For those of you who have not thought much beyond the extended relaxation of the May bank holiday, listen up, because on 10–12 May something important is happening in the north of England.

Just north of Leeds, Harrogate will play host to around 100 of print’s great and good and, unlike two years ago, when the economic climate made for an overcast event, this time Northprint will be basking in the sunshine of a recovering economy and demonstrations of the latest technology.   

It’s hoped that this year’s event will do much to erase the memories of Northprint 2009 when, despite positive feedback from exhibitors, visitor numbers were down by 60%, from around 4,000 in 2007 to just 1,600. Big names were also absent, including Heidelberg, Manroland, KBA and Canon, and there were criticisms about the lack of live demos on stands.

Fast forward to 2011 and things are looking different. While the economy is undeniably still very tough, the UK is no longer in recession and the success of Ipex has created a buzz that has kick started a renewed sense of optimism. This feel-good factor will be seen to good effect at Northprint: in 2009, just two of the halls in Harrogate contained exhibitors, but this year all four are full; organiser IIR reports that 30% of exhibitors are first-timers. The likes of Ricoh, Roland DG and more will run live demonstrations on the hall floors, while Konica Minolta and Presstek will have presses at the show and Intelligent Finishing Solutions/Horizon, Duplo and Watkiss, among others, will display working equipment.

Digital workflows will undoubtedly be a central attraction, but this year the show has broadened its horizons and has sign-ups from across the print spectrum. Short-run printing and wide-format opportunities will be key themes, as will business opportunities for printers.

IIR Print Group director Trevor Crawford says the show will offer "solutions to financing, new ideas and inspiration. In other words, all the things to help printers improve their businesses, increase profitability and look for areas for growth."

Crawford says that, in 2009, most shows were down considerably. He adds: "Northprint wasn’t immune to that. However, we are in a different place now."

Many of the exhibitors are also in a new place – first-time Northprint stand holders include WRH/Ferag, Mondi Paper, Hybrid Services/Mimaki, KTEC Group/Labels-U-Print, Muro Digital and Dumor UK.

"We have concentrated on making the show relevant for the challenges of 2011," says Crawford. "The economy is still tough, but a lot of companies feel that now is the time to invest in capital equipment."

He adds that IIR has provided companies with a range of opportunities and new ideas throughout all four halls.

Ricoh’s second visit
Chas Moloney, Ricoh UK’s marketing director, says that increasing margins, winning business and adding value will be high on the agenda. The company will be exhibiting at Northprint for the second time and will be showcasing its Pro C901S, a scanning version of its flagship digital press, with EFI Fiery server, which is capable of 90 pages per minute. The digital colour output quality of the Pro C901 will also be showcased. Also on the stand will be the Ricoh Pro1357EX and Pro1357 black-and-white digital devices, which the company said had been developed to accelerate production workflows at an optimal total cost of ownership.

"We’re looking at how we can help make printers more profitable and successful," says Moloney. "Things are tough out there, but now is a good time to move to digital to complement a litho offering."

At Manroland GB, meanwhile, the focus is on future proofing. Managing director Norman Revill says Northprint 2011 is all about optimising productivity, while adding dynamic and creative value to print.

The company is returning to the Harrogate show for the first time since 2007, and will be showcasing products and developments from its ‘Secrets of Profitable Print’ range. Visitors will be shown in "virtual demonstrations" how these ideas can be used on Manroland’s 200 H LV small-format press with extended delivery, the newly designed Roland 700 HiPrint HS medium-format machine and its Roland 900 XXL perfector that can print 64 pages in one pass.

"Digital print has developed into a strong complementary technology for litho printing, so it’s natural for a show the size of Northprint to attract major digital manufacturers," says Revill. "As the only litho manufacturer attending, this, combined with our new partnership with Océ, puts us in a unique position to discuss how the two technologies can work together to grow print businesses and put profit in printers’ pockets."

Revill added that he believes Northprint 2011 will be a great success for the company and the industry in general.
"2011 is not comparable with 2009, because we were in the middle of a heavy recession then, whereas now, we are finding real optimism out there."

He adds that businesses that have come through the period may be leaner and better able to take on market challenges.
"Northprint 2011 will be a good place for them to look at how robust, versatile printing technologies can now assist them to grow over the coming years," says Revill.

Some big-name finishing suppliers have also joined Northprint’s line-up. As already mentioned, Intelligent Finishing Systems, as well as GBC Finishing Solutions and Terry Cooper Services have confirmed their attendance.

On stand with IFS will be the Horizon StitchLiner 5500 book production line, a 40,000sph automated B2 combination buckle-and-knife folding system, the AFC566F and the BQ270 automated single-clamp binder.

