British Printing Industries Federation

Adding value to business

www.britishprint.com

Foreword
The printing industry is everything youve ever read.
The printed word is a vital component of our society, of our culture, but most crucially, of our economy. Printed goods support every element of business, from packaging to media, from advertising to signage. It is an essential part of trading and one that has added billions of pounds to the UK economy since printing came to Britain in the late 15th century. Todays printing industry has moved beyond ink on paper to total print solutions, with a strong focus on helping companies increase sales volume and reach new markets.

Michael Johnson Chief Executive BPIF

Servicing the customer

Seen from the point of view of the customers,
printing is essentially a service industry, facing increasing demands from customers for innovation in the development of products and services that create new value and benefits for them. While the optimisation of efficiency in the use of complex technologies is still a prerequisite for a successful and entrepreneurial printing company, this is insufficient in itself to afford any company with long-term viability. It is also essential to create additional customer value, and to do so in an environment where specialised equipment (for example, electronic image processing systems) is relatively inexpensive and routinely installed in the premises of customers themselves, and where technical know-how is increasingly being incorporated into intelligent software that is readily available to customers.

Whats the latest?

Printing companies increasingly add value to their customers by providing a wide range of services all of which enhance the ability of those customers to market their products to reach their own end-customers more effectively, these services include: Developing and bringing to market innovative products and print solutions that will enable customers to access new markets. Assisting companies to develop effective sales and marketing strategies. Image and brand enhancement and the development of effective communications and public relations. Advice on how to improve understanding of customers markets and pre-empt customer requirements. Assistance with information and facilities management services for customers. Developing service agreements and strategic partnerships with customers based on a shared knowledge base and agreed performance, quality and delivery targets. Developing the customer base through the assessment of customer value, effective retention of key clients and the use of management information systems to improve communications with customers. Use of e-commerce for marketing, procurement and payment. Utilising digital workflows. On-demand production and use of variable data to produce personalised print. Multi media information services, including digital asset management, website design and hosting, CD Rom production and print management.

The British Printing Industry at a glance

The British Printing Industry as part of the printing and publishing, pulp, paper and paper products - is part of the fourth largest manufacturing industry in the UK with a turnover of 44.1 billion. The printing industry has a turnover of 15.1 billion and employs approximately 160,000 employees in around 12,000 companies across the UK.

An SME industry
Only 60 of the 12,000 printing companies in the UK employ over 250 people. In these small companies, management time is at a premium, with individual managers thin on the ground and having a multitude of roles to perform. In many cases this will include production tasks, undertaken alongside employees, alongside their responsibilities to ensure compliance with employment and health and safety legislation, as well as meeting international standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

A leading gross value added sector

Strategic importance to the UK economy. As an integral part of the print and publishing, pulp and paper industry, it has the second largest Gross Value Added (18.6 billion) of all the UK manufacturing sectors. It has harnessed technological innovation to make an increasingly positive contribution to the UK balance of trade, and it supplies every sector of the UK economy.

The BPIF representing the industry

The British Printing Industries Federation is the trade association and business support for the UK printing industry. BPIF has developed a range of business services critical to developing and growing healthy, sustainable businesses. Through a team of around 50 advisors and consultants, all industry experts, the BPIF is able to provide high quality, bespoke advice and support to printing companies, where, when and how they need it. We offer a full range of business support, advice and development services and short courses essential to developing businesses and making a real difference to the profitability of companies. These include: Health, Safety & Environment Improvement projects Lean manufacturing Production training and management development Management Accounting and financial restructuring Technical Business Development Human Resources Management Legal Support

What can government do?

Target support for UK manufacturing. When channelled through existing networks, investment in manufacturing companies reaps rewards for individuals and UK plc. This is the link to better value added activity. Encourage the idea of partnership in every section of economic life. Campaigns should promote the collaboration of businesses with showcase examples. This will encourage SMEs to interact with one another and to find new ways of creating business. Recognise the versatility of the modern printing industry and support this trend in widening the scope for innovation across the UK. The success of the printing industry in rising to the challenge of customer needs should be documented, supported, transferred and taught by Government across the regions. UK competitiveness depends on this approach. Hone in on the positive lessons that can be learnt from print and to disseminate these across trade and industry as a whole. Not only is the UK printing industry top of its game in Europe, but also in terms of Gross Value Added, it is leading the European pack by a considerable margin. Increase the productivity of the creative industries, raise their profile, and support their development so that the UK can become the worlds creative hub. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recognises the importance of fostering creativity in the UK and print is a vital part of this of this process. Our examples show just how crucial print is to the UKs leading creative industries

What can print companies do?

