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Edward Fox & Son Ltd is acquired by the Pinstripe Print Group

Pinstripe is delighted to announce that they have purchased Edward Fox & Son Ltd.

The acquisition was completed in less than four weeks for an undisclosed sum.

Nigel Lyon, said, "I am very pleased we have done this deal.  Edward Fox is over 80 years old and has an envied reputation. The business is an excellent fit into the Pinstripe Group as the philosophies are very similar"

He went on to say, "We are continually looking for good opportunities, acquisition or mergers and this is one we have had our eye on for over 2 years. The deal was made possible by the shareholders of Edward Fox being sensible, realistic and forward thinking, something you struggle to find in a lot of print and print related businesses. We will further enhance the Edward Fox offering with further digital and design capabilities plus further building their customer base".

This acquisition now makes Pinstripe the largest independent printer in the Midlands.

Pinstripe Print Group's - London Marathon Challenge

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU

He did it! - on Sunday, 25 April 2010, Nigel Lyon, Managing Director of Pinstripe completed the London Marathon in 3hrs 54mins 41sec and with your support and generosity raised £2,324.

And that's not all - he didn't see Big Ben or Scooby Doo, he wasn't overtaken by Buster, the 103 year old but he did see him and he beat the giraffe, the robot and the blokes in the fairy outfits, not to mention Gordon Ramsey!

Managing Director of Pinstripe completed the London Marathon

If you would like to share in the pain and triumph there are a selection of photos online. Click here to view them.

For those who might be interested in the pain he has been through, he trained for 16 weeks, covered 551 miles and ran 71 out of the last 118 days. Training will resume within 2 weeks for our next challenge - more about that later!

He said, "whilst I am certainly fitter than when I first started, the real purpose was to raise funds for charity.  I ran for the Changing Faces Marathon Team with seven fellow runners and together we have raised over £14,000."

So what is Changing Faces?

Changing Faces is the leading UK charity (Registered Charity No. 1011222) that supports and represents people who have disfigurements to the face, hand or body from any cause. They were founded in 1992 by James Partridge OBE, their Chief Executive, who was injured in a car fire when he was 18 years old. Today they have a team of 25 professionals with expertise in psychology, education, employment, health and social care, media and campaigning.

What does their work involve?

  • Providing personal support for children, young people, adults and families
  • Working with schools, employers, health and social care professionals to ensure a culture of inclusion for people with disfigurements
  • Campaigning for social change by working with the media, government and opinion leaders

Why are we supporting Changing Faces this time?

There are over one million people in the UK who have a disfigurement. Disfigurement causes untold pain and suffering - how often do we look at someone who is different - is disfigured?
Their work is significant and vital in supporting and helping patients cope with the effect or visual impact of a scar, burn, mark, unusually shaped feature or texture of the skin on the face, hands or body, whether this is from birth, accident, disease or the aftermath of surgery.
Take a look at their website at www.changingfaces.org.uk and see what you think.

"Thank you once again for your tremendous support and generosity.  Together we have made a difference and helped many of those that just can?t help themselves."

More Framework Agreement Success

Pinstripe is delighted to have just become a Framework supplier to Centro after completing an extensive tendering process.

Centro, the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, promotes and develops public transport across the region. Their aim is to transform public transport so that people of the West Midlands have a world class system provided by a best in class organisation.

Pinstripe now works under 9 separate Framework Agreements for a range of public bodies and private organisations.
Nigel Lyon, Managing Director at Pinstripe Print Group said; ?It continues to demonstrates our extensive range of skills and ability to deliver a complete solution and our commitment to the very highest of standards?

Pinstripe confirm listing on FSC Databases

Pinstripe reaffirmed their environmental status with listings on the FSC databases both in the UK and Internationally .  These databases provide a definitive list of all FSC accredited suppliers and allow businesses and individuals to check credentials are genuine.  They also set-out precisely what FSC products each supplier can offer.  Lee Evans, account manager at Pinstripe said, ?this is an important part of our commitment to the environment and will help all our customers have confidence they are dealing with a Company totally committed to sound environmental principals?.

