Winner: Curtis Packaging

Our seasoned judging panel described this year’s Company of the Year category as one of the most competitive they can remember. Winning the industry’s flagship award is never easy, but against that backdrop Curtis Packaging’s achievement is all more laudable. Post-Covid, sales across the packaging industry typically fell by 40%, due mostly to over-stocking, linked to board shortages. Curtis Packaging, which is based in Merstham, Redhill, wasn’t immune to this downturn. However, despite the challenging economic environment, through a laser-like focus on sustainable growth, the business bucked the trend and managed to increase its average new business order by 60% in revenue terms and onboarded 43 new brands in the past year. As one judge pointed out: “In any year these would be considered great results, but against the backdrop of customers destocking, truly impressive and a worthy winner”.

Highly Commended:

Bakers

Print Image Network

Finalists:

Eight Group

Micropress

Qualvis Print & Packaging

Presented by Printweek

Winner: Resource

Resource has been crowned SME of the Year for the second consecutive year thanks to an impressive financial performance in a turbulent trading environment. Despite the well documented economic challenges, the company has been able to maintain sales in line with budget and protect its margins, and it has even been able to invest in new plant, people and services. Over the reporting period Resource’s gross and net profits increased significantly – no mean feat. Its ‘people-first approach’ saw the Leeds company increase its headcount last year to support new business wins in 2024 and beyond. One judge described Resource as “a great story of how continued development and investment can deliver a continued award-winning performance”.

Highly Commended:

Duncan Print Group

Northend

Finalists:

Healeys Print Group

Precision Card Services

Sponsored by Compass Business Finance

Winner: Louisa Olivia Stokes, Augustus Martin

Louisa Stokes joined the company’s customer services team in 2022 and enrolled on the Level 3 business administration apprenticeship with Newham College, which she successfully completed in 2024. Throughout her time at the company, she has consistently exceeded expectations and her ability to pick up and master new skills quickly has been one of her greatest assets. Following a coursework project looking into better ways of working, she came up with an alternative method for assigning tasks - not only has this reduced the time taken to brief jobs into production it has also improved the reporting of live workloads. Louisa’s strong work ethic and continuous drive to learn has seen her work beyond the scope of her role to help in the finishing warehouse, and she is always happy to take on a new task to help colleagues, who describe her as the “ultimate team player”. She has also been a “fantastic mentor” to new apprentices and is showing all the signs of being a “great leader”.

Highly Commended:

Louise Dryland, Alexir Partnership

Alex Parkinson, Impress Print Services

Sponsored by Heidelberg

Winner: Print Image Network

It’s been an incredibly busy 12 months for Print Image Network, one of the UK’s leading electoral print, data and mailing service providers. In May last year, shortly after the Stockport company had completed work on the UK local council, police and crime commissioner, and mayoral elections, the prime minister called a snap General Election for 4 July 2024. This left just 30 working days for Print Image Network to organise the production of 7m polling cards, 1.5m postal votes, 7m ballot papers and ancillary election-related material, including corresponding number lists, security passes and wristbands. Despite the tight turnaround time, Print Image Network hit the deadline thanks to its staff working seven days a week for a month. As one judge quipped: “The entry really showcased how the business rose to the challenge of the snap election – I hope they gave the team a holiday afterwards!”

Highly Commended:

Augustus Martin

Route 1 Print – Bluetree Group

Finalists:

Curtis Packaging

Kolorcraft

Webmart

WTTB

Sponsored by BlueCrest

Winner: Impress Print Services

It’s the third year in a row that this Horsham-based commercial printer has claimed the top prize in this category and deservedly so. The B Corp certified company’s aim is to “consistently exceed expectations by delivering high quality, sustainable solutions that prioritise customer needs, fostering loyalty, trust and strengthening relationships”, and judging by its submission it obviously delivers on this mission in spades. To enhance customer experience the company conducts an annual customer satisfaction survey and its sales team regularly conducts follow up calls and meetings to address feedback. Impress also analyses new business recommendations to gauge customer service effectiveness. As one judge succinctly summarised: “Impress’s approach to customer service is simple, it’s integral to everyone and everything in the business – which clearly inspires client confidence.”

Highly Commended:

Resource

Finalists:

FaberExposize UK

RMC Digital Print

SimplyPrint

Sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Finance

Winner: Webmart

The B Corp certified business continuously strives to lead the way on sustainability in the sector and its stated purpose is “to be a sustainable agency turning income into impact for people and planet”. Webmart became operationally carbon neutral back in 2006, was one of the first organisations in the UK to invest in solar panels and it has even purchased a 164-acre Scottish forest and made a 200-year commitment to re-wild the land. The Bicester-headquartered company reduced its Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 70% in the previous year through switching to 100% renewable energy, and a fully electric car fleet and introduced a wide range of other initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment. This was a “standout entry” according to one judge, that “showcased Webmart’s commitment to sustainable and leadership and showed great measurable results”.

