www.printitreseller.uk PRINT, MFP, SOFTWARE, SERVICES, DOCUMENT & CLOUD NEWS & INFORMATION FOR VARS, CONVERGED RESELLERS & MFP DEALERS ISSUE 127 · 2025 20 25 Royal Lancaster · December 2 First look at the 2025 categories See page 22 PRINT IT RESELLER MAGAZINE IN PRINT & ONLINE SINCE 2011 Lexmark Centralises AI-Powered Cloud Solutions
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PRINTITRESELLER.UK 3 COMMENT It’s been a busy start to the year, planning and preparing to launch the 2025 PrintIT Awards in May. We’ve introduced a few changes this year, included some new categories and updated some of the entry criteria. Check out page 22 for a first look at the 2025 awards line-up. Each category is designed to recognise and reward the people and companies in our sector across six distinct award classifications - corporate awards, reseller awards, people awards, product and solution awards, four general PrintIT Awards, as well as two special categories which are not entry-based – Industry Leader of the Year and the Judges’ Special Award. Whether you’re an OEM, ISV, distributor, reseller, MSP, vendor, supplier or service provider – there’s something for everyone, so, make sure you enter the 2025 PrintIT Awards and give our judges a chance to celebrate you and your team. Entries will officially open on Tuesday May 6. Also in this issue, Cheryl Hopes, UK & Ireland Partner Development Manager at Xerox, picks the work tools she uses every day and couldn’t do her job without (page 18). This month’s Q&A is with John Scudamore, Sales Director, Nextgen Business Solutions, and PITR spent 60 seconds with Tyler Lowe, Apprentice First Line Engineer, Evolve. If you’ve got any news about your business to share, would like to be included on our monthly VOX POP panel, have a compelling business success story or simply wish to comment on any industry issues, please get in touch with me at: [email protected] Michelle Ryder, Editor Editor’s Comment Register online To receive your regular FREE printed copy of PrintIT Reseller Magazine simply fill in our online registration form at www.printitreseller.uk/register Read PrintIT Reseller online at: www.printitreseller.uk Join us : Follow us @print-it-reseller-magazine PRINT IT RESELLER MAGAZINE IN PRINT & ONLINE SINCE 2011 PrintIT Reseller is published by Kingswood Media Ltd., 7 Amherst House, 22 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2BT • Tel: 01732 759725 Email: [email protected] www.printitreseller.uk No part of PrintIT Reseller can be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. ©2025 Kingswood Media Ltd. 04 Bulletin Where do you take yours? 06 Bulletin News from the channel 16 People A round-up of new hires 18 I couldn’t do my job without... Cheryl Hopes picks her favourite work tools 20 A decade in print Stu Brookes shares his print experiences over the past decade 22 PrintIT Awards A first look at the 2025 PrintIT Award categories 26 Focus on: What’s New A round-up of recent product launches 29 Interview XBM acquires Office Odyssey 30 Dealer Profile UTL London rebrands as Dupliq 32 Cover Story Lexmark reinforces commitment to enhancing partners’ profitability 34 Research AI-powered cyber threats drain security budgets 36 One-to-one One-to-one with Greig Millar 40 AI AI-powered print and document solutions 42 VOX POP AI in the print industry – part two 46 Industry Insight Kerry Rush, Product Marketing Manager, Sharp Business Systems UK 48 View from the Channel John Scudamore, Sales Director, Nextgen Business Solutions 50 60 seconds with… Tyler Lowe, Apprentice First Line Engineer, Evolve 2025 ISSUE 127 printitreseller.uk If you no longer wish to receive PrintIT Reseller magazine please email your details to [email protected] Group Editor: James Goulding 07803 087228 · [email protected] Editor: Michelle Ryder 01732 759725 · [email protected] Publishing Director, Social Media and Web Editor: Neil Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Advertising Director: Ethan White 01732 759725 · [email protected] Account Manager: Jeff Root 07976 950285 · [email protected] Designer: Brian Cloke 07484 288189 · [email protected] Issue 127 ISSN 2055-3110 (Print) ISSN 2055-3129 (Online) 20 25 Royal Lancaster · December 2
01732 759725 4 BULLETIN BULLETIN Where do you take yours? We’re all about championing print at PrintIT Reseller, and we’d love to know where you read your issue Whether it's atop a mountain, on a deserted beach, or even in the heart of a bustling city. We want to see where our magazine travels with YOU! We’re delighted that so many of our readers are taking on the challenge and sending us pix of them reading PrintIT Reseller in unusual settings. Keep them coming!! Generative AI will be a gamechanger A new Lenovo global survey of 600 IT leaders reveals that while 79% of respondents believe AI will allow employees to focus on more impactful work, less than half feel their current digital workplace solutions adequately support productivity, engagement, and innovation. Only 36% believe their systems support employee engagement “very effectively” – while a majority (89%) say organisations must first overhaul their digital workplace to fully unlock AI’s potential. Despite the urgent need to transform the digital workplace around AI, several key challenges remain in its widespread adoption: Personalisation gaps. While 63% of IT leaders surveyed agree that a highly personalised digital workplace is essential, a lack of configurable devices and applications remains a top barrier. This one-size-fits-all approach leaves employees underserved. Support automation. 61% of IT leaders acknowledge the need for AI-driven IT support automation, but many organisations still struggle to integrate these systems effectively. https://www.lenovo.com We want to see where you take your issue, so get the camera out and send me a pix of yourself reading PrintIT Reseller in the most unusual, far-flung spot you can find, and you could be featured in our next issue! You can reach me at [email protected] During a recent meeting with the PrintIT Reseller team, Ashley James at AJ Installations made sure he was up to date with the latest industry developments. While in Frankfurt at Lexmark’s Channel Summit, Mark Bryce and Warren Colby from Agilico took the opportunity to catch up on the latest print news! We featured this pix last issue and the caption was incorrect, so here it is again with the correct names. Apologies to Stephen Curtis! (l-r) Max Carne, Icancopy; Lynne Brown and Dwayne Cowans, Lexmark; Ashley Carne, Icancopy and Stephen Curtis, Commercial
