Welcome to the second issue of Hickling & Squires Insight.
Thank you to everyone who read and shared feedback on our first edition. It was great to hear that the practical guidance and behind the scenes updates were useful.
There has been plenty happening across the factory since the last issue, alongside several new developments we are excited to share.
This month we are covering a topic we have been asked about thousands of times over the years. How to supply artwork for print.
It is a broad subject, but getting it right makes an enormous difference to how smoothly a job moves from concept to finished product. To make things easier, we have created a clear guide that you can share with colleagues, refer back to when preparing campaigns and use to ensure everything is ready before files reach our studio.
FACTORY NEWS
A New B2 Litho Press Joins the Factory
A new press is now up and running. And yes, it is another Heidelberg.
This time we have invested in a Heidelberg XL75-8P5 eight colour perfecting press, continuing a long-standing commitment to technology that has consistently delivered for both us and our clients. Heidelberg presses are widely regarded as best in class, known for their reliability and consistency, which is exactly why they remain central to our factory.
Running at speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour, the XL75 is supported by advanced automation and control systems that keep production running smoothly and predictably. One of the biggest advantages is how quickly it can move between jobs.
Where a job might previously have taken around thirty minutes to set up, the new press can be ready to run in closer to five minutes. That means more time printing, less time preparing, and a more consistent flow of work through the factory.
For our clients, this is about more than speed. It protects what matters most. Reliable turnaround times, consistent quality and the confidence that your deadlines will be met without disruption. At the same time, it strengthens our ability to respond quickly, adapt to changing requirements and keep your campaigns moving without delay.
If you would like to see it in action, you are always welcome to visit the factory. Even better, we can run one of your own jobs so you can see exactly how it performs in a live environment.
This investment is part of a wider programme of development across the factory, with the next stage already underway. It is something we are genuinely excited about, and we will be sharing more in the next issue.
Carbon Reporting Through ClimateCalc
Many clients are now asking for a clearer understanding of the carbon footprint associated with their print projects.
To support this, we have implemented ClimateCalc, the carbon calculation system recommended by both Intergraf and the BPIF.
As our Sales Director Lee Jordan recently explained in the BPIF magazine: “We were being asked by our customers whether we could provide a carbon footprint for the jobs we were producing for them. We decided to use ClimateCalc, as recommended by Intergraf and the BPIF, as it gave us a simple way of getting our customers the information they need. One thing’s for sure. We are going to be asked for this more and more often, so it is better to be prepared.”
This programme allows us to provide transparent carbon data for the work we produce, helping marketing and procurement teams make more informed decisions.
It is another way we work with you as your supportive print partner.
HOW TO SUPPLY ARTWORK FOR PRINT
Supplying artwork correctly is one of the biggest factors in keeping print projects smooth and predictable.
When files arrive correctly prepared, production moves quickly. When they do not, delays, rework and unnecessary stress can creep into the process.
To help simplify things, our studio team has created a clear step by step guide covering the essentials.
Read the full blog article here:
You can also download an in-depth practical artwork guide, including a useful printable checklist, to keep on hand for future projects.
Download the artwork guide:
If you ever need guidance before sending files, our studio team are always happy to help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at hi@hickling-squires.co.uk and we will be more than happy to assist you.
CREATED FOR YOU
Swatch Packs
Choosing materials from a screen can be difficult. The weight, texture and finish of a stock are things you really need to feel in your hands.
Our sample swatch packs give you a quick way to explore the materials we run every day.
The packs include examples of:
- Paper stocks from 90gsm through to 400gsm
- Flexible materials used for signage and displays
- Rigid media used for POS and durable graphics
They are designed to help you visualise possibilities and make confident decisions when planning your next campaign.
Request your swatch pack here:
PEOPLE NEWS
A Well Earned Retirement
After 46 years in the printing industry, our colleague Wendy Cross will retire next month. Wendy began her career at respected Nottingham printers before joining us at Hickling & Squires in October 2019.
Working in hand finishing, she has been a valued member of our team and a familiar face across the factory floor. Wendy is looking forward to a well earned rest and to spending more time travelling the world.
While she will be greatly missed, we wish her all the very best in her retirement.
A Fantastic Effort for Charity
Our colleague Dave Burrows completed the Run For All Nottingham 10K on Sunday 8th March.
Dave finished the course in a fantastic time of 59 minutes, which is impressive for anyone, let alone someone 64 years young.
Dave also raised £800 for Leukaemia Research.
Great effort Dave.
A Recent Project
Since joining Hickling & Squires, Rich Johnston has been working closely with several new clients.
One recent project supported CitySprint’s annual conference, producing personalised materials for nearly 150 delegates.
You can read the full case study here:
If you would like one of your own projects featured in a future issue of Insight, we would love to hear from you.
EVENTS
Marketing Showcase Events
Thank you to everyone who came to see us at Marketing Showcase Sheffield in February. It was great to meet so many marketers and have some genuinely useful conversations about campaigns and production challenges.
Our next event will be:
- Marketing Showcase Birmingham
- Villa Park
- 29th April
If you are attending, please come and say hello.
Final Thoughts from Lee Jordan (Sales Director)
We are delighted to share the second issue of Insight.
We received some great feedback on our first edition, so we hope you continue to find the latest articles and news both interesting and informative.
Despite the current global uncertainty, we know our clients value the stability and reliability we provide. Combined with our exciting new investments and the strength of our skilled team, we are looking forward to a successful year ahead.
Thank you for your continued partnership, and we look forward to supporting your ambitions throughout the coming year.