FINANCE AND FUNDING | DAVID OSGAR As businesses continue to look at new ways to grow and bring in new revenue, we listen to advice from a handful of finance providers to find out the key talking points in the world of asset finance and financial borrowing FINANCING THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS Investment has always been critical to the print and sign-making industries. From presses and flatbeds to cutters, software, and finishing equipment, the need to continually upgrade and adapt is crucial to stay relevant and up to date. What has changed in recent years is the role finance plays in the process. Finance isn’t just a way to acquire machinery, instead, finance and funding is increasingly being used as a strategic tool to strengthen businesses, improve resilience, and support long-term growth. As the industry heads into 2026, printers and sign-makers are operating in a complex environment shaped by rising costs, sustainability pressures, evolving customer expectations, and ongoing economic uncertainty. Yet, despite these challenges, demand for finance remains steady. Here, we speak to specialists working closely within the two industries, to show that businesses which approach finance proactively are better placed to navigate change and invest with confidence. A Market Still Investing, but More Selectively Despite wider economic pressures, investment across the print and sign-making sectors has remained robust. According to Paul Philbrick, managing director of the Print team at Close Brothers Asset Finance, demand for funding has continued at a steady pace, driven largely by digital print technologies, which are being used in packaging and publishing applications. Sustainability is also playing a central role in investment decisions. “There’s been an ongoing focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly materials and inks really gaining traction,” Philbrick notes. This is not simply about meeting environmental targets but responding to customer expectations and improving operational efficiency. Philbrick also says that onshoring of print 45 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026
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