are announcing the passing of our beloved office dog, Skye. A great companion to our sales manager Tim, Skye fit her role as office therapist perfectly as she brought both calming energy and excitement to the company. She garnered much attention from colleagues and readers of our magazine, and in 2024 Skye won the Long Service Award for Innotech's Pets in Print awards. We won't forget you Skye – The Link Publishing team A SAD GOODBYE Skye enjoying the atmosphere at one of Print Monthly’s annual summer BBQs Skye, 2011-2025
INDUSTRY / NEWS The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has released a series of resources over the past few weeks, including its Q3 report. The outlook shows “strongly negative” industry confidence despite output and order growth. The association has also published its biennial UK Printing Facts & Figures resource and the Priorities for Print lobbying document. The facts and figures are put together using a range of official sources and covers the structure of the industry by region and product, while also highlighting its economic importance and productivity credentials. According to the Q3 Outlook, the UK print and printed packaging industries have experienced stronger output and order growth in Q2. A further boost in growth has been forecasted for Q3. However, the report states that industry confidence remains precarious, with the general state of trade being significantly negative, below forecast, and expected to remain negative in Q3. Respondents to the survey are generally more positive about the performance of their own companies, but less confident about the wider industry. According to the BPIF, the fact that industry confidence appears to be moving in the opposite direction to output and orders suggests some weakness in either the industry or the economy. Major industry concerns include fears over pricing levels, demand, wage pressures, and securing skilled employees. This is combined with general economic concerns such as slow economic growth and rising inflation. BPIF updates industry with Q3 outlook The previous Q2 report stated that industry confidence was “precariously positioned” Pureprint celebrates Oasis Live Tour Print and marketing solutions provider, Pureprint Group, has celebrated the work it carried out such as printed tour programmes and posters for the ongoing Oasis Live '25 Tour. The reunion tour marks Oasis' first live appearances since the band split in 2009 with 17 dates across five cities in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Pureprint was tasked with producing programmes and posters for the tour, which were sold both at the shows and at a series of official Oasis pop-up retail experiences. A video released by Pureprint on LinkedIn shows the merchandise being printed on a lithographic press. Speaking about the collaboration, Pureprint says: “It’s been amazing to see premium print playing a key role in one of the biggest cultural moments of the year. A bunch of the team have already been to shows, with more going this week and throughout the summer.” By Jonathan Pert printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Glastonbury Festival champions print HEIDELBERG UK partnered with the Glastonbury Festival this summer, supporting the festival newspaper, the Glastonbury Free Press. The newspaper is produced in the Free Press section of the festival on a vintage 1950s seven-ton HEIDELBERG cylinder press. The 70-year-old HEIDELBERG press is reportedly still in perfect running condition. The HEIDELBERG letterpress machine reportedly drew thousands of visitors, including children and printing and publishing veterans who worked in London’s iconic Fleet Street, the old heart of the British newspaper industry. The newspaper is distributed for free around the festival at different locations and times, plus a series of collectible posters are printed with a different theme each year, which are sold during the course of the festival. As part of this partnership, HEIDELBERG UK announced an apprenticeship opportunity for one young person nominated by Glastonbury Festival Events and its partners. The selected apprentice will receive comprehensive training, gaining hands-on experience with new equipment and techniques across HEIDELBERG’s UK operations. Managed print solutions provider, Apogee, has been announced as the lead sponsor of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) charity mud run. The charity event, dubbed ‘Get Muddy for MTW’, is taking place on Saturday October 4th, challenging participants to complete a 90-minute run through a purpose-built muddy obstacle course at Nuclear Wild Forest in Brentwood, Essex. The mud run will help to raise funds for MTW, with donations helping to ensure the patients of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals continue to receive quality care. The event is open to all participants aged 13 and over. Claire Ashby, head of charity and fundraising at MTW, says: “Last year, with the support of Apogee, our abseil challenge raised an incredible £43,000, which has helped to fund a range of initiatives at MTW for the benefit of our patients and staff. We hope that this year's ‘Get Muddy for MTW’ event will be just as successful, offering an unforgettable day for participants and further improvements for our patients." Apogee sponsors charity mud run Participants must complete in a 90-minute ‘mud run’ The newspaper, now in its 12th year of production, is distributed for free 8 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 By Jonathan Pert The programmes and posters have been sold both at shows and at a series of pop-up retail experiences
