Issue 263 - February | March 2026 www.signlink.co.uk
CONTENTS Issue:263 February | March 2026 ISSN 2976 - 9213 NEWS Industry 06 Business 07 Kit and consumables 10 environment 12 people 13 digital 14 Events 15 applications 16 SPECIALS Under the Hood: Hapond UP3321D 18 Industry Tips: Colin Sinclair McDermott 21 Fresh Perspectives: Rachel Nixon 24 Company Spotlight: Lavastar 28 Q&A: Katie Smith, Manchester Screen 30 FEATURES Hardware: Garment Printers 32 Software: Workflow software 37 Specialist: Sign-making tools 41 Business: Finance and Funding 45 Trending: ai in signage 49 IN THIS ISSUE 28 13 24 49 16 30 41 06 3 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026
ISSUE 263February | March 2026 Issue:263 Publishing director Page Tuck Production Ben Mallon Contributors Rob Fletcher, Michael Walker, Colin Sinclair McDermott, Rachel Nixon Contact Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Production: 0117 980 5041 Accounts: 0117 980 5042 Socials Find us online www.signlink.co.uk 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 SignLink 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 Features writer Rob Fletcher Rob@linkpublishing.co.uk Production manager Ben Mallon ben@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Kathryn Quinn k.quinn@linkpublishing.co.uk SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink Printed on Sappi Magno Satin from EBB Paper CBP00015512002182040 MEET THE TEAM VIDEO COVERAGE Scan the QR code to watch our video coverage over on our SignLink YouTube channel Commissioning editor Jonathan Pert jonathan@linkpublishing.co.uk It’s the first official edition of 2026 and with that comes the fresh changes and planning that often come at the start of the year. Here at SignLink it’s been a great time to prepare a lot of exciting content for the year ahead, including our 2026 Features List, which you check out under the advertising section of our website. This is a great opportunity for companies of all shapes and sizes to showcase their knowledge and experience from various parts of the industry. This edition is typical of the diversity and range of topics that fall within the wide-format and signage sectors. We also have our regular specials which once again demonstrate the skill and expertise being practiced every day in the industry. This edition’s Under the Hood (page 18) takes a look at how double-sided printing can benefit various businesses with China Print Supplies’ Hapond UP-3321D, while over in Industry Tips (page 21), Colin Sinclair McDermott makes the case for why a new salesperson may not always be the right answer to your problems. Our Fresh Perspectives article (page 24) is also proving to be a great chance to hear from emerging stars in the industry, with Rachel Nixon from IPL (Leeds) shining a light on not just graphic installations, but also the importance of women in the industry. With International Women’s Day falling this year on March 8th, it’s a good time to remember how important it is to embolden and encourage more women into print and signage in order to help the industries become stronger and more diverse. This can also be seen through our Q&A with Katie Smith (page 30), who also talks about making an impact in the world of out-ofhome (OOH) advertising, and encouraging more diversity into her business. Over in our features, you can find a whole host of relevant topics, including the role of AI in creating signage (page 49) where Jonathan Pert speaks to software providers, content creators, and wide-format printers to ask how they foresee AI being adopted. We also take a look at some of the latest garment printers in the market (page 33), and ask experts their advice when obtaining finance and funding in the world of signage and wide-format print (page 45). With that, I hope you make it through the potential cold and rain of February and March and I will see you in the next edition! EDITOR S NOTE [L to R] Sam Morgan and Donna James, directors at Signspeed in Pembrokeshire, catching up on 2025 news as they wait for the daffodils to bloom and spring to commence! Want to be featured in our next issue? Email: editor@signlink.co.uk WHERE ARE YOU READING SIGNLINK? Sales manager Tim Hall tim@linkpublishing.co.uk Watch Online 4 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026
6 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 UK sign-making company, Greens the Signmakers, has detailed the work it carried out to donate bespoke signage for a recent episode of DIY SOS. The episode of the BBC One TV show featured a project to transform a field in Beverley, East Yorkshire, into a new home for the local Cherry Tree Youth Club, which had not had a permanent venue since the Covid19 pandemic. The episode was broadcast on December 30th, 2025, during a ‘primetime’ 8pm slot. The project involved hundreds of volunteers from the local area as well as additional tradespeople from as far away as Devon. Greens, which is based in nearby Hull, donated bespoke exterior signage for the project, with the team volunteering their time for design, fabrication, and installation. Speaking about the work, Greens managing director Lawrence Green says: “We milled out a 10mm white acrylic sheet, cutting both the outer shape of the letters as well as rebating the face so we could inlay 5mm gold acrylic. They were then mounted on nylon locators, ensuring we picked up the high spots on the cladding.” Greens team members including Lawrence Green were featured on the show. The programme detailed some initial confusion about the placement of the signage, which the team at Greens quickly rectified. Greens managing director, Lawrence Green [L], was featured on the programme, speaking to presenter Nick Knowles [R] Greens the Signmakers featured on DIY SOS Women in Signs and Graphics has announced a new media partnership with the British Signs and Graphics Association (BSGA), following the group’s first in-person event in October. The media partnership will see Women in Signs and Graphics and the BSGA collaborate to deliver more industry events and initiatives, aiming to broaden the community that Women in Signs and Graphics has built to support even more women in the industry. The partnership with the BSGA came about following Women in Signs and Graphics’ inaugural in-person event, hosted by Project Display in Doncaster. At the event, Linda Edwards, managing director of BSGA, recognised the potential