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01732 759725 6 Espria launches CSP renewal assessment service Espria has launched a free M365 Licence Assessment programme to help businesses save costs by reviewing existing licence estates and identifying those licences not in use or no longer being utilised. With Microsoft recently changing how they sell and structure licenses, businesses must now reassess their current M365 licenses, looking for ways to reduce costs and keep the capabilities they need as they move to new license agreements. “Our CSP renewal assessment offers business owners valuable insights into the costs associated with their existing estate, shining a light on those licenses no longer in use or never used in the first place,” said Greg Hawthorn, Managing Director at Espria. “Without an initial resource assessment, it can be difficult to know what you can afford to take away without damaging or massively disrupting your business operations. Phasing out redundant IT licensing, however, might be the key that a lot of financial officers and IT operators are missing when it comes to unnecessary costs for your business that could be tightened up on.” www.espria.com BULLETIN Evolve announces £1.1 million investment Evolve has opened its new £250,000 warehouse in Wigan as the company experiences rapid growth. Under its expansion plans following a multimillion-pound investment from BGF last year, Evolve has established the new 6,000 square foot warehouse to streamline the purposebuilt approach it takes to its operations. Purpose built for pre-staging, the warehouse will be five times more efficient than Evolve’s previous warehouse space, it currently has capacity for 100 pallets, with the option to expand to 300 pallets. It also houses a disaster recovery zone to support Evolve’s 24/7/365 contingency plan and involved upskilling employees with forklift training to enable them to be self-sufficient and quicker. Previously housing its warehouse operations at its headquarters in Wigan, the new warehouse space has enabled Evolve to expand and upgrade its main office with an £850,000 investment. The new office design is open plan to promote a united team and features additional pods for smaller breakout spaces, a larger conference space for internal socials, panoramic views of the Northwest as well as a larger kitchen with a state of the art coffee machine, more kitchen appliances and more seating for team collaboration. CEO Alan Stephenson-Brown said: “The investment into our warehouse and office spaces demonstrates the commitment Evolve has to its own growth and development, as well as to our people. Employees have been critical to the whole process, from their involvement in the planning process of the new office design to the availability of free onsite food and drink at the new warehouse that has led to feedback of increased happiness for the whole team.” The move follows the recent appointments of Michelle Horan as Finance Director, Martyn Yih as Head of IT services and Caroline Oxley in a new Head of People role, which were all part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Evolve’s leadership team and reinforce its commitment to being an employer of choice. www.evolvebg.co.uk Workflo Solutions acquires again Workflo Solutions has acquired and fully integrated former competitor Incovo’s assets and operations into its expanding business. In addition to an increased client count, Workflo Solutions will benefit from partnerships with leading vendors in hardware, cloud and hosted communications. These partnerships will enable the company to bring new products, services and value to its 1,000+ strong client base. The Incovo deal follows a series of acquisitions in recent years, including the purchase of Pyramid IT, TRM, Redwax Ltd. and MacD IT. Managing Director, Michael Field said: “The acquisition of Incovo is a significant step in strengthening Workflo Solutions’ ability to provide innovative and comprehensive services. This strategic move aligns with our vision for growth, allowing us to enhance our offerings and deliver even greater value to our clients. We’re excited about the opportunities this brings and the positive impact it will have on our customers.” www.workflo-solutions.co.uk Alan Stephenson-Brown Carbon secures platinum partner status Carbon Group has achieved Canon Platinum Partner status in just two years. Digital Services Director Ryan Green said: “As the only independent, privately-owned Platinum Partner headquartered here in Scotland, this achievement is a testament to our commitment to excellence and the incredible growth we’ve experienced over the last 24 months. “Not only are we the fastest-growing Canon partner in the UK, but we also reached Platinum status in record time. This milestone reflects our dedication to providing top-notch, local service to our clients.” https://carbon-group.co.uk Ryan Green