INDUSTRY / NEWS The Printing Charity has opened ticket sales for its Annual Luncheon event, offering print industry members the chance to network and reunite ahead of the Christmas period. This year’s event, the 196th Annual Luncheon hosted by the charity, will take place at Plaisterers’ Hall in central London on November 13th. The move to a new, larger venue at the very centre of the City of London, is designed to provide more people with the chance to attend the event and spend time in the company of the print community. This year’s keynote speaker is former prime minister, Theresa May, the Printing Charity’s 2025 President. May, who was elected to the role in February 2025, is the second woman to hold the position for The Printing Charity since its name change in 2010, following fellow conservative, Nicky Morgan, in 2024. Major changes to the Universal Postal Service (UPS) in the UK have come into legal effect as of July 28th. Under the reforms of the Universal Service Obligation (USO), which were refined through a detailed consultation process, Royal Mail will continue to provide a six-day-a-week service for First Class letters, but SecondClass letters will now be delivered over three alternate weekdays instead of six. Saturday deliveries will no longer apply to this category, while parcels will reportedly remain unaffected by these changes. Royal Mail’s quality of service targets are also being reset following the changes. First class on-time delivery targets will drop from 93% to 90%, and Second Class from 98.5% to 95%. A new "tail of mail" target has also been introduced meaning 99% of First Class letters must now arrive within three days, and Second Class within five days. A number of industry professionals within the mail and communications industries have responded to the reforms since they have come into legal effect. Among these is Mark Statton, head of public sector strategy at mail and shipping solutions provider, Quadient, who says: "The recent USO reform and reduction in second-class postal deliveries underscores a significant shift in the traditional mail model. “Organisations that rely exclusively on physical mail must explore blended communications to avoid delays in customer engagement, missed SLAs, and potential regulatory risks. At Quadient, we’re seeing more SMEs and local authorities adopt blended communication strategies to ensure messages reliably reach their intended recipients.” At the time of the announcement of the reforms, The Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP), came out in support of the changes. Lucy Swanston, chair of the SMP, said: “As an industry, Ofcom’s announcement represents the most significant change to the Universal Service in decades. We hope the changes announced will help Royal Mail better protect the one-price-goes-anywhere service that our customers value, and support the delivery of a more reliable, efficient, and financially sustainable postal service.” The new quality targets will be enforced by Ofcom from April 1st, 2026, with the organisation closely monitoring Royal Mail’s implementation progress in the preceding period. Ofcom is also aiming for consistent communication with the industry throughout this period, including the creation of a stakeholder forum to share updates and gather feedback. According to Royal Mail, parcel services are not affected by the changes Ticket sales opened for Printing Charity Luncheon A UK-based printing company which created a unique model for online creators to publish books is celebrating three years in business. Found’s modus operandi is to take the content posted online by influencers with large followings and monetise it by turning it into professional quality books. The Found model works on the basis of print-on-demand, with creators’ only commitment to promote their book via their channels. Found has so far signed up a range of creators across the UK and USA, many of whom have hundreds of thousands of followers across their channels and with videos that have been viewed millions of times. Since its launch, Found is reported to have sold more than 270,000 books with 345 different titles, earning some of the creators’ life changing amounts of money. Among the most successful is US-based Luke Brown, aka cookinginthemidwest, who has 1.7 million followers on Instagram and who has sold more than 31,000 copies of his first book. Industry responds to major Royal Mail reforms Success for independent UK publisher Those wishing to attend the drinks can book tickets via The Printing Charity website Found takes the content posted by influencers and converts it into books 9 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert
Xerox has announced a strategic partnership with Kyocera, agreeing to source Kyocera’s high-speed cut-sheet inkjet production presses. The collaboration between the two print press manufacturers marks Xerox’s re-entry into the cut-sheet inkjet market, significantly broadening its production print portfolio. The new presses, sold and serviced by Xerox, will be branded under the Xerox name and will come with Xerox-developed software, integration, and service capabilities. Availability and model-specific details will be announced later this year. Through this partnership, Xerox will aim to offer its customers high-performance, cost-effective colour inkjet presses, integrated with the Xerox Production Ecosystem of automated and AI-assisted workflow solutions. Japanese offset print press manufacturer, Komori, has secured a new ten-year lease for a premises for its UK team in Triangle Business Park, Batley, West Yorkshire. Advised by commercial property consultancy, Dunlop