Print in the Channel - issue #21

COMMENT

Reasons to be cheerful There are causes for optimism in the print sector, as new players enter the market, and established brands are innovating to cater for the evolving market and create new opportunities for resellers.

The print sector has endured some tough times in recent years, especially around the pandemic, but there are signs now that the market is on the up. One sign of health is if new brands are entering the marketplace. This month, a new name has entered the multifunction printer (MFP) market – although it is one that is well established in the UK laser printer toner market – Katun. Katun is widening its product portfolio into MFPs and, following a launch earlier in the year, the company has brought its range

launched its BX410T, its next generation industrial barcode label printer, which has been designed to enable smarter and cloud enabled solutions for businesses in a range of sectors. Read more about it on p18. The implementation of Natasha’s Law is also providing opportunities to label printer suppliers. While the law has been active for three years, there are some businesses that are not yet fully compliant with it, and others that should upgrade their technology to ensure that they are as efficient and

Dan Parton

productive as possible – all of which provides opportunities for resellers. Read more on p38.

of 11 A3 MFPs into Europe, which the company says are designed to improve efficiency and productivity

There are also opportunities to be had by tapping into the sustainability agenda. Many businesses are now judged not just on price and quality but also by how sustainable they are – and this presents opportunities for resellers.

for business users, as well as providing security for users and help towards sustainability goals. Read more on p20. Of course, Katun isn't the

only new – sort of – name to enter the UK marketplace this year. Fujifilm made its debut back in the summer too with a range of

For instance, businesses are increasingly looking to make t heir printing more environmentally

printers, and the company is looking to make a dent in the UK market. Fujifilm of course is known for its printers around the world. Businesses such as these don’t make the commitment to a new market unless they believe there is money to be made. There are also signs that print volumes are starting to increase again as more people return to the office on a regular basis. All this augurs well for the whole sector. Of course, print is a wide topic, and some areas are developing quickly and providing opportunities for resellers such as barcode labelling products. Toshiba Tec has recently

friendly, so demand for consumables such as sustainable toner is growing. Read more on p32. So, considering the new entrants and established players launching new products, as well as the evolving marketplace providing new opportunities, then there are definite grounds for optimism for resellers in the print sector. As ever, I hope you enjoy the issue. If you have any topics that you would like to see covered in a future issue of Print in the Channel, or you have a news story or opinion column you would like to send over, please get in touch at dan@newsinthechannel.com.

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