Helping partners match customers with the right label printer

Choosing the right label printer can feel overwhelming, especially when customers’ needs vary so widely across industries and working environments. To make this process simpler, Brother has launched a new partner campaign built around four practical themes: Connect, Create, Print and Organise.( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider1629291342 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-1629291342” );$advadsslider1629291342.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider1629291342.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider1629291342.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider1629291342.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider1629291342.unslider(“start”);});});
Designed to support everyday sales conversations, the campaign highlights how the Brother P‑touch connected range fits seamlessly into modern workflows. From desks to mobile working, P‑touch label printers connect easily via Wi‑Fi, USB or Bluetooth and work across smartphones, tablets and computers. Features such as voice‑to‑text and scan‑to‑translate make label creation faster and more accessible, particularly in busy or multilingual environments.
Creativity and flexibility sit at the heart of the Create theme. Brother’s intuitive label design tools allow users to customise labels using logos, symbols, barcodes, QR codes and imported data from spreadsheets or handwritten sources. This supports clear communication and consistent branding across workplaces including offices, healthcare settings, retail, hospitality and education.( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider3874073634 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-3874073634” );$advadsslider3874073634.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider3874073634.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider3874073634.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider3874073634.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider3874073634.unslider(“start”);});});
Under Print, the focus shifts to durability and reliability. Brother P‑touch labels are designed to withstand demanding conditions, offering resistance to water, chemicals, abrasion, sunlight and extreme temperatures. This makes them suitable for applications ranging from medical sample tracking to warehousing and foodservice.
Bringing everything together, Organise introduces a ready‑made product matrix that groups the full P‑touch range into one easy‑to‑use resource. It helps partners quickly identify the most suitable product for each customer, saving time and supporting confident recommendations.
The campaign is supported by a series of digital resources available to partners now, making it easier to navigate the P‑touch range and match solutions to real‑world needs.
To learn more visit: www.brother.co.uk

 

60 seconds with…Peter Cowan, COO, Data Direct

When did you first join the print sector and what attracted you? ( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider2172119128 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-2172119128” );$advadsslider2172119128.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider2172119128.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider2172119128.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider2172119128.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider2172119128.unslider(“start”);});});
I first joined the print industry in 1982. New toys and technology really interested me, but especially the sharp suits we used to wear!
What’s the most rewarding part of your current role, and what keeps you motivated day to day? ( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider2271438998 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-2271438998” );$advadsslider2271438998.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider2271438998.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider2271438998.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider2271438998.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider2271438998.unslider(“start”);});});
Variety is really important to my working day, and at Data Direct, I get plenty of variety, with many new challenges and opportunities occurring on a daily basis. Solving problems for our dealers gives me a real buzz.
What’s been the most defining moment in your career so far, and how did it shape your approach to leadership?
It has been an ongoing process of learning that you can’t do everything yourself, however much you believe in yourself. The importance of having the right team around you has been vital to the growth we have seen at Data Direct, and I always try to adopt a very inclusive style of leadership, empowering people at every level.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received and how has it influenced your journey?
You are born with two ears and one mouth. Use them in that proportion… i.e. listen!
If you had had a crystal ball, would you have done anything differently?
Not really – even failures are part of a learning process (as long as you do actually learn from them!!).
What would be your dream job?
I already have it!
Money’s not an issue, what’s your perfect car…and where would you like to drive it?
Bentley Continental GTC, and I’d take it on a road trip along the California coast with the top down.
Fine dining and good wine or a curry and a pint?
Curry and a pint.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
Watching rugby and socialising.
Favourite app, and why?
I don’t have any real favourites.
Favourite holiday destination?
Any warm beach, anywhere.
Last film you watched?
Sinners.

