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z Soyang Europe has expanded its DTF range with the launch of a paper- based transfer media that offers an environmentally conscious alternative to conventional PET transfer film.
z Tickets are now on sale for the Printing Charity’s Annual Luncheon, which is taking place on Thursday November 19.
z Avery Dennison has updated the MPI 1103 EA Smart Wrap+, available immediately from William Smith, which retains the 50 micron white cast construction but now it includes a re- engineered adhesive that grips less on first contact and releases easier.
z Xaar has officially opened its new Asia Pacific (APAC) headquarters in Dongguan’s Songshan Lake hi-tech industrial development zone in China, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in the region.
z Signage and graphics specialist Blue Sky Signs has expanded its application offering after installing a Mimaki UCJV330-160 print & cut UV inkjet printer.
z Canon UK & Ireland has partnered with the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) to create a tactile photography exhibition that enables visually impaired students to experience images through touch.
z EPIC Media Group has opened its new Warwick unit following an Open Day on July 2 2026, welcoming customers, suppliers and local contacts to the company’s new operational base at Unit 15, Hurlbutt Road.
YPIPP highlights ‘warning shot’ for industry as job vacancy numbers hit five-year low
Young People in Print & Packaging (YPIPP) has warned that the UK’s cooling labour market could worsen the industry’s long-term skills challenge unless businesses continue to invest in young talent. The intervention from YPIPP follows the release of the ONS labour market overview report in June 2026, which revealed job vacancies across the UK were at their lowest point since 2021. While the new report showed headline
employment numbers were largely stable, Jo Stephenson, board member of YPIPP, said this masks serious underlying issues that print and packaging businesses must address. The ONS report is the first since the release of the government’s landmark Young People
and Work Review, which found that around a million 16–24-year-olds are not in employment, education, or training.
Ms Stephenson argued that, by focusing on what the Review called a “lost generation” of young people, the industry can help solve both its own and the nation’s respective employment crises.
She added: “There is no shortage of appetite;
there’s a shortage of opportunity. “The silver lining is that the print and packaging sector can show the leadership that other industries might not. “We need to be bold, start telling that vibrant
story more broadly, and reach out to engage young people by offering them the opportunities they need.”
CMYUK appoints Liyu England as UK agent
CMYUK has announced a new strategic agreement with Liyu England, headed by Eddie Tucker, managing director. Under the agreement, Liyu England becomes CMYUK’s first UK agent, representing both its production technology and materials portfolio. The appointment brings CMYUK’s applications knowledge, technical support, showroom infrastructure, training, and customer service together with Eddie’s deep relationships across the UK Liyu community and his long-standing experience in wide-format technology sales. For existing Liyu users, it creates a stronger
support proposition and a clear route into wider production opportunities, including finishing, automation, and digital textiles. Robin East, group chief commercial officer, CMYUK, said: “Eddie is recognised as a highly committed, customer-orientated figure in the Liyu community. He knows the industry dynamics, he understands the equipment
swissQprint opens premises in the US
Swiss large-format printer manufacturer swissQprint has opened newly-built premises for its US operation in West Dundee, near Chicago, Illinois.
The opening coincides with the subsidiary
company swissQprint America celebrating its 10th anniversary and hence a decade of direct market presence in North America. The expansion strengthens the company’s presence in one of its most important markets and establishes capacity for further growth.
The company is investing in its continued expansion across the US and Canada, with this location creating the conditions necessary for providing even better support
6 | June/July 2026
to a growing customer base and for long-term development of swissQprint’s market position. On June 23 and 24 2026, swissQprint celebrated both the premises opening and its subsidiary’s 10th anniversary.
For swissQprint, investing in its own premises means far more than simply moving to a new location; it underlines the company’s long-term commitment to this important marketplace.
On June 23 and 24 celebrated both premises opening and the subsidiary’s 10th anniversary
CMYUK appoints Liyu England as UK agent
landscape, and the importance of helping businesses create efficient holistic production environments. “This new agreement gives Eddie the
platform to continue supporting that community, but now with the full backing of CMYUK behind him. It is a strong, practical proposition that is built on service, trust, and dedicated long-term customer value.”
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