Widthwise 2025


How much has your turnover increased/ decreased by? Stayed the same


35% Increased by 0-10%


Increased by 11-20% Increased 20%+


Unsure - increased


Decreased by 0-10% Decreased by 11-20% Decreased 20%+ Unsure - decreased


5% 7% 5%


2% 2% 2%


How have your large-format print margins changed?


No change Increased Decreased


47% 36% 19%


Which sector provides the biggest revenue for your business? Retail


19% Events


Construction Manufacturing Hospitality


Local government Education


Entertainment Medical Other


Tis focus has caused huge competition


for customers as everyone tries to outbid one another for the lowest price, a sentiment shared by a lot of businesses. One respondent said: “I’ve noticed more


of a race to the bottom and competition on price with certain wide-format suppliers devaluing the industry by offering ridiculous, tight margin prices.” Another reiterated this: “Margins are


the same issue, having to keep competitive prices, and I don’t know how some companies reach their prices.” Te majority of comments made were


on the subject of price competition, with many feeling they are getting sucked into competing with unfeasible figures. It has led companies to suggest the


market is becoming saturated with smaller print companies trying their hands at large-format production and perhaps doing so with smaller profit margins.


8%


6% 6%


3% 3%


2% 28% One participant noted: “It’s becoming


more competitive with lots of new small businesses.” It comes at great benefit to the customer


concerned about price, as they have a wide array of options when shopping for the correct provider. One respondent said: “Te ones that


focus on price will always flit from supplier to supplier, and fundamentally are the cause for so many printers to go out of business.” A lot of portfolios are focused towards


the same sectors of the industry. 85% of those surveyed said they provided services of banners, flags and signage, while seven out of 19 categories are being supplied by at least 50% of companies. It is similar reading for which sector is


most provided, with the top three most provided: retail, events, and construction, being supplied by almost half of those


surveyed (44%). More and more work is also being


offered by smaller companies infiltrating the market, making it harder for established brands to get consistent business and thus dragging them into the price war. When looking at the respondents, the


majority (56%) said they hired between one and five staff members, with a further 16% taking that up to 10. These are drops from last year, but with a small spike of 4% in medium-sized businesses (employing 21-50 people), it could mean some of the smaller businesses are being bought out for their business. One respondent agreed. Tey said:


“We’re seeing an increased number of mergers and acquisitions, many of which appear to focus more on asset stripping than building long-term value. “Tis short-term thinking can be damaging not just to the companies


www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | Widthwise 2025 | 5 15% 10% 23% 19%


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