 

View from the channel…….Marc Ueckermann, Chief Technology Officer, Xenith

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing channel businesses today? ( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider585255889 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-585255889” );$advadsslider585255889.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider585255889.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider585255889.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider585255889.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider585255889.unslider(“start”);});});
A: Trying to diversify in a challenging market is probably one of the biggest issues. There are very few market spaces that have deteriorated as quickly as print in the post-COVID era, which makes diversification, trying to find the right resourcing, funding, etc. a challenge. The second challenge is waiting for the vendors to catch up and change as well. OEMs are behemoths, so they often move a lot slower than we and our clients expect. There are pros and cons to that – it gives us some flexibility to think outside of the box and look at other partnerships and relationships, which is something we have done. But anything new takes time, effort and energy, and that can be challenging in itself.
Q: Which OEMs do you partner with and why? ( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider2704255898 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-2704255898” );$advadsslider2704255898.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider2704255898.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider2704255898.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider2704255898.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider2704255898.unslider(“start”);});});
A: Xerox, but we also have a separate organisation, UT3, that partner with HP. Why Xerox? It’s really their toolset and the capability sitting behind it. If I compare that for instance to HP, it’s not as joined up globally. It’s much more disparate. In the MPS area, we’ve got a lot of enterprise clients and we do a lot of global service delivery. We have the flexibility that they don’t have to make their tools work really well across every region. In my opinion, Xerox’s toolset is the broadest and widest, it is ahead of the game and has been for many years.
Q: What are your customers most interested in currently?
A: AI presents a massive opportunity for diversification, but the realities are starting to settle in. It’s not as simple as ChatGPT makes it seem when you’re asking questions! The technology is brilliant, but organisations have a lot of work to do before they can truly take advantage of it, primarily around compliance guardrails, data security, document classification, and understanding what information should and shouldn’t be exposed.
The last thing you want is to open up access to sensitive information. If you have AI running and you get hacked, it becomes easy for bad actors to ask the same AI for the same information an internal user could access. We’re helping clients to navigate the AI journey, we’re working with them through an AI assessment maturity model: for example, if your documents aren’t machine readable, AI is a non‑starter because it can’t interpret what it can’t read. If you don’t have strong classification, capture, extraction processes, and robust metadata, you’re not going to trust what the AI delivers.
From there, it becomes a question of guardrails, and how you work with your classification software to ensure the wrong people don’t gain access to information. Right now, everyone is chasing efficiencies, but we’re seeing instances of AI adoption without a full understanding of the complications behind it. It often isn’t until someone searches for something they shouldn’t be able to find, that everything gets shut down.
We’ve already seen this happen with clients. 48 The second part is customer experience and operational efficiency – think workflow, automation and productivity. These now go hand in hand with where AI is heading, especially with agentic AI. But again, there’s still a lot of groundwork required before organisations can get to that point. It’s a similar journey.
Q: How have you changed/are you changing business operations to exploit new opportunities?
A: We’re constantly changing. For example, right now we are bringing in a new system to replace four or five others so we can be leaner and more efficient. We’re always evaluating job roles, product lines, and what’s adding value. The same goes for which vendors we work with and what clients are telling us through surveys and our yearly NPS. We ask clients if there’s something they want that we don’t offer, and we’ll check if that’s worth exploring and whether it fits our strategy.
Q: If you could change one aspect of your job, what would it be and why?
A: I’d love to get back to more in-person meetings, less Teams. I miss the human interaction, I think we are losing some of that community, that spirit in business, and I think it’s a sad situation.
Q: How do you spend your week – time on phone, face to face meetings with customers etc.?
A: I try and mix it up a bit as much as I can. There’s a mix of client meetings and client entertainment, that could be anything from having a coffee to going to a football match. I also like to spend time with the internal teams in the office, then the rest of the time is Teams meetings.
Q: What would make your job easier?
A: If people had a more open mind to change, life would be easier. One of our biggest challenges is getting clients to see us as something different than they perceive us to be. Clients still see us as just print, not document management or AI.

