The academy was originally set up in 2012 with the intention of training up members of Antalis staff so they were informed on the various aspects of applications, products and tech that the Leicestershire-headquartered distributor deals in.
The remit expanded to include Antalis’ customers in classes and workshops from 2014, and now its class offering extends beyond digital into litho and large-format printing, as well as business-related disciplines such as negotiation and social media. The rebranding came into effect as of 15 January.
“Our academy is very important to us because it helps our customers diversify their businesses and use the products they get from Antalis efficiently,” said Antalis digital support manager Giles Bristow.
“For us, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry, with an abundance of opportunities which go beyond just digital media to include cross-selling, diversification and specialist applications, and the Antalis Academy is a vehicle to help printers, signmakers, agencies and brands alike to take advantage of this.
“Our tutors are all independent, which is very important to us. For instance, our vehicle wrapping tutor has worked in the sector since the discipline was invented so he knows all the ins and outs, and has probably made all the mistakes someone in the field could ever make.”
Antalis makes use of a wide variety of equipment in its lessons, including large-format, litho, and digital presses – which incorporate solvent, latex, and UV technology – and a range of finishing equipment and 3D printers.
The academy currently offers more than 30 courses and has had more than 1,000 attendees participate in its various workshops and classes. Bristow said plans were in place across 2018 for further classes to be added to the academy’s offering.
Upcoming events for the academy include a breakfast seminar on 24 January featuring keynote speakers Steve Lister from Konica Minolta Marketing Services and Martyn Eustace of Two Sides. It will also conduct its first-ever webinar on 2 March which will cover “key business skills”, according to Bristow.