PRINTITRESELLER.UK 7 Linney Group expands premium print capabilities Linney Group has expanded its premium print capabilities with the installation of the Xerox Iridesse Production Press. This latest investment underscores its drive to push the boundaries of digital print innovation. This advanced press allows Linney to deliver highvalue, intricate print products efficiently, from luxury packaging and promotional materials to sophisticated marketing collateral and personalised direct mail campaigns. By offering faster turnaround times and premium finishes, the Iridesse empowers Linney to meet the growing client demand for standout print solutions. “The Xerox Iridesse allows us to expand our creative offering, enabling more impactful and dynamic designs that resonate with our clients,” said Director Charles Linney. “This investment aligns with our mission to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver exceptional results across all our print solutions.” www.linney.com PAE Business signs new distribution deal Dynamic Software Solutions (DSS), a wholesale supplier of solutions to professional services firms, IT MSPs and managed print suppliers, has appointed PAE Business to distribute its Dynamic Connect solutions throughout Western Europe. Dynamic Connect is a cloud-based productivity platform that provides professional services firms and especially legal firms with activity-based time billing for time spent on office tasks in relation to client matters. The new appointment marks DSS’s first entry into the European market as it continues to drive growth for Dynamic Connect. PAE Business will begin distributing the suite of cost-recovery, activity-based time capture, MFP scan and PDF solutions for professional services firms available via the Dynamic Connect platform immediately through its extensive dealer network in the UK and Europe. The company will also provide comprehensive software support for Dynamic Connect. “We are excited to partner with DSS to be able to bring this powerful tool to law practices across the UK and Europe,” said Phil Madders, Managing Director, PAE Business. “A dedicated solution for the legal industry, Dynamic Connect corresponds with our commitment to providing innovative, efficient and cost-effective solutions to clients via our dealer network.” https://paebusiness.com TD SYNNEX expands accessories portfolio TD SYNNEX has announced an agreement with CHERRY, a global provider of computer input devices and peripherals. This collaboration expands TD SYNNEX’s robust portfolio of premium peripheral solutions, offering partners cutting‑edge options to address the growing demand for high-performance, ergonomic, and reliable input devices in different market channels, from gaming and office, to B2B and healthcare. “CHERRY’s innovative products are renowned for their quality, durability, and advanced features that cater to the needs of today’s tech-savvy workforce” said Mara Pereira, Vice President, Peripherals, Europe, TD SYNNEX. “This partnership allows us to provide our partners with a wide range of high-performance peripherals that not only boost productivity but also meet the ergonomic and functional needs of modern hybrid work environments.” “We’re excited to collaborate with TD SYNNEX to expand CHERRY’s presence across EMEA. Through this partnership, we can bring our premium-quality input devices to a broader audience, empowering businesses with tools that deliver exceptional performance and reliability,” said Alexander Hecker, Senior Vice President Global Peripherals, CHERRY. CHERRY products are compatible with leading devices and operating systems, making them ideal for seamless integration across various business environments. Partners can easily explore and procure CHERRY’s offerings via TD SYNNEX’s eCommerce platform, InTouch. https://uk.tdsynnex.com BULLETIN Nebula launches remote managed services offering Technology channel services firm Nebula Global Services has launched a global remote managed service focused on the support of leading security and networking platforms including Cisco Meraki, Fortinet, Juniper, Palo Alto and Check Point to name a few. Ross Teague, CEO at Nebula Global Services said: “The cost to deliver remote managed services is becoming increasingly challenging when considering the range of qualifying technology platforms and the price points that need to be achieved. The additional operational overhead required to achieve the desired outcome, such as team members, technical know-how, and around the clock availability, means partnering with a trusted channel services provider such as Nebula can be a sensible and more commercially viable option. “Channel services providers have successfully existed for many years to supplement and enhance the service proposition of firms across the entire technology channel. Primarily this has been through the deployment of on-site services. However, the tide is turning, and remote managed services are now in high demand. That is why Nebula has invested heavily in developing our services portfolio to accommodate the needs of our channel partners, enabling us to provide an end‑to-end solution on a global scale.” The primary market for Nebula’s remote managed service is providing an in-depth Level 3 (L3) technical triage service. However, L1 & L2 services are also available for businesses looking to outsource their transactional service desk capabilities. www.nebulaglobalservices.com Mara Pereira Charles Linney
01732 759725 8 Westcoast announces distribution agreement with UGREEN Westcoast has announced a new distribution agreement with UGREEN Group, a global leader in consumer electronics and innovative charging solutions. The agreement will see Westcoast distribute UGREEN’s full range of products, including portable chargers, power banks, data cables, docking stations, and other consumer technology solutions. This partnership is set to enhance UGREEN’s presence in the UK market by leveraging Westcoast’s extensive distribution network and expertise. Darren Seward, Business Development Director for UK and Ireland at UGREEN Group said: “We are excited to collaborate with Westcoast Limited as our latest official distribution partner in the UK. Westcoast’s strong market presence, excellent logistics infrastructure, and deep understanding of the technology sector make them the ideal partner to help us reach more customers and drive growth in this region.” www.westcoast.co.uk Value-added potential TD SYNNEX is giving partners the opportunity to move into an adjacent market that offers new income and value-added potential whilst enabling their end customers to encourage the use of greener transport options, by providing partners with access to Eaton’s portfolio