 

Industry insight……..Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar, Director of Partner Channel, Ricoh UK

Q: What’s currently having the greatest impact on your business? ( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider1082153283 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-1082153283” );$advadsslider1082153283.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider1082153283.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider1082153283.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider1082153283.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider1082153283.unslider(“start”);});});
RJH: Right now, the biggest impact is coming from a convergence of pressures rather than a single factor. Rising operational costs, heightened expectations around sustainability, and the accelerating pace of automation are all reshaping how our partners think about investment and growth. At the same time, we’re seeing a trend towards customers looking for clearer proof of value, particularly when it comes to print’s role alongside digital. This will push the industry to focus less on individual products and more on how we help partners build resilient, future-ready businesses through smarter workflows, reduced manual intervention, and stronger data-driven decision-making.
Q: What’s one strategic decision your business made recently that you believe will pay off long-term? ( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider1783706844 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-1783706844” );$advadsslider1783706844.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider1783706844.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider1783706844.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider1783706844.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider1783706844.unslider(“start”);});});
RJH: A key strategic shift has been our decision to double down on long-term partnership over short-term sales. At Ricoh, we’ve always believed in deeper collaboration over transactional engagement and forming a partnershipwhere we co-design solutions with partners based on their specific challenges and growth ambitions. That approach takes more time and investment upfront, but it positions us as a genuine extension of our customers’ businesses. Over the long-term, that level of trust, alignment, and shared accountability will be far more valuable than chasing quick wins.
Q: What role do partnerships and collaboration play in driving innovation and growth in your sector?
RJH: Partnerships are fundamental. Innovation in print no longer happens in isolation; it’s shaped by real-world usage, evolving customer expectations, and increasingly complex operating environments. The most effective solutions emerge when suppliers and partners share insight openly, whether that’s market intelligence, performance data, or direct feedback from the shop floor. Collaboration allows us to prototype, refine, and scale ideas that genuinely work in practice, not just in theory. It’s also how we ensure innovation stays commercially relevant, sustainable, and aligned with long-term business outcomes.
Q: What do you see as the key challenges or pain points businesses are facing in today’s hybrid working model and how can you help your partners/customers to address these?
RJH: Hybrid working has amplified several long-standing challenges, such as, fragmented workflows, inconsistent security standards, and a lack of visibility over how information moves through an organisation. Print, digital, and IT systems are often still managed separately, which creates inefficiencies and risk. Our role is to help partners bring those elements together using automation, cloud-native platforms, and secure integrations to simplify document processes, protect data, and turn information into something actionable. When done well, this reduces friction for employees while improving control and resilience for the business.
Q: How do you see the print and IT reseller sector evolving over the next five years – any disruptors or opportunities on your radar?
RJH: The sector will continue to consolidate, and we’ll see a shift towards more service-led, subscription-based models. Print-as-a-service is a good example – bundling hardware, software, consumables, analytics, and support into a single, outcome-focused offering. At the same time, AI, security, and sustainability will increasingly be treated as inter-connected priorities rather than standalone initiatives. The opportunity lies with resellers who can position themselves as strategic advisors, helping customers navigate complexity, build resilience, and link technology decisions directly to business performance.
Q: What advice would you give a young person starting a career in the industry?
RJH: Be curious and think beyond traditional job titles. The print and IT sector is evolving rapidly, and the most successful people are those who understand how technology, data, sustainability, and customer experience intersect. Don’t view print as a legacy industry, it’s a platform for innovation when combined with automation, software, and services. Building strong relationships, being open to continuous learning, and understanding the commercial realities of customers’ businesses will set you apart far more than technical knowledge alone.
Q: What excites you most about the future?
RJH: What excites me most is the shift in how our industry is perceived and how we can shape that narrative. We’re moving away from conversations about hardware volumes and towards discussions at board level about growth, resilience, and long-term value. Print’s role is becoming clearer: trusted, effective, and increasingly powerful when integrated with digital. Being part of an organisation like Ricoh, which can bring together print, IT, automation, security, and sustainability into cohesive solutions, puts us in a strong position to help partners thrive in what’s next.
to learn more please visit: www.ricoh.co.uk

 

