Welsh Print and Graphic Design Companies at the Fore

26 Welsh Printers and Graphic Design companies have been successful in a process to provide printing and graphic design services to public bodies in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Ceredigion and Powys, for the next two years*.

The Public Sector Design and Print Framework Agreement has been agreed by Denbighshire County Council as a means of creating a list of companies who meet specific criteria, to carry out print and design services on behalf of North and Mid Wales Public Sector organisations.  The current estimated annual cost for designing and producing booklets, brochures, newsletters etc. to public bodies in North Wales, stands at £4 million. 

To public bodies, such as county councils, health authorities and universities, the main purpose of the Framework will be ensuring an open and fair competition plus value for money.  For the print and design companies who have been successful within the process, it is a great business opportunity to enhance their public sector client base. 

One of the companies who has been successful is Gwasg Dwyfor from Penygroes, Dyffryn Nantlle. 

Dafydd Owen from Gwasg Dwyfor said: "It has been a time consuming process which we hope will pay dividends.  The fact that Gwasg Dwyfor is one of the printing companies named on the Framework, will inevitably, be an added advantage to the company.  Located in a rural area, it is imperative that we market ourselves to a wider audience.  One of the advantages of being a part of the Framework will be the quarterly feedback we receive." 

Another company who has successfully reached the Public Sector Framework is Printing company MWL from Pontypool. 

James Sexton, from MWL said: "MWL is delighted to be an approved supplier for the North and Mid Wales print framework.  It was a tough but fair tender process - and we are pleased that our professional print service and expertise has been recognised and rewarded.  The opportunity will enable us to develop business with new customers in North and Mid Wales, which is great news."                                                                             (more...)

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Fineline, graphic design and digital print specialists from Ruthin, Denbighshire are also part of the Framework. 

Alec Sharples from Fineline said: "Fineline is delighted to be a part of this Framework, as it is, inevitably, a bonus to the company.  I hope that it will open us out to a wider market and ensure we remain a part of the public sector’s graphic design and print profile.  Having been in business for nearly 17 years, a close working relationship with our customers will remain a high priority for this company."

The Local Supplier Development Project which is an initiative by the Department of Enterprise Innovation and Networks of the Welsh Assembly Government and is partly funded by European Structural Funds has been marketing the opportunities of the new Framework to companies in North Wales.  An event organised by the Local Supplier Development Project, was held in Llandudno to promote the opportunities of the tender last year, and companies were offered assistance and advice on the process itself. 

Siôn Hughes from the Local Supplier Development Project explained: "Taking time out to look at tenders can be difficult, especially for smaller companies. The Local Supplier Development Project offered these companies support and guidance during the process, and encouraged them to look at new projects which could prove beneficial to their businesses.  It is important to look at the bigger picture when you’re running your own business, a lesson which will prove profitable to these companies."

Denbighshire County Council led the Framework process, and have been working on the project for the last ten months.  They will continue to act as the contract manager for the Framework.

Arwel Staples, Denbighshire County Council Procurement Manager explains: "Nearly a hundred companies showed an interest in this tender process, and the cross sector project team, which was established from the outset, scrutinised all those businesses.  53 printers and 20 designers from England and Wales were invited to tender by the September 2006 deadline.  Following evaluation, 21 printers and 14 graphic design companies in England and Wales have become a part of the Public Sector Framework."

He continued: "It has been a challenging project, and we have worked closely with the Local Supplier Development Project.  Such a framework will offer value for money, a quality service, less duplication and a closer working relationship between both parties.   

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It is estimated that Denbighshire County Council could save between £150,000 and £190,000 annually, by using this framework across the county.  These savings will, no doubt, benefit the public of Denbighshire,"  Arwel Staples ended.

* the initial framework agreement will be two years, with the option to extend for a further two years.

** Local Supplier Development Programme: an all Wales initiative funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, focused on helping the growth of small Welsh businesses through accessing new markets and contacts. 

Contact:              Siôn Hughes 01248 672672