Highly Commended:

Eight Group

Tradeprint

Finalists:

Cubiquity

Micropress

The Encore Group (Envelopes and Packaging)

Woodmansterne Publications

Sponsored by Premier

Winner: Impress Print Services

This Horsham-based commercial printer was a finalist in this category last year and this time around the B Corp certified business has gone one better. During 2023/24, the company “embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionise its operations, set new standards for sustainability, harnessed innovative technology and provide hands-on apprenticeship training to develop future talent”. In addition to securing B Corp status, Impress Print Services also received the BPIF Environmental Seal of Excellence. The company has reduced its carbon emissions by 90% since 2014 and its recent investment in new digital presses and upgraded pre-media technology should enable it to make further reductions. Impress impressed one judge with its “continued innovation backed by impressive staff and client engagement”.

Highly Commended:

Precision Card Services

Finalists:

Park Lane Press

Resource

Sponsored by ECO3

Winner: Statex

The Newcastle upon Tyne-based business won the judges over with its interactive marketing piece, which seamlessly integrates personalised print, packaging, digital engagement and promotional elements with the end-result targeted towards specific customers offering a free branded customer print procurement site. The tailored marketing solution is designed to entice targeted customers by demonstrating the value of a complementary, cutting-edge print procurement service and is based on the idea of giving the customer ‘the easy life’, to remove the pressure, stress and complexity that surrounds print procurement for their own company. The pack features a personalised 10pp brochure with unique login details to access a dedicated Statex website which demonstrates how different items can be branded to that customer. Of the 20 hand-delivered promotional packs Statex has distributed, nine customers have expressed an interest in finding out more details with on-site visits planned to Statex. As one judge observed: “Statex really showcased its capabilities while simultaneously engaging with clients and prospects.”

Highly Commended:

Resource

Finalists:

Northend

Printed.com

Route 1 Print – Bluetree Group

Sponsored by BPIF

Winner: Affinity Packaging

Affinity Packaging has been working with sweet brand Swizzels for many years, producing the ‘Refreshers Original’ carton back in 2007. What began as a small account for the business has now become one of its most valued and significant customers. In 2023, it approached Swizzels with a proposal for its iconic ‘Sweetshop Favourites’ plastic sharing tub. The proposed new tub had no plastic content, was completely recyclable and was a cost-effective alternative to the current offering. The carton features a hinged lid with glued flaps to increase strength and durability and allows for print on both the outside and under side of the lid. Swizzels were impressed with the concept and in May 2024 commissioned their first run of the new paperboard box. “I loved that they proactively went to client with this,” said one judge. “If only all firms took this approach.”

Sponsored by HP

Winner: Folio Print & Packaging Solutions

“This is a genuine first for me,” said a judge. “I’ve never seen anything like it - what a great product”. The product in question combines cutting-edge craftsmanship, environmental responsibility and impeccable design values to meet the needs of eco-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on luxury or sustainability. The cover is laser-cut from sustainably sourced wood and lined with a luxurious velvet, while the inner pages are made from 100% recycled FSC-certified paper. One of the product’s most innovative features is its replenishable design. Users can replace the inner notebook with ease, making this a lifelong companion rather than a single-use product. The product can be also tailored to individual preferences, with customisable laser-engraving options for names, logos or bespoke designs.

Sponsored by HP

Winner: Prosign Print and Display

When it comes to innovation, few entries come close to the pioneering concept delivered by Prosign Print and Display. Using the latest 3D UV print technology it was able to print photographs with tactile, high-relief details so that blind and visually impaired people could ‘see’ the image through touch. All of the images in the World Unseen exhibition were printed using this technique onto a 3mm aluminium composite to a maximum elevated height of 4mm. For example, a 4D baby scan was printed and elevated to a level that enabled a blind mother to see her baby’s face through touch, and enjoy the experience of seeing her unborn child in a similar way to how a sighted person would. The company used a “brilliant combination of software and ink to produce something that fortunately not many of us will ever experience,” said a clearly impressed judge.

Sponsored by HP

Winner: Statex

Last year, Statex won an Innovation award in the Brochure Category, but this time around it knocked the judges over with its ‘experiential’ submission. Long-standing client Durham University challenged Statex to help find an innovative solution to a visual problem the university was having at its archaeology exhibition at Palace Green Library. It wanted to show the difference between Roman milestones today compared with what it would have looked like at the time of installation. They didn’t want to use video, so Statex had to create a print solution that would be low VOC, tactile and hard wearing due to the nature of the exhibition. What it created was a piece of artwork similar to lenticular material without the special substrate that would normally be used, which is generally made out of a plastic lens. As you walk past the finished piece, the image seamlessly changes from how it appeared then and how it looks now. “Wow,” said one judge. “Who knew you could make lenticular sustainable. Really impressive results.”

