p42,43 wicked printing:Layout 1 16/02/2010 14:34 Page 43
COMPANY PROFILE
"We want to show the
quality. We have our own
factory and we try to use
UK suppliers where we can.
All press parts are made in
the UK."
With a proven track record
in screen printing, the girls
made good use of existing
contacts to source screen
printing supplies more
cheaply and in smaller Hazel and Nikki with members of the Wicked
amounts than the traditional
Printing Stuff team.
suppliers. In 2009, WPS became an official distributor for Union inks, offering a
huge range in smaller quantities if required. The fact that WPS is happy to supply
inks in smaller quantities – but from a wider range – is also proving attractive to
the one-man bands.
"And with a lot of people being made redundant, individuals who do have a
creative side were looking at maybe setting up a business at home," adds Nikki.
"WPS could enable them to set up without having to make a huge investment.
We opened up the market for them."
The entry level is surprisingly inexpensive.
"Costs vary depending on whether someone wants equipment for their hobby or
as a business set up package. If it's a hobby, we sell small kits - you could buy a
hobby stencil cut out kit for £50 plus VAT. If someone wants a printing press and
an exposure unit - a photographic method of producing their silk screen, you're
looking at £199 plus VAT," advises Nikki.
I ask about customers who are new to screen printing.
"That's where my technical expertise comes in," says Nikki. "I can advise them,
from the very basic things a customer will need to know to how many different
types of T shirt printing ink there are.
"I have to find out about them as individuals – about what they intend to print
– and then I can point them in the right direction. We can then start to tailor a
package to suit them.
"Unlike other companies, we don't just sell a set package. Instead of being stuck
with something you're not necessarily going to use, we can meet individual
needs."
Ironically, some of the girls' business comes from people who have been sold
completely the wrong set-up, they say.
WPS also manufactures a unique vacuum board for multi colour printing onto
paper, which can be attached to the Gundel presses. According to Hazel, there is
nothing like it in the UK and it's proving very popular for posters and display
boards.
"We have an embroidery service as part of our uniform business (with an in-
house artwork, designing and digitising service), so for people who want to buy
one of our printing packages, they can also offer embroidery to their customers,
enabling them to expand their business," adds Nikki.
So what about the future?
In 2008, WPS began a screen printing school, giving practical lessons in all
stages of textile
printing. The girls
are expanding on
their current site to
enable the popular
and successful
workshops to
continue.
"For the year
ahead, we would
like to have presses
in stock. From a
three week turn
around at the
A WPS six-colour press, made on site from British parts.
beginning of 2009 we are now on a seven day turn around. They are still made
to order but we have more people to make them," says Hazel.
Nikki sums it up: "These past couple of years have been fantastic and WPS ethos
(and products) seems to work. We will always thank our customers for their
loyalty in the early days. It can be hard work. There are really long days; you do
the hours and if something needs to go out of the door, the team are here at
8pm doing whatever it takes."
Girl power is still alive and kicking.
For more information visit www.wickedprintingstuff.com
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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