I’ve been in the Sign & Display industry for many years, with experience that covers everything from substrates and inks to wide-format and industrial printing technologies. Becoming a Technical Applications Specialist was a natural progression. I enjoy problem-solving and my role allows me to provide hands-on expertise, ensuring customers get the best performance from their equipment and materials.

It’s the rapid innovation that’s transforming the industry. Advancements in digital printing, automation, and sustainability are opening up new possibilities. I’m also excited by how printing technology is expanding into new applications, from high-end packaging and textiles to industrial manufacturing and architectural solutions. The industry is evolving beyond traditional signage, and it’s fascinating to see how businesses can leverage these innovations to grow and diversify.

A common mistake is underestimating the importance of workflow optimisation and future-proofing their investment. Businesses often struggle with colour management, material selection, and automation. Without the right setup, inefficiencies can lead to wasted materials, downtime, and inconsistent output.

My biggest piece of advice is to focus on efficiency and future-proofing from day one. Take the time to understand your equipment, materials, and workflow. Not just how they work, but how they fit into a streamlined, cost-effective production process. Many new business owners get caught up in the day-to-day of printing jobs without stepping back to optimise their setup, which can lead to wasted time, materials, and money.

My best tip is to regularly maintain and profile your media settings for different substrates. Many RIP software solutions and printers allow you to fine-tune print modes, adjust ink limits, and calibrate colour profiles for each specific media type. This ensures consistent colour accuracy, sharper details, and optimised ink usage, which translates to lower costs and fewer rejected prints.

I’ve helped a customer create large-scale graphics for an architectural installation on concrete panels, as well as printing custom graphics onto surfboards for a branding campaign.

Johannes Gutenberg – the man behind the printing press! The question I’d ask him is: “Did you ever imagine that your invention would evolve into digital printing, allowing us to print on everything from paper and vinyl to glass, metal, and textiles?”. It would be fascinating to hear his thoughts on how printing has transformed over the centuries.