for a collaboration that built on similar events. Edwards then proposed the partnership to Women in Signs and Graphics co-founders, Izabella Ivanovici and Sarah Fenna, who are keen to work with like-minded individuals and female leaders such as Edwards to advance the group’s efforts. Women in Signs and Graphics was first founded in 2019 by Ivanovici and Fenna to inspire, encourage, and champion women in the signage industry. Ivanovici, who is also the owner of INV Recruitment, says: “Linda approached us about becoming members, and it felt like a natural fit. The BSGA has supported Women in Signs and Graphics for several years, and we look forward to collaborating on future projects to connect women across the industry.” Edwards adds: "We are delighted to welcome Women in Signs and Graphics as a media partner to the British Sign and Graphics Association. Their dedication to collaboration, empowerment, and elevating the visibility of talent within our industry aligns perfectly with our shared vision. I would like to personally thank Izabella and Sarah for championing this commitment, and I look forward to working together as we continue to support initiatives that bring meaningful representation to our industry.” Izabella Ivanovici [pictured], co-founded Women in Signs and Graphics in 2019 with Sarah Fenna BSGA announces new media partnership with Women in Signs and Graphics Gateshead-based signage specialist, Astley, has announced a new sponsorship partnership with local school, Harlow Green Primary School. As part of the initiative, children were invited to design artwork inspired by road safety themes, aiming to address safe driving and parking around their school. The overall winning entry by Harlow Green student, Eli, will now be brought to life as a professionally manufactured sign, produced at Astley’s Gateshead factory and installed at the school in February. Entries were reviewed by Astley’s board, narrowing submissions down to three finalists which the Astley workforce then voted from. On January 14th, Astley visited Harlow Green Primary to present a monetary donation to the school and celebrate the competition winners. The overall winner and two finalists were each awarded book vouchers in recognition of their efforts. Astley’s support for the school will continue throughout the year, including a second pupil competition planned for April designed to keep children engaged and encourage creativity. Astley brings primary school signage design to life Astley is supporting the enhancement of several key areas at the school including its SEN department By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert INDUSTRY | NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink By Jonathan Pert
7 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 £1m increase reported at Dominion Dominion, has announced “a significant phase of growth,” reporting an increase of £1m in turnover over the past two years. The jump in turnover follows a strategic rebrand, which includes a new visual identity, redesigned website, and revamped messaging. The revamp is designed to reposition the company from a simple supplier to a strategic print partner. Dominion has also highlighted its upcoming launch of The Print School – which the company describes as a “firstof-its-kind learning initiative” that will “upskill creative agencies, marketers, and brand teams” in the potential of print. Verity Fox, managing director of Dominion Moss, an international producer of event and retail graphics, has been acquired by Vomela, a North American provider of visual communications, graphics, and experiential events. The strategic acquisition aims to bring together what Moss describes as “two powerhouses serving the live events and experiential industries.” As part of the acquisition, Vomela will merge its Fusion events business unit into Moss, which will operate internationally under the unified name of ‘Moss, A Vomela Company.’ The aim is to preserve and leverage Moss’ global brand, which will continue to be led by Moss president and chief executive officer, Jason Popp. Moss also has operations in Spain, Germany, Poland, and the UK. The latter was previously known as MacroArt before it was acquired by Moss at the end of 2023. 75Media, an out-of-home (OOH) media company which claimed to be the number two market leader for wide-format roadside billboard sites in the UK, has entered liquidation and ceased trading. The company, which had its headquarters in Leeds with further offices in Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, and Birmingham, is now listed as ‘permanently closed’ on its Google Business profile. Before it entered voluntary liquidation, 75Media was estimated to have employed a team of more than 60 staff across its six offices. Last year the company acquired 595 new classic 48-sheet roadside OOH billboards, increasing its total estate from 580 to 1175. According to the company, this made it the UK’s second largest wide-format roadside billboard owner behind Global. The outdoor advertising company also announced a ‘seven-figure investment’ from Mercia Partners in March 2025. At the time of the investment, 75Media described itself as the “fastest-growing roadside media operator” in the UK. Announcing the news on LinkedIn, 75Media said: “The board of directors at 75Media Limited has made the very difficult decision to place the company into voluntary liquidation. “The board has explored every viable option to secure the long-term future of the business but sadly, despite extensive negotiations with our infrastructure landlord, it has not been possible to agree a way forward.” 