Heywood, Komori will be relocating from its current premises in Seacroft, Leeds, moving to a new 11,000sq ft unit six miles from Leeds city centre and half a mile south of junction 27 of the M62. According to Dunlop Heywood, Komori chose the unit because of the accessibility of its location, as well as its efficient layout which Komori believes will streamline workflows and support future growth. Steve Turner, UK sales director for Komori, says: “The move underscores K o m o r i ’ s commitment to investing in high-quality premises that enhance operational efficiency. As well as being the prestigious headquarters of the UK operation, the new facility houses a comprehensive parts storage and distribution department. Its location right next to the major motorway networks and only a few miles from Leeds-Bradford Airport is perfectly suited to support optimal distribution arrangements.” The news comes following the unveiling of a new Komori press purchased by UK greetings card specialist, Woodmansterne. The company officially unveiled its new Komori Lithrone GX40RP, which was christened with the name ‘The Croxley Press’ at its Magna Park site in Milton Keynes on June 27th. The press was reportedly named after Woodmansterne’s Watford site, which is located near Croxley Green and previously housed the Croxley paper mill. BUSINESS / NEWS Komori secures new UK premises Renz acquired by Plockmatic Ian Bullock, Renz managing director Plockmatic Group has signed an agreement to acquire Renz, an international producer of ring wire binding machines and supplies headquartered in Heubach, Germany. Founded in 1908, Renz has been estimated to have clients in more than 80 countries, with offerings including ring wire binding machines for professional and office segments, as well as in-house production of wire binding consumables. The purchase follows reported difficulties for Renz during the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced it into insolvency proceedings in 2024. The insolvency process is expected to be finalised during Q3 of 2025, with the closing of Plockmatic’s transaction expected to happen in conjunction. By Jonathan Pert Komori is undertaking a comprehensive fit-out of the premises ahead of its occupation The Shetland Times, the most northerly newspaper in the UK and Shetland’s only weekly newspaper, has been printed in Shetland for the final time. The newspaper officially announced in June that it had been purchased by Highland News and Media, a publisher that owns a range of Scottish newspapers including The Inverness Courier, The Northern Scot, and The Huntly Express. The move away from Shetland marks what the publication calls “the end of an era” after 153 years in publication on the Scottish Island. In its announcement, The Shetland Times said that the paper will now be printed in mainland Scotland, in full colour and in a more compact size. The purchase saves the publication from closure, securing both the future of the title and the employment of five journalists and two advertising staff. However, the change of print facility will result in the loss of jobs for the staff who had worked at the Shetland facility, some of whom had reportedly worked for the publication for close to half a century. The future of the newspaper had been left uncertain after it was put up for sale in April, with co-owner and director of the paper, Robert Wishart, stating that if new owners couldn’t be found, the publication would have to close down. The Shetland Times had faced difficulties in recent years, attributing falling sales on the rise of social media and a presumption that “news should be provided for free online”. Shetland print facility closes after 153 years Xerox forms Kyocera partnership By Jonathan Pert The Shetland Times was first established in 1872 10 September / October 2025 - Issue 356
Landa Digital Printing has filed for court protection following cash flow problems that led to the laying off of Landa employees. At the time of writing, the company is still under court protection and is seeking a new owner. According to information gathered by Globes, a financial newspaper in Israel, the shareholders of the Rehovot-based printing manufacturer have informed the company's management that they intend to stop financing the company. Israeli daily newspaper, Calcalist, says Landa’s total debts amount to roughly $516m (£377m), of which unsecured creditors, including suppliers, are owed an estimated $88m (£64m). The company has cited “regional instability” including the Gaza-Israel conflict, as having caused financial difficulties, as well as a number of unspecified “commercial reasons”. As a result of these factors, the company has reportedly found itself in a cash flow crisis. In response, the company has carried out a reorganisation process in recent weeks, including the laying off of over 100 employees, roughly 20% of its workforce. Landa Digital Printing was launched by Benny Landa in 2011, with its core offering being its Nanography technology, which utilises nano-pigment droplets designed to transfer a completely dry image to the substrate. Landa invested significantly in drupa 2024, with a sizable stand presenting a full range of the company’s offerings including its S11 and S11P presses, which were launched at the trade show. Many reports and publications have speculated that HP is the main party interested in acquiring Landa. Calcalist claims that Landa hired Japanese investment bank, Nomura, to oversee the sale process, with a range of manufacturers expressing interest in acquiring the company. HP has a previous history with Landa founder, Benny Landa, having previously