Pinstripe joins ?Two Sides?

Pinstripe is delighted to announce it is now a member of Two Sides.

What is Two Sides

Two Sides was created in 2008 with members from the Graphic Communications Supply Chain, creating a forum for the Industry to work together and share experiences, improve standards and practices, and maximize customer confidence in all products. There are currently about 100 members.

Two Sides Mission Statement

'Two Sides' is an initiative by companies from the Graphic Communications Supply Chain including forestry, pulp, paper, inks and chemicals, pre-press, press, finishing, publishing and printing. Our common goal is to promote the responsible production and use of print and paper, and dispel common environmental misconceptions by providing users with verifiable information on why print and paper is an attractive, practical and sustainable communications medium?.

Two Sides Vision

By uniting with common purpose behind 'Two Sides', the Graphic Communications Supply Chain, led by sustainable and responsible forestry, paper production and printing, aspires to ensure that, in a world of scare resources, Print and Paper's unique recyclable and renewable qualities can be enjoyed for generations to come. 'Two Sides' is further committed to ensuring that Print and Paper also remains a versatile, effective and powerful means of marketing and communication, stretching the imagination and imparting knowledge

What are the benefits to our customers

There are a whole range and these include:

  • Working with an organization that is part of a unique initiative, promoting the sustainability of the Print and Paper sector and delivering a clear, unambiguous message as to the environmental implications and consequences of what we do
  • Access to a valuable forum for discussion and interaction with Industry peers and a communication and engagement platform
  • Access to information on emerging sustainability issues, what is being done about them and how we as an Industry are implementing them
  • Demonstratable commitment to environmental improvement and committed approach to responsible business practices and sound principles
  • Sound message to our customers and  suppliers that we maintain sound sustainability practices

Lee Evans, Account Manager at Pinstripe said, "this is an important part of our commitment to the environment and will help all our customers have confidence they are dealing with a Company totally committed to sound environmental principals".

Pinstripe's Skills Pledge - a public commitment to develop skills inline with the businesses needs

Pinstripe has again committed to the Learning and Skills Council Skills Pledge. This reaffirms Pinstripe's commitment to;

  • Actively encourage and support all staff to gain and enhance the skills and qualifications needed  by our business
  • Use those skills and qualifications to enhance the service delivered to our customers
  • Create a working environment that is committed to training and continual development

Wendy Cole, Administration Manager said, "Training is so important and is an ongoing process particularly when trading conditions are tough. This pledge is a clear demonstration by Pinstripe to have the best people in all areas of the business"

Pinstripe further expand their International Presence

Pinstripe has just won the OSspray account to design, produce, stock, store and distribute all marketing collateral worldwide.

Founded in 2004, OSspray is a leader in the innovation of biomaterials for minimally invasive dentistry focusing on product development and global commercialization of therapeutic air polishing solutions that restore and maintain tooth structure and overall oral health. OSspray is deeply rooted in research and development within King's College, London and Imperial College. It is developing a range of patented formulations that has potential to significantly impact patient treatment outcomes for dental professionals around the world.

Pinstripe won the OSspray account because we were able to demonstrate we understand what OSspray are doing and where they are going.  They felt we could add value to their team through our partnering approach and had excellent experience working in the public sector.

The account was won against stiff competition from German, French and Dutch suppliers.

New FSC Trademark Standard - Effective 1 March 2010

The new trademark standard FSC-50-001 (V1-0) EN, which comes into effect has changed the style of the trademarks that can be used and places additional restrictions on their use - the process is aimed at simplifying the process and making it clearer on what the trademark actually means.

Pinstripe has been advising customers and clients for over 5 years on the use of FSC and similar environmental labels.  Indeed, Pinstripe?s FSC approval status means we are able to advice and approve amendments to the FSC logos customers are looking to use on their marketing collateral.  This is particularly important where an FSC logo is required but the standard logo needs to be amende.  Pinstripe's FSC approval status allows us to approve amendments so the logo fits the design and confirms Pinstripe?s status as a "must have partner" with the new FSC trademark approval.