75Media had a reported total deficiency of over £11m upon liquidation Moss purchased by Vomela Media announces shock liquidation [L to R] Mark Auth, president and CEO of The Vomela Companies; Joe Covington, senior VP at Fusion Imaging; Jason Popp, president and CEO of Moss; and Marc Jourlait, lead operating partner at The Riverside Company and chairman of the board of The Vomela Companies By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert Page Bros announces acquisition of BD&H Print and graphics provider, Page Bros Group, has announced the acquisition of BDH Tullford, also known as BD&H, a specialist in printed point-ofsale (POS), display, and signage. The strategic acquisition combines BD&H’s retail graphics experience with Page Bros’ established commercial print and fulfilment operations. With the purchase, Page Bros aims to meet an increased demand from its existing customer base for branded POS, wide-format print, and signage solutions. BD&H, meanwhile, will gain access to Page Bros’ operational support and infrastructure resources, including its fulfilment network. Printvision grows with investments Leicester-based trade printer, Printvision, has completed a series of investments, including the purchase of a swissQprint Kudu in order to support clients with high-end, wide-format and fabric prints. Recent investments by the company include expansion into 60,000 sq ft of space across four production sites, as well as a new MIS System, and a customer-focused website.The Kudu installation will help the firm in supplying large-format print, exhibition, and display solutions, especially more complex and creative applications thanks to the machine’s white and varnish options. By Jonathan Pert [L to R] Alex Tuya, CEO of Page Bros, with James Fox, MD of BD&H [L to R] Ash and Krit Patel from Printvision with the company’s new Kudu from swissQprint BUSINESS | NEWS 75 By Jonathan Pert
10 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 KIT & CONSUMABLES | NEWS Epson launches new high-production DTF printer Epson has announced the launch of the SureColor G9000, a new high-production directto-film (DTF) printer designed to meet what Epson sees as a growing global demand for flexible and efficient textile transfer printing. According to the print press manufacturer, DTF has become one of the fastest-expanding digital textile printing technologies since 2020 with a forecasted 8% annual growth, while traditional direct-to-garment (DTG) printing volumes have comparatively declined. Expanding Epson’s DTF line-up alongside the previously released SC-G6000, the SC-G9000 introduces a slew of new features developed to enhance speed, reliability, and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and textile producers. Phil McMullin, head of sales, Commercial & Industrial, at Epson UK, says: “Using proven technology from existing Epson platforms such as the SC-R5000 and SC-F3000, the SC-G9000 delivers the speed, reliability, and image quality customers expect from Epson, all while reducing the total cost of ownership and time to market for businesses expanding into DTFilm production.” The new press utilises Epson-manufactured printer units, printheads, inks, and software – aiming to ensure optimal quality, system compatibility, and long-term reliability. The DTF press integrates Epson’s PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead technology, a built-in front heater, and 1.6L UltraChrome DF ink pouches designed for sustained throughput. The printheads are also user-replaceable, with the goal of reducing downtime and service intervention. A default 1200x600dpi resolution achieves faster production speeds and higher image quality compared to previous models, while a new built-in after-heater has been developed to prevent ink dripping and broaden media compatibility. The system supports automatic daily maintenance, including a fabric wiper that cleans the printhead and automated cleaning of the suction cap, thereby reducing operator time and maximising uptime. The SC-G9000 also supports media capacity of up to 1,626mm wide rolls, reportedly making it compatible with all common DTF media widths on the market. McMullin adds: “Customers have told us they need greater productivity, more reliability, and less hands-on maintenance. The SC-G9000 delivers on all fronts, giving demanding production environments a high-performance solution engineered entirely by Epson.” The Epson SureColor G9000 will be available through authorised resellers from summer 2026 Ainsley Signs purchases new swissQprint Nyala Manchester-based sign-maker, Ainsely Signs, is aiming to expand into new markets following the installation of a new Generation 5 Nyala from swissQprint. Ainsley Signs installed the Nyala 5 with a roll-to-roll option and a CMYK, white, and varnish ink set. Managing director of Ainsley Signs, Dale Broadhead, who joined the company last year, says buying a Nyala had reportedly been high on his agenda for some time before arriving at Ainsley Signs. The purchase is part of a major investment programme which includes further investments in new finishing equipment, with plans to double the capacity of Ainsley Signs' Middleton site. By implementing this programme, Ainsley Signs aims to triple its turnover within the next five years. Ian Maxfield, regional sales manager at swissQprint UK, says: “Ainsley Signs is a business that's eager to grow into markets that demand higher quality and fast turnaround. We’re delighted that Ainsley has become the latest UK customer of this state-of-the-art next generation machine.” Ainsley Signs aims to triple its turnover in the next five years PrintMAX named top Roland dealer for third year running Wide-format print equipment supplier, printMAX, has retained the title as Roland DG’s most successful UK authorised dealer for 2025. The Hampshire-based reseller has won the award for its third consecutive year, having previously won the award in both 2024 and 2023. PrintMAX provides a comprehensive range of Roland’s wide-format, UV, and print-and-cut technologies alongside expert advice and aftersales care. According to printMAX, the company “works closely with Roland DG to showcase its latest innovations” across signage and graphics, industrial applications, and direct-to-object (DTO) printing. PrintMAX has hosted a number of open days demonstrating its range of Roland solutions. The latest, which took place in November, 2025, in Bristol, included hands-on demonstrations of rollto-roll and flatbed UV solutions, as well as a number of event-only offers and upgrade options. Recently Roland introduced technical enhancements to its TY-300 direct-to-film (DTF) printer, with the enhanced TY-300 introducing increased ink system capacity, improved white-ink stability, and a number of workflow optimisations. [L to R] Rob Goleniowski, regional general manager at Roland DG, and Michael Bolton, MD of printMAX By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink
