Business

Coronation Street is one of the nation’s most loved television programmes. The lives of the residents of the cobbled street are discussed on television gossip pages and in living rooms up and down the country. Much effort goes into making sure the set looks as realistic as possible – from billboards and flyers posted on walls to packaging labels on items for sale in the Corner Shop. Lynsey Shepard is the programme’s principle graphic designer and is responsible for creating all these applications as authentically as possible, and her Roland VersaCAMM SP-300i printer/cutter has been crucial to ensuring the set’s printed materials are ready whenever the show’s demanding and fluid filming schedules require them.

The Roland was purchased and installed two years ago following a recommendation from another graphic designer who was familiar with Roland’s products. It is the first machine to be used by Coronation Street’s design team and Lynsey has been very impressed with the performance of the VersaCAMM and after-sales support received through the RolandCare service and support package. 

“I’ve been really impressed with our Roland machine. The majority of the material we print is on vinyl, as it’s far more practical to have waterproof labels and signage given the nature of this business. The print & cut function is excellent and saves so much time, and it’s very precise – even when cutting circles. We’ve had a couple of small teething problems along the way, but with the RolandCare warranty service we are able to call out an engineer to get us back on our feet again quickly.”

Keeping overall production costs down was another decisive factor in Lynsey’s decision to stop outsourcing and purchase the SP-300i, and the machine has already paid for itself many times over.  She continues, “We used to outsource our print jobs to a local printing company. While the quality was good, it was more expensive and really restricted our flexibility on set as if we needed something last minute we would either have to wait or reschedule filming around this. Having the Roland on site means we are now able to quickly re-print material for extra takes and ensure we can always keep up with the schedule.”

The VersaCAMM is a very versatile machine and is used to print a wide range of set graphics including those that are iconic to the soap from beer labels for the Rovers Return’s house ale, Newton and Ridley, or posters on the wall of the pub, to stickers on the door of the Corner Shop, signage for the taxis or a vehicle wrap for a courier van if someone on the street is due to receive a package, for example.

The VersaCAMM SP-i series comprises two models – the 30inch SP-300i and the 54inch SP-540i. One of Roland’s most popular printer/cutters, the machine delivers reliability and performance for a low initial investment. Available with a four-colour printing system, the SP-i series can be left unattended for long print runs leaving the user free to perform other jobs safe in the knowledge the Roland is managing the task in hand.

Lynsey concludes, “I’ve been a graphic designer for nearly ten years and I’ve witnessed a great number of changes in the industry over this time, many as a result of the technological advances companies such as Roland have made in the development of printers and ink. Print quality is certainly one of the biggest improvements I’ve seen. The vibrancy of the print finish from today’s printers is astonishing and the quality of the Eco-Sol Max inks with the Roland is brilliant.  What’s very impressive is there is really no compromise to bringing a machine in house. With the Roland we have a print and cut device on-site that is of the highest production quality and flexible enough to handle whatever is required of it.”

Rob Goleniowski, Business Manager - Sign and Graphics at Roland DG UK adds, “We are delighted Roland has a role in the production of Coronation Street! The SP-300i is an all-rounder ideal for these kinds of jobs - offering the user a fantastic, cost-effective, high quality finish and the space-saving benefit of having the printer and cutter in one machine.”

For more information on Roland’s VersaCAMM SP-300i, please visit www.rolanddg.co.uk/VersaCAMMSP

[photo (above) shows Mark Jones, Roland DG Technical Operations Manager, onsite at Coronation Street for a routine service visit and (below) signs, graphics and labels printed to appear in D&S Alahan's corner shop]

The organisers of the inaugural Digital Print UK exhibition have decided not to run the event in 2013. The decision has been taken after feedback from a number of suppliers in the industry.

Rudi Blackett, Event Director, explains ‘’Our intention for Digital Print UK was always to make the exhibition a successful buying and lead generation event similar to Sign & Digital UK, but unfortunately in the current climate a number of major suppliers in commercial digital print have decided to concentrate their focus and budgets on other routes to market at this time. This is borne out by some of the leading companies in the industry deciding not to exhibit at print events. This is particularly disappointing as we had a broad spectrum of exhibitors confirmed for the exhibition. We will continue to monitor the market in the future to see if the opportunity arises to run an event for that market sector. In the meantime we will be focusing on our growing portfolio of events in the market sectors we currently serve.’’

An important date for the industry in 2013 will be Sign & Digital UK, the UK’s highly successful wide format and sign making exhibition, which will run from the 30th April to 2nd May 2013 at the NEC, Birmingham. Manufacturers and suppliers from all sectors of the industry are confirmed including Hewlett‐Packard, Roland DG, Hybrid Services/Mimaki, Epson and Agfa Graphics, with a number of these also choosing to increase their stand presence at the event.