Apogee employees clear waste from UK shorelines to mark Earth Day 2026

Apogee employees took action this Earth Day, heading to coastlines across the UK and Crown Dependencies to support local councils and environmental organisations in protecting marine environments and wildlife.( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider431753314 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-431753314” );$advadsslider431753314.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider431753314.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider431753314.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider431753314.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider431753314.unslider(“start”);});});
To mark Earth Day on 22 April 2026, Apogee Corporation participated in coordinated beach clean‑ups across Kent, Lincolnshire, the Isle of Man and Jersey, helping to remove an estimated 400kg+ of litter from the UK’s coastline.
Working in partnership with local councils and community groups, Apogee volunteers collected a wide range of waste, including tyres filled with concrete, lobster pots, metal canisters, plastic containers, old shoes, glass bottles, plastic lids, and food packaging – items that pose serious risks to marine ecosystems if left untreated.( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider389516003 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-389516003” );$advadsslider389516003.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider389516003.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider389516003.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider389516003.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider389516003.unslider(“start”);});});
The clean‑up efforts took place at:

Folkestone Beach, Kent – 21.1kg of litter removed in partnership with Folkestone & Hythe District Council
Mablethorpe Beach, Lincolnshire – 43.35kg of litter removed in partnership with East Lindsey District Council
Gansy Beach, Isle of Man – approximately 300–400kg of litter removed alongside Beach Buddies organisation
Jersey shoreline – approximately 30kg of litter removed

Rachel Kaviani, IT Director at Apogee, attended the Folkestone beach clean and commented: “It was fantastic to be out with the Apogee team supporting a local beach clean – demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, community, and making a meaningful difference beyond the workplace.”
Marion Brooks, Chief People Officer at Apogee, added: “We were blown away by the dedication and enthusiasm shown by our teams this year. Removing such a significant amount of waste from our shorelines is something we are extremely proud of – but it also serves as a reminder of how urgently we all need to take responsibility for protecting our environment and marine wildlife.”
Community involvement forms a key part of Apogee’s wider sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. Employees are encouraged to give back through two dedicated volunteering days each year, supporting charities, NHS trusts, educational establishments, councils and local causes across the regions in which Apogee operates.
For more information, visit apogeecorp.com

 

