Print in the Channel - issue #41

News, Analysis and Opinion for MSPs in Print, Scan, DMS and DC/POS

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Issue #41

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COMMENT

Grabbing opportunities The print channel is evolving quickly, and it is presenting plenty of opportunities across the sector for resellers to add to their offering and boost their sales and bottom line.

The economy is in a period of fast change, fuelled by the rapid development of AI and its increasing range of applications for businesses. As with all change there are risks but also

refresh their multifunctional printer (MFP) fleets – something that has been put off for, in some cases, years. But what customers want from MFPs is changing and resellers need to be alive to this in conversations about fleet refreshes. Read more on p44. Elsewhere, we review the recent Print Show, which showcased some of the innovations in the large format print sector, with a range of new technology on show from a range of manufacturers. What shone through at the Show – where attendance was up year-on-year – was a sense of optimism in this part of the sector, with demand for devices on the up as innovative companies look to exploit the technology. Read more on p30. The pace of evolution shows no sign of letting up, which means that the opportunities that exist now have the potential to grow further, so resellers and MPS providers must ensure they are in the right position to capitalise on them. As always, I hope you enjoy the issue. Print in the Channel is everyone in the print channel, so if you have any topics that you would like to see covered in a future issue – or you have a press release or opinion piece you would like to submit for consideration for publication, please drop me a line at dan@newsinthechannel.com.

Dan Parton

opportunities for those willing to adapt quickly – and the print channel is no exception. For instance, AI is becoming increasingly important in managed print services (MPS), as customers increasingly demand it as part of their solutions. AI can also

make a difference to MPS providers’ own business operations too. But MPS providers must ensure that where they use AI it solves a problem a customer has and delivers value. Read more on p35. Labelling is another sector that is evolving quickly, with smart labels becoming increasingly used, especially in sectors such as third-party logistics (3PL), which are under increasing pressure to deliver goods faster and more efficiently. Labels are a crucial aspect of this and, by extension, so are the printers that print the labels, and this presents plenty of opportunities for resellers. Read more on p40. The office print market is also changing. With more people returning to the office, managers are increasingly looking to

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CONTENTS

News You should know p8 Product launches HP p14 Epson p16 Brother p20 Konica Minolta p22 Zebra Print Group Interview p25 Print Show 2026 p30 Cover Story Xerox p32 AI in MPS p35 Labelling for 3PL businesses p40 Multifunctional printer refresh trends p44 Ricoh 2026 Workplace Technology Adoption Gap p48 Sharp UK New headquarters p52 EKM Global Customer relationships p54 People p55 Stockies 2026 Shortlists p57

Zebra Print Group has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary – a notable achievement for an independent print business. Interview: Zebra Print Group – p25

AI in MPS – p35

AI is becoming increasingly important in managed print services, as customers increasingly demand it as part of their solutions. But MPS providers must ensure that where they use AI it solves a problem a customer has and delivers value.

Labelling for 3PL businesses – p40

The 3PL sector is under increasing pressure, with margins being squeezed by rising prices and intense competition, which means that businesses are looking to be ever-more efficient, and labels have an important role.

Product Launches

HP – p14 HP is seeking to bring advanced print security and fleet management to small businesses with its new Color LaserJet Enterprise 4000/X400 Series of single function and multifunctional printers.

Epson has expanded its WorkForce range with three new smarter, subscription- ready A4 printers that combine business- class performance, intelligent wireless connectivity and six months of free ink.

Epson WorkForce range – p16

CONTENTS

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Sharp UK – p52

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2026

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Publishing Director Justin Penn 07816 573 186 justin@ printinthechannel.com Editorial Dan Parton 07941 979 845 dan@ printinthechannel.com Advertising Sales Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@ printinthechannel.com Market Analyst Wickus Bester wickus.bester@ stockinthechannel.com

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Multifunctional printer refresh trends – p44

With more people returning to the office, multifunctional printers are increasingly used, and it is prompting managers, who may have put off updating their fleets when more people worked at home, to refresh their MFP fleets.

Product Launches

Brother UK Smart Series – p20

Brother has expanded its A4 inkjet portfolio with four new printers across its SOHO and SMB ranges, which offer increased performance and faster print speeds and aim to help partners to tap into higher volume demand.