bought his first digital printing company, Indigo, for $850m (£570m) at time of purchase in 2002. HP has since released a wide range of solutions under the Indigo banner, including its recent HP Indigo 120K and 18K B2 presses. HP is speculated to purchase the company with investment group, FIMI, which is Israel’s biggest private equity firm and largest industrial body in Israel’s economy. Since news of Landa’s situation has hit the web, many of its customers, partners, and followers have come out in support of the company. Lucien Moons, chief marketing manager for Victory Percentage Publishing, said on LinkedIn: “Let’s be absolutely clear, this is not a failure. This is a strategic reset – an industrial reset. A move that allows a company to reconfigure, re-prioritize, and rise again […] if there’s one man who’s always seen further than most in our industry, it’s Benny Landa.” Landa looks for new owners due to cash flow crisis There are currently more than 50 Landa machines installed worldwide, with many more reportedly in the pipeline By Jonathan Pert BUSINESS / NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Xeretec, a provider of managed IT and print services and the UK’s largest Xerox partner, has announced the acquisition of long-standing Xerox vendor, First Copy. According to Xeretec, the acquisition of First Copy aims to strengthen its market position and enhance its reach, reinforcing its place as one of the largest Xerox partners in Europe. Xeretec also stated that the acquisition will combine First Copy’s community involvement and local service with Xeretec’s broader national infrastructure and its capabilities across print and IT. Steve Hawkins, chief executive officer of Xeretec, says: “First Copy has built its reputation on trusted relationships and dedicated local service. “We’re proud to carry that forward – while introducing the added strength of Xeretec’s broader offering. From award-winning print expertise to a full suite of IT services, we’re here to deliver even greater value, insight, and support to help customers succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.” Duplo UK has announced a new strategic partnership with global finishing technology specialist, C.P. Bourg, becoming its distribution partner in the UK as of August 1st, 2025. The agreement strengthens the alliance between the two print finishing manufacturers, with Duplo also recently appointed as C.P. Bourg’s distributor in France. The full C.P. Bourg range will now be available through Duplo in the UK with full sales, service, and support delivered by Duplo’s nationwide customer service and engineering team. This partnership will significantly enhance Duplo’s portfolio, with the aim of cementing its position as a leading supplier of automated print finishing solutions in the UK. Its portfolio now ranges from multi-finishers, die-cutters, and perfect binders to inline and nearline booklet makers. Duplo UK announces partnership with C.P. Bourg [Pictured] Xeretec chief executive officer, Steve Hawkins 12 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 By Jonathan Pert C.P. Bourg produces in-line booklet making and perfect binding systems Xeretec expands with First copy purchase By Jonathan Pert
SOFTWARE / NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink LT Print Group has officially launched a new site dedicated entirely to the company’s short-run keg collar printing services. The new site, aptly named kegcollars.co.uk, aims to provide breweries with a simplified and creative route to market for seasonal and smallbatch keg runs, homing in on what the company sees as a growing market. LT Print has a growing client base in the drinks sector which includes Floc. Brewery, Beavertown, and The Five Points Brewing Company. The website gives customers control over print production including custom shapes and Pantone colour matching. Customers can order runs of different sizes and frequencies, from one-off festival exclusives to rolling seasonal series. Artworker, a cloud-based prepress automation platform, has announced a new integration with PrintLogic, a print management information system (MIS) developed by Wildcard Software. The collaboration between Artworker and Wildcard allows for a connected workflow spanning from estimates and order creation in PrintLogic through to preflight checks, file corrections, and proofing in Artworker. The technology aims to give full visibility across both systems, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry. When a new order is placed in the PrintLogic MIS, a job is then automatically created in Artworker, complete with key job details. Once artwork is signed off and ready to go to print, order statuses are then automatically updated in PrintLogic. Speaking of the PrintLogic integration, Nate Duckworth, co-founder at Artworker, says: “PrintLogic has consistently been one of our most requested MIS integrations from our UK users, which is a testament to the value it adds. We’re proud to deliver this connection, helping teams save time, reduce errors, and improve turnaround.” Early adopters of the new integration have already reported significant improvements to their workflows and operations. The integration is part of Artworker’s mission to bridge the knowledge gap between printers and their customers. The new integration combines prepress automation with streamlined estimates and order creation LT Print launches keg printing website Print provider reports major speed boost with Vivid Zip Core software Polidano Press, a print and packaging service provider based in Malta, has reported significant cost and time savings after integrating