of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The EV charging solutions are being made available through an extension of TD SYNNEX’s existing partnership with the leading power management products vendor. James Reed, Managing Director – Endpoint Solutions, UK and Ireland, TD SYNNEX, said: “TD SYNNEX wants to encourage more partners to explore the potential of providing solutions that enable end customers to adopt more sustainable practices. For MSPs and partners that offer integration services, and those who want to help customers move towards their sustainability goals, EV chargers offer really good potential. Many end customers looking to make EV charging available on-location, are likely to turn to their trusted provider of managed services or IT systems for advice. For partners, the ability to provide and install EV chargers could be a good opportunity to add value and generate additional revenues.” https://uk.tdsynnex.com/ Driving growth for dealers Integra Business Solutions continues to expand its Catalyst programme, an initiative designed to help independent dealers win, manage, and grow key accounts. The programme is focused on enhancing partners’ profitability and market share, with the OASIS ERP platform playing a central role. By working with a single software provider, Integra has been able to implement best business practices, streamline operations, and deliver a competitive edge. Catalyst has seen significant success, supporting independent dealers across the UK with sales now in excess of £30 million. Partners on the programme have access to a comprehensive range of solutions from website development, marketing and content management. The content management team play a crucial role in optimising data to drive growth opportunities, particularly by expanding into new product categories and industry sectors. Rob Burgess, Senior Project Manager at Integra, said: “The Catalyst programme continues to go from strength to strength. Oasis’ cutting edge technology combined with the adaptability of the Catalyst programme creates a powerful proposition for dealers. Integra’s extensive partnerships with suppliers across multiple industries and enriched content ensures Catalyst partners can stay ahead of the competition.” www.integra-business.co.uk BULLETIN Data Direct’s global adventure Throughout the year, Data Direct is embarking on a ‘Round the World’ adventure, aiming to collectively cover 24,901 miles through walking, cycling and swimming and is inviting more people to join the club and participate. Members of the Data Direct club will track their activities and log their miles throughout the year, with every mile contributing to its global goal. Each month, the company will select two charities, nominated by club members, to receive donations. In February, the worthy recipients were The MS Society and AMMF Cholangiocarcinoma Charity, with donations made in memory of Mary Bowers and Ray Luke. Managing Director Patrick Winterbotham said: “I’m so excited to kick off Data Direct’s ‘Round the World’ fitness challenge with all of you! This is something that’s really close to my heart, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. For me, this isn’t just about getting fit, it’s about our health, supporting each other, and making a difference in the world through the causes we care about. “What we’re building together has the chance to be something really special – united as a team, with our partners and friends. It’s great to know that each one of us can contribute to making this challenge a success. “No matter where you are on your fitness journey, we’d be so grateful if you could get involved. This challenge is about more than just pushing ourselves – it’s about working together and creating a community that inspires and motivates. So please come join us, have fun, and help us make a difference by supporting these incredible charities.” If you’d like to join search Data Direct Club on the Strava app. www.data-direct.co.uk
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01732 759725 10 Zyxel Networks steps up partner program Zyxel Networks is launching a new partner program that will put the emphasis firmly on supporting partners in growing and positioning themselves as cloud networking businesses. The new program will build on the strengths of Zyxel Networks’ products and its unique Nebula cloud management platform. It is designed to incentivise all partners as they develop the managed services element of their business and adapt to the changing needs of customers. “The new partner program underlines Zyxel Networks’ commitment to driving cloud networking and supporting the growth ambitions of all our partners,” said Kevin Drinkall, Director, Marketing and GTM Strategy EMEA. “The new channel program provides the flexibility and support that partners need to meet the changing needs of their customers. It provides them with AI-driven tools and other resources they can use to assist customers in gaining access to more innovative ways to manage and operate networks. It mirrors the way partners and customers want to work today, recognises their commitment and loyalty to Zyxel Networks, and demonstrates the 100% confidence we have in our cloud networking strategy.” www.zyxel.com Ricoh ranked 39th in Carbon Clean200 2025 list Ricoh has been ranked in the 39th position in the Carbon Clean200, a list of 200 publicly traded companies around the world that are leading the way to a clean energy future. This marks the seventh consecutive year that Ricoh has been included in the Clean200 since its inception in 2019, moving up ten places from last year’s 49th position. www.ricoh.co.uk HP accelerates AI software investments HP has announced a definitive agreement to acquire key AI capabilities from Humane, including their AI-powered platform Cosmos, highly skilled technical talent, and intellectual property with more than 300 patents and patent applications. The acquisition advances HP’s transformation into a more experience-led company. “This investment will rapidly accelerate our ability to develop a new generation