Pinstripe become an FSC Trademark Licence Agreement Certificate Holder

In February 2010 Pinstripe became an FSC Trademark Licence Agreement Certificate Holder.

What does this mean to our customers?

The new agreement means Pinstripe will have a closer relationship with the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) which will bring the following benefits:

  1. Strengthen the FSC system and improve trademark protection;
  2. Improve the communication between FSC and Pinstripe, allowing us to better understand our customers' needs and how we can help them further
  3. Deliver coordinated promotional and marketing support, provide added value services and information on FSC to maximize the benefits, credibility and value of the FSC trademark and certification

What's to Want?

Henry Ford once said; ?If we asked customers what they wanted, they?d say ?faster horses?.

Nigel Lyon, Managing Director at Pinstripe Print Group agrees but points out that; ?customers don?t always know what they want because they don?t always know what?s to want?.  Nigel points out that at Pinstripe we identify what?s to want and provide a complete solution for all print and print related needs by partnering with customers and offering integrated solutions.

Here?s the challenge; ?If you want to understand what?s really available and get the very best value for money, give us a call on =44 (0) 121 236 0101.

What do we do differently?

Pinstripe is an integrated print solution provider.

We have a different approach to other printers which is why we work with many Councils, Schools, Universities and Government Bodies under Framewok Agreements.  One of our advantages is that we operate a ?Print Supply Chain Management Methodology? throughout the business.

Our print supply chain management procedures mean we look at each element of any job and ensure it is planned and undertaken in the most effective and efficient manner possible.  This is a continual process.  Our experience shows that this continually reviewing/planning methodology delivers considerable costs saving ? both in monetary and time terms - and improves the quality and service we deliver. 

Examples include:

  • Identify cost savings
  • Identify more cost effective ways of doing a job
  • Save time
  • Reduce/eliminate duplication of effort
  • Anticipate through planning
  • Take away hassles and frustrations from customers staff
  • Stocking and production of economic batch quantities
  • Economic job scheduling and batching
  • Introduce print management/stocking where appropriate
  • Partnering and working together as a team
  • Flexible working including 24 hour working

Pinstripe win another TWO Framework Agreements

Pinstripe are delighted to have been appointed Framework suppliers to The University of Birmingham and The University of Warwick.

The two Frameworks were won against major competition following a comprehensive tendering process conducted over the summer. The University of Birmingham Framework is for up to four years to 2013 and The University of Warwick covers a similar period to 2014.

This brings the total number of Frameworks Pinstripe work under to EIGHT.

Under both Frameworks, Pinstripe will be supplying a complete lithographic and digital print service to deal with all print and print related matter. Services will comprise of; design, artwork, printing, all finishing, fulfillment, stocking and storage and delivery (including desk top delivery and direct mail). Examples of printed items will include; leaflets, flyers, brochures, programmes, magazines, reports, manuals, posters, newsletters, exhibition material, mailing packs/literature, stationery, training material, folders and binders.

Nigel Lyon, Managing Director of Pinstripe, said, ?We have worked very hard over the last four years to reshape the business and make us a serious contender in all Framework bids we enter. We have enhanced our systems and service delivery to ensure we are best in class. Obtaining all our accreditations, BS-EN ISO9001:2000, BS-EN ISO14001 and BS-OHSAS 18001:2007, FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody and BS-EN ISO12647 have also been key?.

Further, ?Being a Framework supplier to major Government bodies and large commercial organizations confirms our credentials and credibility as a reliable and trusted partner who can deliver outstanding service and provide real value for money?.

For additional information please visit our website at us at www.pinstripegroup.co.uk or contact us on 0121-236-0101.

Variable Data Printing (VDP)

Pinstripe has invested further into their digital printing facility by enhancing their:

  • Data base management
  • Data cleansing and
  • Personalization

Using the latest technology we can provide our clients with the ability to fully personalize full colour printed pieces with both graphics and text through Variable Data Printing (VDP).

VDP is a form of digital printing in which documents are created from a combination of variable text & images that are taken from records in a database. It is a great tool for producing targeted marketing campaigns and tailoring your literature to appeal to individuals and small, well-focused groups.

