Welcome to the third issue of Hickling & Squires Insight.
There has been plenty happening at Hickling & Squires since our March issue, from new developments in the factory to another important renewal of our environmental credentials, as well as apprenticeship successes, new arrivals and farewells.
In this issue, we are sharing news about our latest investment in digital print technology, our renewed FSC® licence, a practical guide to briefing a print project and a few updates from across the team.
We are also pleased to share that our World Cup Kits were printed, packed and despatched smoothly, just in time for the fun to begin. A big thank you to everyone who got involved, and now it’s all over, please share your kits, winners and wooden spoons on social media so we can see them out in the world.
FACTORY NEWS
The AccurioJet 30000 Has Arrived
We are pleased to share that our brand new inkjet, the AccurioJet 30000, has now been fully installed by Konica Minolta in our factory – the first installation of its kind in the UK.
This investment strengthens our digital printing capabilities and gives us even more flexibility across short-run print, personalised print, fast-turnaround campaigns and high-quality colour work.
The AccurioJet 30000 combines the reliability and consistency expected from production print with the flexibility of modern inkjet technology. It allows us to deliver sharp detail, stable colour and excellent registration across a wide range of materials.
For our clients, this means more options, greater flexibility and added confidence when planning print projects that need to move quickly, without compromising on quality.
It is another important step in our continued investment in the technology, systems and people that help us deliver reliable print every day.
Read our more in-depth article about the AccurioJet 30000 here:
Come and see it in action.
We will be holding an open day in September, giving you the opportunity to look around the factory and see the full capabilities of the AccurioJet 30000 for yourself. Keep your eyes out for an update on this.
Our FSC® Licence Has Been Renewed
We are also pleased to confirm that our FSC® licence has been renewed.
FSC® certification remains an important part of how we support clients who want to support responsible forestry around paper, print and procurement.
For many organisations, sustainability is no longer a separate consideration. It is part of everyday decision making. Having our FSC® licence in place means we can continue to support projects where materials are required that support responsible forestry, helping clients meet their own environmental standards with confidence.
If you are planning a campaign and would like to understand the FSC® options available, our team will be happy to talk you through the choices.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE
How to Brief a Print Project
A clear brief is one of the simplest ways to keep a print project running smoothly. It helps everyone understand what is needed, when it is needed and what the finished result needs to achieve.
It also reduces delays, avoids assumptions and gives our studio and production teams the information they need to advise you properly from the very beginning.
A good print brief does not need to be complicated.
It simply needs to answer the right questions.
Key Details
When briefing a print project, the most useful information usually includes:
- What the printed item is
- The finished size
- The quantity required
- Whether it is single or double sided
- The number of pages, if it is a booklet or brochure
- The material or paper type, if known
- Any finishing requirements, such as folding, laminating, binding or foiling
- The required delivery date
- The delivery address or addresses
- Whether artwork will be supplied or still needs to be created
You do not need to have every detail finalised before speaking to us. In many cases, part of our role is helping you choose the right route. However, the more information we have at the start, the more accurate and useful our advice can be.
If you are supplying your own files and are unsure how to prepare them correctly, our print-ready artwork guide covers the key steps.
Think About the Audience
Good print is not only about how something looks. It is also about how it will be used out in the world.
Who will receive it? Where will it be seen? How long does it need to last? Will it be posted, handed out, displayed, carried around or used repeatedly?
These questions can influence everything from the weight of the stock to the type of finish used. A premium brochure may benefit from a heavier stock and a more refined finish, while a high-volume campaign may need a cost-effective approach that still feels professional and dependable.
Include Your Brand Requirements
If the project needs to follow brand guidelines, it is always useful to send them through at the start. This might include logos, colour references, fonts, previous examples or specific rules around layout and usage.
Brand consistency matters, and supplying these details early helps make sure the finished print feels connected to the rest of your marketing.
Be Clear About Deadlines
Deadlines are one of the most important parts of any print brief.
