the past five years. When it comes to how it has adapted to better serve its customers, Solopress says: “In recent years we’ve built distinct channels tailored to trade needs: Solopro for high-volume clients, Soloflo for integrated API ordering, and Brand Central for brand-managed portals. Soloflo allows clients to integrate ordering directly into their own systems, while Brand Central provides branded print portals for organisations with multiple users or locations. “Each is designed to remove friction, add flexibility, and specifically serve higher volume, higher frequency buyers.” Jane Wickens, head of marketing at Solopress, says that Solopro has been built to serve traditional trade customers and those with a high annual spend on print. “It’s clear that customers at that level have specific needs, meaning a focused service is better placed to provide bespoke products, flexible pricing, credit terms, and account management with proper print expertise,” adds Wickens. When it comes to how the trade-only space will evolve, and how products and services continue to expand, Wickens comments: “Advances in automation and AI make it quicker and more practical for trade printers to offer tailored procurement solutions, whether that’s through APIs, templated artwork, or portal-based ordering. That’s certainly a major area of focus for Solopress – using emerging technology to offer the flexibility and responsiveness that enables trade customers to move quickly, offer more, and achieve growth without overextending on capital investment.” Alongside developing solutions such as Brand Central, Solopress is also ensuring that Soloflo is made as simple as possible, improving setup processes and pricing management. “The aim is to remove as many barriers as possible, so trade customers can simply push a button and orders flow from end users through to Solopress printers,” explains Wickens. Her advice for those thinking about how to work with a company like Solopress is to not be hesitant in the first instance. “Don’t be put off by preconceptions around costs, logistics, or lead times. Any trade supplier worth their salt will have measures in place to make procurement cost-effective, pain free, and efficient. Research what different suppliers offer, and once you’re working together, make full use of the support available.” When it comes to working effectively with trade printers, another company that has weighed in is Tradeprint, a UK-based white-label print provider based in Dundee, Scotland. Sustainability lead and sales director at Tradeprint, Anthony Rowell, advises: “Be clear and upfront about your expectations and always provide detailed specifications. Good communication is key to a successful partnership – especially when turnaround times are tight. Also choose a supplier who shares your values and is transparent in how they operate.” For how Tradeprint is adapting to customers needs, Rowell says the company developed its Tradeprint PRO rewards scheme to support print professionals like resellers, managers, marketing agencies, and more. Rowell clarifies: “Members enjoy exclusive product discounts (up to 25%), can earn up to 15% in monthly credit rewards, and receive free express upgrades. “The programme features multiple membership tiers, with higher tiers offering greater benefits based on a company’s spend and job numbers. Additional perks include a personalised dashboard, account reviews, access to PRO tools, and special events. There is no joining fee, and you can sign up by completing a simple online application form. Once approved, you can start benefiting from all the rewards right away.” As evident by many of the companies featured in this article, connections and relationships are crucial for keeping a trade partnership alive, with Rowell saying that “the strength of the print industry lies in collaboration.” Alongside building these connections, Tradeprint says it is investing heavily in equipment, systems, sustainability, and services in order to be a dependable and supportive trade partner. The company’s expansion plans can be seen by its recent strategic move to expand operations into the Republic of Ireland, which was done in response to market demand from the region. Personal Touch An important factor already raised by those we have spoken to is building a good relationship with your trade printer. This is an element that is highlighted by Where the Trade Buys (WTTB) which, as the name suggests, is a trade printer for the industry, working in partnership with Precision Proco to produce a range of printed products and materials. Louise Stephenson, managing director at WTTB, points to Michaelle Batey, who leads onboarding at the company, as an example of someone who works with clients constantly to ensure they are supported as much as possible. “She guides every new customer personally, answers 75 www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 ▲ Michelle Pearce, commercial director at Bishops Printers, has worked in the industry since 1994 Don’t be put off by preconceptions around costs, logistics, or lead times. Any trade supplier worth their salt will have measures in place to make procurement cost-effective, pain free, and efficient TRADE PRINTERS | DAVID OSGAR
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