On a visit to present Leach Colour with a Queen's Award for Enterprise: Innovation, HRH the Duke of Kent put the award-winning Stik display system through its paces. After installing the magnetic graphic display he commented on how easy and simple it was to carry out.

Printhead manufacturer, Xaar, has approved a range of inks from ceramic tile ink specialist, Chimigraf.

PaperlinX aims to strengthen its sign and display business across the UK market by creating a more flexible and customer focused organisation. Europoint and Robert Horne's sign and display division will retain their individual market propositions while utilising the scale of the PaperlinX UK business for conversion, warehousing, finance, administration and e-commerce. This should allow each business to continue its product offering while ensuring that support functions provide a high level of customer service.

With over 25,000 students registered to take part in Proskills' PrintIT! initiative this Autumn, print companies are urged to support their local schools by signing up to the twinning programme.  Under the programme printers team up with local schools to share their knowledge of the industry, offer support to teachers and provide advice on coursework, giving pupils a feel for print by bringing industry into the classroom.

Sun Chemical aims to help wide format printers increase productivity and profitability following a deal to become a UK distributor for Apollo multi-functional, UV wide format printers.

Over 90 printed samples are included in Swanline Print's new sales aid. Designed to look like a  fishing box, the tool kit will assist customers in demonstrating the range of print options available for litho and screen printed packaging and displays.

With just over six months to go until the exhibition, Sign & Digital UK 2009 is filling up fast with over 80 per cent of the floor space already booked. Exhibitors already signed up include Hewlett-Packard, Roland DG, Robert Horne Group, Hybrid Services, Hexis, Spandex, William Smith, AXYZ, Fujifilm Sericol and more.

A UK distribution agreement will see the Paper Company (PaperCo) offer Gandinnovations' complete range of solvent, aqueous and UV grand format technologies. This will extend PaperCo's digital inkjet portfolio, which also includes solutions from Roland DG for outdoor signage and Canon's aqueous machines for indoor graphics. This enhanced line-up will support the commercial print sector, offering traditional litho companies complementary revenue streams and higher profit margins.

Finishing equipment supplier, Total PFS, has launched a new website dedicated to its growing range of smaller hand-held and desktop finishing equipment and associated consumables. The site is designed to offer fast and easy access to finishing equipment from manufacturers including Stago, Skrebba, Planatol and Cyklos.

Océ introduces the Océ Arizona 350 GT UV cure flatbed printer with support for white ink and high production speeds. It is said to offer near-photographic image quality using VariaDot imaging technology and can print on a variety of rigid substrates with a roll media option for flexible media.

Specialist distributor Midwich is to sell Canon's large format CAD/GIS and general use printers, including media and inks. This extends an existing partnership between the two companies and will see Midwich offer the whole range of imagePrograf LFPs, including the iPF610, iPF710, iPF720 and LP17 and LP24 printers.

A new logo has been introduced to refresh Fespa's brand identity. The new look is designed to be contemporary, clean and distinctive, while remaining true to the heritage of the Fespa brand. The corporate logo is part of a suite of logos for each of Fespa's exhibitions and events, which now cover Europe, Asia-Pacific, India and Latin America.

Graphic Printing Technologies (GPT) is a new company, formed with the remit of helping end users find their way through the large format sector. Managing director, Stuart Cole and sales director, Shaun Thompson bring experience from Colourgen and Applied Image Technology respectively. They will be supported by three staff covering consumables sales, administration and technical support and will be backed by showroom and office facilities in Berkshire.

Large format manufacturer, Mutoh, is in the process of enhancing its UK reseller channel and has named DCP Systems as one of the first to achieve MCP Sign and Display status. DCP was awarded straight away, in recognition of its product and market knowledge, trading figures and as an all round ambassador for the large format brand.

A complete range of hardware, ink, media, software and tools will be available from a single-source as Fujifilm Sericol launches its new large format printing business in the UK. Many of the products will carry the company's newly-acquired Euromedia brand, including 650 different media products, Maxjet solvent roll-fed printers and ColorGate production server.

