The Two Models Shaping the Future of Print Fulfilment
We examine two rapidly scaling online business models, both growing within the print sector, exploring what they mean for the future landscape of commercial print
With The Print Show upon us once again, anticipation has been building for the UK’s leading industry event. From product launches and live demos to expert advice and networking opportunities, here’s what to expect at the NEC this September
Back for its tenth anniversary edition, The Print Show 2026 will take place in Hall 1 of the NEC in Birmingham from September 29th to October 1st. As has been the case since the event debuted in England’s second city back in 2015, organisers are pledging to once again deliver a show that helps visitors identify the tools, solutions, and services they need to ensure their business continues to succeed and grow in the modern market.
While plenty in the industry – and indeed the world – has changed since the inaugural event more than ten years ago, The Print Show’s main goal of serving as the meeting place for the UK print sector remains the same. Thousands are expected in Birmingham over the three days for what will be the largest-ever edition of the exhibition.
Attendees will be met with more than 100 exhibitors from across the market, a jam-packed speaker programme, a host of new in-event features and, for the second consecutive year, co-location with The Sign Show. Here, we pick out just some of the highlights to look forward to in Birmingham this Autumn.
The main voice behind the show for the past decade, event director Chris Davies is as enthusiastic as ever about The Print Show. When asked what he thinks will be the primary attraction this year, Davies simply says: “There’s too much to pick from!”
Davies continues: “Obviously, most people will be there to see the latest kit and solutions from exhibitors – and this year, we’ve got our strongest line-up in the history of the show. Across the events, we’ll have HP, Epson, Durst, Roland DG, Agfa, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Zund UK, swissQprint, Plockmatic Group, Vivid Laminating Technologies, and Resolute DTG, all on their own stands.
“On top of that, we’ll have representation from even more leading brands, including Mimaki through Hybrid Services, Canon via CMYUK, Platinum Technologies (Liyu) on the Soyang Group stand, and even more with other exhibitors such as Quality Print Services (QPS), Graphtec GB, and China Print Supplies.”
Of course, the exhibitor list stretches further; from trade suppliers and software specialists to paper and materials suppliers, there will be something for everyone at the show.
While Davies is correct about the main draw to the event being the technology on show, those in attendance will also have access to a series of special features, all of which will be free to access. The largest of these will again be The Knowledge Zone speaker area, where experts from across the market will tackle the subjects most important to print businesses, such as diversification, sustainability, and AI.
New to the show this year is Print Mastermind Live! led by The Online Print Coach, Colin Sinclair McDermott, will allow visitors to access targeted business coaching while they are at the show. In addition, the all-new Print Show Podcast Booth – led by Jack Gocher of Eye on Display – will host live and recorded sessions of the UK’s leading print podcasts.
With more leading exhibitors, more content, and more opportunities to learn and network than ever before, The Print Show remains the place where the UK print industry comes together
Alongside all this will be the co-located The Sign Show, with visitors able to also explore the very latest developments in sign-making technology – all without having to leave the hall. With this comes access to the special feature areas within The Sign Show, including the Traditional Sign-Making Masterclass and all-new PFF Knowledge Hub, offering insight into the world of paint protection film.
“Every year we look at ways to make the visitor experience even better, and I think we’ve achieved that again in 2026,” Davies says, adding: “With more leading exhibitors, more content, and more opportunities to learn and network than ever before, The Print Show remains the place where the UK print industry comes together.”
As to what visitors can expect from exhibitors, we caught up with just a handful of those that will attend to find out more about their plans for the show. Among these is HP, which, based in The Sign Show section of the hall, will show its HP Latex R530, the only compact all-in-one rigid and flexible machine within the HP Latex portfolio. The device can print at a top speed of 24sq m/hr in indoor mode and can run materials up to 1.6m wide and 5cm thick.
Also on display will be the HP Latex 630W Print and Cut and HP Latex 830W machines, which Colin Easton, UK and Ireland large-format country lead at HP, says demonstrate high-impact colour, white ink capability, and production efficiency. The HP Latex 630W has a top speed of 14sq m/hr in standard six-pass mode, while the 830W is the faster of the two models at up to 36sq m/hr in outdoor mode.
The aim is not just to show machines, but to show how those machines fit into modern print and sign businesses
In addition, aside from its leading hardware solutions, HP will invite visitors to learn about the HP PrintOS Production Hub and how this software can help simplify job management, improve visibility, and support smarter decision making for both print and sign businesses.
“The aim is not just to show machines, but to show how those machines fit into modern print and sign businesses,” Easton says, continuing: “Last year’s show delivered strong conversations with printers who are actively investing, diversifying, and modernising their businesses – that made it a clear priority to come back. Exhibiting again allows HP to build on established relationships, continue meaningful discussions started last year, and demonstrate long-term commitment to the UK print community.”
Joining HP as one of many returning exhibitors this year is swissQprint, which has taken a large stand within The Print Show. Erskine Stewart, managing director of swissQprint UK, says for the manufacturer, this year’s show offers the “perfect” opportunity to demonstrate how large-format printing can become a powerful driver of growth and profitability.