Sharp expands MFP and cloud portfolio

Sharp has announced a number of innovations across its A3 and A4 MFP portfolio as well as major updates to its Synappx solutions ecosystem, giving customers access to its broadest and most flexible document solutions offering to date. Michelle Ryder spoke to European Director of Product Management and Marketing Jason Cort, about the technology, the roadmap and the company’s future strategy( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider2054579583 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-2054579583” );$advadsslider2054579583.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider2054579583.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider2054579583.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider2054579583.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider2054579583.unslider(“start”);});});
The launch of the BP mono MFP range completes a full refresh of Sharp’s A3 colour and mono line-up. The new MX428 A4 mono desktop MFP, due in spring 2026, offers entry-level cloud and solution capabilities and Cort also shared details of Sharp’s next‑generation high speed colour and entry-level mono A3 MFPs, expected in late 2026.
Cort said the value of the new range lies not just in speeds and feeds, but in how those capabilities translate into measurable customer benefits as part of the Sharp Digital Experience.( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider3859766414 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-3859766414” );$advadsslider3859766414.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider3859766414.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider3859766414.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider3859766414.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider3859766414.unslider(“start”);});});
Productivity, security and sustainability
“The range offers customer value in the areas of productivity, security and sustainability. For example, scan capture remains an important task for content digitisation, so faster scan speeds are a helpful productivity improvement,” he explained.
Security enhancements include integration with Microsoft Entra ID, building on existing security capabilities such as Bitdefender and automatic BIOS recovery. “This provides a more secure, seamless, authorised print experience,” he added.
Throughout 2025 Sharp also refreshed its A4 BP MFP and printer series, which Cort said puts the power of its A3 services value – boosting productivity, greater security and enhanced connectivity into an A4 footprint.
“The new BP range introduces 50% post-consumer recycled materials and best-in-class TEC values for more responsible printing,” he explained, adding: “These models set a new standard for the use of PCR materials, raising the bar from 7% to 50%, and this is the standard the new A3 series now follows.”
The upcoming MX428 A4 mono desktop MFP will extend Sharp’s reach into entry-level cloud-enabled environments, giving customers a consistent experience across device classes.
“When you take the full print portfolio view from A4 to A3, small desktop to departmental A3, you see the collective power and value of Sharp’s broadest range of print offerings yet,” Cort said.
Expanded Synappx ecosystem
While hardware remains a core part of its offering, Sharp’s biggest shift is happening within cloud services. Inspire Expo showcased major updates to the Synappx solutions ecosystem, a move designed to position the company as a more integrated digital solutions partner.
The latest release of Synappx Cloud Print introduces embedded scanning to popular cloud storage services, expanded identity provider support beyond Microsoft and Google, as well as improved print and scanning workflows. Cort emphasised the platform’s security and sustainability focus. “Zero trust is essential for cloud services, support for ZTNA is incorporated by design,” he said. “Productivity gains through embedded scan-to-folder for the most popular cloud services and the sustainability dashboard allowing industry benchmarking are also key value-add features.”
Synappx Cloud Capture
Perhaps the most significant development is Synappx Cloud Capture, Sharp’s first software solution built entirely around AI. Designed to process scanned and digital documents from multiple input sources, it uses AI to intelligently extract key information and deliver structured outputs ready for downstream workflows such as accounting or ERP systems.
Cort explained: “Synappx Cloud Capture offers cloud-based document capture, indexing and automated workflows. The service incorporates AI technology to take the whole digital experience to heights not achievable with traditional technologies.
“Industry reports show scanning is still growing, and 60% of scans are happening on the MFP, which is great news for us,” he said, adding: “The other interesting thing is cloud capture enables customers to get more value out of their MFPs. And for dealers, they can essentially charge for the scan. That’s the commercial package that we’re putting together.”
Synappx Manage
Synappx Manage, Sharp’s next- generation cloud-based remote monitoring and management platform provides centralised management of all devices, remote monitoring and administration and integration with Sharp’s broader Synappx and IT service offerings.
“With Synappx Manage, we’re taking the long-established on- premise Sharp Remote Device Manager (SRDM) and moving it into the cloud,” Cort explained. “A key benefit is the management of devices from a single instance, helping with service optimisation while continuing to improve the user experience.”
The roadmap for Synappx Manage includes AI-driven enhancements and future integration of Sharp’s display products. It does supports third-party print devices to the extent that data is available. “You can update firmware on Sharp devices, you wouldn’t be able to do that on another vendor, but you can still build third-party devices into reporting and usage,” Cort said. Sharp
Services Platform
All three Synappx cloud services are built on the Sharp Services Platform (SSP), the company’s proprietary platform for the deployment of all Sharp cloud services globally.
“An ecosystem approach enables us to bring solutions to market quicker, share the advantages of new technologies like AI between services, and deliver consistent enterprise experiences,” Cort said. “SSP is the backbone of the cloud infrastructure, and then we build our cloud applications on top of that.”
While Sharp is adopting a future cloud-first approach, it recognises that some customers still require on-premise solutions. Job Accounting II remains in the portfolio and is being refreshed to match the look and feel of the cloud services.
“Customers who want to stay on‑premise can have that new, modern experience, and if they want to migrate to the cloud in the future, it’s an easier transition,” Cort said.
A new generation of decision-makers
Sharp is also rethinking its marketing strategy to reflect changing buyer behaviour. Millennials now make up the majority of decision-makers, with Gen Z entering the frame. Cort said this shift has transformed how customers seek information.
“A year ago, this would have been Google searches and then speaking with supplier experts,” he said. “Today, the new kid on the block is GenAI, which carves away a level of expertise the customer would have spoken with the supplier about. Even newer, the Gemini release takes GenAI beyond expert advisor to buyer.”
This has reshaped the traditional marketing funnel into a continuous loop of inspiration, exploration, community and loyalty. Customers now draw influence from platforms far beyond LinkedIn, including TikTok, Reddit and emerging social channels.
“Throughout this year, you’ll see PRODUCTS Sharp experimenting with different channels,” Cort said. “Our brand repositioning includes an adjusted look and feel designed to convey a modern digital technology business.”
One Sharp
Sharp’s broader transformation is driven by the consolidation of its three major business units – print, display and IT services. With the full acquisition of NEC Display Solutions now complete, it is focused on unlocking cross-selling opportunities and delivering a unified technology partner proposition.
“We’ve now got three substantial businesses, all owned by Sharp,” Cort said. “The value is achievable in two ways – as individual businesses, and through the One Sharp proposition – cross-selling across our customer base. It’s easier to sell more to an existing customer than win a new one.”
Sharp expects its customer profile to shift further into the larger SME and enterprise space. “You need businesses that can afford to buy these services,” Cort explained. “That’s one of the challenges in IT services, the cost of professional services, so you need companies that can afford that.”
“This is now the face of Sharp in a new era. It truly marks the next step in our journey to becoming a truly digital experience business,” he concluded.
www.sharp.co.uk