Roland has confirmed that printMAX is its most successful authorised dealer for a third consecutive year. The title is allocated based on total sales of printers, cutters and Roland inks over the past twelve months.

Roland DG UK technical director Brett Newman comments, “This accolade is a testament to printMAX's continued hard work and support over the last twelve months. A sincere reflection of their excellent ethos when dealing with Roland customers both old and new.”

printMAX has continued to focus its business offerings around the Roland portfolio - a move which has proven to be a winning strategy.  Sales Manager, Chris Martin comments, “At printMAX, we aim to not only meet our customers’ expectations but to exceed them in every way. Focusing on the Roland product range has enabled us to provide solutions we truly believe in. As such we are then able to offer expert installation, training and after sales support, with the end goal of providing our customers with peace of mind. The printMAX team know Roland printers inside out.  This, partnered with such great technology, really is a fantastic combination.”

September saw the long awaited release of the Roland SolJet Pro 4 XR-640.  printMAX went on to sell not only the first unit in Europe but also secured more sales than any other UK dealer.

Michael Bolton, printMAX MD states, “I’m elated that following a fantastic couple of years we were able to hold on to the title of Roland’s most successful authorised dealer for an incredible third year running! We strive all year round to support our customers with the whole team taking the ethos of ‘exceeding expectations’ quite literally every day. To see the rewards at the end of the year is a truly fantastic achievement and I’d like to thank our customers, the printMAX team and our dedicated Roland support staff for making 2012 so successful.”

When asked what we can expect from printMAX for the future, MD Michael Bolton adds, “The last several years have seen year on year growth for printMAX - a real achievement considering the recession that hit both the UK and our industry. If 2013 is anything like recent years, we’ll certainly have a great 12 months, continue to grow as a business and will absolutely continue to offer the number one service our customers have come to expect of us.”

As momentum grows for IPEX 2014, GMG announces its commitment and enhanced presence at the world’s largest English-speaking event dedicated to print media and communications. Showcasing its award-winning software solutions designed to simplify the challenge of accurate and repeatable colour output for a wide range of print and design applications, IPEX will play a key role in GMG’s event calendar for 2014.

"A compelling presence at international trade events is an important element of GMG's marketing initiatives," says Michael Farkas, GMG’s Marketing Director. "IPEX will be the largest event of its type in 2014 and offers a wealth of opportunities for GMG, from connecting with our customers and partners through to building relationships in new markets and territories."

GMG has always supported industry tradeshows and events, from global print and media events such as IPEX through to exhibitions dedicated to niche print and graphic arts industries such as packaging, design and communications.

"Truly global trade fairs such as IPEX play a key role in print, publishing and communications as a whole, helping the industry interpret the changes in both technology and end-user habits in content consumption,” continues Farkas. “We believe that its new London home will help IPEX attract even more visitors from new and emerging markets - a key focal point for GMG’s strategic growth plans in the near-term."

Ipex 2014 to engage with printers, brands and agencies to debate, discover and develop inspirational campaigns, creative ideas and strategies

Informa Exhibitions today announces its fresh focus for Ipex 2014, which will be the world’s first and biggest Digital, Print & Marketing Communications event in 2014. Ipex 2014 will integrate Cross Media to showcase the latest print and communications for marketing and publishing campaigns – making it the only international event that brings together the whole print and media supply chain. The organisers will also place a significant focus on delivering a comprehensive, thought provoking and inspirational content programme. This will include the World Print Summit, which will follow the theme of ‘Strategies & Practices of Outstanding Leadership in the Challenging Business of Offline and Online Marketing’, where thought leaders from within and surrounding the print industry will come together to address the big issues and opportunities they face.

The conclusion to shape Ipex into a thought leadership event for the print-centric multi-channel marketing communications industry was made following a review of the results of an independent global market study during Q4 2012. AMR International carried out the research on the key trends impacting the industry and the events that serve it. 114 Qualitative telephone interviews were followed-up by an online survey which elicited 1600 international visitor responses, with the geographical spread representing the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The results of the research clearly emphasised seven key trends impacting the graphic communications industry:
•    consolidation in the Print Service Provider community in developed economies
•    offset is changing
•    the rapid rise of digital
•    printers offering non print-related services
•    growth in printed packaging
•    growth in emerging markets
•    interest in multi-channel marketing communications

The findings have been used by Informa Exhibitions to produce a White Paper*, which provides an executive summary and detailed overview of the research results, its conclusions and future direction of Ipex.

