Summary In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott interviews Carys Evans, an account manager at Karis Copp Media, who shares her journey from journalism to the print industry. Carys discusses her experiences in various roles, her recent transition to a new agency, and her commitment to professional development through courses in digital marketing. The conversation also touches on the importance of empowering women in the print industry, the evolving landscape of marketing, and the significance of personal growth and work ethic in achieving career success. In this engaging conversation, Carys and Colin explore various themes including the importance of delegation, resilience in the face of setbacks, and the journey towards sobriety. They discuss the benefits of living alcohol-free, the challenges of promoting the print industry to younger generations, and the often misunderstood role of PR in business. Carys also shares her passion for percussion, highlighting the importance of personal interests outside of work. Takeaways Carys transitioned into the print industry by chance, finding her passion in journalism. She emphasises the importance of continuous learning and professional development. Carys highlights the untapped marketing potential within the print industry. The conversation underscores the growing representation of women in the print sector. Carys shares her experiences at industry events and the support for women in the field. She discusses the challenges of leaving a comfortable role for new opportunities. Carys reflects on the importance of a balanced marketing approach in the industry. She values the role of mentorship and inspiration from industry leaders. Carys acknowledges the need for better delegation in her work habits. The conversation emphasises the significance of maintaining a strong work ethic and personal well-being. You have to learn to delegate and share the workload. Resilience is built through personal challenges and setbacks. Admitting mistakes is a valuable skill in any profession. Being sober at events can be a rewarding experience. The perception of the print industry needs to change to attract youth. Social media is crucial for promoting company culture. The benefits of sobriety include better health and more time. PR plays a vital role in a company's marketing strategy. Engaging with schools can help bring young talent into the industry. Personal hobbies can provide a fulfilling balance to work life.

In this episode of The Printerviews, I speaks with Jem Emirali from Howden Insurance about his journey in the insurance industry, particularly focusing on the print sector. Jem shares insights on the evolution of his role, the importance of embedding oneself in the industry, and the success stories that have emerged from their specialised insurance schemes. The conversation also touches on work-life balance, the significance of having a supportive foundation, and the challenges faced in the insurance sector. Jem emphasises the value of relationships, continuous learning, and not being afraid of failure as key components of success in both personal and professional life. Takeaways Jem Emirali has evolved from a trainee account handler to managing specialized teams in insurance. The print industry requires a deep understanding to provide effective insurance solutions. Building relationships within the print industry is crucial for success. Training and technology are essential for modernising insurance practices. Work-life balance is important, supported by a strong family foundation. Success stories in print insurance highlight the benefits of specialised schemes. Delegating responsibilities can lead to personal growth and team success. Having a supportive network is vital for professional development. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is key to growth. Contact Details for Jem www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/ 03330 348677 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jememirali/

Summary In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott interviews Simon Cooper, CEO of Solopress and Onlineprinters, discussing his journey in the print industry, leadership styles, the evolution of printing technology, and the impact of COVID-19 on business operations. They explore the importance of team dynamics, customer expectations for same-day service, and the challenges faced by the shrinking print market. Simon shares insights on partnerships with resellers and strategies for future growth, emphasising the need for innovation and value addition in the industry. Takeaways Simon Cooper's leadership style transformed workplace culture at Solopress. The print industry is increasingly moving towards e-commerce solutions. Understanding team dynamics is crucial for effective leadership. Digital transformation is reshaping the printing landscape. Same-day service is a growing expectation among customers. The print market is shrinking, leading to fewer players in the industry. Partnerships with resellers can enhance service offerings. COVID-19 posed significant challenges but also opportunities for growth. Wage inflation is impacting operational costs in the printing sector. Innovation and value addition are key to staying competitive. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Print Industry and Sponsorships01:18 Meet Simon Cooper: Leadership Journey in Printing03:34 The Evolution of Print: From Traditional to E-commerce05:46 Leadership Styles and Team Dynamics in Printing12:52 Growth and Expansion: Scaling Up Operations15:40 Digital Transformation: The Shift to Inkjet Technology20:59 Customer Expectations: Same-Day Service and Quality22:56 Industry Trends: The Shrinking Print Market26:42 Partnerships and Reseller Relationships in Printing30:56 Navigating Challenges: Lessons from COVID-1936:40 Future Outlook: Growth Strategies and Innovations

Summary Matt Hanley, founder of MTWO, shares his journey in the recruitment industry and his passion for the print packaging and signage sector. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and providing value to clients and candidates. Matt discusses the challenges and rewards of running his own business and offers advice for those entering the recruitment industry. He also highlights the impact of technology on recruitment and the value of personal communication. Matt shares success stories of placing candidates who have gone on to achieve significant growth and success in their careers. Takeaways Building relationships and providing value are key in the recruitment industry. Running a business requires hard work, patience, and a passion for the industry. Technology can enhance recruitment processes, but personal communication is still crucial. Longevity and impact are measures of success in recruitment. Success stories include candidates who have achieved significant growth and success in their careers. Sound Bites "Recruitment is an investment.""You must speculate to accumulate.""Building relationships and providing value are key." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background02:41 Transitioning to Self-Employment08:19 Choosing to Focus on Print Packaging and Signage11:10 Addressing Concerns About Recruitment Fees16:24 The Importance of Attracting Young Talent to the Print Industry19:44 Reasons for Leaving Jobs and Retaining Valuable Employees22:28 Dealing with Counteroffers27:21 The Importance of Regular Sit-Downs and Appraisals29:44 Lessons Learned and Mistakes Made32:35 Personal Revelation: Running with the Commonwealth Torch35:22 Future Plans for M236:19 The Impact of Technology on Recruitment39:40 Success Stories and Measuring Success in Recruitment43:18 Advice for Those Entering the Recruitment Industry    