If the printed item is needed for an event, launch, mailing date or installation, let us know the final required date as early as possible. It is also helpful to know whether that date is fixed or flexible.
This allows us to plan backwards from the deadline, leaving enough time for artwork, proofing, production, finishing and delivery. Where timelines are tight, early and clear communication makes all the difference.
Tell Us What You Are Unsure About
You do not need to know every technical detail before getting in touch.
If you are unsure about the best size, paper, finish or format, tell us what you are trying to achieve and we can guide you through the most suitable options.
Sometimes a small change to the format, material or specification can make a project more efficient, more cost-effective or better suited to its intended use.
If you are planning a print project and would like advice before getting started, email us at hi@hickling-squires.co.uk, call 01773 536400 or use our contact form.
CREATED FOR YOU
World Cup Kits
Our Hickling & Squires World Cup Kits were all printed, packed and despatched in time for the tournament.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a request. We hope the kits brought a bit of fun, colour and friendly competition to your workplace.
We would love to see them in use, so please share your photos on social media and tag us. Whether they are on office walls, noticeboards or in staff rooms, we would be delighted to see them out in the world.
Commiserations to everyone who received the wooden spoon certificate. Hopefully the shame will have worn off by the time the next World Cup comes around.
PEOPLE NEWS
A Well-Earned Retirement for Alan Rigby
Alan’s career in print started in 1977, at Hawthornes of Nottingham. This was followed by spells at Nottingham Print Finishers and Heanor Gate Printing. In 1988, Alan’s career took a detour when he left the UK to embark in a professional football career in New Zealand.
Alan returned in 1990 to rejoin Heanor Gate Printing, followed by spells at Nyland Graphics and Sherwood Press. Eventually he found his spiritual home at Hickling & Squires in 2012.
Alan has been a highly valued member of our finishing department ever since. His knowledge and experience have been passed on to many members of the team, and his contribution has made a lasting difference across the factory.
We thank Alan for his many years of valued service and wish him a long and happy retirement, with plenty of happy hours tending to his beloved allotment, and spending time with his wife and wider family.
Tommy Completes His Apprenticeship
Congratulations to Tommy Jenkins, who has successfully completed his Level 3 Print Technician Apprenticeship.
Tommy’s training was delivered through Learn2Print, which specialises in high-quality training for the printing and graphics industry.
His journey with Hickling & Squires began several years ago when he spent a week with us on work experience. After finishing school, Tommy joined our digital print department and began the three-year apprenticeship programme.
During that time, he gained hands-on experience across the department, learning to run and maintain a wide range of production equipment.
Tommy is now operating our new AccurioJet 30000 inkjet press, reflecting the progress, skill and confidence he has developed over the last three years.
Well done, Tommy. Keep up the excellent work.
Welcome to the Team, Sarah Bryans
We are delighted to welcome Sarah Bryans to the account management team.
Sarah has worked in the industry for several years and has settled in brilliantly to our fantastic team.
Her partner Mark runs one of our guillotines and is currently helping Sarah drive to work every day as she learns to drive – hats off to Mark….and Sarah !
EVENTS
Midlands Business Network Expo
Our next event will be the Midlands Business Network Expo on the 25th September at The National Motorcycle Museum.
It is a great opportunity to meet businesses from across the Midlands, have useful conversations and discuss how print can support upcoming campaigns, events and marketing plans.
If you are attending, please come and introduce yourself. We are always happy to talk through current projects, future ideas or print challenges where you would value some support.
- Midlands Business Network Expo
- Date: 25th September
- Location: The National Motorcycle Museum
- Time: 10am – 2pm
We hope to see you there.
Final Thoughts from Lee Jordan, Sales Director
Thank you for reading the third issue of Hickling & Squires Insight.
From new technology and renewed certifications to team updates and practical guidance on preparing a clear print brief, this issue reflects what we continually focus on: reliable print, useful advice and long-term support for our clients.
If you have a project coming up, need help shaping a brief or would simply like to talk through your options, please get in touch. We are always happy to help.