11 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 Signs Express Newcastle has praised the impact of its newly installed HP Latex 630W, saying that the printer has extended its in-house production capabilities and allowed it to take on more high-margin work. Located just over ten miles from Newcastle city centre, the company forms part of the Signs Express franchise The company was previously producing a lot of this work on a HP Latex 330, which had been in place for over eight years. Measuring in at 1.63m wide, the HP Latex 630W has a calculated top speed of 14sq m/ hr in standard six-pass mode, with users also able to utilise a special white ink channel. Additional features include on-printer job storage of up to 10GB, automatic maintenance capabilities, and the ability to print on a wide range of substrates. Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK distributor of Mimaki print technology, has announced the latest enhancements to its TS330 series of dye sublimation printers, including the introduction of the TS330-1800. According to Hybrid and Mimaki, the Series is now compatible with Mimaki’s Sb411 inks in Orange, Violet, Fluorescent Pink, and Fluorescent Yellow. Mimaki says the release enhances colour flexibility and control, leading to improved colour and accuracy. Director of sales at Mimaki Europe, Arjen Evertse, says: “Achieving eye-catching prints is becoming increasingly important when printing textiles, particularly when it comes to branded material like signage or sportswear. To cater to this market need, vibrant inks like fluorescents give users the ability to produce more saturated, as well as more accurate, colours in their applications.” The new TS330-1800 is built with a bigger print width to cater for a broader array of applications, particularly within fashion, sportswear, textile signage, and home décor. The maximum print width of 1,940 mm is particularly useful for applications like curtains and also decreases sewing and pattern matching time. The TS330 series utilises Mimaki’s OEKO-TEX ECO-PASSPORT certified Sb411 inks which are highlighted for their visual impact and environmental credentials. With 11 different inks, suited for sportswear, fabric signage, and promotional merchandise, the colour range opens up extensive ink configurations leading to improved colour accuracy to help sectors where high colour fidelity is required. The new TS330-1800 will be available for purchase in the UK from Spring 2026 Signs Express Newcastle “elevates growth potential” with HP Latex 630W Mimaki announces upgrades to TS330 Series Signs Express Newcastle chose the new Latex device to boost output in key markets By Jonathan Pert Trade service provider, Xtreme Signs & Graphics, has purchased a Veloblade Nexus 3032 from Soyang Hardware, making it the first company in Ireland to purchase the machine. The investment in the digital die cutter was made in order to expand Xtreme Signs’ in-house cutting capabilities. The company, which has been running for over 17 years, offers a full range of trade services including exhibition fabrics, dye-sublimation, and UV printing. The Veloblade Nexus 3032 features a cutting area of 3,000 x 3,000mm and can work with stocks of up to 25mm thick, including materials like Dibond, MDF, and acrylic. Roisin Hennessy, co-owner of Xtreme Signs, says: “Our rapid growth in fabric printing created a new challenge: manual cutting couldn’t keep up with demand. We’re already seeing the results we hoped for,” adds Hennessy. “The changes have not only increased our fabric production but have also helped our team to work more smoothly, confidently, and investigate many more possibilities. It feels great to see our ideas turning into real progress.” Trade-only wide- and superwide-format digital print supplier, Super-Wide Digital, has spoken about the impact of a new Meevo MX Event sewing machine, which has allowed the company to take on work in new markets. The Meevo MX Event, which comes with silicone edge automated stitching (SEAS), was purchased from machinery supplier, Soyang Hardware, and was installed at Super-Wide Digital’s specialist production facility in the summer of 2025. The automated sewing solution automatically joins wide-format panels together, allowing for a range of display textile applications. While the machine has only been in place for a few months at Super-Wide Digital’s production facility in Bacup, near Manchester, the company has already reported a significant improvement in production. Andy Huskinson, digital production manager and comms development at Super-Wide Digital, says: “Its high-speed motor and automatic thread cutter save time by streamlining the process. This allows us to produce high-quality work quickly, meeting deadlines, and enabling us to produce more output in a shorter timeframe.” [Pictured] Super-Wide Digital finishing operator, Zoe Ward, using the new Meevo MX Event First Veloblade Nexus 3032 sold in Ireland Super-Wide Digital enters new markets with Meevo Roisin Hennessy, co-owner of Xtreme Signs & Graphics, with the new Veloblade Nexus 3032 By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert KIT & CONSUMABLES | NEWS By David Osgar
12 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 Papergraphics, a UK supplier of wide-format printing solutions, has announced a £1m programme of sustainability initiatives undertaken to lessen its environmental impact. As Michelle Dellow, product manager and sustainability lead at Papergraphics, explains: “Our sustainability efforts are motivated by the need to mitigate against rising operational costs, the desire to minimise environmental impact, and the critical need to meet customer expectations for environmental responsibility.” A key part of the investment involves installing solar panels across the roof of the company’s headquarters in Crawley. Over 648 panels were fitted in a month-long project, which is set to reduce energy costs significantly, with the official solar panel switch-on having taken place at the end of last month. The system can reportedly generate up to 266,700kWh annually, which is enough to power more than 100 average homes. The new clean energy source will be used mainly for Papergraphics’ day-to-day office requirements and the company’s new fleet of nine new electric and five plug-in hybrid vehicles. Any surplus energy will be supplied to the National Grid. The company has also invested in new sustainable solutions which aim to reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill. Papergraphics processes hundreds of media rolls daily, either converting them to specific roll sizes or delivering them to