Summary In this episode, Colin interviews Rob Henry of LDM, a door drop specialist company. They discuss Rob's background, the growth of LDM, the challenges they faced, and the impact of COVID-19 on their business. They also talk about the importance of pivoting, the benefits of flexible working, and finding a work-life balance. LDM's success led them to win the Best Door Drop Marketing Specialist of the Year award. In this conversation, Colin discusses the importance of recognising and celebrating the hard work of his team. He shares examples of how his company rewards and motivates employees, such as cash bonuses and team outings. They also discuss the unique aspects of their door drop distribution service, including GPS tracking and targeted campaigns. Colin emphasises the value of print marketing in a digital age and the need for ongoing support and education in the industry. He also shares his experience of applying for The Apprentice and the rigorous audition process. Takeaways LDM is a door drop specialist company that provides hybrid distribution through both Teams and Royal Mail. Rob Henry started LDM after working in digital marketing and initially offering leaflet distribution as an add-on service. The company experienced ups and downs and had to make changes to streamline operations and improve profitability. COVID-19 was a turning point for LDM as they pivoted and became a national company, offering GPS tracking for door drop campaigns. Flexible working and a good work-life balance have been key factors in LDM's success. LDM won the Best Door Drop Marketing Specialist of the Year award. Recognizing and celebrating the hard work of your team is important for motivation and morale. Cash bonuses and team outings are effective ways to reward employees.Door drop distribution offers the advantages of GPS tracking and targeted campaigns. Print marketing can be more effective than digital marketing in terms of visibility and engagement. Ongoing support and education are crucial in the print industry.The audition process for The Apprentice is rigorous and challenging. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor01:17 Rob Henry's Background and Role in LDM02:12 The Growth of LDM and Rob's Transition from Digital Marketing07:21 Challenges Faced by LDM and the Importance of Making Changes11:38 Pivoting and Adapting to COVID-1917:40 The Benefits of Flexible Working and Work-Life Balance24:24 LDM's Success and Winning an Award25:16 Recognizing and Celebrating Your Team's Hard Work28:05 Effective Employee Rewards: Cash Bonuses and Team Outings29:46 The Advantages of Door Drop Distribution33:27 The Power of Print Marketing in a Digital Age35:01 The Importance of Ongoing Support and Education in the Print Industry44:27 The Rigorous Audition Process for The Apprentice  

Summary Lewis Evans of Vivid Laminating Technologies joins Colin Sinclair McDermott on this Printerviews podcast to discuss his journey in the print industry and the positioning of Vivid in the marketplace. They also talk about the impact of Vivid's innovative products on the industry and the importance of partnerships and memberships. Lewis shares a personal story about his impulsive driving experience as a teenager. The future of Vivid includes new product launches and continued growth. Takeaways VIVID Laminating Technologies is a family-run business that focuses on innovation and producing award-winning finishing equipment for the print industry. They prioritise their own journey and ideas, constantly improving their products and adding value. VIVID values partnerships and memberships with organizations like Picon, IPIA, and Fespa, as they believe in working together to support the industry. Lewis Evans shares a personal story about his impulsive driving experience as a teenager, highlighting his impulsive nature and the importance of learning from mistakes. The future of VIVID includes new product launches and continued growth, with a focus on serving the industry and staying ahead of trends.