Konica Minolta – p22

Published by: In the Channel Media Ltd Company registration number: 14363401 Registered office address 14-18 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1B 4DA In conjunction with:

Konica Minolta has launched the latest addition to its AccurioLabel range, the 231, which is aimed at the entry- to mid-level label converter market with the promise of boosting productivity and profitability while reducing waste through automation and high-quality output.

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NEWS

Canon launches new AI-powered support service for inkjet printers

the platform’s proactive, continuous monitoring and support capabilities to consumer inkjet printers, sending guidance and alerts via the Canon PRINT mobile app. If conditions that could affect print quality are detected, users receive notifications recommending corrective actions before problems occur, helping them maintain printer performance and print quality. For example, if a printer has not been turned off correctly, potentially affecting print quality, users may receive an alert recommending corrective action. Another feature, Advanced Chat, provides AI-powered support through Canon PRINT apps on PCs and mobile devices. Users can describe setup, operation or printing issues in their own words, and the AI summarises relevant information to provide guidance. It can also use data from the printer to identify possible causes and recommend solutions, helping users resolve issues quickly on their own. n

Canon Europe has begun a new free service that combines continuous printer monitoring with AI-based troubleshooting support for PIXMA. Printer users often have questions about setup, connectivity, operation and error recovery. Because the answers to such questions can depend on the user’s specific circumstances, finding the right information through manuals or FAQ sites can be difficult. The new service is tailored to individual usage conditions and is built on a proprietary cloud platform called Data- driven Service Foundation that Canon already uses for office printers. It extends

Kyocera and QPR team up in new partnership

Kyocera Document Solutions (UK) Ltd has become an official partner of Queens Park Rangers, marking the beginning of a collaboration spanning elite sport, community, inclusion and technology. The partnership sees Kyocera become back-of-shirt sponsor of QPR FC Women, with stadium and concourse advertising. For Kyocera, the collaboration is about far more than visibility on matchdays. It brings together two organisations with a belief in developing people, supporting their communities and creating opportunities for the future. A particularly important part of the partnership is Kyocera’s support for QPR FC Women. As the women’s game

continues to develop, Kyocera wants to play its part in supporting that progress and providing greater visibility for women in sport. The commitment reflects the company’s wider focus on diversity and inclusion and creating opportunities for all people to fulfil their potential. The partnership has a strong community dimension too. QPR in the Community Trust uses football to support positive change locally, with programmes built around health, education, social inclusion and participation. This complements Kyocera’s own focus on social value and making a positive contribution beyond its immediate commercial activities. “From the beginning, we wanted this to

Steve Doust

kyoceradocument solutions.co.uk

NEWS

Group UK. “QPR has a real connection with its community and an ambition to make a positive difference, and we saw a lot of our own values reflected in that. “Supporting QPR FC Women is something we’re particularly proud of. Women’s football has tremendous momentum and we want to play a part in supporting its continued growth, while reinforcing our own commitment to diversity, inclusion and opportunity.” n

be more than putting the Kyocera name alongside a football club,” said Steve Doust, group sales director at Kyocera

NHS Trust completes major patient records digitisation Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has completed the digitisation of general adult patient records across Bedford Hospital and Luton & Dunstable

rather than as physical files. Multiple authorised users can now view the same record simultaneously, eliminating delays associated with locating, transporting and retrieving paper notes. “This is a significant milestone for the Trust,” said Josh Chandler, chief digital information officer at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. “We have moved from medical records libraries filled with paper to giving our teams immediate electronic access to patient information. Clinicians no longer need to chase paper notes, and multiple staff can access the same record at the same time. For those of us involved from the beginning, it's particularly rewarding to have seen this transformation from start to finish. It's a major achievement for everyone who has played a part.” Xerox will continue to support the Trust through day-forward scanning, digitising new documentation as it enters the organisation. n

Hospital in partnership with Xerox. The completion of historical scanning delivers significant financial and operational benefits. From October, the move to day-forward scanning is expected to contribute approximately £2 million in annual savings. The savings reflect a range of efficiencies, including the elimination of approximately £30,000 a month in off-site storage costs and the release of valuable estate space. Across both hospitals, Xerox has digitised more than 750,000 patient records. The milestone also recognises the contribution of the clinical, operational, IT, records management and scanning teams who supported the programme over many years. General adult patient records across both sites are now accessible electronically

Josh Chandler

www.xerox.co.uk/en-gb

Vasion opens UK headquarters

Vasion has opened its UK headquarters in London, its second European office after Frankfurt. The office gives the 500 organisations Vasion serves a local base for support and engagement. Many of them know the company through PrinterLogic.