the Zip Core Packaging Suite from Vivid Laminating Systems. Zip Core is a CAD/CAM packaging workflow software that has been created to optimise the packaging design process. The software offers a library of ready-made templates, packaging presets, and 3D rendering capabilities designed to improve turnaround times and allow design concepts to be delivered with greater speed and efficiency. The suite is designed to integrate seamlessly with tools Polidano already relies on such as Adobe Illustrator, which simplified the transition process. The company also highlighted the userfriendly and intuitive interface as being a core reason for its decision to use Zip Core. Polidano has reported that these efficiencies have led to reduced costs since integrating the software, as well as significantly faster turnaround times. Canon has announced the launch of its new Subscription Security Services, designed to deliver end-toend security protection for businesses to safeguard end point devices, documents, and data. Canon’s Subscription Security Services integrate with the security features in Canon’s existing cloud solutions, such as Cloud Connector and uniFLOW Online. The services include ‘device hardening’ capabilities, automated firmware updates, data backup, and secure data destruction as standard. The device hardening capabilities are designed to ensure all print and scan devices on the network are protected under a unified security policy. Automated firmware updates are designed to ensure devices are always running the latest software, with patches applied to mitigate against potential vulnerabilities, minimising the need for manual updates. The real-time threat detection allows security issues to be flagged as they occur, designed to enable companies to react quickly to threats and implement safeguards. Rapid recovery capabilities also allow for faster restoration of compromised devices, reducing potential downtime. Artworker announces integration with PrintLogic Canon helps combat costly data breaches By Jonathan Pert LT Print’s client base includes the famous Beavertown brewery The security services are available now across the UK and Europe Vivid offers a wide range of finishing solutions to the international market 14 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert
15 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 NEC Birmingham September 23-25, 2025 www.thesignshow.co.uk REGISTER TODAY! S240 Feature Stand
Bishops Printers has launched a new wave of investment targeted at boosting opportunities for young people entering the print industry. Under the leadership of production director, Paul Cull, the Portsmouth-based print service provider (PSP) aims to place an apprentice in every department of the company’s factory. As the company puts it, the investment aims to invest “not in machines, but in people.” The initiative is designed to reimagine how apprenticeships can drive both professional growth and team morale. By expanding its apprenticeship scheme to every department, it aims to create a cycle of learning, support, and shared success for the apprentices across the entire company. An apprentice in the print room has already been hired – Lavinia Tewkesbury, known as Vinnie by the team. According to the company, she has “quickly become a catalyst for change,” inspiring her team and her mentors with “a strong work ethic and seemingly insatiable curiosity.” Keith Kirby, Tewkesbury’s lead mentor and one of Bishops’ most experienced printers with over 40 years at the company, says that the apprenticeship scheme is “the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. He adds: “Vinnie is fantastic. She challenges me, she listens, she asks questions, and she makes me laugh. She’s changed the atmosphere in the print room.” Tewkesbury first joined Bishops as a folder operator, where her enthusiasm and attention to detail reportedly stood out. Bishops Printers “invests in people” with new scheme The scheme aims to place an apprentice in every department of the company’s factory Antalis makes double appointment Antalis has announced two appointments of commercial roles within its packaging division, as part of its goals for growth. Ben Baskeyfield has been hired by Antalis Packaging in the newly created role of business development manager, where he is tasked with driving new business across the UK as part of the national team. Sean McNamee has also been hired as national account manager, where he will be in charge of accounts including Schneider Electric and The Goodfish Group. McNamee also arrives from MacFarlane Packaging, having worked at the company for over five years including as sales manager. PEOPLE / NEWS Jonathan Pert [L to R] Ben Baskeyfield and Sean McNamee both previously worked for MacFarlane Packaging printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Joanne Grundy, quality and systems manager at flexographic plate manufacturer, Contact Originators, has won the Packaging Operations Excellence award at the inaugural Women In Packaging Excellence Awards. Grundy was presented the Packaging Operations Excellence Award for delivering measurable impact for Contact, particularly by being a driving force behind the company’s sustainability strategy and quality management. This included helping Contact to achieve EcoVadis Gold certification and carbon neutral status, as well as implementing waste reduction programmes that saved a reported 47 tonnes of waste in 2024 alone. Speaking of her award, Grundy says: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition.” Pureprint Group has created a new senior group level role which has been made to reflect the