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Embrace change in the print industry
In the last week or so I have experienced an excellent European wide format Directors Forum organised by Fespa, Printwear and Promotion's successful inaugural awards dinner, plus the ups and downs of engaging members and non-members of the DSPA in a period of transition and change for the organisation. My lessons learned?
Firstly, embrace change and be prepared to be different, as it always leads to good things in the end, even if its an uncomfortable ride. Secondly, really understand clients as it's the only way to demonstrate meaningful value to them. Finally, understand the whole value chain to position the business to get the best out of its uniqueness for the longest possible time.
Companies attending the Fespa Forum in Budapest signalled a commitment (or curiosity) to continuous improvement of business performance through being open to new ways of thinking. I believe its mix of challenging, informative and inspirational presentations from leaders helped focus the thinking of leading European companies, which will lead to further positive changes for these organisations.
I want to extend my thanks to the UK companies that attended and hope they become ambassadors for similar planned DSPA UK events. Those gentlemen were: ESP Technologies Group's Stephen Hood; Simpson Group's Mark Simpson who gave a scene-setting and inspiring presentation titled ‘I am not a printer'; GSM Graphic Arts' Rudy Pearce; Nazdar's James McDonald and Keith Ramsey; Xaar's Ian Dinwoodie and Mark Alexander; DS Smith's David Atchison; McKenzie Clark's Graham Clark; and McGowan Printers' Malcolm McGowan.
My Forum takeaway is printers raising their game in an overcrowded market. The market is likely to polarise in five to 10-years to create commodity players where price is the key differentiator and braver consultative players, who draw on creative, design, project management, fabrication, fulfilling and printing resources to deliver a value-added proposition that meets clients' needs at all business levels.
Marketing is the key. Fespa's Marcus Timson did a great job of demystifying the process. Rather than selling print machine capabilities, aim to help clients understand the special finishes that can be achieved and stimulate possibilities that strengthen the relationship. The Sensations* pack is one way of communicating these possibilities.
The DSPA is re-launching during Sign & Digital UK, NEC, 22 April. It has developed plans and activities for a new and vibrant offer, supporting its intent to be the most cost-effective and valued UK trade Association. Representing imaging specialists engaged in supplying the marketing media, garments and industrial printed products markets, it aims to be professional and transparent about facts and issues faced by the community. Please attend the launch (22 April, 10.15) or visit stand AA40 to discover more about the Association's plans for supporting the UK printing industry's sustainable future.
Finally, a worthy mention for the Printwear and Promotion Exhibition and its Awards evening on 3 March, the Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham. Richard Smith did the industry proud with a great mix of exhibitors representing the value chain from printing machines to finished garments. The evening awards programme was a polished, professional event and well supported by sponsors. The quality of finalists was impressively high, giving Andrew Castle and his team of judges a tough time when selecting the winners in each of the six categories. Thank you to Datateam for putting on such a great event.
For a copy of the Sensations pack (£75 for DSPA members and £125 to non-members) contact John Keith.
To become a member of the DSPA please contact John Keith.
John Keith is DSPA manager and can be reached at: john.keith@dspa.co.uk or 01737 249072 & 07906 225250
DSPA UK - working behind the scenes to keep screen and digital printers going!
www.dspa.co.uk - info@dspa.co.uk