customers across the UK and Europe. Packaging materials alone contribute to large amounts of plastic and other difficult-to-recycle waste that previously ended up in landfill. To address this, the company has invested in three balers – two for plastic and one for cardboard. The plastic balers have reportedly already drastically reduced waste by compacting many forms of packaging plastic, including bubble wrap previously destined for landfill. Dellow says: “This reduction in waste collections cuts emissions and allows Papergraphics to reinvest savings into further sustainability projects. In just six months, we have recycled nearly four tonnes of plastic and over 15 tonnes of cardboard, diverting around 1,900 bin bags of waste from landfill.” Summarising her feelings on the investment, Dellow adds: “This is a long-term project the whole company is behind. We are so proud to have made some significant investments in important areas of the business that will help us be a better and more environmentally conscious organisation. There is a lot more still to do, but we are working hard to make sure every project delivers measurable improvements to our operational well-being.” Over 648 panels have been fitted at Papergraphics premises Papergraphics invests £1m in sustainable solutions By Jonathan Pert ENVIRONMENT | NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Scottish commercial printer, Tradeprint, has launched a pilot scheme for returning printed banners, designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of PVC and PVC-free display banners. The scheme, which Tradeprint describes as “pioneering” and a UK first, enables customers to return used banners to be recycled, with the collected materials repurposed into infrastructure products such as traffic cones and road barriers. As part of the pilot scheme, Tradeprint is working closely with visual communications media distributor, Antalis, leveraging its UK depot network as regional drop-off points. The collaboration aims to overcome logistical barriers to banner recycling, while supporting the scheme’s goal of being easy and scalable. The scheme was developed in part by a collaboration between Anthony Rowell, sales and customer success director and sustainability lead at Tradeprint, and Katie Farr, marketing and communications manager at Antalis. The pilot, which went live on January 5th, includes educational resources for customers, return incentives, and data on the CO₂ savings of returns. The initiative has also received early backing by Jon Hutton, director at FESPA UK Association and environmental services company, Reconomy, as well as additional support by the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA). Speaking of the new scheme, Rowell says: “Recycling isn't just about recovery; it's about respect for resources, for the planet, and for future generations. We are all really excited about this trial and so grateful for the support from the team at Antalis, Reconomy, FESPA UK, and the IPIA. I genuinely hope this inspires others to develop similar schemes.” As well as reducing the environmental impact of materials produced by Tradeprint, the initiative aims to establish a proof of concept for a scalable return model in the wider print and signage industries, with the long-term ambition of rolling out a fully scalable industry-wide model. [L to R] Anthony Rowell, sustainability lead at Tradeprint, and Katie Farr, marketing and communications manager at Antalis Tradeprint launches “pioneering” banner return scheme By Jonathan Pert
13 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 PEOPLE | NEWS Tributes Paid to Andrew Hickinbotham Tributes have been paid by several members of the exhibition industry, and its related sectors, to Andrew “Andy” Hickinbotham who passed away at the age of 54. In an article posted on LinkedIn, Mark Eddy, a board member for a variety of service companies, and managing director of Network Group, wrote about Hickinbotham who Eddy worked with for over 25 years. In his article, Eddy says “Andy was taken far too early,” and that he is “deeply rocked” by his passing. Hickinbotham’s last role was at exhibition and retail specialist, Tecna, where he worked as head of sales. Jordon Jones, installation technician at Tecna, says: “He was one of the most thoughtful, loving, wonderfully eccentric, and intelligent men I’ve come to know and have had the pleasure to work with.” After falling ill in late November, Hickinbotham was admitted to hospital six days before his passing where he was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive renal sarcoma. In his article, Eddy expressed the thoughts of him and others to Hickinbotham’s family who were in his words: “Proud of everything that Andrew achieved in life.” Starting his career at Hayden International, Hickinbotham then moved to Silver Knight Exhibitions, as well as Sovereign Exhibitions, and GES UK & Europe. Hickinbotham was also responsible for helping establish Human Built during the Covid-19 pandemic and establishing sustainability via initiatives such as Sheltersuit UK. Commenting on Eddy’s article, Peter Bowen, owner of Access Displays, adds: “I’ll always remember the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) golf days – the laughter, the easy conversations, and the way Andy brought people together so effortlessly. Those moments capture him perfectly: warm, inclusive, and quietly influential without ever needing the spotlight.” Concluding his article, Eddy says: “Andy touched more lives than he ever realised, and he will be remembered with enormous respect, affection, and gratitude. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the people he supported, the standards he stood for, and the more sustainable, collaborative industry he worked so hard to help shape.” Since his passing, a dedicated web page has been set up to donate money to the Blue Ribbon Foundation and HEAL Rewilding, as well as a place to share memories and pictures of Hickinbotham. The page can be found at: https://andyhickinbotham.muchloved.com Andrew Hickinbotham worked with a number of organisations including Tecna, ESSA, and Service Graphics RMC Digital employee scoops Rising Star Award Alex Pollard, senior contracts manager at wide-format trade supplier company, RMC Digital Print, has been crowned the winner of the Rising Star Award at the 2025 Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Business Awards. Pollard started working at RMC Digital five years ago as an apprentice, shortly after leaving school. Since then, he has risen through the ranks to become a full-time contract manager, subsequently earning a senior position at the company while still in his twenties. Speaking about Pollard, the judges for the Rising Star Award said: “Alex is a very deserved winner of this category. He has demonstrated clear progression from apprentice through to senior level, showing growth in his responsibilities and success at every stage. Alex was modest during his interview but came across as extremely passionate about his industry, and he’s actively encouraging others to join it.” Alex Pollard [L] joined RMC as an apprentice shortly after leaving school Soyang announces retirement of Tim Egerton Soyang Europe has announced the retirement of its sales manager, Tim Egerton, who has worked for the company since 2012. Egerton had worked as sales manager for Soyang Europe since joining the company 13 years ago. In a statement on his retirement, Soyang says that he “has played an integral role in the business’s evolution into a leading provider of high-quality media and hardware solutions.” Before working at Soyang, Egerton worked as the technical product manager for both Brook International and Bainbridge International. Earlier this year, Egerton was given the diagnosis of onset Parkinson’s and was advised by doctors to take time for himself and his family. Despite his diagnosis, Egerton still participated in ‘Ride the Trossachs’, a cycle event across the Scottish Highlands, raising funds for charity in the process. Looking ahead to his retirement, Egerton plans to take part in another cycling event this year, again in Scotland, as well as enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tim Egerton, former sales manager at Soyang Europe By Jonathan Pert By David Osgar By Jonathan Pert
14 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink UK trade supplier of materials, William Smith, has launched a new software platform that aims to help installers apply paint protection film (PPF) with greater ease and accuracy as well as providing access to precision-made kits for a wide range of vehicles. ClearCut allows installers to design and cut precision PPF kits for cars, vans, and fleets. Features of ClearCut include ‘super nesting,’ which can automatically arrange media to minimise material waste and control costs when working with premium films. A ‘mirror’ function also enables easy adjustment between left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles. In addition, a text tool allows custom branding or logos to be added directly into designs, opening opportunities for more personalised applications. William Smith says the software is available to customers purchasing PPF materials. To support the launch, William Smith’s in-house PPF specialists, Neil Manning and Michael Duffield, will be on hand to provide guidance on both the materials and the ClearCut software. William Smith has also recently introduced two major updates to its Chevron Kit website to simplify purchasing for trade customers, including visible pricing and redesigned product pages. As a tradeonly supplier, William Smith has previously kept pricing information available only on request. However, the company has recognised that as the industry continues to develop, customers now require and expect easier access to information and pricing. Fiery has announced the launch of Fiery XF 9, the latest release of Fiery’s software RIP, colour management, and workflow solution designed to streamline wide-format print production. Fiery XF 9 adds a set of new capabilities that the company says “unlock new levels of value out of your large-format print operations.” New features include integration with both Fiery’s FreeForm Create 2.0 variable data printing (VDP) software and its ColorGuard cloud-based colour control solution. The compatibility with FreeForm adds a range of personalised printing capabilities to the software, which means wide-format print providers can use a single, unified VDP creation process across all printers managed by a Fiery DFE, without additional tools or device-specific workflows. The aim is to simplify the creation of targeted and versioned materials with custom images, text, and barcodes that can drive stronger customer engagement, with more flexibility and fewer bottlenecks to production. Fiery FreeForm Create 2.0 is free to download from the Fiery website. The integration of Fiery ColorGuard, a solution designed to enable the production of consistent colour across all devices, brings tools to verify colour quality, correct deviations, and evaluate colour performance over time, as well as providing proof of colour compliance. Cologuard is available at no additional cost to XF users throughout 2026. In addition, XF 9 offers an AI-powered print bleed option, which can automatically generate ‘gallery-style’ canvas-wrap edges. The option also aims to avoid print quality issues caused by missing bleed content not created at the pre-press stage. Recently Fiery also announced the launch of Digital Factory 12, a new software workflow solution for direct-tofilm (DTF) and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Digital Factory 12 introduces a range of new advanced tools that aim to maximise print operations, with the ability to scale as print businesses grow. XF 9 was the winner of the 2025 Pinnacle Award for best large-format RIP software William Smith launches software for car wrap installers Technology companies, Sony and Ameria, have announced a new collaboration to create a ‘latency-free’ gesture control solution designed for immersive 3D visualisation. The new partnership brings together Sony’s Spatial Reality Display (SRD) technology with Ameria’s newly developed StarKit 3D interactive signage solution. Sony’s SRD provides 3D elements without the need for special glasses or other additional devices, aiming to deliver “ultra-realistic” visuals in any setting. The new system incorporates two integrated Intel RealSense sensors positioned within a purpose-built mount that aligns with Sony’s SRD, tracking hand movement in real time and allowing users to interact with 3D content without touching a screen. The solution, which has a range of possible applications including for out-of-home (OOH) display, combines this gesture control technology with a simplified and modular software platform. Fiery launches XF 9 RIP software Sony and Ameria debut touch-free 3D display solution The ClearCut software contains more than 400,000 vehicle patterns in its database By Jonathan Pert DIGITAL | NEWS The technology launched at this year’s ISE exhibition in Barcelona