The London office will serve as the hub for Vasion’s UK customer and partner activity, including regional support for partners across the UK and EMEA, onboarding and enablement for the new Vasion Partner programmes and Academy, and local customer briefings.

vasion.com

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NEWS

CONTINUED

Vasion expects the office to grow through local hiring over time. The UK is a priority market for the Utah- based company, which has invested in the region for several years. Together with the Frankfurt office, opened in June 2025, and its presence across a dozen European countries, reflects a deliberate, long-term expansion across the region. Vasion is investing in London as AI moves to the top of the IT agenda for UK and EMEA organisations, and documents are where many get stuck. Critical information still moves through print, scan and save every day, and much of it never reaches a system where it can be governed, searched or used. “Intelligent Document Automation is gaining momentum, and our UK partners

are how we reach customers who want to act on AI now,” said Ryan Wedig, co- founder and CEO of Vasion. “Data goes dark the moment a document is created. Our mission is to eliminate dark document data, capture the context and make it AI ready. Many know us as PrinterLogic, and their response as we extend into document workflows with Vasion Automate has been extraordinarily positive.” n

Ryan Wedig

vasion.com

OKI Europe launches new Product Lifetime Warranty Programme

OKI Europe has launched its new Product Lifetime Warranty Programme, giving businesses the opportunity to protect eligible OKI printers for up to seven years, depending on the model. The new programme will gradually replace OKI’s current three-year warranty offer and is designed to provide longer- lasting protection, simplified warranty management, and greater confidence in long-term printer ownership. Users can activate and maintain their extended warranty by registering their eligible OKI printer and original OKI toner through MyOKI portal. By registering at least one original OKI toner each year, warranty coverage can be extended annually, up to the maximum warranty period available for the printer model. The programme has been developed to simplify the ownership experience across Europe by bringing together warranty management, consumable registration, device information and support access within a single online portal. “OKI printers are built to perform in demanding business environments,”

said Polfai Ng, EMEA head of product and distribution, OKI Europe Ltd. “With the launch of the Product Lifetime Warranty Programme for eligible models, we are giving customers a simpler and more flexible way to keep their devices protected for longer, while reinforcing the value of original OKI consumables and MyOKI portal.” The current OKI three-year warranty programme will continue to be available for eligible models until 31 December, after which it will be fully replaced by the new MyOKI portal-based Product Lifetime Warranty Programme. Customers already enrolled in the three-year programme will continue to receive support in line with their existing warranty terms and conditions. n

Polfai Ng

oki.com

NEWS

Zebra Print Group launches Christmas toy appeal

Zebra Print Group is supporting Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm’s Christmas Gift Appeal 2026, collecting new toys, games, books and essential items to help bring festive joy to children who need it most. As part of its annual festive charity initiative, Zebra Print Group is partnering with its accountants, Kirk Newsholme, to encourage colleagues, family, friends and the wider community to get involved by donating gifts for children of all ages. Donations will be collected until Wednesday, November 18, with items helping the charity support children and families across Yorkshire during the Christmas period. The appeal welcomes a range of new gifts, including LEGO and construction sets, board games, dolls, action figures, toy cars, craft kits, colouring books, reading books, educational toys and musical instruments. Children's nightwear and toiletries, particularly items suitable for older children

and teenagers, are also needed. All gifts must be brand new, unopened and unwrapped to allow the charity to organise and distribute donations safely. “Christmas is a time for giving, and we’re delighted to be supporting Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm with this year’s Christmas Gift Appeal,” said Samantha Overton, managing director at Zebra Print Group. “As a business, we believe it’s important to give something back to our local community, and our annual festive charity initiative is a great opportunity to bring people together for a worthwhile cause.” n

