Widthwise 2024


Welcome to Widthwise 2024


Image Reports magazine may have changed publisher since the last Widthwise Report, but it has not changed in its dedication to conducting the biggest independent survey on the state of the UK’s large-format digital print sector.


This year 100 print service providers (PSPs) took the time to complete an in-depth questionnaire about conducting business in this space - the 17th year Image Reports has undertaken such a task. A massive thank you to all those that responded - the grassroots information and data they provided has been analysed and is presented with accompanying editorial features in these pages.


You can also find this full report online, where its free to download, at www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/widthwise.


Lesley Simpson Editor, Image Reports magazine lesley.simpson@imagereportsmag.co.uk


08 | Data analysis: Business outlook A look at what’s fueling growth and what’s cause for concern.


15 | AI Over half of respondents expect AI to significantly impact their print operatation, so what’s it all about?


16 | Data analysis: Technological outlook Where are you spending your money, and why aren’t you spending more of it?


20 | The pleasure and pain Two print chiefs talk us through the ups and downs of running a large-format PSP in today’s climate.


22 | Suppliers speak up Four key hardware manufacturers answer questions thrown up by this year’s grassroots data.


26 | Data analysis: Environmental outlook Has the urgency gone out of the green revolution?


Editor: Lesley Simpson lsimpson@datateam.co.uk


Publication Manager: Alissia Clifton AClifton@datateam.co.uk


Datateam, 15A London Rd, Maidstone ME16 8LY www.imagereportsmag.co.uk


For circulation enquiries contact: datateam@c-cms.com or call 01580 883844


Image Reports is available free to printers based in the UK. Register at www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/register.


To purchase a subscription please visit www.imagereportsmag.co.uk/subscribe – UK £54, overseas £84


Printed in Great Britain.


No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means without the Publisher’s permission. The editorial content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher. The Pub- lisher accepts no responsibility for any errors contained within the publication.


4 | Widthwise 2024 | www.imagereports.co.uk


CONTENTS


2024 An Image Reports publication


The 17th annual survey and analysis of the state of the UK and Ireland’s wide-format inkjet print sector


In association with


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