The future success of the printing industry thus revolves around far more than how well it manages the process of putting ink on paper. In addition to the optimisation of productivity and manufacturing performance, the industry must address the challenge of product innovation and the provision of integrated solutions to customer needs. Print is a quintessential part of Britains much talked about creative economy. The UKs leading brands are dependent on the highest standards of design and print to achieve high impact with end customers. Creative works such as books, magazines, advertising copy, newspapers etc all reach the mass population by virtue of the print process. The UKs world-renowned cultural economy is also highly dependent on print. The designers and image-makers who design the brochures, programmes and catalogues for high value artistic goods depend on the medium of print to display their works.

Why print leads in adding value

Where there are people, there is print. Print enables all parts of the economy schools, financial services, retail, distribution, travel and tourism and manufacturing industry. Because the printing industry interacts with so many different sectors, it is tuned into the needs and the changing environment of the business world. In fact, print is leading the way. This familiarity with the supply chain, marketing and the end product gives print a unique insight into the added value economy. Printing companies can see first hand what the customer is after and that way, move in harmony with their changing requirements. This is a constant learning process and one that is continuously adding value to service. GVA as % of total turnover
50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Printing & related services Publishing Pulp, paper, printing, publishing Wood & wood products Textiles and textile products Electrical & optical equipment Rubber & plastic products Manufacturing Whole economy Food, tobacco, drink Transport equipment
Source: ONS, Annual Business inquiry - June 2007

Case studies illustrating how printing companies add value to their clients

Howitt Digital
This firm has used digital print to produce targeted communications through a range of techniques including personalised print and cross-media integrated marketing. It has developed Howitt d-Print, a web enabled solution that lets clients publish high-quality materials on demand. The system was developed to meet individual clients needs and ensure that marketing costs and turnaround times were noticeably reduced. Howitt Digital worked closely with client Everest to develop a successful marketing campaign using the system. By doing so, the firm turned a simple, direct mail piece into an eye-catching, personalised piece that contains all the relevant information. The fully personalised A5, 12pp booklet, which features guarantee and maintenance information as well as a series of cross-sell adverts targeted at the recipient, was achieved using digital print and a sophisticated data analysis system. The finished product was then enclosed in a bespoke outer envelope branded to highlight the value of the document inside.

Alphagraphics
The Alphagraphics e-commerce solution MOJO is one of the most reliable in the industry. Developed specifically for its key corporate clients, the system can receive, process, print and track orders cost effectively, to produce and deliver a large number of orders in minimal time. Integrated at its clients point of dispatch, MOJO can handle a diverse range of jobs; processing them from start to finish in as little as two days. The system can also be used to provide e-billing, which slashes administration costs. All job information is easily accessible and the system provides users with detailed data on job progression. As a result, Alphagraphics can process large order numbers for a single customer without neglecting the rest of its customer base.

Cost-effective order processing using e-commerce

Targeted communications using digital print

Printweek SME company of the year 2007

Avalon Print
Avalon Prints e-business system has eliminated administration as well as having a visible affect on the business bottom line. Its fully automated web-based estimation system, for internal and customer use, allows even non-specialists to accurately quote for the most complex of jobs. Using the system, sales staff can quickly produce quotes, which are automatically emailed to customers as PDFs to provide an immediate response to queries. Through this highly secure site customers can view quotes online and place orders for specific quantities as well as producing their own quotes without any intervention whatsoever.

SV.TWO
The company has developed its own bespoke system to allow customers to order, monitor stock levels, edit artwork and maintain global brand conformity, all online.

Providing fast and accurate quotes via the web

Printweek post-press company of the year 2007

Printweek label printer of the year 2007

NGS Print Finishers

For the use of a finishing process (or combination of processes) that would genuinely add value to a printed product and NGS proved worthy winners. Standing out was its work on Premier Foods annual report and accounts, as well as the firms own Discover A World Of Print Finishing brochure, which demonstrated a remarkable array of print finishes.

AGI Labels
AGIs label for Dulux used 30-micron silver metallised PP to provide the sheen and foil detail, initially printing a Sericol Supernova White on the illustrated area. AGIs Dulux label achieved maximum standout using UV-flexo technology.

