Going through our old files today we found this page from the past. Most of us will remember the Yellow Pages well. As a kid I used to look forward to it arrive with a thud at the door. So large it was never put through the letterbox.
Printers section of the Yellow Pages Bath and Bristol 1998
I’d sit and flick through with interest at the great adverts and try and pick out the new businesses.
My fascination with this Yellow Book continued into my adult life. One of my first jobs was in recruitment cold calling businesses on the phone. The Yellow Pages was our bible. You’d turn up to work and decide to call up all the warehouse in the area to see if they needed workers that day. We would make 100 calls, get a handful of hot leads and probably make one placement.
When I joined David Ghent and the team here at Minuteman Press the Yellow Pages once again became my go to. Each year it would arrive and we would first check in on the competition’s adverts. Then I’d start working through the leads.
Roll forward 17 years and how times have changed. yes I still make the odd cold call. Google my new Bible, and the feet on the street do the rest. Sales and marketing methods may have changed but the basics are still there. Contact, content, service and value for money still remain close to our hearts. Even if the yellow doorstop isn’t a part of that anymore.
Digital finishing solutions are fast becoming the norm in the print sector. The introduction of technologies such as laser cutting and engraving benefits local printers. Adding a new dimension to the product and service portfolio, complementing all areas of business life.
Laser cutting additional benefits
Laser cutters have in recent years become a popular method of material processing owing to the numerous advantages offered by the systems. In comparison to traditional mechanical technologies, laser cutters offer contactless processing for cleaner material finishing and finishes that would not be possible otherwise. The addition of the laser cutter has allowed Minuteman Press to introduce kiss-cut labels and stickers into their product range. Thanks to the contactless laser process and the ability to control the laser power, a finish and product that would not be possible with mechanical technologies.
Dual laser diversity
Laser technology itself is diverse, with different laser sources and combinations of sources available. A dual-source CO2 laser machine offers great possibilities for businesses such as Minuteman Press. The glass DC source is the perfect tool for cutting ‘bread and butter’ products for printers such as business cards and flyers. The ceramic laser source provides the perfect tool for cutting thick materials such as acrylics, as well as providing the ability to engrave materials with a high-quality finish.
Control over lead times
Lasers offer near-unlimited material processing options, which is a key driver for diversification in many businesses. For Minuteman Press, the introduction of a laser meant that the requirement for outsourcing was removed. The team has full control over lead times and finished quality of workpieces. The laser also brings greater project scope for work with clients. Minuteman Press process a wide range of materials, many of which were not possible without the laser, including faux leather and acrylics.
Laser technology often complements existing technologies in production. For example, Minuteman Press utilise a cutting plotter alongside the laser cutter, which is ideal for processing materials containing PVC. PVC is not suitable for laser processing, with both technologies operating in tandem. Workloads are significantly reduced for jobs, depending on material suitability.
Pinpoint accuracy
Trotec laser cutter
For printers, accuracy in finishing printed products is essential. With traditional tools such as guillotines, much manual positioning is needed from the operator. Making it a time-consuming process. Print and cut camera recognition systems such as Trotec’s Vision Print and Cut allow for speedy processing of printed materials. With pinpoint accuracy. Negating the requirement for print bleeds. Deviations between artwork and printed material are automatically corrected before processing. This guarantees a crisp and accurate result.
To conclude, laser technology offers a wealth of benefits to local printers. The speed, versatility and material diversity allowing the team to drive business forward. Providing clients with a complete, all-in-one service.
To conclude, laser technology offers a wealth of benefits to local printers. The speed, versatility and material diversity allowing the team to drive business forward. Providing clients with a complete, all-in-one service.
Wall planners are invaluable in the office and home environment, allowing you to see important events at a glance and keeping everyone informed. Why not create your own and send it out to your customers, like we do!
Dave proudly showing off the Minuteman Press 2023 Year Planner
The Minuteman Press Bath 2023 Year Planner is available now.