Summary In this episode of the Printerviews podcast, Colin is joined by Chris and Luke from The Print Show. They discuss their backgrounds in the print industry and how they got involved in organising The Print Show. They also talk about the trends they have observed in the industry, such as advances in digital print and the importance of diversification. The event hosts share their experiences and challenges in organising The Print Show and emphasize the importance of creating a valuable and informative experience for both exhibitors and attendees. The conversation covers various topics related to the UK Print Show, including the importance of marketing, the challenges faced by small businesses in attending events, and the value of networking and human interaction. They  also share funny stories from past shows and discuss the future of the industry and the Print Show. Takeaways The print show provides a platform for both small and large businesses in the print industry to showcase their products and services. Advances in digital print have significantly improved the quality and capabilities of printed materials. Diversification is a key trend in the print industry, with businesses expanding their offerings to meet the changing needs of customers. Organizing a trade show like the print show is a challenging but rewarding endeavor, requiring careful planning and execution. The print show aims to provide a valuable and informative experience for both exhibitors and attendees, with a focus on showcasing new technologies and industry trends. The UK Print Show is committed to giving back to the industry by investing in marketing and promoting the event. Attending trade shows like the Print Show provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the latest technologies, gain knowledge from industry professionals, and network with others in the industry. Small to medium businesses should consider attending the Print Show to benefit from the educational content, exhibitors, and networking opportunities. The industry is constantly evolving, and print businesses need to adapt and embrace new technologies to stay relevant. Human interaction and networking will always be important, even as technology advances. The future of the industry may involve changes in publishing, such as a shift to online models or subscription-based models. The Print Show aims to be a key event in the UK, providing a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services and connect with potential customers. The show organizers are constantly evolving and looking for ways to improve the event and meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees. Titles Challenges and Rewards of Organizing the Print Show The Evolution of the Print Show: From Idea to Reality Funny Stories from Past Print Shows The Print Show as a Key Event in the UK Sound Bites "It's literally the first thing that goes on my marketing plan each year and I can't imagine not being a part of it." "We want to be more than just a three day event where you go to the NEC to look around. You can actually get involved, speak to people in the evening, come to the gala dinner, print show party, and actually pick people's brains over a beer." "The print show aims to provide a valuable and informative experience for both exhibitors and attendees, with a focus on showcasing new technologies and industry trends." "We give a lot of that back in marketing as well." "It's the people you don't know and the things you're not aware of." "We want the visitor experience to come back every year, not just one off." Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background 03:58 Getting Involved in the Print Industry 08:19 Advances in Digital Print 09:45 Diversification in the Print Industry 14:31 Challenges of Organizing the Print Show 29:50 Keeping the Print Show Relevant 33:37 The Importance of Marketing and Giving Back to the Industry 36:00 The Value of Attending Trade Shows for Small Businesses 46:57 Funny Stories from Past Print Shows 49:23 Getting to Know the Event Hosts: Chris and Luke 51:47 Highlighting Educational Content at the Print Show 54:06 The Future of the Industry and the Print Show 57:49 The Role of Human Interaction and Networking 01:00:15 Adapting to the Changing Landscape of Publishing 01:02:39 The Print Show as a Key Event in the UK 01:04:03 Constant Evolution and Improvement of the Print Show   Keywords   print show, print industry, trends, digital print, diversification, challenges, exhibitors, attendees, UK Print Show, marketing, small businesses, networking, industry future

Join me on this latest episode where I talk to Alice Belfield about all things garment decoration, the opportunities with faux embroidery and the challenges of being a young woman in the Industry. There's something in this for everyone. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we delve deep into Craig's 30+ years of experience in the signage industry, his time with Signs Express where he came in as the first ever employee to eventually becoming the MD and owner of the franchise group. This episode is crammed with plenty of golden nuggets that I have no doubt will get you thinking differently about your business. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, I enter the world of Inkjet ink development by interviewing Andy Hancock who owns both Mexar and Indie Inks. Andy takes us on the journey from when he moved to Leeds to learn about Medicinal Chemistry and like many of us, fell into the wonderful world of print where he completed a PHD in Inkjet formulation. From starting his business as the country went into a recession, Andy now finds himself 17 years down the line with lots of valuable experience under his belt and 2 leading brands in the marketplace.

In this episode, Colin talks with Cian Byrne of We Do Printing in Ireland. Cian talks about some recent significant investments in his business and the process behind making these decisions. Pigeon-holed as the King of Metaphors, he talks about his unique approach to selling, the importance of understanding your audience, and the challenges and crossovers of running a business and parenting. There's something for everyone in this episode. We hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, Colin interviews Simon, the founder of Webmart which was initially set up as a Print Management Company and has now become the most sustainable Marketing Agency in Europe. Simon discusses his unique and very interesting Marxist Capitalist approach to business, how to build a highly engaged workforce and many other key tips that I am sure many of you will enjoy listening to.

Join me in Episode 6 of The Printerviews as I talk to the 2 founders of one of the most successful Trade Large Format suppliers in the UK, Venture Banners. Scott Conway and Wayne Bodimeade as they share the trials and tribulations of setting up the business, some of the challenges they experienced along the way, their recipes for success and Scott reveals a very interesting secret. 

Experience a live recording of the industry’s trailblazing podcast at The Print Show 2023 as Colin gets set to delve deep into the fascinating journey of Sam Morgan and Donna James, the Co-Directors of the Welsh-based company, ‘Signspeed’ and their journey from employees to employer as they purchased the business back in 2019.

In episode 4, Colin speaks to Franklin Clark of Clark Printing as they discuss some uncomfortable lessons learned from losing their first businesses, what print business owners can do nowadays to stay current and even touch on a random night out where Franklin played minder to a Gladiator.

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Wood, MD of St. Andrews Press, a Wells, Somerset-based commercial printing company.Dive into our conversation about the unique challenges and rewards of running a third-generation family business, navigating the hurdles of the pandemic, the intricacies of pricing in the industry, and the pivotal role of a robust company culture.Plus, hear Tom's insights on recent business acquisitions and his vision for the future of St. Andrews Press.