Call us today at +44 (0)121 236 0101 to see what we can do for you!

FSC/PEFC - Annual Audit

Pinstripe has been given a clean bill of health following their annual FSC and PEFC surveillance and inspection audit. Control Union, Pinstripe's accrediting body, undertook the annual audit to ensure Pinstripe were still meeting the exacting standards set by the FSC and PEFC. This confirms Pinstripe's continued support in promoting and maintaining responsible use and management of the world's wood and forests products.

Sending us your files ? it's easier than ever

Sending your files to Pinstripe has never been easier! Simply click on the following link: FTP Site

Pinstripe's HOUSE Stock is FSC and PEFC Accredited

Pinstripe have taken the Club Range as their HOUSE stock following a detailed review. John Blatchford, Production Director at Pinstripe said, "this confirms our environmental commitment and is part of our environmental strategy. This means we are providing an FSC and PEFC paper as standard to all our customers".

Pinstripe Print Group's - Marathon Challenge Continues

We are delighted to tell you that the London Marathon on 25 April 2010 is our next Marathon Challenge.

Pinstripe’s Marathon Challenge forms part of our continued work and commitment to good causes and over the past four years we have raised over £12,000, taken part in 73 charitable events and been involved in 11 sports and social based groups.

Our MD, Nigel Lyon, is planning to complete the 26.2 mile course in under 3 hours 45 minutes and in the hope he is not beaten by Scooby doo or someone dressed up as Big Ben.

He will be running for Changing Faces and hopes to raise over £2,000 individually and with his other fellow runners are on track to hit a target of £8,000.

What is Changing Faces?

Changing Faces is the leading UK charity that supports and represents people who have disfigurements to the face, hand or body from any cause. They were founded in 1992 by James Partridge OBE, their Chief Executive, who was injured in a car fire when he was 18 years old. Today they have a team of 25 professionals with expertise in psychology, education, employment, health and social care, media and campaigning.

What does their work involve?

  • Providing personal support for children, young people, adults and families
  • Working with schools, employers, health and social care professionals to ensure a culture of inclusion for people with disfigurements
  • Campaigning for social change by working with the media, government and opinion leaders

Why are we supporting Changing Faces this time?

There are over one million people in the UK who have a disfigurement. Disfigurement causes untold pain and suffering – how often do we look at someone who is different – is disfigured?

Their work is significant and vital in supporting and helping patients cope with the effect or visual impact of a scar, burn, mark, unusually shaped feature or texture of the skin on the face, hands or body, whether this is from birth, accident, disease or the aftermath of surgery.

Take a look at their website at www.changingfaces.org.uk and see what you think.

If you would like to pledge your support to this very worthwhile cause then please visit www.justgiving.co.uk/Nigel-Lyon-Marathon-Challenge where you can make your pledge – it's as simple as that!

Nigel would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in advance for their support in the money we will raise. As he says, “This will go to some very deserving people, many of whom face a marathon every day of their lives”.

Video Conferencing

Pinstripe can now offer video conferencing as part of our continued drive to improve how we communicate and interface with our customers and suppliers.

Tim Smith, Sales Manager at Pinstripe said, "this is proving particularly useful when we need to discuss a job or get clarification on a specific point and we can't meet with a customer face to face. It certainly puts us well ahead of the competition".

Web-based Approval (on-line soft proofing)

We have enhanced our on-line approval systems to make it easier and faster for customers to approve work. Paul Stone, Studio Director at Pinstripe said, "these enhancements are part of our ongoing IT development and will improve how we are doing business with our customers. We are proud of them as it puts us at the forefront of current technology and working practices".

Training

Pinstripe's commitment to training continues.

