A global business known to people all around the world, HP leads the market in key technology sectors, holding off competition from big-name rivals to retain its position and remain the brand of choice for many customers.
When it comes to understanding the reasons behind this unprecedented success, this can prove a tricky process. Much as is the case with other leading brands in other sectors, there is no single reason for this success, but in the case of HP, a large amount of it can be attributed to a key focus on people.
Investing in talent remains a key ethos at HP as it seeks to bring in the brightest minds in print to continue its focus on developing the kit that customers really need, as well as contributing to markets where it sees real potential for growth.
Phil Oakley, UK and Ireland region manager, large-format printing business for HP, picks up on this point as he sets out the company's plans for the current year. Having already established itself as among the leading solutions providers in many print markets, Oakley says HP is now looking to other sectors where it believes its digital print technology can cause real disruption.
The word that has always been associated with HP, right back to when the two founders started the business, is ‘invent’”
“If you look at our DesignJet brand, it has very much continued to lead the market in that inkjet space,” Oakley says, adding: “We need to look at how we can continue to transform other industries, whether that be wallcoverings, blinds, carpets, or similar applications, this is where we see growth.
“If you look at all the interior designers and decorators, you will see there are a lot that still don’t use digital technology for decoration. So we have to pull the industry from a different space to understand the real benefits of digital print technology. I think we are doing very well with it, but I think we are only just scratching the surface.”
In addition to decoration, Oakley says that HP has identified opportunities within the wider textile market in terms of its large-format technology, hinting that the company will soon be rolling out more targeted solutions for this sector.
“In terms of where else HP large-format technology can make an impact is in the textile markets,” Oakley reveals, adding: “Although we aren’t currently here, we see that market as being quite fragmented; it needs consistency and repeatability of quality. I can’t say too much at the moment, but it is definitely a space to watch.”
In terms of where else HP large-format technology can make an impact is in the textile markets”
This focus on new development brings Oakley and indeed HP back to the firm’s humble beginnings, saying that the company has always had a focus on what it wants to do next, rather than resting on its laurels.
“The word that has always been associated with HP, right back to when the two founders started the business, is ‘invent’,” Oakley says, adding: “We invented inkjet technology, we invented latex technology, and I think this pedigree of inventing print technology that transforms and helps businesses is what anyone considering buying a piece of print kit should look at.
“I do respect the other brands, but with HP, we cover every spectrum of print; which puts us in a strong position as a trusted advisor for print.
“We’re going to be doing a lot in the next three months of our quarter in the deco market and interiors sector. Growing and strengthening the deco market with digital print technology is the area that everyone should be looking at in the next year.”
