For the Koehler Group, the topic of training and development is in-credibly important. Koehler trains a total about 80 apprentices and students at four sites in Germany and goes on to provide them with high-quality, personalized entry-level career opportunities. Proof of that is the BEST PLACE TO LEARN® seal of quality, with which Koehler was re-certified for the quality of the train-ing. This year, the intake of trainees that began their training during the pandemic have been able to successfully finish laying the foundations for their career.

Minuteman Press in Columbia, Missouri is located at 2511 Bernadette Drive. Since buying the printing franchise in December 2019, owner David Wallace has steadily grown his business including posting a record sales month in August 2021. David shares the following advice and insights about how he helped other essential businesses during the pandemic and what he is doing now as more local businesses reopen and live events return to Columbia:

In America: Remember is a public art exhibition being held at the National Mall that displays 660,000 white flags to honor the people in America who have been lost due to COVID-19. Minuteman Press in Bethesda, Maryland, is a partner for the exhibition, providing printed message cards from people all over the country who are paying tribute to loved ones through the In America website.

Innovative large-format printer, MacroArt has reported its busiest month since the start of the pandemic with the both the return of live events, exhibitions and conferences and expansion into new sectors driving the growth in sales, resulting in the recruitment of six new staff.

Dover Digital Printing, the group which encompasses MS Printing Solutions, Caldera Software, and Kiian Digital, has released a new white paper which looks at the effect COVID19 has had on the apparel industry business model, and considers how digitising the manufacturing process offers enhanced sustainability and a new way forward. The White Paper is targeted at DDP’s customer base and will be shared with the trade press, as well as being available for download from the Dover Digital Printing website.

From 26 – 27 May and 9 – 10 June 2021, FESPA hosted its first FESPA Innovations and Trends (FIT) live virtual events, which highlighted the latest technologies and developments in the wide format and apparel markets.

Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, a 100% subsidiary of Cosmo Films Ltd., launches COSMOTEX AVB, containing a new antiviral and antibacterial agent that is effective against the human Coronavirus (229 E, ISO 18184) and suitable for all types of textiles including garments, home furnishing, and bed linens. Tested at Biotech Testing Services, Mumbai, COSMOTEX AVB kills 99.9% pathogens and remains active against pathogens even up to 50 washes and keeping the environment hygienic and safe from foreign living objects.

OnPrintShop is pleased to announce the relaunch of it’s much-appreciated and FREE, “One-On-One Consultation” with our highly experienced Senior Web-to-Print Experts driving success for Print Shops to top ranking print companies will work with you.

FESPA UK has announced a return to face-to-face events in 2021, refreshed membership options, and launched  a new website.

While floor graphics have been a staple part of the industry for some time now, the pandemic of the past year or so - and the need for social distancing signage - has seen the popularity of these applications skyrocket.

One year after the pandemic hit many small and medium-sized businesses hard, a new global survey shows 80 percent of these companies consider the ability to automate tasks and processes key to surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. 85 percent were more reliant than ever before on communication technologies, remote IT support, and security hardware and software.

The pandemic has driven significant business transformation. For Print Rooms and CRDs there has been major shift in their perceived value with many stepping up to new challenges and providing vital services to home workers.

After a year like no other, many financial predictions suggest the UK will see positive growth during the remainder of 2021 and into 2022. With retail and hospitality once again trading, albeit with some restrictions, and events, exhibitions and tourism to come soon, Innotech Digital has announced a support scheme to help customers overcome short-term cashflow issues and get back to trading as soon as possible. While government schemes, such as furlough and the bounce back loans, have helped companies stay afloat, Innotech believes the sign and print industry also needs to help itself to meet the challenges of getting business moving again. Effective immediately, Innotech is offering all existing and new customers a guaranteed 30-day credit limit of at least £500.

As Barry Landowski begins his 30th year in business this month, the long-time owner of Minuteman Press in Germantown, WI has spent the past year leading the charge to support local businesses in his community. “The pandemic has created a close bond between all small business owners around here. We’re all in this together and we need to stick together.  That’s the feeling I get.  No one wants to see anyone fail.”

For four years, Minuteman Press franchise owner Ed Casagrande has been building relationships and helping local businesses with their printing and marketing needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Minuteman Press in Lutz, FL was designated as an essential business. Ed and his team have continued to reach out to their clients and community with one simple yet powerful message: “We are all in this together.”

With the food, beverages and hospitality sectors having been hit particularly hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, Drytac has sounded out how its Protac AMP antimicrobial protection film can help restaurants reopen as the world begins to edge back towards normality.

For nearly 15 years, Doug Walton has owned the Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing franchise located at 10699 Courthouse Road. Because printing is considered an essential business, Minuteman Press Fredericksburg has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “It feels good to remain open and help other local businesses navigate the pandemic economy. We have been able to help them market themselves through direct mail, provide banners and signage to help with social distancing, and we have even supplied many with acrylic sneeze guards and masks to help keep their employees and customers safe.”

Drytac's self-adhesive films continue to play a key role in the battle against Covid-19, with print service provider Globe Print having recently used no fewer than five Drytac products to create graphics, free-of-charge, for a new vaccination centre in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

The Piccadilly Lights in London and other national landmarks paid their respects to Captain Sir Tom Moore last night.

During his first year in business as Minuteman Press franchise owner in Medina, Ohio, Dave Wyatt was faced with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We reached out to local businesses early on to let them know we were there to help them in their time of need. They learned we were open as an essential business and that they could trust us, and that sparked our growth.”

Thousands of students and patients can now access crucial dental training and services thanks to the quick thinking of DIS Graphics.