Using quality finishing to create high impact promotions

Innovative print processes deliver eye-catching products

Printweek catalogue printer of the year 2007

Printweek innovative printer of the year 2007

Precision Colour Printing

The format showcased each kitchen range across a double-page spread and any inaccuracies in the colour consistency or folding would be glaringly obvious. The innovative design of the Centre Point Creative catalogue meant PCP had to use large amounts of non-image space to showcase the ceramic and metallic product shots. This demanded an exact balance between ink and fount to achieve the exact inking levels.

Augustus Martin
Another year, another top innovative award goes to Augustus Martin. Following up on its 2006 success, the firm produced a comprehensive guide to screen print effects for Fespa. Sensations was a book featuring 33 of these effects to see, touch and even smell. Innovations included the slip case cover, which was over printed using four screen processes, sealer, fluorescent ink, gloss varnish and high build varnish. A metallics effect was achieved by coating the micra pigment of the pearlescent inks with titanium dioxide found in screen printing ink. It was a publication that wowed the judges, with one describing it as an amazing conglomerate of printing processes.

Printed products that excite all the senses

Printweek packaging printer of the year 2007

Printweek brochure printer of the year 2007

Print 4
The Moet & Chandon Champagne box is simply beautiful and it uses a variety of techniques, materials and finishes. The unusual shape, combined with the amazing use of colour and design to create a product that was both user friendly and eye catching, wowed the judges. The ingenious Next Photo Canvas Art (not shown) was also praised. The carton was designed to add value to a new product from the retailer. There is an aperture on the reverse of each unit to enable the card inside to be read by barcode, eliminating the need to personalise each carton.

Hampton Printing
The brochure for car manufacturer Lexus flagship model, the LS460, really stood out. The hardcover case-bound threadsewn finishing makes a strong statement. Accurate paint swatch reproduction was delivered using the LAB-based digital swatch system and printing in five colours plus four special metallics on a Heidelberg XL 105. The opulence of the Rolls-Royce Phantom (not shown) is conveyed through its brochure, printed on triple-coated silk stock. The brochure is sheathed in a tactile matt paper sleeve, emblazoned with a glossy silver- and black-foiled logo.

Conveying opulence and style through beautiful print

Printweek fine art printer of the year 2007

Printweek direct mail printer of the year 2007

Beacon Press
For fashion and portrait photographer John Swannell, the company produced his Nudes book, which he had been working on for several years. Beacon worked closely with him to ensure the black and white images were perfect and an alluring cover was printed as a tritone over a silk material.

Geoff Neal Litho

The imaginative designs really engaged the end customer. The powerful and heart rending Save the Children exercise book used the stripping unit on a Bobst to create authentic-looking bullet holes to highlight the plight of children in the developing world. The mailer for the Mini Cooper diesel (not shown) featured an acetate outer sleeve with squashed bugs printed on, to give the impression of a windscreen and promote the power of the new car in a fun way. The VW Touran mailing also had to function as a board game. All of the designs had to be submitted to a toy-testing laboratory. They were then printed on the firms Heidelberg CD carton presses using vegetable-based inks to ensure low toxicity as the game was aimed at children.

Wonderfully crafted books that people yearn to read

Powerful print that makes you sit up and think

Printweek report & accounts printer of the year 2007

Printweek point-of-purchase printer of the year 2007

Fulmar Colour Printing

For Britvic, Fulmar produced a lenticular printed cover with uncoated materials for the text pages. The brief was to keep the colours punchy, which gave rise to the use of stronger ink set.

Creative Display Group

For the second time in three years, Creative Display Group walks away with the top prize for its work with household names including Boots, Superdrug and Nike. Being green was the key for Bourjois displays in Boots and the unit was made wholly from card with no plastic, acrylic or wood substrates. The client, Michael John Design, also wanted to replicate the form of the actual product in the display unit and the conical shape required a complex inner carcass. A Dove unit for Superdrug was produced using screen print processes to achieve the pearlescent maroon colours that needed to match the brands product packaging. It was all given the thumbs-up by the judges with one describing the work as a consistent high level of well-built solutions for PoP.

Punchy colours used to enhance customers image

British Printing Industries Federation Farringdon Point 29-35 Farringdon Road London EC1M 3JF T : 0845 450 1565 F : 020 7915 8414 E : info@britishprint.com www.britishprint.com