The Cheltenham-based creative business is named after its founder and managing director, Betsy Benn.
It installed a Platinum 1216 flatbed LED-UV printer from International Graphic Supplies (IGS) during the autumn, just in time for the busy Christmas period. It involved a £26,000 investment for the firm.
The eight-colour printer includes white and varnish, and can print onto objects up to 100mm thick. It has a maximum imaging area of 1,200x1,600mm.
Benn said the business wanted to “elevate our game” and speed turnaround times by producing in-house rather than outsourcing. It already runs two Epson printers used for its art prints, and two Trotec laser cutters.
The Platinum was used to produce a new product, the ‘family in a box’, a set of personalised mini figurines that proved to be a popular option for families unable to get together in person over the festive period.
“That was one of the major reasons for getting the Platinum, the family in a box really flew off our site,” she explained.
Betsy Benn’s personalised product range includes posters, bus blinds, photo gifts, cushions and ornaments.
“We want people to make a considered purchase when they shop with us,” she added. “We have lots of things in development and we’re trialling all sorts of materials on it – it gives us almost limitless creativity.”
Peter Flynn, managing director of IGS, said it had been “a pleasure working with the team at Betsy Benn”.
“UV printing is a customer consultative process ensuring that the system we supply meets their requirements and future expansion. As Betsy and her team identified our price/performance is hard to match. We are in the process of building a very impressive portfolio of customers,” he said.
“Peter and his team have been absolutely brilliant with training and support,” Benn added.
Betsy Benn employs four staff and has sales of around £500,000. The business was founded in 2010 and Benn has won numerous creative and business awards. As well as via its own website, the firm also sells via Etsy and Notonthehighstreet. Its tagline is “a design for every story”.