of devices that seamlessly orchestrate AI requests both locally and, in the cloud,” said Tuan Tran, President of Technology and Innovation at HP. The acquisition brings a highly skilled group of Humane engineers, architects, and product innovators to HP’s Technology and Innovation Organisation. They will form HP IQ, HP’s new AI innovation lab focused on building an intelligent ecosystem across HP’s products and services for the future of work. www.hp.com BULLETIN Unlocking data for strategic growth The Intelligent Billing platform, with built-in Intelligent Analytics is helping businesses transform complex billing data into actionable insights. For many organisations, billing data remains an under-utilised resource. While standard billing software ensures accurate invoicing, leveraging billing analytics can unlock deeper insights – enabling real-time data and trend analysis for strategic decisionmaking purposes, helping organisations drive efficiency, profitability, and growth. Simon Adams, Managing Director at PRD Technologies, highlights the significance of this shift: “Businesses today don’t just need accurate billing – they need intelligent insights that turn raw data into meaningful actions. Intelligent Analytics enables service providers to track customer trends, optimise product performance, and ensure revenue assurance - all in real time.” Intelligent Analytics provides a suite of reports designed to help business leaders make smarter, data-driven decisions. For example, customer performance reports and heat-maps highlight revenue and P&L trends over 12-months, while product performance report heat‑maps highlight the revenue and profitability of each product across your customer base over the same period. Market share analysis pinpoints revenue distribution and gross margin reports ensure profitability is never left to chance. Additionally, fraud alert capabilities allow businesses to detect unusual usage patterns before they become a costly issue. Jamie Hughes, Sales Director at Evolve IP said: “Intelligent Billing has endless benefits when it comes to reporting and analytics, with intuitive real-time data insights needed for our business, including bespoke reporting.” www.intelligentanalytics.com Egnyte announces majority investment Egnyte, a provider of secure content collaboration and governance solutions has announced a strategic growth investment from leading investment firms GI Partners (GI) and TA Associates (TA). This partnership will infuse Egnyte with the capital and expertise needed to expand its global market presence and accelerate innovation through continued investment in research and development. The company’s founders, management team, and existing investors – including funds and accounts managed by Springcoast, GV, Polaris, and Kleiner Perkins – will retain significant ownership in Egnyte. www.egnyte.com
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01732 759725 12 Ricoh recognised by Gartner Ricoh has been positioned by Gartner, Inc. in its 2024 Magic Quadrant for Document Management, report. This is the first time Gartner has published this Magic Quadrant. Gartner defines the document management market as the capabilities required of a provider to deliver the tools and practices used to capture, store, process and access documents and content in support of personal, team and enterprise needs. Ricoh is one of 15 companies positioned within this Magic Quadrant. The Ricoh Process Automation suite of own IP configurable solutions enables the company to support customers around the world in making their people’s time more productive and accelerating revenue realisation. This is achieved through automating document-heavy processes, expediting repetitive tasks, streamlining business complexity, and enabling a digital workplace experience. www.ricoh.co.uk Arivia MFPs earn recommended designation Katun has announced that three of its Arivia MFP models have received the Recommended designation from Keypoint Intelligence, an independent evaluator of office document imaging products and services. The Arivia M2130, C2130 and C4165 underwent comprehensive testing to thoroughly evaluate usability, print quality, productivity and features. Katun also chose to have the devices put through their paces with optional reliability testing. “We are proud to receive a Recommended designation for our Arivia MFPs from Keypoint Intelligence,” said Tony Ko, Katun’s Vice President of Hardware & Business Solutions. “This independent evaluation and recognition underscores Katun’s ongoing dedication to innovation and delivering high quality products that consistently exceed client expectations.” “We were impressed by this debut hardware offering from Katun,” said Rachel Dean, Technical Editor in Keypoint Intelligence’s Workplace Group. “The devices performed well during testing, with a competitive feature set and productivity results, professionallooking image quality, robust security features, and intuitive usability that is consistent throughout the A3 line-up.” www.katun.com Lexmark expands print security services Lexmark has expanded its Lexmark Security Services offering to enterprise print customers worldwide. This comprehensive service helps protect an enterprise’s IT infrastructure from cyber-attacks by addressing print device vulnerabilities - missing passwords, insecure settings, open ports, outdated firmware - that are routinely unnoticed by security professionals. Lexmark Security Services consist of three core components: n Security Consulting: Lexmark security experts collaborate with a customer’s IT team to review and enhance the security of their print environment. By analysing up to 2,500 device settings, firmware versions and user permissions, Lexmark establishes a tailored security configuration baseline. This comprehensive approach includes guidance on print drivers and server infrastructure, ensuring alignment with industry best practices. n Security Assessment: Lexmark security experts assess the customer’s print fleet, either remotely or onsite, gathering data on firmware