To submit suggestions for other free resources that could be included in this article, please email printweek.newsdesk@markallengroup.com with the subject line 'free stuff'.
FREE STUFF FOR WORK
Serif software
A 90-day free trial of the Mac and Windows versions of the whole Affinity suite. Plus a 50% discount for those who want to buy and keep the apps on Mac, Windows PC and iPad. Details at affinity.serif.com
Hybrid Software
Free software licenses of its Packz product to all existing Packz customers, for Mac or PC, to help customers' teams work from home if required. Contact Paul Bates or Greg Heather at Hybrid UK for more information. www.hybridsoftware.com
GMG
Is providing free additional ColorPlugin licenses for home office use, intially for a six-week period. Any customers wishing to take up this offer should contact GMG on sales@gmgcolor.co.uk, or 01603 789111, stating their current licence number if they have it available.
Webmart
Webmart is making its trade print buying platform - TradePrintManagement.com - free for all printers during the Coronavirus period.
It usually costs £99/month but will be available free until the end of 2020 for printers who have already/will be mothballing their own print capacity, but want to continue serving their clients through outsourcing.
Register via this link: www.tradeprintmanagement.com/tpm_registration.php#
Mtivity
Mtivity is offering its cloud-based sourcing application free of charge for six months to any company needing to enable remote working/working from home. The firm has a stepped process for rapidly enabling people to work from home. There is no ongoing commitment.
Mtivity's application manages the sourcing of both marketing and packaging print and currently handles several billions of pounds in annual spend via its worldwide user base.
For more details email stayathome@mtivity.com or go to www.mtivity.com/stayathome.
HP
HP is offering Site Flow Light, a cloud-based system for receiving and managing orders, free until 1 August 2020. "With the unprecedented impact COVID-19 is having on businesses, employees, and individuals, we know some print shops need support to fulfil their demand. For Print Service Providers with extra capacity to help these PSPs in need, HP Site Flow Light can provide them the rapid connectivity they need to quickly and securely receive outsourced jobs and send back production tracking information," HP said.
There's a YouTube demo of HP Site Flow Light, along with info on global routing system HP Brand Centre.
Sign up for a free account via this link.
Continuing Personal Development (CPD)
The BPIF's training team has put together a list detailing a range of courses to support staff development.
"They are easy to access, and a great way to engage and continue to learn at a time where many are now working from home or on furlough," the federation said.
The courses include a variety of modules from Business, Customer Service, Marketing, Health & Safety, Lean Manufacturing, Accountancy, Project Management, Leadership & Management, HR and Logistics & Supply Chain.
FREE STUFF FOR PLAY
Useful resources for people with children at home
Printweek's colleagues at MA Education have put together an excellent list of free resources for learners of all ages. Download the PDF here.
BBC Bitesize
Launched on 20 April, the BBC is offering daily programmes to help parents and children with schoolwork at home during the lockdown. It includes videos, quizzes, podcasts and articles, which will appear on BBC Bitesize Daily via the BBC iPlayer, red button, BBC Four and BBC Sounds.
Blake Envelopes
Blake is running a #ColourwithBlake competition. Contact the firm to be sent a free envelope design colouring pack. Twitter @blakeenvelopes or via its website.
Nettl
Download a free colouring book, and then upload your creations. At the end of the contest, the top three most favourited will win their picture printed as a canvas, their choice of AniMask plus a £50 / €60 / $60 iTunes or toy store gift card.
Nettl will also donate £500 / €600 / $600 to the NHS or national charity of your choice, in your name. Upload as many pictures as you like. Closing date 1st June 2020.
https://www.nettl.com/uk/scribble/
Nettl chillax vibes
Nettl has also teamed up with Epidemic Sound to create 'Nettl Chaise Lounge' music to chill by during these stressful times. The playlists are available on YouTube and Spotify in three volumes: Chill, Reflect, and Uplift.
Warren Board
The paper and board merchant is offering some free paper for kids to use for creative drawing projects. It's available on a first come, first served basis and expires on 31 May. One ream per person.
Charta (premium copy paper) 75gsm A3 - 500 sheets per ream
DCP Digital – white digital colour copy paper. 160gsm A4 - Only 1,000 sheets left
Contact the Warren Board sales team on 0116 232 4102 or sales@warrenboard.co.uk.
Two Sides
Paper advocacy organisation Two Sides has launched 'Love Paper Creations', a new suite of home-printable resources to help entertain and engage households.
It includes a range of games, writing tasks and activity sheets that can be completed by children, or by the whole family.
The sheets are completely free to download, and include paper crafts and origami, games, puzzles, drawing, colouring, and writing activities. Two Sides said new resources would be uploaded regularly. It is encouraging sharing on social media with the hashtag #lovepapercreations.
