Why Having been in the post for more than two years now, it’s safe to say that Gerard Heanue has firmly embedded himself as Heidelberg UK managing director, seamlessly making the transition from finance director to figurehead. A certifiable fitness freak according to colleagues, with cycling his speciality, a demanding year business-wise has ruled out taking part in any races in the past year. “But all that means is that he has been exercising his competitive streak at work, so its been a winning year for the business,” says one source. However, the German giant’s decision to pull out of Ipex 2014 means that his energies over the next 12 months will no doubt be spent on making sure his team compensates for the big show sales bounce they’re used to in Ipex years. Why Known for his forthright views and direct manner, ex-rugby playing Alastair Watson is “laid back, but a tough negotiator,” one source says of the man who has retained his number 19 spot for the second year running. Colleagues say he maintains a purposeful stride, driving strategic sourcing for the US-based firm’s UK Global Document Solutions division. Although RRD has experienced declining European sales overall, the GDS division has had successes this year with Royal Mail selecting the business to take part in a £70m overhaul of its business mail service through the introduction of barcodes. This followed a major “multi-year” deal signed with International Airlines Group (IAG) in March to provide print management and logistics services. Why A year which saw packaging giant DS Smith acquire SCA Packaging and consolidate its retail and display and manufacturing arm Multigraphics, was never going to be an easy one. Indeed the end of last year saw divisional chief executive Gary Saunders and colleagues fighting reports from the national press of disputes over final acquisition price. But the company, thanks no doubt to Saunders’ assured leadership, has emerged triumphant, posting a 51% profit increase on underlying pre-tax profits in the 12 months to 30 April. A background in senior roles at Quaker Oats, Nestlé, Sainsbury’s and RHM has clearly stood Saunders in good stead. Why Recent events at CPI’s French parent group very nearly put a crimp in the suave demeanour of the firm’s UK chief executive, who is of course also a Frenchman. However, all’s well that ends well and with fresh backers in place over at HQ, Francois Golicheff was able to proceed with a substantial reinvestment plan at the UK wing. Golicheff wins plaudits for forging close relationships with customers and being in tune with their needs. Always immaculately turned out, we reckon he could vie for the accolade of most stylish man in print:...

The new ISO12647 scheme expands on the BPIF’s ISO12647-2 certificate to allow not only offset litho printers, but also flexo, wide-format and digital businesses to achieve an award claimed to be the first of its kind, in that it meets the requirements of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). “The ISO12647-2 was developed for sheetfed and heatset web-offset companies but we’ve found that the increasing demand for independent certification that is UKAS accredited has been from digital and packaging companies using other printing methods such as flexo and gravure,” said BPIF head of business Philip Thompson. “Now if a customer comes to you and asks for an ‘ISO12647 job’, version 2 of the BPIF ISO12647 Colour Quality Management scheme has been expanded to cover these printing methods.” Preparing the scheme for more universal use has involved formulating guidelines on how printers working with more challenging substrates can still prove their eligibility, Thompson added. “The new version recognises that often specialised substrates are used in many areas of printing. By allowing these customised printing conditions, the company is being audited against how good the printing processes are, how consistent the quality is and that they are using the ISO12647 tolerances within the certification,” he explained. “You’re still measuring the product but this will enable most printing companies to be certified to ISO12647 if they implement the scheme requirements.” He added: “If the substrate is difficult to print on, with significant dry back for example, that will not mean that they can’t be certified.” The document is free for BPIF members and £50 for non members and can be obtained from philip.thompson@bpif.org.uk...

The new ISO12647 scheme expands on the BPIF’s ISO12647-2 certificate to allow not only offset litho printers, but also flexo, wide-format and digital businesses to achieve an award claimed to be the first of its kind, in that it meets the requirements of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). “The ISO12647-2 was developed for sheetfed and heatset web-offset companies but we’ve found that the increasing demand for independent certification that is UKAS accredited has been from digital and packaging companies using other printing methods such as flexo and gravure,” said BPIF head of business Philip Thompson. “Now if a customer comes to you and asks for an ‘ISO12647 job’, version 2 of the BPIF ISO12647 Colour Quality Management scheme has been expanded to cover these printing methods.” Preparing the scheme for more universal use has involved formulating guidelines on how printers working with more challenging substrates can still prove their eligibility, Thompson added. “The new version recognises that often specialised substrates are used in many areas of printing. By allowing these customised printing conditions, the company is being audited against how good the printing processes are, how consistent the quality is and that they are using the ISO12647 tolerances within the certification,” he explained. “You’re still measuring the product but this will enable most printing companies to be certified to ISO12647 if they implement the scheme requirements.” He added: “If the substrate is difficult to print on, with significant dry back for example, that will not mean that they can’t be certified.” The document is free for BPIF members and £50 for non members and can be obtained from philip.thompson@bpif.org.uk...

The manufacturer has taken the largest stand to date with its Inca Onset S40i flatbed UV printer, launched last year, being the main focus. Fujifilm’s 5m Uvistar Pro8, also launched last year, will also feature on the stand alongside the Acuity Advance HS flatbed UV printer and the Acuity LED 1600. “We are very excited to be present at the first Fespa Eurasia. Having established a Fujifilm sales office in Turkey only last year, taking such a large stand at this show reflects our commitment to this market,” said Kevin Jenner business manager wide-format, Europe – Eastern Region. “We acknowledge that this is a strategically important and fast developing region, and the product line-up, the media and print modes we have chosen have been specifically tailored to suit the needs of this marketplace.” Around 85% of the total floorspace has been sold to date with 15% signing up since Fespa 2013 in London. Earlier this year, due to huge demand from new and existing exhibitors requesting larger stands, floorspace for the inaugural event of Fespa Eurasia, which will be sponsored by HP, was increased from 15,000sqm to 21,000sqm....

The manufacturer has taken the largest stand to date with its Inca Onset S40i flatbed UV printer, launched last year, being the main focus. Fujifilm’s 5m Uvistar Pro8, also launched last year, will also feature on the stand alongside the Acuity Advance HS flatbed UV printer and the Acuity LED 1600. “We are very excited to be present at the first Fespa Eurasia. Having established a Fujifilm sales office in Turkey only last year, taking such a large stand at this show reflects our commitment to this market,” said Kevin Jenner business manager wide-format, Europe – Eastern Region. “We acknowledge that this is a strategically important and fast developing region, and the product line-up, the media and print modes we have chosen have been specifically tailored to suit the needs of this marketplace.” Around 85% of the total floorspace has been sold to date with 15% signing up since Fespa 2013 in London. Earlier this year, due to huge demand from new and existing exhibitors requesting larger stands, floorspace for the inaugural event of Fespa Eurasia, which will be sponsored by HP, was increased from 15,000sqm to 21,000sqm....