versions, settings and permissions. Lexmark then creates a scorecard that outlines risks and recommended mitigation steps. The Printer Security Assessment analyses hundreds of data points to identify firmware vulnerabilities, unsecure device settings, and weak authentication permissions. This data-driven approach produces a comprehensive view of the fleet’s security posture and where it is lacking. n Configuration Management: For customers lacking time and resources, Lexmark offers a managed service to implement recommended mitigations. This includes Configuration Management, ensuring consistent settings across potentially thousands of devices, and regular firmware updates. Lexmark monitors connected devices daily, pushes approved configurations, and ensures firmware is up to date. This is all performed remotely by Lexmark to remove the security burden from customers. www.lexmark.co.uk BULLETIN Sharp UK partners with directprint.io Sharp UK has partnered with directprint.io to further strengthen its cloud print management offering. Combining Sharp’s multifunctional printers with directprint.io’s comprehensive cloud-based print management solution, the partnership will support clients in leveraging print management technology and solutions to streamline operations, reduce costs and improve efficiencies. The collaboration further supports clients on their cloud-first strategy by providing a true cloud solution that eliminates the need for on-premise infrastructure. directprint.io RED features a unique Sharpnative OSA embedded app, offering a unique and integrated solution that simplifies roll-out and enhances the end-user experience. The flexibility of directprint.io’s deployment options allow it to cater to both simple and complex multi-site environments, meeting diverse organisational needs. The partnership also promises ongoing innovation and customisation for Sharp’s hardware, ensuring that clients benefit from the latest advancements in print management technology. ‘’We’re delighted to partner with directprint.io to further enhance our print management software offering,” said Julian Hodges, Head of Product Marketing at Sharp UK. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, cloud-first solutions that simplify workflows, boost efficiency, and provide our clients with seamless, scalable print management tools to meet their evolving needs.” David Jenkins, CEO at directprint.io, added: “Our partnership with Sharp UK is pivotal to helping organisations of any size establish secure, cloud-managed print environments, eliminate costly on-premise infrastructure, simplify printer management, and minimise troubleshooting time. In summary: new generation print management with Sharp.” www.sharp.co.uk, https://directprint.io/
• Built-in Intelligent Capture: Automatically captures and organizes documents, enhancing productivity and efficiency. • Seamless Collaboration: Facilitates internal and external file sharing, improving team communication. • Cost-Effective and Secure: Reduces operational costs by minimizing paper usage and protects sensitive information with robust security features. • Turnkey Solution: No IT involvement or setup required, with ConnectKey integration for multifunction devices. • Scalable and Mobile: Grows with your business needs and allows document management from anywhere, anytime. • Enhanced Search and Digital Storage: Quickly find documents with advanced search features and eliminate the hassle of dealing with physical paper. Load it, Store it, Automate it, & Find it. Automating your Accounts Receivables Department with DocuShare Go, a cloudbased document management solution. The Challenge: Time-consuming document retrieval Manual processes reducing productivity Email overload and risk of lost documents Frequent follow-ups needed The Solution: Xerox® DocuShare® Go for a cloud-based document management solution with built-in document capture and 24/7 cloud access for easy scanning. The Result: Save an average of 12 annual working days Increase productivity by 80% Instant document retrieval and complete audit trails Experience the future of document management with Xerox® DocuShare® Go. *A DocuShare Go Customer Success Story Enjoy a fully supported sales cycle with the Xerox and Cargil team to deliver Docushare Go to your end users. Are you ready to transform your document management? Contact Cargil Solutions today! 0844 880 6905 | www.cargilsolutions.co.uk | [email protected] Simplify Your Document Management Offering with Xerox® DocuShare® Go: The essential ECM Solution Reaping the BENEFITS
01732 759725 14 Tree planting initiative TSC Auto ID has tied up a deal where, for every printer ribbon box it sells, a new tree will be planted. Working with the organisation Treecelet, its initial donations are helping fund the restoration of Kenyan mangrove forests. The collaboration between TSC and Treecelet began last summer and, by the end of 2024, sales of ribbon boxes ensured that 5,000 new mangrove trees would be planted in coastal areas of Southern Kenya. This year, TSC aims to provide funding for 10,000 more trees to be planted. The Trees for Tomorrow initiative is just one element of the company’s ambitious ESG vision. By 2026, it also intends that 100% of its packaging will be FSC-certified, recycled/recyclable, that its printers’ components will contain 10% recycled materials and that its greenhouse gas emissions have reduced by 20-40%. https://emea.tscprinters.com/en/trees-tomorrow Ricoh recognised with double ‘A’ score Ricoh’s leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change and water security disclosure have been recognised by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its 2024 A list. This double ‘A’ score marks Ricoh’s selection for a second consecutive year on the water security A list and fifth consecutive year on the climate change A list since 2020. In 2024, Ricoh published Ricoh Group Environmental Report, a comprehensive disclosure on climate change, resource circulation, and biodiversity. This report illustrates its strategies and initiatives in