15 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 UK signage franchise, FASTSIGNS UK, celebrated the end of 2025 with its annual convention and awards ceremony, which brought together franchisees, suppliers, and industry professionals from across the network. The event, hosted at The Belfry Hotel in Nottingham, saw a day of workshops and collaborative sessions, ending with its yearly awards ceremony, where a total of 14 awards were presented. At the awards, FASTSIGNS Crawley claimed the Franchisee of the Year accolade, after 30 years in business since opening its doors in 1995. Led by owners and directors Melanie Martinez, Jose Martinez, and Alan White, FASTSIGNS Crawley provides a variety of signage, graphics, and visual communications services for clients across the South East of England. The FASTSIGNS Crawley team was recognised for “their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation,” with a statement from FASTSIGNS adding: “Their ongoing investment in providing high-quality signage, combined with a strong focus on enhancing the customer experience, has set them apart as leaders in the signage sector.” In addition to receiving the Franchisee of the Year award, FASTSIGNS Crawley also earned recognition in key categories including a Special Recognition Award for its impact within its local business community, and a Bronze Sales Award for its 2025 sales performance. Melanie Martinez, director and owner at FASTSIGNS Crawley, says: “To win this award in the same year we celebrate 30 years of business in Crawley is incredibly special for all of us. We’re truly thankful for the continued support from our entire community. This moment is more than an achievement – it’s a reminder of how much stronger we become when we grow together, invest in our team, and embed ourselves in our local network. What a way to end the year.” John Davies, managing director at FASTSIGNS UK, adds: "This year’s convention demonstrated what an exceptionally strong period it has been for our entire network. “Crawley’s recognition as Franchisee of the Year comes at a particularly meaningful moment of 30 years in business. The hard work shown by Alan, Melanie, Jose, and the team continues to inspire our wider network. Their energy and ideas shone through at the convention. We’re excited to see how they evolve and thrive over the coming decades.” FASTSIGNS Crawley was recognised for its “commitment to continuous improvement and innovation” FASTSIGNS Crawley wins Franchisee of the Year on 30th anniversary By Jonathan Pert Signs Express brought its nationwide network together at the Alton Towers resort on January 16th for its 2026 convention, which aims to celebrate the franchisees of the signage brand, recognise outstanding achievements, and set a direction for the future of the brand. 42 Signs Express centres took part in the day, with 25 exhibitors supporting the event and more than 150 attendees. A morning plenary focused on celebrating success across the network, recognising sales growth across multiple centres, promotions within franchise groups, notable sales office performances, and welcoming new franchisees into the Signs Express family. A key update focused on Signs Express’ evolving brand marketing strategy, with a shift towards a more content-led, brand-driven approach centred on storytelling and video. This focus reportedly delivered strong results in 2025, including increased visibility and engagement and a year-on-year uplift of enquiries. The event also covered the introduction of new rebrand and conversion models, which the franchise has implemented to futureproof its network growth while encouraging collaboration across the network. Four strategic priorities for 2026 were also outlined at the convention: expansion through new franchise models, enquiry growth driven by targeted growth campaigns, the use of data-driven insight to support better business decisions, and continued systemisation through the rollout of leading system CoreBridge. The convention featured three expert-led panel sessions covering laser cutting, sustainability, and outsourcing versus in-house production, with each featuring a mix of industry experts and experienced Signs Express franchisees. The convention concluded with the Signs Express Gala Dinner and Awards, with prizes handed out recognising excellence in sustainability, design, signage projects, vehicle graphics, supplier partnerships, and individual and team performance. The event also raised £1,630 for Annabelle’s Challenge, a charitable organisation supporting research and awareness for vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Signs Express signals growth ambitions at annual convention By Jonathan Pert EVENTS | NEWS The event included an awards show celebrating achievements by Signs Express franchisees
16 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Sign Trade Supplies has recently donated materials and given technical advice to a London-based artist looking to tackle the problem of litter in her local park. Corin Ashleigh Brown created the art mosaic with the hope of changing attitudes towards litter and bring the community together for a public project. With a small grant from WeLoveSE25, a local community group, as well as support from Sign Trade Supplies, Brown was able to create the mosaic sign and install it with the help of Croydon Council’s parks team. The sign is placed at South Norwood Recreation Grounds where Brown and a local volunteer group, Norwood Junkaction, got frustrated by the sight of rubbish strewn across the park. Brown created the mosaic free of charge and donated around ten days of her time to the assembly after consulting with local residents and gaining a grant for materials and installation from WeLoveSE25. Sign Trade Supplies helped Brown find the best mounting solution for the mosaic and supplied black aluminium sign channels to ensure the piece of art could be safely and securely installed. Brown hopes her belief – “if you can carry it here, you can carry it home”– will resonate with visitors and that the mosaic will make an impact