Pinstripe’s Leadership and Management programme, run in conjunction with Business Link, Advantage West Midlands and ATL Solutions is helping strengthen the management team to drive growth, enhance service delivery and deliver improved commercial performance. Paul Stone, Studio Director of Pinstripe said, "the team are all benefiting from the programme which is part of the Groups strategic growth plans"

In addition we are providing NVQ training to most of our staff in the areas of Customer Service, Team Leading, Business Administration and Performance Manufacturing and Operations. Wendy Cole, Administration Manager of Pinstripe said, "everyone has responded very positively to the training and we are seeing some real benefits in the way we are now working already"

Pinstripe takes on additional space

We have taken some additional space a few hundred yards away on the A34 Walsall Road, Newtown, Birmingham (just opposite Floors to Go). This is to provide additional storage and factory capacity to accommodate our expanding print and print management operations.

Pinstripe expand their International Presence

Pinstripe has just won the SciCan account to design, produce stock, store and distribute all marketing collateral worldwide. SciCan, with it's headquarters in Toronto, Canada, is a major manufacturer and distributor of products in the healthcare industry. Toronto provides a base of operation for more than 400 dedicated and talented employees operating worldwide. In addition to the 5,400 medical and dental products, SciCan provides total support and technical service for all products sold. SciCan's R&D and Technical Service departments form one of the largest of any Canadian manufacturer in its marketplace. SciCan's subsidiary operations are located in the United States in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Zug, Switzerland, France and Gersthofen, Germany.

Winning this account demonstrates the versatility and comprehensive service-offering Pinstripe has. The account was won against stiff competition from German, French and Dutch suppliers.

Pinstripe working closer with Universities

Pinstripe have always believed that closer links between the academic work and the business world is essential - both learn from each other - students get to understand what a REAL business does; and the company has the benefit of fresh ideas - critical in a world where differentiation and competitive advantage are key.

Accordingly, Nigel Lyon, Managing Director of Pinstripe, was delighted to give a lecture and run a workshop earlier this month for MSc HRM students in the Aston Business School on "Human Resource Management in the real world of SMEs. The students actively engaged in the questions and answer session and suggested that the workshop would be useful for future HRM students".

INDEX Update

Pinstripe have been representing SMEs in the region on the INDEX Governance Group since its inception.

The INDEX Scheme (Innovation Delivers Expansion) awards selected Midland SMEs with academic support for an innovative project at any of the regions Universities/Higher Education Institutions.

Nigel Lyon, Managing Director of Pinstripe said, "we are delighted to be working with the Governance Group. INDEX is one of the best support schemes to have come out of Government and it's already proving it is providing real benefits to SMEs including Pinstripe".

Scrap Paper - Pinstripe's Paper Collection Service

We all have items which have been printed and are now out of date - calendars, brochures, price lists etc. Pinstripe will collect any out-of-date material when we next deliver a job to you and ensure it is disposed of and recycled properly via our waste paper processors.

For more information call Tim Smith on +44 (0)121 236 0101 or email him at tim.smith@pinstripegroup.co.uk.

Environmental Targets

Let Pinstripe help you meet your "Environmental Targets". For more information call Nigel Lyon on +44 (0)121 236 0101 or email him at nigel.lyon@pinstripegroup.co.uk.

Digital

Pinstripe has invested in the latest digital technology. We can now offer a complete digital service. The benefits are:

  • On-Demand - Just-in-Time print
  • Fast turnaround - within hours
  • Low economic quantities - possible - one copy +
  • Experiment with different versions - print 250 now - make a change - print 250 next week
  • Print 250 now - print 25,000 litho next week
  • Range of litho papers can be used - virgin and recycled
  • Range of weights - 80gms - 300gms
  • Range of substrates - coated, uncoated, textured, self adhesive
  • Print up to SRA3
  • Polymerised toner gives litho like finish
    • Excellent colour image quality and flatness
    • Excellent image density
    • Lower fuse temperatures with no-oil content - hence no sheen
    • Low fuse temperatures gives no crease, cut and fold problems
  • Spot UV, lamination, foil blocking - all possible
  • Personalised
  • Database management
  • Computer to print solution - environmentally friendly - as film, plates and chemical are not required
  • Examples: Sales reports, board reports, brochure, poster, personalised mailing, stationery sets, business cards, exhibition material

For more information call +44 (0)121 236 0101 or email info@pinstripegroup.co.uk.

ISO 14001 ISO 9001 OHSAS 18001 FSC PEFC BPIF