Samantha Overton

zebraprintgroup.co.uk

Konica Minolta employees take on charity challenge

Following the success of its seven mile Royal Parks Walk in June, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd took on its most ambitious charity challenge of the year: The KM Ultra Walk, a 28-mile endurance event, in support of Cancer Research UK. The Ultra Walk was the second of two sponsored events Konica Minolta has organised this year in partnership with Challenge Central, reinforcing the company’s commitment to creating positive social impact and supporting the communities it serves. While the first walk brought colleagues together for an accessible, inclusive challenge, the Ultra Walk gave participants the opportunity to push themselves further and make an even greater fundraising impact. Starting in Epping, the 28-mile largely

flat route took in peaceful sections of the Thames Path, Victoria Park, Granary Square and finished at St Pancras. The route took walkers through a full day challenge designed to test stamina, teamwork and determination. “The energy and generosity shown during our Royal Parks Walk in June was truly inspiring, and [the] Ultra Walk gives us another opportunity to come together for a cause that matters deeply to so many,” said Gillian Nuttall, ESG partner at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd. “This challenge is about resilience, teamwork and the belief that every mile brings us closer to breakthroughs in cancer research. We’re incredibly proud of everyone taking part and grateful to all who support our fundraising efforts.” n

Gillian Nuttall

konicaminolta.co.uk

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PRODUCT LAUNCH HP COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE 4000/X400 SERIES

Joining the Jet set

HP is seeking to bring advanced print security and fleet management to small businesses with its new Color LaserJet Enterprise 4000/X400 Series of single function and multifunctional printers.

Speed and efficiency The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 4000/ X400 Series includes single-function and multifunction colour printers across transactional and managed configurations, replacing the current HP LaserJet Enterprise 400 Series. In addition, the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 4000/X400 Series helps teams move more efficiently between paper and digital with faster print and scan speeds, extended paper capacity and professional colour printing. Printers in the range offer print speeds of up to 35 pages per minute and input capacity of up to 1,400 sheets. They also support copy, scan and fax capabilities on multifunction models, including one-pass, two-sided scanning at up to 80 images per minute.

For small- to medium-sized businesses, print remains critical to business workflows, from customer and supplier communications to legal compliance and documents requiring physical signatures – it all still requires print. But as work increasingly moves between paper and digital formats, teams also need solutions that help them manage information securely and efficiently without adding IT complexity – and if that is in one device, so much the better. To cater for this demand, HP Inc. has introduced the HP Colour LaserJet Enterprise 4000/X400 Series, a compact A4 colour printing portfolio designed to help small teams manage document workflows with advanced security, simplified device management and reliable performance.

As work increasingly

moves between paper and digital formats, teams need solutions that help them manage information securely and efficiently without adding IT complexity – and if that is in one device, so much the better.

PRODUCT LAUNCH HP COLOR LASERJET ENTERPRISE 4000/X400 SERIES

The range also includes single- function and multifunction models across transactional and managed configurations. HP has appreciated that businesses want to manage their fleets more effectively and from a central point, and to this end it supports centralised fleet management through HP Web Jetadmin, HP Workforce Experience Platform, HP Security Manager and HP Smart Device Services. The devices are built on HP FutureSmart for a consistent user experience across the fleet. Workflow management For many businesses that are increasingly running digitalised operations, workflow management is of increasing importance, and HP’s new range has been designed to cate for this. For instance, searchable PDF is standard on all 4000/X400 models, with optional Editable OCR on the X400 MFPs to turn scanned documents into editable Microsoft files. In addition, HP OXPd solutions help businesses integrate print and scan workflows with business processes and applications directly from the device. This means that businesses can improve their efficiency and help free up administrative staff to work on other projects.

Advanced security For businesses of all sizes today, security is paramount. With the media full of stories about businesses of all sizes experiencing cyberbreaches, savvy managers want printers that are as secure as possible. HP’s printers cater for this with the inclusion of HP Wolf Security, HP’s advanced print security solution, which includes quantum-resistant capabilities along with tools that help IT teams deploy, monitor, and update devices.

For businesses of all sizes

today, security is paramount. With the media full of stories about businesses of all sizes experiencing cyberbreaches, savvy managers want printers that are as secure as possible.

Sustainability While security may be paramount,

sustainability is also high on the list of priorities for businesses. Again, HP has taken that into account in the design of its new printer range. For example, the printers are made with at least 10% recycled plastic, and HP TerraJet Toner uses less energy than previous generations. In addition, they have ENERGY STAR® 3.0 and EPEAT Silver certifications, with select models targeting EPEAT Gold. n

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PRODUCT LAUNCH EPSON WORKFORCE RANGE

Working smarter Epson has expanded its WorkForce range with three new smarter, subscription-ready A4 printers that combine business-class performance, intelligent wireless connectivity and six months of free ink, which are designed to appeal to small businesses, hybrid workers and home offices alike.

