Widthwise 2025


From printer to paper


The stats are in, and it makes for interesting reading with so many businesses making their opinions known in this ever-volatile industry. Looking at the recent Widthwise responses, assistant editor Benjamin Austin reports on some of the headline findings.


H


aving grown the survey from last year, the results have proven to be very insightful. Similar to last year, the


majority of companies surveyed (56%) were


relatively small, having only 1-5 employees on their books. However, comparing the numbers, the number of larger companies participating in the survey has grown since last year, as the 21-50 category grew by 4% and the 100+ category grew by 1%; the rest saw a decrease in representation. Perhaps this increase in company size has


a correlation to the general turnover growth, which the majority of companies (55%) said they had experienced. Yet the same could not be said for large-format print margins, which 47% of companies claimed had remained the same. Tis could be a telltale sign of the current


state of the large-format industry. Many surveyed commented that the market has become saturated with businesses competing for the same work, and the numbers reflect this. 85% of companies say they produce


banners, signage or flags of some kind, and looking further into the numbers, 50% of companies say they had dealings in the same seven categories out of 18, showing how saturated those parts of the market are.


Where is your HQ?


England Wales


Scotland Ireland


Northern Ireland


92%


3% 2% 2% 1%


How many people does your company employ?


1-5 6-10 11-20 21-50 51-100 100+


56% 16%


11% 10%


5% 2% Many, therefore, could be looking to diversify


their portfolios to seek new forms of revenue; a statement backed by 50% of those surveyed. But to diversify, some may need to invest in


new kit, something already being looked at by 68% of those questioned and out of them, the majority (43%) are looking to spend less than £75,000, indicating they may only be looking to dip their toe into new markets, or replace older equipment. Sustainability is at the forefront of a lot of companies’ minds, too, with 85% saying that


it was somewhat important to be seen as eco- friendly. Yet 3/4 of customers would barely ask for any company credentials on green practices, with most (65%) demanding better value for money over anything else. Te print industry is a volatile one, with


so many companies reliant on more and more work. Tat, paired with external and uncontrollable outside financial factors, has led many to adapt. Perhaps now, too, with more companies


experiencing greater turnover, they are better placed to make investments. Companies are in a position for the first time in a while where new avenues could be explored, and these avenues could be more sustainable than before, as technology has advanced to make eco-friendly options. Te stats seem to show that the industry is


changing, with most companies looking to react and adapt in the best way possible. As we dive deeper into the findings, we’ll


explain trends and patterns that seem to show this change is coming and see how many businesses may be doing everything they can to keep up, aſter all, it is best to be part of the change, not playing catch-up.


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