company’s ambitions to accelerate growth across all areas of the business. Appointed to the new role of director of strategic growth, Andy Lydiatt has previously worked at Communisis and most recently Precision Proco. In his new role, Lydiatt will lead strategic planning and execution as well as work with teams across the group in order to identify marketing opportunities and react to the evolving needs of customers. Pureprint says the appointment and role is also a part of its strategy to unify its people, manufacturing, technology, and creative teams. Pureprint appoints new director Joanne Grundy wins at packaging awards SCREEN appoints new head of sales Print press manufacturer, SCREEN, has appointed Bobby Grauf as its new head of sales for the UK and Ireland. Grauf enters the role with over three decades of experience in the print industry, most recently as head of business development EMEA for print automation software developer, Antigro Designer. Grauf’s other experience ranges from hands-on technical roles to international sales and commercial management, with companies including Agfa and Inkcups. In Grauf’s new role, he will give particular focus to supporting and expanding SCREEN’s presence in the commercial printing market through promoting the company’s Truepress JET digital press range. [L to R] Former Olympic athlete, Sally Gunnell, Jo Grundy of Contact Originators, and Waqas Qureshi, editor of Packaging News Bobby Grauf previously worked as head of business development EMEA for Antigro Designer Andy Lydiatt, newly appointed director of strategic growth 16 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 David Osgar
MATERIALS / NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink UK-based independent paper and board supplier, Elliott Baxter and Company (EBB) has announced its certification to ISO 22000, the internationally recognised standard for food safety management systems. While many of EBB’s mill partners already produce certified food-safe materials, the addition of ISO 22000 certification ensures that EBB’s own storage, handling, and distribution processes meet the same standards, aiming to provide a fully compliant chain from mill to customer. This certification was made possible in part by the recent investment in EBB’s new Leicester distribution facility, which was developed to support food-safe operations. Investments in the site included introducing a formal HACCP plan, allergen control policies, and enhanced hygiene procedures. The site is also registered with Sedex, a technology company that specialises in data, insights, and professional services to empower supply chain sustainability. UK paper manufacturer, James Cropper, has announced that it will bring its range of more than 50 coloured paper shades under a single brand, announcing plans to “own the future of colour in paper.” The new colour portfolio, which will be designed, formulated, and crafted entirely in the UK at the company’s Lake District mill, will be available directly from James Cropper as well as from selected merchant partners. In his announcement about the new portfolio, Paul Barber, managing director of Paper and Packaging at James Cropper, stresses that "this is not a refresh – this is a declaration.” Barber says: "We were the first to produce coloured paper, and we’re proud of that legacy, but we’re not here to look backwards – we’re here to own the future of colour in paper. What we’re planning has been refined over 50 years of proprietary fibre and colour formulations. This is the latest step on our industry-defining journey.” James Cropper has produced colour paper since at least 1856, when it was the first company in the world to produce coloured paper using synthetic dyes. James Cropper describes itself as UK’s sole remaining manufacturer of speciality-coloured papers. In its statement about the new range, the company highlights what it feels is an industry trend of paper suppliers cutting back on colour options and moving production overseas. In contrast, James Cropper says that it is “doubling down on its UK roots”, reimagining colours that have already been in continuous UK production for decades while also aiming to “meet the future demands of brands, designers, and converters.” The range will be produced entirely on-site at James Cropper’s 180-yearold Burneside mill in Cumbria, which is located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each sheet will be made using the company’s own ‘dyed-in-thefibre’ process, designed to provide high depth, vibrancy, and longevity. The full brand identity and colour portfolio will be unveiled in an exclusive showcase event, with details to be announced in due course. The new range brings over 50 of its coloured paper shades under a single brand EBB achieves ISO certification UK paper and board supplier, Chapelton, has announced the release of Sustaina Black, a sustainable black barrier coating for packaging applications. The new product is a result of a strategic partnership with Nature Coatings, a biochemical company that turns wood waste into black pigments. Sustaina Black, an offering within Chapelton’s wider Sustaina range of sustainable packaging papers and boards, utilises Nature Coatings’ BioBlack pigment, which provides a non-toxic alternative to petroleum-derived carbon black. Unlike many traditional black pigments, BioBlack is carbon-negative, free from harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and designed to be safe for direct food contact. Chapelton’s Sustaina range targets multiple sectors including food and beverage packaging, luxury goods, retail packaging, consumer packaged goods (CPG), printing, and graphic arts. Sustaina Black specifically addresses a growing industry demand for sustainable, safe, and fully recyclable packaging materials. James Cropper vows to “own the future of colour in paper” New sustainable black coating for packaging released EBB’s new Leicester facility was developed to support foodsafe operations By Jonathan Pert Sustaina Black is designed as a non-toxic alternative to petroleum-derived carbon black pigment 18 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert
Dorset-based book printer, CMP, has invested in a Horizon BQ-500 iCE binder from Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), in response to growing demand for fast turnaround and short-run production. Established in 1995, CMP specialises in offering book printing services to publishers and self-publishing authors, producing softback and hardback books in both monochrome and full colour. The company previously invested in a Horizon HT-300 iCE trimmer in 2024, running it alongside a Horizon BQ470 four clamp perfect binder. The new BQ-500 iCE binder was added to further increase capacity, in response to what it sees as a significant growth in the short-run book sector in the last two years. After installation, CMP reported an immediate impact, including boosted output and reduced downtime. Commercial print corporation, The Printed Group, has announced the installation of a third Canon varioPRINT iX3200 press at its Cramlington headquarters, as part of wider operational expansion. The iX3200 digital sheetfed inkjet press, which offers variable data printing and a DFD interface for inline finishing, was purchased to consolidate the company’s small-format operations and respond to growing customer demand across its various brands. Brands under The Printed Group umbrella include online print platform, Printed.com, end-to-end print management platform, PrintedDirect, and print and marketing agency for the property sector, Ravensworth. The addition of the third varioPRINT iX3200, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of the summer, will enable The Printed Group to produce up to a reported 200,000 SRA3 sheets per day across their three presses. This enhanced capacity aims to assure fast and reliable production for a wide range of products including leaflets, flyers, business cards, wedding invitations, books, and postcards. The installation follows The Printed Group’s recent announcement of a new production facility it has purchased in Cramlington, bringing its total production space to 50,000sq ft. The Canon iX3200 is designed to handle a variety of materials including textured stocks and silk finishes. The Printed Group believes that this aligns with Printed.com’s expanding product range, addressing varied client requirements while ensuring quality. [L to R] Kevin Hutchinson, production manager, and Nicola Carney, operations director, both from The Printed Group, with the new varioPRINT iX3200 Book printer invests in new Horizon binder First Duplo iSaddle SENSHI purchased in UK Direct-Ed, a publisher of school books, has become the first company in the UK to purchase a Duplo iSaddle SENSHI saddle stitcher. Founded in 1995 and based in Accrington, Lancashire, Direct-Ed specialises in producing high-volume, personalised school exercise books and educational print materials. Their annual output reaches up to two million books, supplied both directly to schools and through trade channels. The finishing solution was acquired by Direct-Ed to replace one of its two ageing Müller Martini saddle stitchers, a sheetfed Horizon booklet system, and an older Duplo DBM-5000 booklet system. The iSaddle SENSHI offers barcode-driven automation and touchscreen controls designed to reduce reliance on skilled operators, combating labour shortages, and what Duplo sees as a diminishing pool of finishing expertise. The machine has been engineered for ease of use, with automated job changes and with operators guided by a PC-based graphical interface. Pureprint Imprint, the wide-format and retail services arm of Pureprint Group, has boosted its output with the installation of a new Durst P5 350 HS press at its Newcastle site. The investment aims to support growing demand for retail point-of-sale (POS) and out-of-home (OOH) campaigns, positioning Pureprint Imprint to deliver a faster and more responsive service to an expanding base of retail clients and brand partners. The Durst P5 350 HS hybrid press is capable of both roll-to-roll and directto-media printing on flat sheet and rigid substrates up to a width of 3.5m. In its high-speed configuration, it can deliver reported speeds of up to 708sq m/h. Among the other features of the P5 350 HS is a white ink channel designed for high-impact print applications. The addition of the press to Pureprint’s arsenal builds on a series of kit investments over the last 12 months including a Durst P5 350 HSR D4 roll-to-roll, a second PLASTGrommet All-in-One banner finishing system, and a Ribamatic TOP30 roll slitter. Printed.com purchases third Canon iX3200 Pureprint purchases Durst P5 By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert [L to R] Richard Johnson, operations director of CMP, and Paul Dawe, owner and director of CMP, with the Horizon BQ-500 iCE binder printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink KIT & CONSUMABLES / NEWS 20 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 By Jonathan Pert Staff from Direct-Ed and Duplo alongside the newly purchased Duplo iSaddle SENSHI Dave Bullivant, managing director of Pureprint Imprint, with the new Durst P5 350 HS
