6 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 264 - April | May 2026 INDUSTRY | NEWS SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink Data and market intelligence specialist, Keypoint Intelligence, has released two new forecast reports analysing the global wide-format print market through to 2029. The studies aim to examine how print volume, technology adoption, and application value are shifting across regions and production environments. The reports, namely the ‘2024– 2029 Global Wide Format Print Forecast’ and the ‘2024–2029 Wide Format Value of Print Forecast’, reveal a market that, in the words of Keypoint Intelligence, “continues to grow selectively,” with performance increasingly shaped by “application mix and technology choice rather than overall print volume alone.” Discussing the findings of the forecasts, Johnny Shell, senior principal analyst (Wide Format Printing) at Keypoint Intelligence, says: “Wide-format printing is becoming more focused and more disciplined. Growth is concentrating in specific technologies and applications, and understanding those shifts is critical for vendors and suppliers planning their next moves.” The Global Wide Format Print Forecast analyses hardware placements and print volumes across a number of ink technologies, highlighting changes in production behaviour and workflow priorities. The Wide Format Value of Print Forecast, by contrast, examines how print value is distributed by application and region, aiming to provide insight into where revenue opportunities are strengthening or softening. According to the reports, the wide-format market will see an increased emphasis on productivity and output efficiency, as well as diverging growth patterns across regions and applications. The industry is also likely to see significant and ongoing shifts in the technology and application mix through to 2029. The focus on efficiency, driven by intensifying competition, labour shortages, and rising operational costs, will require a disciplined approach, with growth concentrating on technologies that deliver faster high-value output rather than just higher volume. While the reports suggest that success in more mature markets will be based on high-productivity technology and consolidation, emerging economies may offer faster growth but with a higher chance of economic volatility. In many regions, sectors like décor, textiles, and packaging are currently outpacing the core signage market in terms of growth, with many vendors responding by further diversifying their offerings. This trend of diversification from both technology providers and vendors is set to continue in the coming years. Both of the wide-format print reports are available for purchase on the Keypoint Intelligence website. The reports suggest a growing emphasis on productivity and output efficiency KGK Genix has launched a new 12-month mentoring scheme designed to support personal development, strengthen leadership skills, and invest in the long-term growth of both its people and the wider business. The programme is designed to bring together junior and middle management with members of KGK Genix’s senior leadership team, creating structured time for knowledge sharing, open conversation, and tailored development. By focusing on real challenges and individual goals, the scheme aims to go beyond traditional training to create meaningful progression opportunities. Mentoring is delivered across the company’s creative, production, operations, and business management departments, allowing it to be embedded throughout the organisation. According to the company, the response to the programme has been very positive, with a high level of interest from both mentors and mentees. KGK launches mentoring scheme By Jonathan Pert The programme was announced during National Apprenticeship Week A local Manchester vape shop has received criticism for a signage installation which residents have called “overly aggressive” and “a visual eyesore.” The controversy centres on brightly illuminated signage installed on the exterior of MCR 1, a vape and snack shop in the Stevenson Square conservation area of Manchester. The business occupies the site of the former Milano barbershop and Vina's newsagents. Residents and community organisers have criticised the signage for being inconsistent with the character of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Concerns from locals were also raised that the flashing lights on the sign could distract drivers and other road users in the busy square. The signage installation included a series of illuminated elements including internal illumination on a set of primary fascia signs, as well as a projecting faux-neon LED sign mounted perpendicular to the building’s face. Vape shop signage angers residents By Jonathan Pert The vape shop is situated in the historic Stevenson Square conservation area of Manchester. Image: Negative_Prompt1993 (Reddit) Keypoint Intelligence releases global wide-format forecasts By Jonathan Pert
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