“

Epson's new WorkForce models offer high print quality, enhanced Wi-Fi performance and mobile-first functionality, all within compact, office-friendly designs.

”

For small businesses owners, whether based in home offices, small offices or, increasingly, somewhere in between, the focus is on working smarter, not harder – and the devices used have a crucial role to play in this, including printers. Customers increasingly want wireless connectivity to print from whichever device they

counts. Epson, an established name in the small business sector, appreciates this and it can be seen in the launch of the latest additions to its WorkForce A4 multifunction printer portfolio, which are designed to meet the evolving needs of home offices, hybrid workers and small businesses. The new WorkForce WF-4930, WF- 4920/WF-4925 and WF-3920/WF-3925 deliver fast, professional-quality printing, seamless wireless connectivity and a smarter approach to ink management through Epson’s ReadyPrint Flex subscription service, including six months of free ink for new customers. As small businesses continue to seek technology that combines affordability, flexibility and reliability, Epson’s new WorkForce models offer high print quality,

are using, but they are also concerned about

subscription services and

maximising the value of those, especially in young businesses

where often every penny

PRODUCT LAUNCH EPSON WORKFORCE RANGE

enhanced Wi-Fi performance and mobile- first functionality, all within compact, office-friendly designs. Professional and efficient Small business owners also don’t want to compromise on quality in their printing, and again Epson has factored that into the design of the new devices. The new WorkForce range is powered by Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology, providing sharp, professional-quality documents while maintaining the benefits of efficient inkjet printing. Designed to support busy workflows, the printers offer print speeds of up to 25 pages per minute and automatic duplex printing to reduce paper consumption and operating costs. At the top of the range, the WorkForce WF-4930 features double-sided printing, copying, scanning and faxing, a 50-page automatic document feeder, and dual 250-sheet paper trays, making it ideal for demanding small office environments. The WF-4920 and WF-4925 deliver comprehensive print, copy, scan and fax capabilities with a 35-page ADF and 250-sheet paper capacity, while the WF- 3920 and WF-3925 provide fast print, copy and scan functionality for users seeking a streamlined yet highly capable productivity solution.

WorkForce WF-3920

Designed for modern working Epson has also factored into the design of its new WorkForce printers that wireless reliability has become a business-critical requirement, no matter the size of the business. For instance, Epson has optimised the new range for modern networking environments, including enhanced support for mesh Wi-Fi systems. Users can print from laptops, smartphones and tablets through Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet connectivity, while compatibility with Apple AirPrint and the Epson Smart Panel app enables simple setup, monitoring and mobile printing from virtually anywhere. Productivity and simplicity Epson has also considered the desire of customers to have printers that require minimal input from users – they want easy set-up, use and maintenance. “Today’s small businesses and home office professionals need technology that combines productivity, flexibility and simplicity,” said Julian Maddock, product manager at Epson Europe. “With the new WorkForce range, we’ve focused on delivering professional-quality printing, reliable connectivity and hassle- free ink management through ReadyPrint Flex, helping users stay productive while keeping costs under control.” n

“

Today's small businesses and home office professionals need technology that combines

productivity, flexibility and simplicity.

”

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PRODUCT LAUNCH BROTHER UK SMART SERIES

Get Smart Brother has expanded its A4 inkjet portfolio with four new printers across its SOHO and SMB ranges, which offer increased performance and faster print speeds and aim to help partners to tap into higher volume demand.

For small businesses, printing can still be a vital part of their day-to-day operations, whether it is for printing information, invoices or documents. But small teams often don’t have internal tech expertise, so want devices – including printers – to be easy to use and maintain. Brother UK has long known this and its latest launches – four new Business Smart Series models across its SOHO and SMB ranges – are designed for this market. The new compact A4 all-in-one devices – which complete a major investment in the growth of its professional inkjet portfolio – combine faster print and scan performance, super-high yield consumables and smarter maintenance. This gives partners clear proof points for customers looking to cut print costs, reduce energy usage, and achieve fewer service call outs. MAXIDRIVE Both ranges leverage Brother’s patented MAXIDRIVE print head technology to deliver best-in-class print speeds of up to

“

The new compact A4 all-in-one devices combine faster print and scan performance, super-high yield