Sponsored by HP

Winner: Showcase Creative

The Camberley-based luxury short-run packaging producer wooed the judges with its array of impactful work. From the eye-catching boxes it produced for Bompas & Parr and JPL Flavours that transported peopled back to the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, which were printed in-house, to the advent calendar for Magellan World and MS Lending, quality ran throughout every job the company produced. The judges loved the FedEx UEFA Champions League boxes, which were sent to influencers and described as “breathtaking”.

Highly commended:

Rapidity

Finalists:

Impress Print Services

Northside Graphics

Print4UK

Whittington Moor Printing Works

Sponsored by Fujifilm

Winner: Go Inspire Group

“This is what good DM should look like,” said one judge about Go Inspire Group’s impressive entry. The company wowed the judges, with its project for Sky TV. The broadcaster needed a targeted, data-driven campaign to cut through the noise and stand out on the doormat of lapsed or lapsing customers to encourage them to re-sign their contracts. The undersize format increased efficiencies in paper-usage and enhanced standout on the doormat and the double window used by Go Inspire, displaying targeted information in the right-hand window alongside the standard recipient address information, increasing engagement. 

Finalists:

Adare SEC

Data Mail Solutions

Sponsored by Bowe Systec

Winner: Northend

Winner: Gomer Press

This fourth-generation, family-owned business, which was founded in West Wales in 1892, specialises in producing softback or case-bound books with a wide range of binding options. Print techniques span mono, duotone, tritone and full-colour printing. All of the work it produces is done in-house to maintain quality control, including special finishes such as full-colour book edge printing. This quality shone through in all of the work submitted by Gomer, with the Titanic Queen of the Ocean book produced for the Folio Society a standout entry. One judge described the cover and slip-case of the book as “simply works of art - beautiful”.

Highly commended:

Hampton

Northend

Finalists:

Book Printing UK

Empress

Precision Proco

Sponsored by Canon

Winner: Lotus Labels

Lotus Labels, which in 2014 became a member of the Dynamic Systems group of companies, goes that extra mile to ensure it delivers high quality print and a high level of customer service. This was underscored by the consistently high standard displayed across all four samples it submitted. The label it produced for Redbeard Bacchus was digitally printed on a premium material ideal for wine labels. Following precision cutting a gloss spot hotfoil embellishment was applied to the Redbeard logo to add a layer of luxury. The standard was equally high on the Bee Tree Blancs de Noirs label the company produced, which required three different machines to achieve the stunning final result. One judge remarked on the “beautiful detailing throughout” and declared the submission a “worthy winner”.

Finalists:

Harkwell

Sponsored by CERM

Winner: Showcase Creative

The company’s eye-catching submission was exemplified by the time travelling trio of boxes it produced for JPL Flavours. Printed entirely in-house, they featured a lunchbox sourced by Showcase and light activated video screen, topped by a time travelling spinner. The four-part magnetic box produced for GF Smith on its digital press was another showstopper from the Showcase team. One suitably impressed judge said: “The JPL entry was stunning and the GF Smith Wow box, well, it certainly lived up to its name. Wow! Just wow!”

Highly Commended:

Dayfold

Rapidity

Finalists:

Curtis Packaging

D2 Printing

Harkwell

Sponsored by Landa Digital Printing

Winner: Rapidity

This London-based business has secured multiple accolades since it launched in 1986 and triumphed in the prestigious Company of the Year Award in 2020. This year the family firm secured the post-press prize for an impressive array of work that wooed the judges. In addition to the influencer box for beauty brand Max Factor, the judges were also dazzled by the company’s “brilliant execution of challenging projects”. One such project saw Rapidity produce a personalised welcome pack for Arsenal Football Club for new players signed during the 2024/25 transfer window. The pack comprises a signed AFC shirt, printed bespoke tissue paper to wrap the shirt, a foil-blocked Plike die cut sticker to seal the tissue paper, a jar sourced by Rapidity to hold honey produced at Arsenal’s training ground, in addition to numerous other items.

Highly Commended: 

Empress

Finalists:

Curtis Packaging

Showcase Creative

Sponsored by Intelligent Finishing Systems

Winner: Augustus Martin

For more than 50 years Augustus Martin has been one of the UK’s market leaders in the manufacture of POS and out-of-home communications, constantly evolving to offer sustainable end-to-end solutions. Its submission showcased the company’s full range of skills. Augustus Martin was commissioned by its client ADM, on behalf of AB InBev, to produce a Christmas-themed in-shop destination for its three leading brands. The brief was to create a warm and traditional display that also functioned in a wholesale environment with large bulk stack products that could easily be replenished. The piece needed to look authentic and be easy to assemble and transport. In response to the brief, the company conceptualised, designed, and then printed the Christmas cabin display; a 3D cabin surrounded by FSDU Christmas trees to add further theatre. The finished job had a real wow factor – as did the Elton John piano for Marmite!

Highly Commended:

Service Graphics

Finalists:

Rapidity

Sponsored by Premier