 

Brother UK Strengthens Leadership Team With Senior Appointment

Business technology solutions provider Brother UK has appointed Julie Harrison as Chief Commercial Officer to its senior leadership team, reinforcing its leadership capability as the business continues to expand its print and labelling portfolio, grow its channel presence and accelerate its sustainability initiatives.( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider1540702107 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-1540702107” );$advadsslider1540702107.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider1540702107.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider1540702107.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider1540702107.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider1540702107.unslider(“start”);});});
Julie previously serves as Head of Commercial and Business Planning, a role she has held as part of a career spanning more than three decades with the business. She brings extensive experience across commercial operations, including promotions, rebates and bid management, as well as sales forecasting and budget planning.
Her remit places her at the centre of how Brother UK delivers value to its partners – shaping pricing programmes that enable sustainable, mutually beneficial growth across the channel.( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider3360257365 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-3360257365” );$advadsslider3360257365.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider3360257365.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider3360257365.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider3360257365.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider3360257365.unslider(“start”);});});
Based in Tameside, Greater Manchester, Brother UK provides print, scan and labelling technology to home users and organisations of all sizes through a partner-led go-to-market model. PC Pro Magazine has named Brother UK the Best Printer Manufacturer for the 12th year running, as voted for by its readers.
Julie will sit on the leadership team alongside Phil Jones MBE (Managing Director), Louise Marshall (Director of ESG & OD), Stuart Maclean (Chief Financial Officer), Keith Howe (Director of Supply Chain & Service), Mike Anderson (Chief Marketing Officer) and Greig Millar (Chief Revenue Officer).
Phil Jones MBE, Managing Director at Brother UK, said: “Julie and I have worked together for over three decades and she is great example of someone that has risen through the ranks of the company due to her rock-solid reliability, ability to handle complex problems and attention to detail. I am delighted she will join our senior leadership team as we continue to pursue growth and expand into new vertical markets.”
Julie Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer, added: “Having spent more than 30 years with Brother UK, I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to build strong, consistent foundations for growth – from how we support partners commercially, to how we plan and deliver for the long term.
“Joining the leadership team reflects the importance we place on getting those fundamentals right. Whether it’s bid management, forecasting or partner programmes, these are the areas that ensure we deliver on our commitments and build lasting relationships across our channel partners.”
To learn more visit: www.brother.co.uk

 

Read the latest edition of Print IT Reseller now… Issue 139 (Apr26).