the environmental field to all stakeholders. Ricoh will continue to contribute to solving social issues and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through its business activities with its business partners and customers. www.ricoh.co.uk Epson partners with SUSS Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) has announced its collaboration with SUSS MicroTec SE (SUSS), a manufacturer of system and process solutions for the semi-conductor and printed electronics industries. As part of this partnership, SUSS will adopt the Epson PrecisionCore printhead technology (I3200 Series) in its flagship desktop R&D printer, the LP50. This development aims to enhance research and development capabilities in inkjet processes, applications, and materials. The LP50 printer, recognised for its innovative design and versatility, will significantly benefit from the integration of Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology, ensuring improved performance in inkjet printing. SUSS and Epson will also collaborate to introduce comprehensive Application Kits over time, featuring newly developed and tested processes and materials from Epson’s inkjet innovation laboratory in Japan. This initiative underscores the commitment of both companies to advancing the printed electronics industry through innovative solutions. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in the evolution of printed electronics, demonstrating both companies’ commitment to delivering superior solutions within the industry. https://lp50.suss.com/, www.epson.com BULLETIN OKI joins ETRIA joint venture OKI is the third company to join ETRIA, a joint venture company that was formed on July 1, 2024, to integrate Ricoh and Toshiba Tec’s multifunction printers’ development and manufacturing. ETRIA aims to become the leading manufacturing company that will continue to be needed around the world by combining the development and production technologies of like-minded companies, optimising everything from product planning and development to procurement and production of raw materials and parts. With OKI’s participation, ETRIA is expected to enhance development capability through LED print head technology acquisition, increase profitability through commonisation of engines and key parts, acquire technologies and products for new business creation, and achieve production capacity expansion in the Asian region. https://etria.global/en/ Canon calculates MFP CO2 emissions In cooperation with the Japan headquartered Nidec Corporation, Canon has calculated the CO2 emissions of the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5840i, office multifunction device using, for the first time, Nidec’s CO2 emissions data for a specific part in the Canon product. Canon also disclosed the SuMPO EPD (Eco Leaf) environmental label which is administered by the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO) under its SuMPO Environment Program initiative. The environmental label SuMPO EPD is a framework that quantitatively discloses environmental information throughout the entire life cycle of registered products. Using industry-average CO2 emission factors for each material, Canon calculates the CO2 emissions of a product based on the amount of that material which is used. This is one of Canon’s pioneering efforts to reduce CO2 emissions based on primary CO2 data about raw materials and parts provided by suppliers. The company will promote this approach to more products in collaboration with more suppliers to better align with the decarbonisation of society. www.canon.co.uk
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01732 759725 16 BULLETIN : PEOPLE Reconomy strengthens technology leadership team International circular economy specialist Reconomy has strengthened its technology capabilities through the appointment of Jenny Dodsworth as Group Programme & Delivery Director to its technology leadership team. In her new role, she will report into Jody Fullman, Chief Information Officer, and work closely with him and also the change and transformation team led by James Skeet, Director of Group Change and Transformation, to drive technology change programmes across Reconomy. She will also play a major role in supporting Reconomy’s strategy to scale across North America and integrate newly acquired companies in this market. Dodsworth said: “I am excited to have joined Reconomy with its excellent track record and clear purpose to enable the circular economy for its customers. I look forward to working closely with Jody and the senior leadership teams to drive major change programmes across the organisation to capitalise on the opportunities ahead of us and create a more sustainable world.” www.reconomy.com Nutanix promotes Tom Kennedy Nutanix has promoted Tom Kennedy to the role of UK Commercial Sales Manager. Since joining Nutanix in 2017, Kennedy has been one of the most consistent top performers amongst his peers. In his new role, he has responsibility for leading the commercial sales team selling Nutanix’s products and solutions through channel partners and interacting directly with commercial customers. He will also inform sales team decisions and initiatives, as well as helping to develop new accounts and penetrate new divisions and organisations within assigned accounts. “I couldn’t be more delighted to have accepted the opportunity to lead the UK commercial team,” he said. “Nutanix has a unique market opportunity and a shared ambition to get out there and win big. I look forward to hitting the ground running in 2025, and continuing to showcase Nutanix’s market leading culture, technology, and vision.” www.nutanix.com IPIA founds new structure The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) has embarked on a new chapter of leadership and progress by implementing a series of key strategic reforms – while welcoming expert talent to its Council. The goal of its new structure is to strengthen the association’s delivery of membership support and print industry stimulus. As part of the IPIA’s two-year rotational leadership