MFC-J5115DW

28 images per minute (ipm), double that of some competitor models of a similar spec, and first-page-out times as quick as 4.5 seconds, twice as fast as similar competing printers. This gives partners a tangible performance advantage to take into customer conversations, particularly where speed and productivity are key purchasing considerations. MAXIDRIVE print heads are paired with a smarter maintenance system that helps improve reliability and cost-efficiency. The technology monitors ink flow to help prevent ink drying and clogging nozzles, while a smarter cleaning process separates air bubbles from usable ink rather than flushing both out together, helping to reduce ink waste. The new machines deliver scan speeds of up to 25ipm for single-sided documents and up to 30ipm for double- sided pages, automatically capturing both sides in one pass. Combined with high- yield consumables delivering up to 6,000 black pages and 5,000 colour pages, the

consumables and smarter maintenance.

”

PRODUCT LAUNCH BROTHER UK SMART SERIES

range gives resellers a strong productivity and cost-efficiency proposition for customers managing heavier workloads. The Business Smart X-Series, comprising the MFC-J5115DW and MFC- J5117DW, is designed for mid-sized workplaces with more demanding print requirements, giving resellers greater scope to tailor their proposition around high-volume customer workloads. Different paper handling capacities and in-box ink yields allow partners to match configurations more closely to individual business requirements. The devices are also available through Brother’s portfolio of managed print services, providing partners with an opportunity to build recurring revenue and extend the customer relationship beyond the initial hardware sale. Sitting below this is the Business Smart Series which comprises the MFC- J5010DW and MFC-J5110DW for home and small office customers. They are fully compatible with the Brother Connect app, which provides customers with discounted supply offers, printer insights – such as monitoring ink and toner usage – and extended warranty benefits when using Brother Genuine Supplies. Sustainability With sustainability a priority for small businesses, Brother has been careful to factor this into the design of the new printers.

For instance, the new models incorporate up to 30% recycled plastic, have achieved Blue Angel certification and are shipped in fully recyclable moulded-pulp packaging, removing the need for expanded polystyrene. Simple and dependable The new printers are designed to tap into what customers want, which is simple to use devices. “We know customers increasingly want technology that is simple, dependable and easy to live with,” said Greig Millar, chief revenue officer at Brother UK. “They’re looking for products that fit naturally into the way they work and help them stay productive without demanding constant attention. These latest additions to our inkjet portfolio have been developed with that in mind. “MAXIDRIVE gives resellers a clear performance story to take to customers, backed by smarter maintenance, high- yield consumables and fast print and scan speeds. Combined with Brother’s MPS and subscription services, the new devices also help partners build trust with customers and ensure they keep coming back.” Through BrotherZone, partners also have access to product training, sales enablement resources and marketing assets designed to help drive awareness and accelerate early sales momentum. n

Greig Millar

brother.co.uk

“

[Customers] are looking for products that fit naturally into the way they work and help them stay productive without demanding constant attention. These latest

additions to our inkjet portfolio have been developed with that in mind.

”

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PRODUCT LAUNCH KONICA MINOLTA ACCURIOLABEL 231

Productivity and versatility Konica Minolta has launched the latest addition to its AccurioLabel range, the 231, which is aimed at the entry- to mid-level label converter market with the promise of boosting productivity and profitability while reducing waste through automation and high-quality output.

Label converters perform a valuable role for businesses in many sectors by taking raw self-adhesive materials and turning them into labels, tags and the like. But as customer demands evolve and many demand smaller runs in ever-decreasing timescales, label converters need their

consistent results brand owners expect. The new press further strengthens Konica Minolta’s label press portfolio, which also includes the AccurioLabel 400 for mid- to high-volume applications and has now achieved 2,000 installations worldwide. Speed and accuracy With improved colour registration accuracy at a full production speed of 23.4m/min, the AccurioLabel 231 ensures excellent print consistency without compromising throughput. Combined with an enhanced print resolution of 1,200 x 2,400dpi, the press enables customers to produce sharper images, smoother gradients and more vibrant colours across a broader range of label applications. This helps converters meet increasing brand owner expectations while reducing reprints, lowering waste and protecting margins. The AccurioLabel 231 is designed to maintain consistent output from the first label to the last, reducing the need for operator intervention and giving customers greater confidence when

The AccurioLabel 231 combines print quality with intelligent automation to help customers handle more jobs, respond faster to evolving market demands, and deliver the consistent results brand owners expect.

equipment to keep up with them. To this end, Konica Minolta has launched the latest addition to its established AccurioLabel Series.

