A Cornish printers is expanding into new markets following support from Superfast Business Cornwall to become one of the first print business in the UK to use a pioneering digital marketing tool.

Nationwide Print has already trialled the use of the marketing asset management software, which streamlines the design and creation of printed products for clients. The St Austell-based company currently sells 30% of its services outside of Cornwall.

Thanks to support and funding from Superfast Business Cornwall, Nationwide Print is harnessing the new online technology to expand into lucrative new markets, increasing turnover, print production and jobs.

Julian Hocking, owner and Managing Director of Nationwide Print, said: “We are really excited to be launching this new system. We are one of the first print business in the UK to implement this software and we can’t thank Superfast Business Cornwall enough for the help and support we were given to bring this new part of our business to fruition.

“We had not accessed European funding before and the process was much quicker and simpler than expected.  We are looking forward to using this new technology to grow our business and make printing far more efficient for our new and existing customers.”

The marketing asset management software enables clients to design, store, manage and share their branded products and keep it all in one central and secure portal. This allows multiple branches and franchises to order the same material while keeping control of the brand.

Drinks producer St Austell Brewery has already trialled the new software for use across its pubs, inns and hotels. Now Nationwide Print is aiming to roll it out gradually across the country, with a focus on hotel and leisure industry customers with multiple locations and franchises, as well as increasing business with its existing clients.

Julian added: “The software links seamlessly to the digital printers and significantly reduces manual handling between client orders and final print.

“This service will be a valuable offer to clients and although there is a plethora of similar software available in the market it is quite expensive and does not integrate seamlessly with printing or allow multiple brand users.”

Family-owned Nationwide Print has been based at Holmbush, St Austell, since 1959 and has built up a strong reputation for offering high quality printed products, from leaflets and catalogues to brochures and business reports.  One of the most environmental printers in the country they use renewable energy to power their presses.  The dedicated team was also highly commended in the Small or Medium Size Enterprise (SME) of the Year category at the recent PrintWeek Awards, known as the Oscars of the print industry.

Julian added: “This is a really good example of how the application of new superfast broadband enabled technologies can help a long established Cornish business like ours to grow.  We would encourage other small to medium sized businesses in Cornwall to look at how they might exploit digital technology.”

Nationwide Print received 50% match funding from Superfast Business Cornwall to implement the specialist software, with Digital Business Enabler Mike Robertson helping the company with its funding proposal and project planning.

To visit the Superfast Business Cornwall website for more information and other examples of how they have made a difference to businesses click here.