Shaftesbury-based print business Blackmore is seeking to collaborate with other printers as a solution to ongoing industry and economic challenges.
Following the success of a similar initiative launched after the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is entering in strategic joint ventures, consolidation, and service sharing to help businesses navigate the difficult trading environment.
Andrew Robbins, managing director at Blackmore, said: “Times are tough in the print industry right now. First, the industry was impacted by COVID, then the cost-of-living crisis and energy cost hikes affected businesses. And now the National Insurance increases will add substantial extra costs to businesses around the UK. On top of this, the print industry is rapidly changing by adapting to new customer buying trends, which makes it harder for printers to plan for the future and invest in the right equipment.”
Since the pandemic, Blackmore has invested over £3 million in two new litho presses and a digital press, adding to its existing cold set web press, which is suited for newspaper-format and lightweight uncoated paper printing. The business also offers a range of finishing and fulfilment services, including folding, binding, die cutting, and storage.
“Our extended range of equipment means that we can continue to offer additional services and capacity to our customers and suppliers, as well as work with other providers who may not have access to some or all of these services,” said Mr Robbins. He added, “Similarly, if there are specialist services that we don’t provide in-house, we are happy to work with other printers, too. By working together and mutually helping each other, we can help pave the way for a brighter future for all printers.”
Established in 1900, Blackmore has developed a strong reputation for its environmental focus. The company is a Certified Carbon Balanced Printer with World Land Trust and holds ISO:14001 accreditation. The company also recently installed a solar energy system and invested in a low-carbon compressed air system to further improve its sustainability credentials.