Job setup and output is said to be easier than ever using Gandinnovations' new RIP software created by ErgoSoft.

Congratulations, some of you have started to use the free directory service on the PBIF web site and are reaping the benefits. Have a look now and then complete the brief form at the bottom where it says ‘click here' and off you go. Web sites are all to do with the numbers game and the more often your company name appears the more likely it is someone will find you and increase the opportunity to do business. As it is free to members and the credit crunch is biting into your sales, it must be worth the few minutes it takes to complete the form?

Vinyl film manufacturer, Hexis, has launched a new line of matt cast laminates designed to achieve glare-free vehicle wraps.

Kaye Dee Marking Solutions is offering a range of products from KDscreen designed to offer an environmentally safer chemistry for the screen printing industry.

As the government launches the first year of its new Diplomas for 14-19 year olds, school-based vocational campaign, PrintIT!, is off to a successful start, in this, its fourth year.

Designed specifically for outdoor sidewalk and parking lot floor graphics, Mactac StreetRap is an 85µm white matt calendered PVC film coated with an aggressive clear acrylic adhesive. It sticks to flat or slightly rough pedestrian traffic surfaces, like concrete and asphalt, and is expected to help advertisers exploit new sites such as trade shows, retail outlets, public buildings, convention centres and entertainment venues. It also allows sign makers and event organisers to make safety and directional signs more visible.

Roland DG has launched a competition to win a 64in VersaArt RS-640 worth £10,999. Printers and sign makers are invited to enter the competition on-line at www.winaroland.com by answering three multiple choice questions on the RS- 640.

Fourteen new colours have been added to the ImagePerfect 5700P portfolio of signage materials from Spandex. This takes the company's total offering to 80 colours, with all 14 of the new colours available from stock.

A host of semi-finished plastic products are showcased in Perspex Distribution's new 216-page product guide. Options include Perspex cast acrylic, polycarbonate, polyester, PVC, polystyrene, aluminium composite and a new composite acrylic sheet as well as rod and tube. Product availability and technical information are featured, including properties and processing, making the guide an essential reference for stockists, fabricators and designers.

Throughout the year I attend many UK and international trade shows in the printing sector and beyond. As always, from an exhibitor's perspective, the question is how to measure their value. In today's increasingly complex marketing world, footfall alone is no longer a sufficient measure. The same can be said about magazine circulation numbers and page counts.

Vinyls are a cheap and effective way to transform a business, according to signage specialist, Admiral Signs London. They can be installed onto glass or any glossy painted surface for an instant face lift and are available in a variety of forms including metallic, frosted, reflective, colour change and even glow in the dark.

Large format printer and pre-press specialist, Datumpress, has been bought out in its 21st year, by its two longest serving employees. Scott Pearce and Mark Gamble, who joined the firm in 1988, have bought the business from its retiring founder, Alan Willis.

Print companies are urged to invest in the future of the sector by working with schools and colleges to deliver a new qualification.

Working closely with suppliers, Colourgen and Epson, value-added reseller, DCP Systems, has established a centre of excellence for fine art and photography printing. The facility will run from the company's Sheffield showroom, which already enables customers in the North to view the latest wide format printing technology.

Users of Mutoh wide format inkjet printing equipment can now specify biofriendly inks from EFI-Inkware's BioWare range. The agreement includes Mubio inks, which are a low viscosity version of the BioWare inks, recognised by the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Design for Environment program.

Thousands of customers have already used FotoInsight's printing service to transfer digital photos onto canvas. Now the on-line service is rolling out to Mediterranean countries, including France, Spain and Italy.

Media buyers believe the general public is poorly informed about the environmental impact of paper. That's the key finding of a survey commissioned by the National Association of Paper Merchants (NAPM) targeted at professional purchasers of communications media.

