23 July 2020

Hampton Printing signs first Subscription Partnership in the UK

Hampton Printing (Bristol) Limited is the first UK customer to take advantage of the Heidelberg Subscription Plus Partnership.  The award-winning printing company that serves a number of clients in the high fashion, retail, automotive and lifestyle sectors, expects to drive efficiencies and further enhance consistent quality at its Bristol site as a result of this move. The company’s subscription agreement with Heidelberg includes a full package, with Heidelberg delivering a drupa specification Speedmaster XL 106-6+L on the 5th of August, Prinect software, consumables and service support including service parts, training and consultation with analysis and guidance by Heidelberg experts.  Consumables and service parts, whenever needed, can be conveniently ordered via the Heidelberg eShop.  To top it all, as part of the “Vendor-managed Inventory”, Heidelberg also manages the inventory of consumables and service parts on behalf of the company.

Ryan Miles Managing Director of Heidelberg says the subs model suits “like-minded customers” who have “a sound business model to create growth” and stresses how crucial it is, particularly with the full model Subscription Plus, that both parties are on the same page.

“When you’re entering into a partnership with capital equipment, workflow and solutions that touch the customer’s customers, you have to have a mutual understanding about working together towards common goals.

“We add value through the model by helping the customer with their digital transformation strategy and by creating efficiencies, but the customer needs to be willing on their side to have made the decision to go on that journey.”

Mike Malpas, Managing Director of Hampton Printing says, “As a business we have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Heidelberg for over 30 years, and since our management buyout in November 2016, we have been working together even closer, always with an open mind, whilst at the same time, retaining my firm beliefs regarding the focus and direction in which I want to take the business forward.”

“Our approach, like that of many other businesses, is of course to embrace the latest technology to drive efficiencies, but just as importantly it’s acutely focused on investing and developing talented and committed staff, with the approach in wanting to be better.”

“When you combine technology with this approach, you can clearly and fundamentally make visible differences, which is what we are all about.”

“My honest first thoughts in October 2019 (when we first sat down to discuss) were that with a slow and largely negative marketplace, our discussions may be something better suited for the future years.  However, the more we discussed Heidelberg’s idea of a flexible ‘subscription’ model, the more we came to understand the benefits and the realisation of this being a largely viable and progressive option for our particular business, at this point in our development.  In my opinion, it’s a unique and sustainable way to add value.”

Speaking of their company’s ethos and how the subscription seamlessly blends into it, Mike says, “We are not a ‘stack-it-high’ sort of business.  We are quality driven and the flexibility of the Heidelberg subscription provides us with the motivation and scope for further growth, and our forward-thinking creative approach and ongoing need for efficiencies will be underpinned with the best technology, innovation and support. With Heidelberg’s subscription partnership we’re getting the best without doubt – the best in the world!  The marketplace is undoubtedly challenging, but with challenges there are always opportunities, and with this new partnership, we have an amazing platform to create opportunities for ourselves and to move positively forward.”

You can download the full press release below.