“Whether businesses are looking to improve efficiency, expand into new markets, or increase profitability, the event offers practical ideas and real-world inspiration,” Stewart says.
On the swissQprint stand, Stewart says visitors can experience the Generation 5 platform and see how a single flatbed printer can support a diverse range of applications. The entire exhibition stand will be produced on one swissQprint system, which Stewart says will show how one investment can unlock opportunities in retail graphics, interior décor, exhibition and event graphics, point-of-sale (POS) applications, and premium display work.
Alongside creative applications, swissQprint will also demonstrate the productivity needed for high-volume 8 x 4 sheet production, highlighting efficient workflows that help businesses maximise output while maintaining consistently high print quality.
Adding to the wide-format line-up at the show is Hybrid Services, the exclusive distributor of Mimaki in the UK and Ireland. The company will take its largest-ever stand at the event, with sales director Andy Gregory saying this will give visitors a clear view of the size of Mimaki’s current line-up.
“The stand will include a strong mix of technologies for sign, graphics, and production print businesses, with Mimaki’s latest UV, solvent, and DTF wide-format systems all represented,” he says, adding: “Mimaki continues to put a great deal of emphasis on practical innovation, so the focus for us is not only on the new hardware, but on showing how these solutions can help increase flexibility, improve productivity, and open up new revenue opportunities.
Of course, the show will also have a solid small-format focus, helped by returning exhibitor Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK. Key highlights on the Konica Minolta stand will include the AccurioPress C5080 Series, the manufacturer’s next‑generation production platform. Visitors can gain insight into how the system’s automation, media flexibility, and colour consistency supports higher‑margin work to increase profitability.
The AccurioPress C5080 Series forms part of Konica Minolta’s wider ‘Feel the Potential’ showcase, where visitors can explore automation, workflow optimisation, labels, white toner applications, and new opportunities for commercial print businesses.
“Today’s production print environments face rising costs, tighter deadlines, and increasing pressure on operator skills,” says Malcolm Smith, category manager of professional print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK, who adds: “The AccurioPress C5080 Series has been developed to help customers meet those challenges head on.
“With advanced automation, exceptional media flexibility, and intelligent quality management, it reduces operator workload, cuts waste, and helps businesses produce more with less effort. The result is a highly productive and reliable platform that enables customers to take on new applications, improve turnaround times, and grow with confidence.”
Alongside printing solutions will be leading finishing solutions, including a large showcase from Vivid Laminating Technologies. Director Lewis Evans confirms the manufacturer will be bringing back the machine it launched at last year’s show, the Razar. Combining raised spot UV, cutting, creasing, and taping in one system, the Razar will be demonstrated live, giving visitors the opportunity to discover how it can enhance their production capabilities.
Also from Vivid will be its VeloBlade Volta digital cutters, VeloTaper digital taping systems, Veloton cutting-speed enhancement system, VeloBlade Nexus wide-format digital cutters, Easymount Hybrid all-in-one flatbed applicator and laminator, Easymount wide-format laminators, and Matrix pneumatic digital laminating and foiling systems.
“All of Vivid’s solutions are designed to help businesses work smarter, faster, and more efficiently while improving productivity and increasing profit margins,” Evans says.
As for other highlights, The Print Show will welcome back CMYUK – which has not exhibited since 2024 – which will have the largest stand in the history of the exhibition.
Highlights on the CMYUK stand will include the EFI VUTEk M3h UV LED hybrid printer, the successor to the popular EFI VUTEk GS hybrid platform. Alongside this will be the Canon Colorado M5W modular roll-to-roll UVgel printer that allows businesses to configure and expand their production capabilities in line with their growing needs.
Printing equipment will be complemented by Neolt finishing technology, including the Neolt XY Matic Trim Plus, and Neolt laminators. The stand will also include demonstrations of Prep It and ONYX RIP software, offering visitors greater insight into workflow, file preparation, and production control.
Factoid: This year The Print Show is celebrating its tenth anniversary edition with its biggest show to date
Completing our pre-show round-up is Venture Banners, with co-founder and director Scott Conway revealing that the company will be raising awareness of new textile-based products that have been released over the past 18 months. Among these are AirMesh Polyester and Fabric Mesh Polyester materials, as well as pop-out banners.
“Unsurprisingly, textile displays continue to be the fastest-growing area of the market for us, so we’re looking forward to showcasing our expanding range of textile solutions,” he says, adding: “On Stand P620, visitors will be able to explore products ranging from exhibition displays and backdrops through to flags and soft signage products such as stretch fabric displays and SEG lightbox displays.
“One of the best things about showing off our range in person is that visitors can see firsthand the impressive image quality possible, as well as the ease of assembly, disassembly, and transportation of these products.”
The message is clear: innovation is no longer just about faster machines or higher output, but about helping print businesses diversify, improving efficiency, and unlocking new revenue opportunities. Whether visitors are investing in new technology, exploring emerging applications, or simply seeking fresh ideas, The Print Show promises to offer valuable insight, practical inspiration, and plenty of reasons to look to the future with confidence.
Register for The Print Show today: https://forms.reg.buzz/the-print-show-2026
