Welcome to Issue 4
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since we launched the first issue of Hickling & Squires Insight!
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We hope you’ve enjoyed finding out more about our business, our people and the work that goes on behind the scenes.
In this issue, we’re taking a closer look at print finishes and how the right finishing touches can make printed materials work harder for your business. From a brochure cover that feels as good as it looks to a folded leaflet that’s easy to carry, we’ll explore some of the options available and how to choose the right finish for your project.
You’ll also find the latest news from our team, an update on our solar installation, a look at recent industry events and details of an upcoming networking opportunity.
As always, thank you for being part of the Hickling & Squires story.
FACTORY NEWS
Solar power: taking practical steps towards a more sustainable future
In November 2025, we commissioned the installation of solar panels at our factory as part of our ongoing investment in more efficient and responsible production.
By generating more of our own electricity on site, we’re reducing our reliance on energy from non-renewable sources and taking practical steps to reduce the environmental impact of our day-to-day operations.
Since January 2026, our solar installation has delivered reported environmental benefits equivalent to a reduction of 108.55 tonnes of CO₂ and a saving of 43.55 tonnes of coal (January ‘26-September ’26, source data Solis Inverters)
For us, sustainability is about taking meaningful action and continually looking for ways to improve how we operate, rather than simply making promises.
We know that environmental responsibility is an increasingly important consideration when choosing a supplier. Our investment in solar power is one of the ways we’re working towards a more efficient and sustainable future, while continuing to deliver the quality and service our clients expect.
It’s another step forward in our commitment to doing things better, both for our business and for the future.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE
Print Finishes – Explained
Once you have finalised your design, chosen your paper stock and decided how many copies you need. What comes next?
Finishing covers the steps after this, that turn a printed sheet into the item you hand to a customer. Some finishes protect the surface or add a little detail, others give it its shape, hold the pages together or make it easier to use. You don’t need to know the technical terms to choose well, you can let us know where the print is being used and we can advise some of the best options.
Lamination
Lamination adds a thin, clear film to the surface of the print. It can help protect against everyday handling and changes how the finished piece feels, but do note that lamination can sometimes alter the finished look of the design.
Gloss lamination gives a shiny surface, matt offers a more understated look, and soft touch has a smooth, velvety feel. It can be useful for brochure covers, business cards and other items that will be handled regularly. For a throwaway menu with a short life, it may be an extra cost you do not need.
Spot UV
Spot UV adds a clear, glossy coating to selected parts of a design. You might use it on a logo, a photograph or a pattern, so those areas catch the light against a quieter background, to make it stand out amongst the rest of the design.
It works well when there is something specific to highlight. A simple detail on a brochure cover or business card can be enough, as covering too much of the design can lose the impact of the effect.
Foiling
Foiling adds a metallic, clear or coloured foil to part of the print. Gold and silver are common choices, but there are other colours and effects too.
It can give an invitation, cover or piece of packaging a special, more premium feel. A small foil detail often does the job, particularly when the design leaves room around it. It is worth considering for something people will keep, or where first impressions really matter.
Embossing and debossing
Embossing raises a design above the surface of the material. Debossing presses it into the surface. Both add a detail you can feel as well as see.
A logo or simple pattern can work without adding any ink or foil, giving stationery, covers or packaging a subtle finish. Note that the paper can make a difference to the result, so it is worth talking through the options before choosing your paper stock.
Die cutting
Die cutting cuts printed designs into a particular shape. It’s useful when you’re trying to achieve a custom shape, such as a window in a cover or the outline and tabs of a presentation folder.
It can make a design more distinctive, but it also has a practical role. A folder needs to hold its contents properly for example.
Folding
Folding turns a flat sheet into something folded, simply put. A folded leaflet can separate information into sections, while a larger sheet can open up to reveal a map or image for example. An example of where this is used commonly are for restaurant menus.
Planning the folds before designing is advised, so you know what will show on the front cover, back cover, and other panels before it gets printed and folded.
Binding
Binding holds the pages of a brochure together. The best choice depends on how many pages there, what material it’s printed on, and how the item will be used.
Staples through the fold, which we refer to as saddle stitching, suit many shorter run booklets. Perfect binding uses glue along the spine for a book-style finish on thicker designs. Wiro binding uses a wire spine and lets pages lie flat or fold back, which can be handy for things like workbooks and notepads.
Perforation
Perforation creates a line of small cuts so a section can be torn off more easily. Think of a reply slip or voucher that is removed from a brochure.
PEOPLE NEWS
A new challenge for Jo
Since joining Hickling & Squires in 2021, Jo Bryan has been an important part of our hand-finishing team. Now, Jo is taking the next step in her career by moving into our print team to operate our new Konica Minolta Accurio 30000 press.
Moving into a new area of production is an exciting challenge, and Jo has embraced the training with enthusiasm, quickly adapting to a busy and technically demanding environment.
It’s great to see members of our team developing new skills and taking on fresh opportunities within the business.
Well done, Jo — we look forward to seeing you continue to grow in your new role!
OUT AND ABOUT
Leon explores new opportunities at the Racket Sports Business Expo
Leon Gregory recently attended the Racket Sports Business Expo, meeting businesses from across the racket sports industry and exploring opportunities in a new and developing market.
Leon’s newfound interest in pickleball has certainly given the team something to talk about! More importantly, the event provided a valuable opportunity to make new connections and learn more about the needs of businesses in the sector.
Whether it’s event materials, customer information or printed products supporting a new launch, understanding what businesses need from print helps us find the right solutions for their projects.
We’re always keen to meet new people, explore emerging markets and discover how we can help businesses make more of their print.
Meet us at the Midlands Business Network Expo
We’re looking forward to attending the first Midlands Business Network Expo on Friday 27 November 2026, at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The event will be a great opportunity to meet businesses from across the region, make new connections and talk about upcoming projects.
If you’re attending, we’d love to meet you. Whether you have a specific print project in mind or simply want to explore what’s possible, come and have a conversation with us about how Hickling & Squires could help.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Final Thoughts from our Sales Director
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we launched Hickling & Squires Insight. It’s certainly been a busy one!
From investing in solar power and new printing technology to welcoming new team members and supporting career development, we’ve continued to look for ways to improve what we do and how we support our clients.
It’s been particularly rewarding to see members of our team develop their skills and take on new challenges. While we’ve also said goodbye to colleagues embarking on retirement, their contribution remains an important part of our story.
Ultimately, our focus remains the same: to be a reliable, supportive and solutions-focused print partner, helping our clients find the right approach for every project.
Thank you for reading Issue 4 of Hickling & Squires Insight and for continuing to be part of our journey.
We look forward to finishing the year on a high and sharing more news with you in Issue 5 in 2027.
Have a print project in mind? We’d love to hear from you.