Click here to read the latest edition of  Digital Issue 139 here( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider1214697795 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-1214697795” );$advadsslider1214697795.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider1214697795.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider1214697795.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider1214697795.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider1214697795.unslider(“start”);});});
Why not register to get a copy of  PITR magazine monthly at your chosen workplace and/or digitally straight into your inbox a keep on top of all the Print/MPS industry news, updates and stories as soon as tit happens: Register here
In this issue:
Events PITR 2026 channel roadshow series( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider1628954563 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-1628954563” );$advadsslider1628954563.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider1628954563.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider1628954563.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider1628954563.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider1628954563.unslider(“start”);});});
Bulletin News from the channel
Bulletin Where do you take yours?
People A round-up of new hires
I couldn’t do my job without… Sophie Ross picks her favourite work tools
My life in print Lee Manning, Futera CEO shares details of his life in Print
PrintIT Awards Meet the judges
Xerox-Lexmark New global print go‑to‑market structure
News feature Pantum sets its sights on UK and European growth
One-to-one Ruth Patterson, Managing Director, HP Inc. UK&I
Cover Story How does MyQ turn printing complexity into simplicity?
Products Sharp expands MFP and cloud portfolio
VOX POP The sustainability challenge – part one
Industry insight Rowan Jeffreys-Hoar, Director of Partner Channel, Ricoh UK
View from the channel Marc Ueckermann, Chief Technology Officer, Xenith
60 seconds with… Peter Cowan, COO, Data Direct
Editors Comment by Michelle Ryder
Entries to the 2026 PrintIT Awards will officially open on Tuesday May 5 and they will close promptly at 5pm on Friday July 17. There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities for those who want to raise their profile through association with the PrintIT Awards, on the awards evening itself and through pre- and post-awards publicity and marketing activities in Kingswood Media’s magazines, websites and social media channels. To find out more, please get in touch with one of the team.
We’re delighted to introduce the 2026 PrintIT Awards judging panel on page 22.
Quocirca’s Sustainability Leaders 2025 report highlights rising customer expectations, regulatory uncertainty and growing demand for transparency across the print ecosystem. In this month’s VOX POP, we ask industry leaders how they are responding to these shifting demands and where they are focusing their sustainability efforts – page 39.
Also in this issue, Sophie Ross, Dealer Account Manager at RISO, picks the work tools she uses every day and couldn’t do her job without (page 18). This month’s Q&A is with Marc Ueckermann, Chief Technology Officer, Xenith, and PITR spent 60 seconds with Peter Cowan, COO, Data Direct.
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: michelle@printitreseller.co.uk
Michelle Ryder, Editor

 

 Toshiba Tec UK Appoints Darren Holland as Managing Director 

Toshiba Tec UK Imaging Systems Limited today announces the appointment of Darren Holland as Managing Director, effective 1 April 2026. ( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider3137195708 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-3137195708” );$advadsslider3137195708.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider3137195708.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider3137195708.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider3137195708.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider3137195708.unslider(“start”);});});
Darren succeeds Martin Langridge, who is retiring at the end of April after nearly 20 years of service with Toshiba Tec UK. 
Darren brings extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of Toshiba Tec UK, having previously served as Sales & Marketing Director. In his new role, he will assume overall responsibility for the business, leading the organisation through its next phase of development and growth. ( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider1876338366 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-1876338366” );$advadsslider1876338366.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider1876338366.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider1876338366.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider1876338366.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider1876338366.unslider(“start”);});});
Commenting on the appointment, Darren Holland said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Managing Director. Martin has built a strong foundation over many years, and I am grateful for his leadership and support during this transition. As an organisation, we operate in a challenging and fast-moving market, but I am confident that by working together, we can continue to strengthen the business and build a sustainable future.” 
Under Darren’s leadership, Toshiba Tec UK will maintain a strong focus on operational excellence, customer value, and long-term profitability, supported by ongoing investment in systems, infrastructure, and ways of working. 
Reflecting on the transition, Martin said: “It has been a privilege to lead Toshiba Tec UK, and I am delighted to be handing over to Darren. He has the experience, commitment, and understanding of the business to lead the company successfully into the future.” 
The appointment forms part of a broader leadership evolution designed to ensure Toshiba Tec UK is well positioned to respond to changing market conditions while continuing to support customers and partners across the UK and Ireland. 
Toshiba Tec Corporation is part of the Toshiba Group, which operates in various high-tech industries. Toshiba Tec Corporation is a leading provider of information technology products with numerous applications in industry, logistics, commerce, healthcare and services. Headquartered in Japan with over 70 offices and subsidiaries worldwide, Toshiba Tec Corporation helps companies transform the way they create, store, share, manage and display information. 
Toshiba Tec UK Imaging Systems Ltd is part of the globally operating Toshiba Tec Corporation. The product range includes printers and multifunction systems, as well as effective software solutions for document management. Innovative digital signage solutions and label printers with a wide range of applications in the industrial, logistics, retail, healthcare and service sectors round off the product range. 
https://www.toshibatec.co.uk 

 

Konica Minolta expands Client Engagement Centre to help UK organisations accelerate digital transformation

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has expanded its Client Engagement Centre (CEC) to help customers explore the potential of digital workplace transformation in their organisation and across key sectors and departments.( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider3278028880 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-3278028880” );$advadsslider3278028880.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider3278028880.unslider({ delay:7900, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider3278028880.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider3278028880.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider3278028880.unslider(“start”);});});
The enhanced facility in Houghton Regis near Luton now provides customers with a single, immersive environment to experience the complete breadth of Konica Minolta’s digital workplace, print, and intelligent video solutions alongside its wider Production Print (PP) and Industrial Print (IP) solutions – all under one roof.
 