Live Event Branding is a new company specialising in fabric branding for a variety of events and venues. Products include flags, banners, flagpoles, lamp post banners, pop up banners and tents, café barriers, crowd surf barriers, pitch banners and house builder/forecourt poles and signage.

Robert Horne Group is conducting a series of vehicle wrapping training days around the UK designed to provide practical detail on vinyl application. The one day course covers different techniques, with hints and tips on wrapping and practical hands-on experience using test panels and an actual car.

During visits to members to try and find common requirements for PBIF Membership, we have discovered the majority of those visited to date are happy with the current offering, including the combination of magazine and web site.

UK and Ireland supplier of DTG direct to product ink jet printing machines, Your Embroidery Services, has expanded its technical support service by appointing a dedicated print product technician. Vince Carr will offer enhanced customer support as well as training new technicians within the company's development program.

Two new flatbed UV printers from HP's commercial and industrial portfolio have been installed at the Perfect Colours showroom. To promote the equipment, Perfect Colours has created a website dedicated to the new additions, where users can download product information and register to attend a full demonstration.

Kodak's Graphic Communications Group (GCG) has strengthened its sales force in the UK with a series of appointments designed to boost the company's expertise in digital printing both electrophotographic and inkjet.

Measuring 3.2 by six metres, the new Zünd flat-bed cutter installed at ESP Technologies Group is claimed to be the biggest in the UK. The company, which specialises in branding applications as well as wide and superwide display print selected the machine to automate many of its finishing processes, including cutting and routing.

A total of twenty Colortrac SmartLF Cx 40 scanners have been supplied by Allied Images for use as part of a national reform of the planning process.

EFI has expanded its suite of inkjet solutions by investing in Jettable, an inkjet technology company specialising in digital printing onto ceramic substrates.

Epson Traditional Photo Paper will be available from Colurgen at 50 per cent of the recommended retail price until 30 September. The offer applies to A4, A3+ and A2 papers with prices starting at £11.83 for 25 A4 sheets.

Europoint Display, a subsidiary of The Paper Company, has launched an initiative to encourage high street retailers and supermarkets to print their signage, packaging and displays on environmentally friendly substrates.

Colour management and proofing solutions supplier, GMG, has updated its website with new functions, user-friendly design and a clearer structure.

An open door policy ensures DCP Systems' new centre of excellence is accessible to both photographers and fine art professionals keen to find out more about the company's large format Epson printers, scanners and projectors. These, along with various media and inks, will be available for demonstration, training and seminars at the Sheffield facility.

Spühl is set to introduce a new five metre wide roll-to-roll printer during its in-house show, running 12 to 14 November in Wittenbach. The large format digital print specialist will debut the new system, capable of printing up to 300m2/h, depending on colour configuration. Rolls up to 500mm diameter and 700kg can be handled.

With more than 350 individuals already signed-up, Fespa's new online networking site, the Wide Network, is the ideal place for wide format digital print professionals to share ideas and discuss current issues.

Sign manufacturer, Vista System, has been recognised by the Society for Environmental Graphic Design Green Committee (SEGD) as a company that employs green practices in the creation of its environmentally friendly modular sign system. It also highlights that the processes and materials used throughout the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of its goods are as environmentally friendly as possible.

Web-based inquiry and procurement system, Print Support, has been enhanced so that suppliers can register for free. The site, which is used by  print buyers and printing companies to purchase paper and outsource jobs, can now be utilised across the entire purchasing process, with no additional costs.

Carbon footprint calculations are now listed for UPM paper products as part of the Paper Profile. Designed to help customers estimate their own footprint, the calculations are based on the ten elements of the carbon footprint framework for paper and board products developed by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). The data is based on annual averages of specific paper machine lines and the figures refer to fossil CO2 emissions.

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has signed a three-year contract to install a range of Canon technology in its in-house print centre. The deal includes an imagePRESS C7000VP, two iR150 HV black-and-white machines, two light production CLC5151 colour devices, four iR7105 machines as well as eight networked document scanning devices. This will enable the university to manage high-volume printing in-house, including production of bespoke prospectuses for students.

