Special Report 2026: The year of diversification
In honour of SDUK and P&P LIVE! Co-locating, the topic of diversification seemed like an appropriate topic to delve into this issue. Gaining insight from industry experts, assistant editor Ana Lambert, dived into how diversification could shape the sign making industry moving forward.
Sticker Builder tool
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harder to come across. Many directors feel that investing in
o much has changed over the last few years that has makes turning a profit
new gear is the only way to expand but sometimes looking inwards and making the most of your existing equipment could open new revenue paths to exploit.
Personalisation With software becoming an increasingly integral part of the industry as machinery becomes more and more intuitive, creating the opportunity to diversify lies in how easily they can offer different services, for instance, personalisation. Gaining understanding from Antigro
Designer’s CRO and co-founder, Waclaw Mostowski, he speaks on how utilising pre-existing software for differing uses could help businesses diversify more easily. He said: “Rather than ordering large
quantities of identical graphics, customers are increasingly seeking smaller, more targeted runs designed for specific events, campaigns, locations, or audiences. “This highlights the shift towards
relevance and individuality, where personalisation is becoming an expected part of the buying experience.” There have been advances in print
personalisation software that has significantly lowered the barriers to diversification, allowing companies to expand its offerings without adding complications to production.
| 70 | January/February 2026
Waclaw added: “Modern tools are
designed to support scalable customisation, making it possible to offer personalised signage, promotional graphics, and display products efficiently and profitably. “Enhanced user experience and
mobile optimisation mean customers can personalise and approve designs in real time, whether they are ordering event signage, promotional displays, or branded products on the go. For print businesses, this reduces back-and-forth on artwork and enables faster turnaround times.” Observations within the industry have also signified a shift towards stickers, as they offer a versatile and accessible entry point into personalised print. Many sign makers already producing
posters, boards, or display graphics are well placed to expand into stickers, using personalisation tools to make designing and ordering simple and efficient.
Waclaw concluded: “Feedback from
users of our own Sticker Builder tool shows that customers prioritise speed and ease over complex design control, reinforcing the importance of intuitive, UX-led personalisation journeys.”
Customer-first Along with software allowing sign makers to move towards personalisation, diversification can also allow companies to be more customer-first orientated. Diversification is often positioned as a
growth strategy, but for many sign making businesses it plays an equally important role in protecting existing revenue. Speaking to Mimaki’s UK and Ireland distributor, Hybrid Services, it detailed its advocation for a customer-first approach to diversification, encouraging businesses to expand in ways that support their current client base before
Mimaki CJV200-160
www.signupdate.co.uk
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