at the park entrance. A recent creative out-of-home (OOH) campaign in London, complete with simulated flames, wowed passersby as part of the anniversary of an iconic classic rock album. Launched on December 12th, 2025, to coincide with the global release of the 50th-anniversary edition of Pink Floyd’s album, ‘Wish You Were Here’, the OOH campaign saw DIABOLICAL team up with media agency, the7Stars, to deliver a striking takeover at London’s Westminster Bridge. The album’s iconic artwork, consistent of two men shaking hands while one is on fire, was reimagined across a 96-sheet billboard display, complete with flames designed to look uncannily real at night. The men in the image were added as ‘cutout’ features that exceed the boundaries of the main billboard, creating a three-dimensional effect. As DIABOLICAL described it: “The album’s iconic artwork by Pink Floyd was brought to life in flames: two businessmen locked in a handshake, one engulfed in fire, cutting through the darkness of the night.” Describing the display in more detail, DIABOLICAL adds: “With an execution so uncannily realistic, passersby couldn’t help but stop for a double take – the build looking less like a billboard and more like a real fire burning against the city streets.” Two further 48-sheet posters flanking the main 96-sheet display notified passersby that the band’s 50th anniversary collection was now available to buy. A similar high-profile billboard was also installed in Los Angeles to mark the global launch of the 50th-anniversary edition. For the original album artwork image, taken in 1975 at Warner Brothers Studios in California, stuntman Danny Rogers actually set himself on fire while shaking hands with fellow stuntman, Ronnie Rondell. The original artwork image was created for real by setting a stuntman alight Sign Trade Supplies supports local recycling project Aura Brand Solutions has detailed its work creating a prototype train livery for Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) upcoming ‘Bee Network’ rail service. The Bee Network is a planned integration of local rail lines into Greater Manchester's existing bus and tram network, a process that will begin in December 2026. The rail integration, headed by TfGM and Northern Trains, will be introduced in three phases, aiming to bring 64 stations into the network by January 2028. A first look at the new Bee Network rail service was unveiled in December 2025 at Manchester Piccadilly station with an eye-catching yellow train wrap designed and installed by Aura Brand Solutions. The design of the yellow-branded Northern Class 323 train included the slogan “say yellow”, alongside further lettering hinting that the Bee Network was "coming soon." Pink Floyd billboard wows passersby with “realistic flames” Aura Brand Solutions “says yellow” with Bee Network train livery Corin Ashleigh Brown with her wildlife themed mosaic By David Osgar APPLICATIONS | NEWS By Jonathan Pert The eye-catching train livery was unveiled at an event in December
When is a 3.2m UV printer not a 3.2m UV printer? When it’s two 3.2m UV printers in one! Ok, so that’s not even up to the standard of the worst Christmas cracker jokes, but it is an accurate description of the Hapond UP-3321D, a novel Chinese-made printer now available in the UK through China Print Supplies (CPS), which made its UK debut at The Print Show in September 2025. The product is a single printer that has two printhead carriages which can be run simultaneously but independently on different media, or configured to print double-sided on one roll in a single operation, thus avoiding the delay, complexity, and scope for error of reloading, reversing, registering, and printing via a conventional single-sided printer. It doesn’t do anything you can’t do another way, but it makes the double-sided option very much simpler and faster to execute, while acting as two separate printers in the same footprint (about 5.8m wide by under 1.8m deep, and nearly 2.2m high) the rest of the time. One ‘printer’ or roll has a low loading position while the other has a built-in winch to load rolls of media above head height without difficulty. Performance is up to 75m2/hr for each printhead carriage, so with both in play that’s up to 150 m2/hr, whether that’s on two separate rolls or on both sides of one. Switching between modes is said to be a two-minute job according to CPS managing director, Scott Clutton, making it very practical to mix in double-sided work with regular single-sided jobs, subject to always having the right media for the right job. When switching to double-sided, media already loaded on the ‘spare’ roller can be wound back, ready to be fed back in when single-sided working resumes. Print resolutions range from 508 x 1080dpi via three passes to 508 x 2160dpi with six passes, with the usual trade-off between speed and quality. This is delivered by Konica Minolta printheads, arranged in rows of four or six. There is a choice of 6 or 13pl heads, with the former giving finer quality and the production speeds quoted above, while the latter add some 15% extra throughput but at the expense of the better quality. Clutton recommends the 6pl option as it allows for greater versatility in the type of work that can be handled. The If you ever need to print double-sided UV graphics, the Hapond UP3321D from CPS might be just the timesaver you need, while giving you plenty of single-sided firepower for the rest of your work. Michael Walker looks at how this Chinese offering flips the script Looking at Both Sides of the Hapond UP-3321D Michael Walker is a trade journalist, technical writer, and editor with over 37 years’ experience in the print, prepress, photography, and digital imaging sectors, with a particular interest in the digital transformation of processes. In addition to editing Desktop Publishing Today and Digital Printer magazines, he is co-author with Neil Barstow of Getting Colour Right (Ilex Press, 2004) and Practical Colour Management for Photographers and Digital Image Makers (2009, self-published e-book) and winner of a Communicators in Business Gold Award. Performance is up to 75m2/hr for each printhead carriage, so with both in play that’s up to 150 m2/hr, whether that’s on two separate rolls or on both sides of one 18 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 UNDER THE HOOD | HAPOND UP-3321D
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