A total of 13 entrants from the UK and Ireland were selected across 14 categories by the awards’ judging panel, and make up 18 nominations out of a total shortlist of 68 entries.

Coinciding with the Fespa global print expo, set to take place from 15-18 May in Berlin, Germany, the awards will celebrate excellence in print across a number of disciplines, including posters, decals, garments and textiles. Up to three winners are selected in each category – taking home either a bronze, silver or gold award on the night.

“We were very pleased with last year when every gold winner attended from far and wide across the globe,” said head of events Duncan MacOwan. “One of our most popular features was the display at the Fespa expo which showed off the work of each nominee alongside company information and production notes on the jobs.

“The UK has a very good crop that has got the judges talking this year and it reflects well on the nation’s industry just to get a nomination in itself. But I think there could well be some winners among the UK nominees this year – from my layman perspective I was impressed.

“Winning leads to international recognition from the trade press and print experts, with past winner telling us they have acquired significant business from their victories.”

One category of great contention, according to MacOwan, is special effects – which he said showcases print that is “not everyday or run-of-the-mill and can bring something new to the industry.”

Nominees include print and large-format firm McGowan’s, based in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and Edgham-based signage company Signbox. Multiple nominations went to POS and outdoor specialist Augustus Martin, which clocked in four nominations, and Harwood King Printmakers from Newhaven, which received two.

Last year, Augustus Martin won gold in the Point-of-Purchase, Paper & Board category and Signbox won in the Decals category. Also taking home gold awards were Digital Plus of Leeds in Glass, Ceramic, Metal & Wood Products and Birmingham’s HNS Signs in Non-Printed Signage. Both are nominated once again this year.

MacOwan said: “With nominees showing off excellence in print and how far the trade can be taken, it is the perfect complement to the Fespa exhibition, where exhibitors will be showing the very latest in print technology across the entire gamut of disciplines.”

The Fespa Awards 2018 will take place at the Classic Remise, Berlin, on 16 May. Tickets can be purchased at an early bird rate until Friday, 6 April.