Over to You OVER TO YOU
What’s having the greatest impact on your business at the moment? Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important. Reducing environmental impact will be a top priority for Format Graphics and the rest of the print industry, influencing our material selections and leading to a focus on sustainable printing practices.
Where do you see the greatest wide format opportunities? I would personally like to explore interior design opportunities, wall murals, floor graphics window displays and fabric printing. Businesses and offices are increasingly adopting custom wall graphics and murals to enhance their brand identity or create a unique environment. Format Graphics can produce high-quality, large images that can cover entire walls. Printing on floor materials like vinyl and adhesive films creates custom designs for both commercial and retail spaces.
What would make your day-to-day operations even easier?
By embracing technology, automation, and streamlined workflows, Format Graphics can significantly reduce the complexity and stress of our operations. Our goal is to make the process as efficient as possible – both for the business and for our customers. By investing in these areas, we can improve profitability, enhance customer satisfaction, and stay competitive in an increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven market.
Sharon Stratton, General manager, Format Graphics
www.formatgraphics.co.uk
WITH AN 18-YEAR CAREER AT FORMAT GRAPHICS, SHARON PROVIDES US WITH INSIGHT INTO THE BUSINESS, THE INDUSTRY AND THE WORLD’S FIRST INSTALLATION OF THE AGFA JETI BRONCO.
What is your favourite bit of kit? The Agfa Jeti Bronco certainly is a powerful asset to our workshop. With its combination of speed, quality, and economic efficiency, it aligns well with our business’ goals of increasing productivity while maintaining the highest standards. The confidence we have in the Agfa brand, along with the team’s ability to make full use of its capabilities, setting us up for long-term success and continued growth in the competitive large format print industry.
What’s been the best bit of business advice you have been given?
The customer experience is key. Happy customers are more likely to return, recommend your business to others, and become lifelong advocates. Exceptional customer service can differentiate you from the competition.
What is your proudest achievement? I’m proud of my journey transitioning from an accounts administrator to general manager. It reflects my commitment to continuous learning,
embracing challenges, and stepping outside my comfort zone. This progression demonstrates my ability to understand and contribute to all aspects of the business, and it fuels my passion for leadership and driving success within the organisation.
Where do you see your business going in the next five years?
The transition from traditional print methods (like screen printing) to more digital-based printing processes will continue. Digital printing offers greater flexibility, faster turnaround times, and lower setup costs. Format has always focused on the bespoke and personalised products and as personalisation is becoming more of an expectation across the print industry. Clients are increasingly looking for unique, tailored products, for their business signage. In the large format print space, this could mean more demand for custom wall murals, branded vehicles, bespoke textiles, and personalised promotional materials.
How long have you been in the industry? What attracted you to it? It’s been an 18-year journey starting with no prior experience in the print industry and working my way up from an accounts administrator to becoming a general manager. The large format print industry speaks to my creative side. It’s not easy to transition from a non-print background into a field like large format printing, but my progression shows how dedication and a willingness to immerse yourself in all aspects of the business can lead to success.
What has been the key to your business’ success? Delivering on promises and maintaining high standards over time, which builds trust and loyalty. Tackling challenges with innovative ideas and solutions, particularly in this creative industry, where unique projects often demand outside-the-box thinking.
Your company was the world’s first to install the Agfa Jeti Bronco H3300. How have the process and equipment been? Being the world’s first company to install the Agfa Jeti Bronco is a significant achievement! It’s a huge testament to our company’s forward-thinking approach and willingness to be a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge technology. The journey of integrating such a high-tech piece of equipment and refining its processes to take full advantage of it has been both exciting and challenging.
Will there be any investments in the near future? Nothing in the immediate future, however this investment hasn’t just improved our production – it’s positioned us as an industry leader, enhancing our reputation and providing opportunities for further growth. The long-term benefits of the Agfa Jeti Bronco will continue to contribute to Format’s success as the print industry evolves
The Agfa Jeti Bronco 26 | February/March 2025
What was your first impression of the Bronco? The Bronco’s speed, quality, and cost-efficiency have given our business a competitive edge, enabling to deliver superior results to clients with shorter lead times.
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