In a bid to improve the backup and support for Seal laminators in the UK, Laaco Laminates' Simon Dobson has attended a three day training course at Seal's offices in Raalte, Holland. Laaco covers the whole of the UK offering technical advice, repairs, servicing and training on all types of Seal and sallmetal equipment, so the training will give customers access to updated expertise.

Selected for its ability to print, slit and seal in one process, PlotFactory has chosen a Jeti 3324 Aquajet to fulfil its large format fabric printing requirements. The Swiss print service provider purchased the direct-to-fabric digital printer from Gandinnovations.

Two new courses on the latest developments and applications in print technology have been organised by the international group, Colour Research for European Advanced Technology Employment (Create) at the University of the West of England.

As sole UK and Ireland distributor for Ruco printing inks, Kaye-Dee, supplies a number of products into the plastics industry, including the 945UV, 080UV and T40 inks.

Since the July issue I am pleased to say that I have had some eight enquiries for information from PBIF members and about ten enquiries from the public for services offered by Federation members. All have been answered satisfactorily and 90 per cent same day.

Specialist AV distributor, Mentor Distribution, is now a UK distributor for the NEC SpectraView range of colour calibrated monitors.

Printing industry employers who sign up to Proskills' sustainable workforce pledge are eligible for a share of a £62million training fund made available by the Government.

When Newport-based Lexon Group wanted to produce POS material for its high-end retail customers, it decided to invest in a Screen Truepress Jet2500UV hybrid roll-fed and flatbed inkjet system. With its grayscale printheads, it can print at a variety of resolutions, producing 70m2/h at 300dpi and photo quality detail at 1,500dpi.

Packaged together for the first time, Robert Horne's Green Box contains samples of all environmentally friendly products from the Sign and Display collection. It offers detailed information on the green credentials of each product, the benefits of changing to a new media, what it can be substituted for and what products could be made from the recycled content.

Organisers of Fespa Digital Printing Europe 2008 have revealed that the sustainable development programme run by Geneva's Palexpo exhibition centre played a key role in its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its events.

In conjunction with UK Canon distributor Velmex, SPDI is offering readers the chance to win one of two Canon large format printers.

Madico Graphic Films has launched a website to promote its pressure sensitive coated film products including UV and eco-solvent inkjet and thermal transfer printable window films.

The Howard Smith Group (HSPG), in partnership with The Print Circle, has launched a free, web-based tool to assist organisations secure Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Boosted by the success of its first ever Digital Textile Conference, Fespa is planning to host a UK-focussed textile conference this autumn, in conjunction with Prism, its UK member association.

Visitors to The Sign Show this September are encouraged to go to the pub where they can get stuck in and help themselves. Delegates will be able to have a go at creating pub signage in a demonstration area hosted by Peter Millichamp of PKM signs. The area will feature at a 45m2 pub exterior mock-up, split into two sections, one of which will be created using traditional sign making methods, while the other will be designed using modern disciplines.

Static Electricity: Causes and Cures is a  free, 24-page page colour booklet now available in the downloads section of the Meech website. Written to answer the most commonly asked questions about static electricity, the booklet includes information on what static is, how it occurs and the methods available for its control in industrial applications.

The PBIF web site is now active as a microsite at www.spdi-online.com. The Products and Services Directory is also up and running, where suppliers can upload their company details under the appropriate classified headings.

Robert Horne Group has strengthened its presence in the UK plastics market with the acquisition of Vink Plastics UK, a national distributor with a presence in the sign, graphics and construction industry.

Combining the best of toner and inkjet printing, Océ has introduced a new wide format printing technology called Océ CrystalPoint. The process works by converting colour Océ TonerPearls into a gel, which is then jetted and crystallized onto any type of paper, producing crisp, waterfast images with accurate dot placement.