“Informa Exhibitions is 100% invested in Ipex 2014 to ensure we respond to supplier and industry feedback and deliver a world-class international event that truly reflects and addresses the needs of the market it represents,” states Informa Exhibitions Managing Director, Peter Hall. “Ipex 2014 will reflect the medium-term future for graphic communications in developed markets as well as emerging markets in the coming years by placing a clear emphasis on digital and cross media technologies, strategies and solutions to effectively promote the power of print media and its integration in the marketing mix.”

Keith Dalton, Managing Director, Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK: “It is great to see an organiser committed to delivering a print-centric event, but with a strong multi-channel focus, as it is exactly what I believe Ipex’s exhibitors and visitors will respond to and what the industry needs.”

During the Ipex Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting on 24th January, which was attended by a number of major exhibitors, this focus was discussed and agreed. As part of this, Informa tabled for discussion the duration of Ipex 2014. The decision of the committee was to reduce the duration of Ipex 2014 to six days (Monday 24th March – Saturday 29th March 2014).

Trevor Crawford, Event Director, Ipex 2014, says: “Ipex is moving from being a general print event to a highly focussed multimedia experience promoting the essential role of print. It is driven by an impressive content programme to inspire print service providers to add value and increase profitability, and recognise the importance of collaboration with end users. This is an exciting development in Ipex’s history and now offers a unique visitor experience in an unrivalled new major destination, London.”

He continues: “Now that Ipex has a clear digital and print communications direction, the logical conclusion would be to change the dates so that the multi-layered content programme can run throughout the event. After careful review of the research and consultations with the IAC, the decision was made to reduce the days to bring it in line with other major industry events today and ensure that we deliver a dedicated, ‘must-attend’ event that meets the needs of senior decision makers.”

Rapidly growing interest in blending print & digital media chimes with Informa Exhibitions’ established connection with multi-channel marketing communications and its successful launch of Cross Media in 2012. Cross Media provides the latest opportunities, technologies, case studies and seminars to address how brands and the creative, marketing, print and publishing communities can maximise the effectiveness of their communications to deliver a higher return on marketing investment. With the Cross Media event integrated with Ipex 2014, the Ipex 2014 will attract a wider audience than ever before.

Neil Bather, Managing Director, Transeo Media Ltd, states: “Representing DirectSmile, we are delighted with the integration of Cross Media into Ipex 2014. The ExCeL International Exhibition and Conference centre in London is right on the doorstep of London’s 400,000 strong creative industry, providing Ipex 2014 exhibitors with the opportunity to also speak to their customers’ customers. This is something that’s becoming more and more important every day.”

Commenting on the new direction of Ipex 2014, David Preskett, President of Ipex 2014 and European Professional Print Director, Canon Europe, says: “The enthusiastic support of the IAC and the global industry report will provide the Ipex team and Informa Exhibitions with the confidence to further develop the new initiatives and to continue investing in Ipex 2014 as it evolves to meet the print and multi-channel needs of the printing industry.”

“Content is king, and Ipex’s decision to provide the World Print Summit with international keynote speakers is to be applauded,” says Frank Tueckmantel, Vice President, Corporate Marketing, EFI. “I have no doubt that it will act as a major draw for international visitors seeking solutions and guidance on the future direction of their operations.”

Graham Moore, Director Business Development, Ricoh Europe, adds: “As leading suppliers we have been responding to the accelerating shift in focus of the industry to meet customer and end client needs. Informa Exhibitions’ response to the feedback is just what the industry needs to meet these changing requirements. As a result of the new plans for Ipex 2014 we look forward to an event that will be very different from 2010 for our visitors, with a broader solutions and services focus to enhance the added value of print at the core.”

Tim Webb, Executive Director, Picon comments: “I am delighted to see that Ipex is taking a leadership position in re-focusing the event to reflect the changes that our members and their customers are seeing in their businesses every day. I have every confidence that these new initiatives will result in a highly successful Ipex 2014.”

Brian Filler, President, Screen Europe concludes: “Screen welcomes the new initiatives that Ipex has undertaken to create a strong and vibrant event which is designed to meet the needs of this fast moving industry on multiple levels.”

Arlon is pleased to announce the promotion of Lisandra Torres to Logistics Coordinator. Lisandra is now responsible for the logistics of Arlon’s products, customer delivery, freight vendor and outside warehouse management. Prior to this role, Lisandra was the Customer Service Representative focused on Asia and Australia.

“Lisandra brings strong logistics and service experience to this role,” states Ivonne Uruena, Customer Service Manager, Arlon Graphics. “Lisandra has achieved high quality customer service, while always anticipating and exceeding our customer needs. Operationally, she has contributed greatly to Arlon’s lean journey and has led service improvements for our Asia Customers.”