Bryan Godwyn, IFS joint managing director, says Northprint offers a chance for printers to examine new opportunities.
"The message we’ll be putting across is that finishing equipment can win business for printers by improving their overall production and productivity," he says.

He adds that finishing is well represented at the show, and that getting finance to invest in finishing kit isn’t such a challenge for printers.

"The cost incentives are better," he says. "It is an exciting time for the sector. Although the jury is out on how successful Northprint 2011 will be, following on from two years ago, a lot of our customers are in that area. We have to be there."

So, will Northprint pull in the visitors following Ipex last year and considering Drupa is next year? Paul Goff, managing director of Bristol-based Black Cat Graphics, will be going. He has been to the past five or six shows and the digital printer is keen to look at improving its productivity, and investing in finishing kit.

"It’s a great show; it’s small enough to get around in a day," he says. "Its size makes it very accessible for us; we’re not out of the office too long. It is small enough so you can talk to a lot of people on the stands."

Though smaller than the big boys like Ipex or Drupa, Northprint is set to be a useful excursion for any printer with a mind to invest or to improve their business – which should be every business.

Memories of 2009 may cause some concern, but 2011 is a different situation and Northprint is a different show: this time around it will be part of and will drive forward an economic revival, not be a casualty of an economic downturn.

NORTHPRINT EVENTS AND SEMINAR LINE-UP
The Printers’ Profit Zone seminar programme was developed by Northprint in association with The Print Coach’s Nick Devine. The sessions detailed below aim to give visitors practical insights in how to develop and grow sales and profits. All of the sessions will be held in the Printers’ Profit Zone theatre in hall C. In addition to the Printers’ Profit Zone, Northprint is also hosting the Litho Technology Theatre in hall B, where the BPIF, the IPIA, and Proskills will be offering advice on diverse range of subjects, from training to funding investments. Customers of manufacturers such as IFS, Manroland, RedTie and Ricoh will also be speaking at sessions to share best practice in a wide-range of areas. For more information, visit northprintexpo.com/attractions

Tuesday 10 May
10.30-11.00
The Digital Profit Finders: see how a UK printer has taken direct mail in a new direction and is winning better margin sales as a result

11.30-12.10
Sales & Profit Masterclass
The Account Expander: how to sell more to your existing accounts

12.30-13.30
The New Print Debates
The Investment Dilemma: where should SME printers be planning to invest in 2011 to secure their future? Featuring Murray Booker (BPFL), Chas Moloney (Ricoh), John Charnock (Print Research International) and Matteo Rigamonti (Pixart Printing)

14.00-14.40
Sales & Profit Masterclass
Attract More Ideal Clients: how to find more customers who value what you do and are willing to pay for it
 
15.00-15.40
The Digital Profit Finders
Taopix case study
This session will look at how to set up a photobook business that grows every year and how to use strategic joint venture partnering so that other companies send you clients

Wednesday 11 May
10.30-11.10
The Digital Profit Finders
Pixart case study
Learn how this Italian firm is using a combination of digital, litho, W2P and joint ventures to drive growth

11.30-12.10
Sales & Profit Masterclass
How To Grow Your Print Sales:
discover how to find new sales and attract good-quality customers who don’t just buy on price

12.30-13.30
The New Print Debates
Print Versus Web Versus Electronic Media: which is the most effective channel to market in 2011 and how can printers adapt and diversify their businesses?
Panel Darryl Danielli (PrintWeek), Jacky Morgan (Up Marketing), Nick Barbeary (Lateral Group), Nick Craig Waller (Ipex World)

14.00-14.40
Sales & Profit Masterclass
Practical Sales Management: how to get your sales people selling more and at higher margins

15.00-15.40
The Digital Profit Finders
RedTie Case Study
See how one printer is using W2P to create a steady stream of automatic print orders with no estimating and no discounting

Thursday 12 May
10.30-11.10
The Digital Profit Finders
Ricoh case study
Discover how a UK printer used a move into digital to protect a major account, improve its direct mail response rates and boost profit margins. Another printer will discuss how it used digital to improve throughput, increase capacity and open up a niche market

13.30-12.10
Sales & Profit MasterClass
The Account Expander: how to sell more to your existing accounts, even during a recession

12.30-13.30
The New Print Debates
Offset, Toner and Inkjet: which will be the winner – or winning
combination – in the future?
Panel Konica Minolta - Jonathan Wilson, Ricoh - Stephen Palmer, Pixart Printing - Matteo Rigamonti, Print Research International - John Charnock

14.00-14.40
Sales & Profit MasterClass
Attract More Ideal Clients: how to find more customers who value what you do and are willing to pay for it

15.00
The Digital Profit Finders
Content to be confirmed

SHOW INFORMATION
Venue Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Date 10-12 May 2011
Show times 10/11 May 10am–5pm; 12 May 10am–4pm
More information northprintexpo.com