structure, Charles Rogers (Portland Media) has moved to President, Alasdair Browne (Abbot Print) has stepped up to Chair, and Mark Stephenson (Fujifilm Europe) has become Vice Chair. These strategic appointments ensure continuity, while introducing fresh perspectives to the IPIA’s vision and operations. https://ipia.org.uk Epson announces new CEO and Global President Epson has named Junkichi Yoshida as its new Global President and Chief Executive Officer. Yoshida will succeed Yasunori Ogawa, who will transition to Chairman of the Board. As the company moves into the final year of its Epson 25 Renewed corporate vision, this leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in shaping Epson’s next corporate strategy with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and corporate growth. He said: “As the person with whom ultimately responsibility for the company rests, I will work with the new leadership team to create an environment that motivates people, so that we all can unite and strive toward our common goals. I will do everything I can to continue to expand the ecosystem of inkjet innovation and formulate the next 10-year strategic corporate vision to establish new growth drivers for Epson.” www.epson.co.uk Tom Kennedy TD SYNNEX UK appoints senior leader TD SYNNEX has appointed Andy Brown as Senior Business Unit Director – Data and Applications, UK and Ireland. As well as overseeing this fast-developing area of the advanced solutions portfolio, Brown will take responsibility for TD SYNNEX’s Destination AI strategy. Major vendor partners are making significant joint investments with TD SYNNEX to support Destination AI, TD SYNNEX’s all-in-one programme that takes reseller partners on a tailored journey of discovery and enablement and equips them to articulate the benefits of AI with customers, uncover new potential, and deliver solutions. In his new role, Brown will oversee TD SYNNEX’s data and analytics, line-of-business applications, and AI-driven solutions business, and manage relationships with key vendors. He said: “I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to lead our efforts in these vitally important areas of huge potential. With the significant resources already in place and more investments being made, TD SYNNEX is ready to drive real partner success. In Destination AI we have a unique programme – I’m excited to be taking the lead on that and helping more partners to chart their own journey to AI enlightenment.” https://uk.tdsynnex.com Andy Brown
Adam Zoldan Business Owners Face Inheritance Tax Headache As we start the new tax year, business owners are having to face up to some of the new tax legislation. We had a flurry of five deals completing in March with owners looking to lock lower rates of Capital Gain Tax, and as we head in the new year there are a number of new changes that are likely to impact business and business owners. There has been plenty of media coverage around the changes tax for Farms in particular, but the changes to Inheritance Tax means all business owners face changes that could result in significant tax bills for their families on an illiquid asset. Prior to the Autumn budget last year, there was intense speculation regarding changes to Capital Gains Tax and how this would impact Business Owners. Ultimately the increase was not as severe as some predicted. However, one area that could have a significant impact on their wealth were changes to Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) rates on business assets and pensions. Whilst there has been a lot of publicity regarding the impact on farmers in particular, the changes affect all business owners and its imperative that shareholders fully understand what these changes mean. Shares held by business owners were subject to 100% IHT relief, but now from 6th April 2026, the 100% relief is halved to 50% for amounts above £1m. For a business owner holding shares worth £3m the potential IHT liability increases from £0 to £400,000 from 6th April 2026. The equivalent increase for business assets worth £5m is from £0 to £800,000. This creates a real headache for many beneficiaries immediately after the loss of a loved one. The tax must be paid relatively quickly but many will not have the liquidity to pay these sums from cash. This could mean that the business must be sold quickly and may not understand its true value or be prepared for the stress of a transaction process. Paul Billingham of Knight Corporate Finance noted: “Whilst no one wants to think about IHT, especially before they have retired, business owners should consider getting an up-to-date valuation of their business in order to understand what the new liability could be, especially given the subjective nature of business valuations.” In addition to this, pensions will no longer be deemed to be outside of estates from 6th April 2027. Many business owners have built up pensions through contributions from their businesses as part of their wealth planning. Billingham added: “Given these significant changes, we would also recommend business owners talk to a wealth planner who could advise on how to mitigate some of these changes”. Ann-Marie Atkins, Managing Partner at wealth manager Evelyn Partners adds: “These changes to IHT mean business owners should really start to think about planning far ahead of selling their business so that they can start to put some actions in place long before a sale. Applying foresight to planning and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of approaches will put you in the best place possible to navigate the new future of tax and let’s face it, liquidity if the worse happens and the tax man demands funds for Tax”. Knight Corporate Finance is a corporate finance boutique providing advice to business owners and entrepreneurs in the technology sector and has completed over 200 transactions. Please do get in touch to understand what these changes could mean for you. www.knightcf.com BUSINESS BRIEFING PRINTITRESELLER.UK 17 Photo: pixabay.com/geralt
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