The expansion marks the second phase of the CEC’s development and represents one of Konica Minolta’s most significant investments in the UK. Rob Ferris, Chief Executive Officer of Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, commented: “This is an important moment for our business and our customers. The expanded CEC brings our entire portfolio to life in one place and shows how our product lines work together to solve real customer challenges. It is a key part of our journey in the UK and demonstrates the strength of Konica Minolta’s imaging heritage across print, video, and digital transformation technologies.”( window.advanced_ads_ready || jQuery( document ).ready ).call( null, function() {var $advadsslider3431100769 = jQuery( “.advads-slider-3431100769” );$advadsslider3431100769.on( “unslider.ready”, function() { jQuery( “div.custom-slider ul li” ).css( “display”, “block” ); });$advadsslider3431100769.unslider({ delay:7750, autoplay:true, nav:false, arrows:false, infinite:true });$advadsslider3431100769.on(“mouseover”, function() {$advadsslider3431100769.unslider(“stop”);}).on(“mouseout”, function() {$advadsslider3431100769.unslider(“start”);});});
 
The CEC serves as a central hub for customer engagement, enabling tailored discovery and innovation workshops, pre‑sales conversations, partner forums, and tailored demonstrations. With 75% of customer visits resulting in a sale, the CEC continues to prove the value of co-innovation and discovery through to live, real‑world demonstrations of customer value.
 
Visitors to the expanded CEC can now explore a wide range of solutions, including:
 

Commercial Print & Publication Services
Packaging & Label Production
Inplant & Transactional Print
Graphical and Sign Services
Print Room Automation
Intelligent Video Solutions (VSS) – including ANPR, thermal imaging, the Nurse Assist patient monitoring system, and the FORXAI Smart Mirror
Workflow & Automation Services
Managed Cloud Services
Intelligent Information Management
Managed Print & Scan
Business Process Outsourcing
Digital Workplace Solutions – including ERP integrations and smart workplace technologies

 
Neil Murray, Head of Solutions Sales, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd said: “The CEC is central to how we turn business challenges into measurable outcomes. By bringing all our Workplace Transformation Solutions into the space, we can now demonstrate the full scale, speed, and safety of our solutions in a single environment. Customers aren’t looking for products – they’re looking for answers to real‑world problems. The CEC allows us to show exactly how we deliver those outcomes.”
 
The expanded CEC also strengthens Konica Minolta’s position as a trusted partner for digital transformation across the UK. With 98% of visitors recommending the experience, the centre has become a destination for discovery, collaboration, and sector‑specific innovation.
 
Francis Thornhill, Head of Customer and Solutions Marketing at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd, added: “We are making the CEC a platform for growth for our customers. With this new expansion, the CEC helps customers to explore a new set of possibilities to transform their workplaces and operations to meet their goals – and then see this potential come to life through live tailored demonstrations from across our solutions portfolio. It’s exciting to be expanding on this impressive space and experience that reflects our values.
 
 
The CEC also continues to host industry events, open days, roundtables, and partner sessions, including those with the IPIA, Picon, and BPIF, reinforcing its role as a collaborative hub for the wider print and digital workplace community.
 
Rob Ferris concluded: “The CEC shows the permanence of our commitment to the UK market. It is a place where customers can see the impact of our technologies first‑hand and understand the value of working with Konica Minolta as a long‑term partner.”
 
Visits to the Client Engagement Centre are now available to book online here, offering tailored demonstrations aligned to each organisation’s transformation goals.
 
Web: www.konicaminolta.co.uk