A month after its formal launch, prism feels like a different animal to the DSPA. With its fresh, vibrant image, people perceive it as an Association with potential. Prism plans to make sure the print community maximises its potential, by inspiring best practice and helping guide businesses to a profitable, successful future.

Five months after a massive fire destroyed its factory on Christmas Day, Kromex is back in business manufacturing screen inks. The company is now running at full capacity to fulfil current orders and build up stocks.

Palram Europe Limited confirms that its recent Palight advertisement, which stated it was the only supplier of foamed PVC board who can manufacture in the UK, was incorrect. The company confirms it is one of two UK manufacturers of foamed PVC board. Palram Europe Limited apologises for the error and any confusion it may have caused. The company confirms this was down to an error on the advertising copy which is regrettable.

James McNaughton Group's logistics subsidiary, gm2 logistics, has taken delivery of its first zero emission electric truck. The truck will deliver genuine reductions in the environmental impact of paper deliveries, saving over 4,250 litres of fuel and around 12 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year, compared with the diesel truck it replaced.

Two years of development and beta site feedback have culminated in the re-launch of AB Graphic's Omega sabre eXtreme digital laser workflow system, which provides an electronic converting solution for digitally printed webs and eliminates the need for rotary tooling. Operation has been enhanced with a new user interface, faster operating speed and improved cutting accuracy.

European Membrane Switch Symposium 2008 is a one day conference providing printers and manufacturers with information on the latest technologies for membrane switch and industrial graphics manufacture. The event, which will take place in Germany on 6 November, will recognise the functional, aesthetic and integration advantages of membrane switches with a series of presentations covering market trends and  best practice in production.

During its open house on 12, 13 and 14 June, Adelco will be demonstrating the Kornit direct on garment digital printer. Visitors are asked to confirm when they will be attending.

First time investors and current users looking to upgrade their computer-to-screen system are invited to attend CTS and Digital Workflow 2008. This two day conference will provide printers with the latest technologies for computer-to-screen applications as well as helping them to achieve a better digital workflow.

Yorkshire-based screen and large format digital printer, Bluetree, has invested £1.5million in new premises, infrastructure and technology. The move will enhance its ability to meet point of sale requirements with larger digital print product runs.

Printers are experiencing increased pressure to become Chain of Custody certified, which is why McNaughton has extended its seminar programme with a workshop covering the audit process in detail.

Promotional merchandise and carrier-bag specialist, Kan-do-it, has launched a new range of jute bags featuring a fully bio-degradable plastic lining. The launch mirrors trends in the promotional products industry, which continues to move towards eco-friendly products.

B-Print is celebrating its tenth anniversary with Will Skelchy at the helm, during which time it has grown from a small screen printing business to a major UK point of sale and display provider offering a range of digital, litho and screen printing services to the major retail groups.

Illustrating its commitment to developing the next generation of graphic arts professionals, Roland DG has announced the winners of its inaugural Roland Academy Inter-School Challenge. The final design will now be produced in large format to adorn banners on the perimeter of the New Walsall College construction site.

A magnetic graphic display system developed by large format graphics producer, Leach Colour, has received the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2008. The award was given in the Innovation category for the company's Stik system, which is used in retail stores, car showrooms, commercial interiors and heritage sites in the UK and abroad.

Delegates who attended PrintLondon's workshop on Winning Public Sector Contracts were treated to an insider view of how public sector buyers select winning tenders.

Now in its third year, the PrintIT! Initiative has selected Alex Robertson of Bispham High School and Arts College, Blackpool, as overall winner of PrintIT! 2007/8. The winning entry was selected from the eight category winners in a competition which registered more than 23,000 participating students from over 570 schools.

Alcan Composites and Robert Horne Sign and Display have teamed up to launch an auditable recycling scheme for Dibond ACM panels. The initiative, which complies with Alcan's ISO 14001 certification, will result in as much as 99.9 per cent of material being re-used.