KIT & CONSUMABLES / NEWS Megnajet, a British manufacturer of fluid management solutions, has expanded its high-volume JetSource product range with the development of a system specifically designed for wider multi-printhead inkjet applications. The expansion of the range is designed to address the demands of OEMs and integrators for large-volume, high-duty applications. The new JetSource HFR features a two-litre fluid volume and an increased number of printhead inlets and outlets in comparison to previous models, with the aim of maximising productivity. The fluid management solution provides over 900W of heating power, allowing the JetSource HFR to quickly reach the desired temperature and ensure fast startups. It features dual heating and sensing features developed to ensure precise temperature regulation, as well as a barlevel internal bypass mode to allow for the full fluid volume to be recirculated and heated throughout the full system. The new system boasts precise pressure stabilisation and fast response to changes in print duty, using a venturi meniscus control system to ensure consistency when ejecting large volumes of fluid. Konica Minolta has announced the launch of its new AccurioPress C10500 and C10500S production presses, which complete the company’s C14010 series range. It has also unveiled another new press in its AccurioJet line, the AccurioJet 30000 digital UV inkjet press. The C10500 range is designed for commercial printers, in-house print rooms, and high-volume enterprises, designed to deliver quality output with minimal intervention. The presses utilise Konica Minolta’s Simitri V toner, which is designed to deliver an offset matte finish and low fusing temperatures. The S model adds fifth colour capabilities including white toner. Both the AccurioPress C10500 and C10500S use a raft of technology enhancements developed to streamline workflows and reduce manual intervention, including automatic adjustments and monitoring of colour profiles using the IQ-601 optimiser unit. The AccurioJet 30000 digital UV inkjet press, is its latest B2+ solution which provides upgrades to colour capabilities, production stability, and media handling in comparison to previous models. The new press follows a number of new presses released by Konica Minolta in 2025. Recent releases have included the ENHANCED version of its AccurioPress C7100 series, an upgrade to the AccurioPress C7100 and AccurioPress C7090 designed to deliver quicker turnaround times and greater media flexibility. The AccurioJet 30000 is reportedly capable of producing 3,000sph with automatic duplex printing and without the need for ink drying delays. It prints on paper thicknesses of 0.06 to 0.6mm and is compatible with specialty media including heavy textured stock, canvas, metallics, translucent stock, packaging board, and plastics. Konica Minolta has released a number of presses in 2025 British manufacturer launches new fluid management solution Fujifilm rebrands HS Series Fujifilm has rebranded its HS Series single-pass inkjet platform as the Acuity Aristo, aiming to show its evolution from a development-phase project to a commercially available high-speed inkjet solution. The presses, which are designed primarily for high-volume sign and display printing, are the result of a multi-year collaboration between Fujifilm and Spanish manufacturer, Barberán. Barberán’s mechanical technology forms the foundation of the platform, with contributions from Fujifilm including the development of a range of inks and the series’ commercialisation strategy. The newly named 1.6m Acuity Aristo HS6000 can reportedly print at maximum speeds of 6,000sq m/hr, handling sheets up to 300cm in length. The HS3000 is the HS6000’s more compact cousin, offering a reduced footprint and a slower speed while maintaining many of the press’ key features. The rebrand of the series brings the platform within Fujifilm’s Acuity portfolio, alongside the Acuity Prime and Acuity Ultra ranges, with Fujifilm now kickstarting plans for its broader global deployment. Oliver Mills, Barberán project marketing manager at Fujifilm Wide Format Inkjet Systems, says: "Rebranding the platform as Acuity Aristo marks a significant milestone, signalling its transition from research and development to a fully validated commercial product. “By combining Barberán’s mechanical engineering expertise with Fujifilm’s inkjet technology and ink development, we’ve created a powerful, production-ready platform for the ultrahigh-volume sign and display market.” Canon has announced a range of enhancements to its imagePRESS V1000 digital toner printer, designed to boost its productivity, reliability, and application versatility. The imagePRESS V1000, which reportedly has had more than 700 installations across EMEA and over 250 in EMEA in its first year, has received upgrades including a vacuum-fed paper deck, an updated user interface, and compatibility with longsheet handling accessories. The new vacuum-fed paper deck, which was added based on customer feedback, was previously available only on the imagePRESS V1350. The suction-feeding and paper separation technology delivers more reliable paper handling than previous models, particularly with challenging media. Konica Minolta brings new presses to market Canon enhances imagePRESS V1000 By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert Megnajet developed the JetSource HFR to give precise fluid control and conditioning The Acuity Aristo range is designed primarily for high-volume sign and display printing 21 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 The imagePRESS V1000 has already seen more than 700 installations across EMEA
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