Wall planners for your business from Minuteman Press
Claim your free one now by visiting us at Pines Way or ask us to drop one off.
Fancy one branded up for your business? Just ask, we would be delighted to help. Design and custom printed just for you. Be that powerful presence in your customer’s office or workplace.
Did you know that we have a huge range of products for Christmas, check out our previous blog here.
It’s only a couple of months to go and it’s now time to order customised Christmas Cards for your business.
Show that you Value your customers this Christmas
Whether or not you are sending out to your valued customers who have supported your business this year or for your dedicated staff. Show them that you’re thinking of them with a simple gesture of a Christmas Card. Not into Christmas? No problem, we have some great New Year cards too.
The Minuteman Press Christmas Brochure
Pick a Christmas card design
It’s simple to do. Ask for our Christmas brochure, pick one of our designs or we can design a totally bespoke card for your business.
Choose a Christmas message
Choose a message, don’t worry though we have plenty of ideas to help with that, just ask. We can also scan in and add signatures if it’s difficult to pass all those cards around. As about other enhancements such as foiling, gold or silver inks, die cut to shape. We have loads of options to make it that extra special.
Sign off and order your Christmas card
We will then put together a proof for you to consider. This can often be the longest part of the process as you will want to show the top team in the business and make sure they’re happy. The whole team will probably want to add their thoughts too, and that’s fine. It’s your message to your customers, team and friends and we want you to love it.
Once signed off we will have them delivered within a couple of days and we always supply free gummed envelopes. If you don’t fancy licking all those envelopes though we can upgrade to peel and seal.
Bath is a striking UNESCO Heritage Site that is renowned for its Roman history and yellow brick buildings. The architecture of the Royal Crescent and the Circus are particularly noteworthy. The Jane Austen Centre is home to information about the author and the Regency era. Local businesses use variable data printing in Bath in their communications with their clientele.
Variable data printing is great for direct mail to local Bath homes
At Minuteman Press, we are proud to service the local community with printing services.
Variable data printing enables brands in Bath to send out correspondence by post which is personalised and targeting to their clientele. It is a means through which brands can connect with their clients and make them feel valued. Bespoke offers can be tailored to specific client profiles. If they reflect what clients most need or want, they are more likely to be effective.
Variable data printing can be use for postal campaigns
Variable data printing can be printed using a range of techniques. Digital printing provides speedy, pristine prints suitable for large batches of printing. Thermal transfer printing is used for printing onto plastic, film, or labels. Thermal inkjet printing combines these two techniques and is commonly used for plasticised or glossy packaging.
Local brands use variable data printing in Bath to boost their profile. At Minuteman Press, we are on hand to help you to understand the options available. Get in touch for more information.
Window graphics using Drytac material recommended by Antalis
More than a supplier: How Minuteman Press Bath ensures it always delivers best-in-class solutions for its customers.
Building strong relationships with suppliers is key to Minuteman Press Bath’s ability to offer customers the latest and best sustainable solutions and forward-thinking visual communications applications.
It’s over 20 years since Antalis, the UK’s leading distributor of paper, packaging and visual communications solutions, first supplied print media to Minuteman Press Bath. Since then, the range of products supplied has increased enormously to meet the needs of the growing Minuteman Press Bath business, and because of the strengthening relationship between the two companies. What started out as a transactional relationship has developed into a partnership based on trust and mutual respect.
Benefits for both parties
It’s an approach that has significant benefits for both parties and, importantly, for Minuteman Press Bath’s customers, as Antalis Account Manager Mark De Lancey explains:
“Building a strong relationship and regularly collaborating with the team at Minuteman Press Bath means that I have a clear insight into their business and also the requirements of their customers. This enables me to provide them with information and advice about relevant product developments, sustainability, news and information, as well as helping them to identify ways they can add value for their customers. This isn’t a one-way relationship however, as working closely with Kieran and his team helps enhance my own knowledge, as they are forever testing and pushing the boundaries of materials. I then share these findings with the local Antalis team, enabling us all to learn and develop!”