Available now, the AccurioLabel 231 is designed to help small and medium-sized label converters increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve profitability through a combination of digital versatility, advanced automation and reliable high- quality output. Positioned for the entry- to mid-level label market, the AccurioLabel 231 gives businesses a clear path to profitable growth, according to Konica Minolta. This is achieved by combining print quality with intelligent automation to help customers handle more jobs, respond faster to evolving market demands, and deliver the

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PRODUCT LAUNCH KONICA MINOLTA ACCURIOLABEL 231

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producing demanding, higher-value jobs. The result is a more stable production process, less material waste and more predictable results shift after shift. Increased productivity and quality Enhanced engine performance further increases productivity, enabling converters to produce more work in less time while maintaining premium print quality. This translates into improved operational efficiency, increased production capacity, lower production costs and faster turnaround times – helping businesses strengthen their competitive position. Additional automation is available through Konica Minolta’s optional Intelligent Quality Optimizer (IQ), which streamlines production by automating quality control and optimisation tasks in real time. This helps customers improve workflow efficiency, reduce the risk of human error, and achieve repeatable results across every job. By taking pressure off operators, it also frees them to focus on higher-value activities while maintaining consistently high output quality. Designed with the operator in mind, the AccurioLabel 231 builds on Konica Minolta’s reputation for ease of use. Its

intuitive workflow and familiar operating environment support smooth integration into busy production environments, reducing training needs and helping operators become productive quickly. This allows businesses to maximise uptime and maintain efficient production schedules from day one. Supporting ambitious businesses For Konica Minolta, the AccurioLabel 231 is about supporting its customers, not just with the product, but also with pre- and after-sales service. “The AccurioLabel 231 has been designed to support ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises,” said Masashi Morii, head of industrial printing business development at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH. “By combining productivity, automation and consistently high print quality, it helps customers improve operational performance, reduce

Masashi Morii

konicaminolta.co.uk

“

By combining productivity,

automation and consistently high print quality, it helps customers improve operational performance, reduce waste, and grow more profitably.

”

waste and grow more profitably. “But success is not only about

technology. It is also about partnership. By working closely with our customers and combining global expertise with local support, we help them innovate, differentiate their offering, and build a more sustainable business.” n

ZEBRA PRINT GROUP

Earning their stripes

Zebra Print Group has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary – a notable achievement for an independent print business. Being adaptable has been a major reason for the company’s ongoing success – along with consistently investing in new printing technology – and this is set to continue into the next decade.

Zebra Print Group has come a long way since David Storr established the business back in 2006 with a vision to offer high-quality, affordable print services to customers in Yorkshire. Now, 20 years later, the business has grown from a small print operation to a full-service print partner working with organisations across Yorkshire and throughout the UK. From its 21,000sq ft facility in Leeds, Zebra Print Group’s 15-strong team provides everything from design and artwork through to digital and litho print, large-format graphics, promotional merchandise, fulfilment, storage and delivery. For Samantha Overton, who took over as managing director of Zebra Print Group from her father, David, in 2024, reaching 20 years in business is a significant milestone.

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ZEBRA PRINT GROUP

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Samantha says the company officially marked its 20th anniversary in September. “It was a lovely opportunity to reflect on how far the business has come,” she says. “We celebrated with the team, because ultimately, they are the people who have helped make Zebra what it is today. We also used the anniversary as an opportunity to look back at some of the milestones, people and customers that have shaped the business over the past two decades. “Twenty years is a significant achievement for any SME, particularly in an industry that has experienced so much change, so it was important to take a moment to celebrate it properly. But we’re also very focused on what the next chapter looks like.” Factors of success Indeed, 20 years is a milestone that many businesses – regardless of sector – don’t achieve, so it was well worth celebrating. Samantha puts the company’s ongoing success down to several factors. “I think adaptability has played a huge part,” she says. “Print has changed enormously over the past 20 years and businesses that stand still very quickly get left behind. “We’ve continued to invest, diversify our services and listen closely to what our customers need. Rather than simply seeing ourselves as a company that puts ink on paper, we’ve evolved into a partner that can manage much more of the print process for our customers. “But I’d also put a lot of our success down to relationships. We’re incredibly proud to have achieved 100% client retention and, over the last 24 months, we’ve welcomed 56 new clients. For me, that demonstrates that you can grow without losing the personal service and attention to detail that your existing customers value. “We pride ourselves on combining the capabilities and technology you would expect from a much larger print business

with the personal service and flexibility of an independent company. We currently produce about 2,400 jobs a year and, despite our growth, maintaining strong, long-term relationships with our customers remains at the heart of what we do.”

