The group launched its Design to Delivery (D2D) service last week as part of a bid to reposition itself away from being purely a print provider.

Pitney Bowes and Canon will provide kit across the Kall Kwik network. Pitney Bowes addressing equipment, franking and inserting kit will be available for the delivery of direct mail. Canon equipment will include digital printers. Kall Kwik will offer price savings for its franchisees on any kit deals.

The strategic partnership will also allow franchisees to participate on training courses and both companies will link up with Kall Kwik for joint advertising campaigns in the marketing and business press.

"With these partnerships we can track the success of documents for our customers," said Kall Kwik UK managing director Mike Hutter. "What our clients have said to me is that they want a single source provider from design through to post."

He added that the group had been building on the D2D strategy since September last year and follows on from Kall Kwik's new look logo and redesigned interiors.

Hutter also said that Kall Kwik's owner Adare had been "very encouraging" and the group's review of strategic options would have "no effect at all" on Kall Kwik's current direction.

"We are independent of Adare and there have been no further updates on the current status," said Hutter.

Kall Kwik
- Kall Kwik was founded in 1978 and was bought by the Adare Group in 1999
- Operates 160 centres in the UK with a target of 175 by the end of 2008
- Kall Kwik turnover is nearly 70m. The average centre turnover is 430,000 per year
- Chairman Roger Crudgington and managing director Mike Hutter were appointed in June 2004
- According to InfoTrends/ CAP Ventures for every 1 spent on print, 6 is spent on design and fulfillment

Story by Philip Chadwick