Mark De Lancey, Account Manager, Antalis
It was a conversation between Mark and Kieran that led to Minuteman Press Bath being able to expand the visual communication products and services it offers.
“We buy Drytac adhesives and films from Antalis, which are great products for producing window, wall and floor graphics; however, it’s a big range and we weren’t always sure we were using the best available products for the job in hand. I mentioned my concerns to Mark who was able to arrange for us to visit Drytac’s factory in Bristol.”
The visit proved to be the step-change Minuteman Press Bath needed, as Kieran explains:
“The factory visit was a real eye-opener for us; not only are we now confident we are using the right materials for the job, but we’re also using fewer materials, which is better for the environment. Crucially, it has also helped us to increase the range of applications we can offer customers.”
Seeing the manufacturing process and learning the science behind adhesives and films has given Kieran and his team a better understanding of the products they use . With confidence to tackle any installation, from low energy rubber to full breeze block walls.
Kieran believes the insight they gained has put them on a path to be the local experts in self-adhesive print and decoration work:
HP Eco Solutions Logo
“Our new understanding of adhesives means we can recommend the right product for the job every time and our clients can be confident they are getting the best advice. Our partnership with Antalis and Drytac means we can run things by them if we come across something unique.”
Minuteman Press Bath is an HP Eco Solutions trained company, which means they can install in a variety of sensitive environments, including schools and hospitals. Now, alongside other Antalis products suitable for Latex printing technology, they can confidently print and install the Drytac range of products too.
Reduction in material usage
By working with Antalis, over the course of the last year Kieran has proactively reduced Minuteman Press Bath’s PVC board usage by over 50%. This has been achieved by switching away from PVC and onto one of Antalis’ sustainable board ranges.
This simple change over a one-year period has already prevented over two tonnes of PVC material from going into landfill. An achievement the team at Minuteman Press Bath are extremely proud of.
The success story doesn’t end there. Following their visit to the Drytac (Bristol) factory, and using their new-found knowledge, Minuteman Press Bath are now saving approximately 35% in material usage when installing Drytac products. This means they can carry out installations more efficiently by using the best material for the job. With the reduced print and installation time, along with the product being sourced from only 15 miles away, the team have vastly reduced their carbon footprint as well!
The importance of starting conversations
Window graphics using Drytac materials
It was a conversation with Antalis that led Minuteman Press Bath to be in a position to be able to have more meaningful conversations with their own clients.
“We’re now in a position where we can have more intelligent conversations with our customers, both old and new. We are taking extra care to understand our clients’ environmental concerns and we work with Antalis to find the best solution at the right price point.
“Since our visit we’ve started offering several new solutions for printed graphics and been able solve multiple challenges we might otherwise not have had the confidence to tackle ourselves. The time and effort invested in our company has made a real difference to us and we are now looking forward to developing further in this field and becoming true specialists in self-adhesive print media and decor.
“I would advise any business to regard their material suppliers as partners. If we didn’t have regular meetings with Antalis, the opportunity to visit the Drytac factory might have never arisen – it’s a simple thing that has made a huge difference to our business.
“We would offer the same advice to our own customers. If you have an idea you want to chat through, call us! If we don’t know the answer, we know someone who will!”
Local Gym Team Breakthrough needed a new, fresh printed signage for their building. Locally printed outdoor signage creates a great impact and can help convey what a business does.
Signage for gym
Local printer Minuteman Press came to the rescue and printed and installed their new printed board for their unit in Box near Bath.
Based near the city of Bath – Team Breakthrough offer personal training of the highest standard. The trainers are cherry picked for their qualifications, biomechanical knowledge, emotional intelligence but most of all their caring nature.
We enjoy producing and installing printed signage for local Bath gyms and all sorts of other businesses.
Contact us today for more information or for a quote on your next printed signage or any other printed materials.
We flexible team are here to help design, print and promote you!