Samantha Overton

Changing times As Samantha admits, almost everything has changed about the business since it was established. “The technology, the speed at which customers expect things, the range of services we provide and the way we manage print,” she says. “Zebra started as a much smaller traditional print business, whereas today we operate from a 21,000sq ft facility and offer digital and litho print, large format, promotional merchandise, design, fulfilment, storage and web-to-print solutions.” But, that said, some things haven’t changed – and for good reason. “Technology has allowed us to become faster, more efficient and more responsive, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our focus on service,” she says. “We never want technology to come at the expense of relationships.” Samantha’s own journey with the business has seen her role growth with it – all the while developing a detailed understanding of Zebra Print Group’s customers, people and operations – culminating in taking on the managing director role. “Taking on the MD role was an opportunity to build on the foundations that had already been CONTINUED

zebraprintgroup.co.uk

“

We pride ourselves on combining the capabilities and technology you would expect from a much larger print business with the personal service and flexibility of an independent company.

”

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01189 734 564 | info@data-direct.co.uk | data-direct.co.uk

ZEBRA PRINT GROUP

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established while bringing fresh energy and ideas into the business,” she says. “My focus has been on creating sustainable growth, continuing to invest in our capabilities and our people, and making sure Zebra retains the culture and customer service that have been fundamental to its success.” Print sector Looking at the sector now, Samantha believes it is an interesting time for print. “It’s certainly competitive and there are pressures around costs, energy, materials and margins, but there are also significant opportunities for businesses that are prepared to adapt,” she says. “We are continuing to see healthy demand, and we’ve secured 56 new clients over the past two years, while retaining our existing customer base.” Samantha says that what has changed recently is the type of demand the company sees. “Customers increasingly want more than a printer; they want a partner who can take complexity away from them,” she says. “They might need print, merchandise, storage, fulfilment and distribution managed through one supplier rather than dealing with several different businesses. “I also think physical print still has an incredibly important role to play. In such a digitally saturated world, a high-quality piece of print can create a tangible connection that is increasingly difficult to achieve online.” Other trends in the industry include customers increasingly looking for speed and flexibility in print jobs. “Customers are working to shorter lead times and want suppliers that can react quickly without compromising quality,” she says. “We’re also seeing growing demand for end-to-end solutions. Customers don’t necessarily want hundreds or thousands of printed items delivered to their office anymore. They want us to produce them, store them and fulfil individual orders as

and when they’re required. “Personalisation and shorter, more targeted print runs are also becoming increasingly important, which is where developments in digital print technology are particularly exciting.” Print mix Given the range of work that Zebra Print Group carries out, it requires a range of printers across digital, litho and large format production. “Different jobs require different solutions,” says Samanatha. She adds that the company isn’t loyal to any one manufacturer just for the sake of loyalty. “For us, it’s about choosing

“

I also think physical print still has an incredibly important role to play. In such a digitally saturated

the technology that best supports our customers and our production requirements,” she says.

world, a high- quality piece of print can

“We have built strong relationships with our technology partners over the years, but every investment must make commercial and operational sense. We’re preparing for further investment in our digital production capabilities later this year, which will add to our existing capacity and give us even greater flexibility.” When buying printers, Samantha takes many factors into consideration. “Price is obviously part of any investment decision, but it certainly isn’t the only consideration,” she says. “We look at quality, productivity, reliability, flexibility, energy efficiency and how a machine will integrate into our existing operation. We also consider what it will allow us to offer our customers that we can’t do as efficiently today. “Service and support from the manufacturer or supplier are hugely important too. A machine can look fantastic on paper, but in a busy production environment you need confidence that support will be there when you need it. “Ultimately, we look at the total value the investment can bring to the business rather than simply the initial purchase price.” Staying on top of technology is also

create a tangible connection that is increasingly difficult to achieve online.

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