L to R: SignLink's editor Brendan Perring, and Sign and Digital UK's event director, Rudi Blackett, caught sharing a laugh at the show
First out of the blocks this year was I-Sub Digital, which made a sale in what must be record time, only 15 minutes after the doors opened, proving that Sign and Digital UK truly is a 'buying show'. At a quarter past ten Graphic Station bought a Mimaki JFX-200 from the resellers for £60,000, citing diversification into the fine-art photography and direct-to-substrate market as a reason for the purchase, as well as general expansion of the business.
Mimaki's UK and Ireland distributor Hybrid Services were obviously delighted with the sale, which comes as a reassuring boost to the firm facing stiff competition from the likes of Epson, HP, and a number of other key rivals. National sales manager for Hybrid Services, John de la Roche, comments: “Mimaki has a very deep understanding of the market, and how the variety of niche sectors form a holistic industry. With that knowledge, we are able to guide our customers on the quickest route from purchase to profit.”
The JFX-200 is a key product for Mimaki and sold within minutes of the show opening
“There is no other brand like Mimaki for providing technical innovations and generating new market niches. It's at the core of what they do,” he concludes.
Pix and mix
Indeed, if you are a wide-format enthusiast then visiting the Hybrid stand is like being a kid in a sweet shop, with so many technical platforms that allow creativity. A key example is the UJF-3042HG, a 3D object printer that is using what they call a 'kebab' enhancement to print patterns directly onto candles, cans, and bottles during the show.
Another reseller singing the praises of Mimaki is YPS. Hazel Watt, finance director at the firm, marks out the Mimaki JV400-130 SUV as a stand out product, because it allows you to create high-value products, from glossy vehicle graphics to fine art prints. The firm specialises in industrial flat-bed and has sold two Mimaki JFX500s in the last twelve months.
Hazel Watt of YPS says she is really pleased with show footfall on day one
She continues: “Reliability and speed really matter for today's sign-maker, and we are helping our customers work in the visual communications industry as a whole, rather than one niche area.”
In regards to the show, she says YPS is 'really pleased' with the footfall at its stand and that there is a 'crowded buzz' to the event.
Hot off the press
There can be no doubt that part of this 'buzz' felt at trade shows is generated by the various new kit launches that take place, and this year's Sign and Digital UK is no exception.
Reliability and speed really matter for today's sign-maker, and we are
helping our customers work in the visual communications industry as a
whole, rather than one niche area”
One major release is from HP, which is showing its new Latex range for the first time in Europe on the Paperlinx stand at Sign and Digital.
Jane Rixon, channel business manager, large format production printing, HP, comments: “The great thing about third generation latex technology is that it allows you to print more quickly, be more productive, and print on a wider range of substrates. It comes dry out of the machine immediately, enabling you to finish the print much quicker.
Jane Rixon of HP outlined the key benefits of the new HP Latex range, seeing its European launch at Sign and Digital UK
She continues:“We have a place for solvent, but believe latex is a very real alternative; it's a green technology and it's healthier for the operator.”
“Our plan is to double our market share, as a minimum, in the next two years,” Rixon concludes.
Another key feature of exhibition that is sure to stir up some excitement in the halls is the closing of significant financial deals. The attendees of the event this year did not have to wait long, as Borney UK parted with a huge £144,000, in return for an MTEX 5032.
Andrew Severs, director of Borney UK, says a key motivation for the deal is the growing demand for soft signage in the UK. He continues: “We have ties in Europe, where it's a major part of the sign industry now, and we can see this developing at grass roots level in the UK.
Andrew Severs of Borney UK invested £144,000 in a new MTEX 5032
“This investment has allowed us to add a new arm to the company. We've got a new factory for it to go in and we've created five new jobs already; we hope this will be the future of Borney UK.”
Pleased as punch
Treading the boards (or purple carpet) at Sign and Digital UK, the general response from both visitors and exhibitors was positive. While many were reserving judgement for tomorrow (the telling 'middle day'), many other exhibitors reported excellent footfall on their stands, as well as genuine leads and even some early sales.
This positive sentiment echoed by Andrew Simmons, sales director of Soyang Europe, who comments: “In terms of the rate at which we are generating new leads, this is definitely one of the best shows I've been to.
Soyang's Andrew Simmons cited a keen interest from visitors in materials which allow sign-makers to push the creative boundaries
“A clear trend from the show is that there is real market traction and interest in wall and floor graphics. Soyang Europe's mission at this event is to demonstrate that we are about a lot more than just PVC banners; our ethos is that we have every surface covered.”
Soyang has recently moved to new, larger premises and can hold up to 1.3 million square metres worth of stock, a useful attribute in the crowded sign materials market.
Reporting for Sign7 News, Brendan Perring interviewed Sign and Digital UK's event director Rudi Blackett
With one day over and two still to go, it is very early to start singing the praises of this year's show. Sign and Digital UK 2014 has, however, come out of the blocks running, without a trace of a false start, and with many committed supporters cheering it on. Bring on tomorrow.
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