PRINT, MFP, SOFTWARE, SERVICES, DOCUMENT & CLOUD NEWS & INFORMATION FOR VARS, CONVERGED RESELLERS & MFP DEALERS www.printitreseller.uk ISSUE 145 · 2026 PRINT IT RESELLER MAGAZINE IN PRINT & ONLINE SINCE 2011 Find out who made the shortlists See page 22 See page 32 HP Introduces The New Color LaserJet Enterprise 4000/X400 Series
OLIVETTI BECOME AN RESELLER GROW YOUR PRINT BUSINESS WITH A TRUSTED PARTNERSHIP Data Direct is actively recruiting new partners across the UK to join our expanding Olivetti Reseller Network. As an authorised Olivetti partner, you will gain access to a complete range of print, multifunction and document management solutions, backed by dedicated support and competitive partner pricing. COMPETITIVE PARTNER PRICING Attractive pricing structures designed to maximise your profitability. PARTNER-ONLY SALES We sell exclusively through our reseller network, keeping partners at the heart of our business. COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING Sales, product and technical training helps your team confidently sell and support the Olivetti range. DEDICATED TECHNICAL SUPPORT Expert pre-sales and post-sales technical assistance whenever your team needs it. A PARTNERSHIP DESIGNED FOR GROWTH Whether you are an established print reseller, managed service provider, office technology dealer or IT solutions business looking to expand your portfolio, Data Direct and Olivetti provide the products, support and expertise to help you succeed. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY. Become part of our expanding UK Partner Network. Contact Data Direct today to discuss becoming an authorised Olivetti reseller. UK STOCK HOLDING UK stock availability allows fast, reliable deliveries directly to our partners. SALES & SERVICE PORTAL Access full range details, technical documents, service manuals, firmware, marketing materials, specifications and updates. PARTNER MANAGEMENT TEAM Work directly with experienced Partner Managers committed to helping your business grow. SERVICE & SUPPORT Deliver reliable solutions to your customers with confidence WHY PARTNER WITH DATA DIRECT STRONGER TOGETHER. | MAKING PRINT PROFITABLE. 01189 734 564 | [email protected] | data-direct.co.uk
The PrintIT Awards judging panel came together on September 8 to discuss and debate which companies deserved to win a 2026 PrintIT award. I have to say it was no easy feat, not only did we receive a record-breaking number of entries this year, but the quality of the submissions was top-notch too, which made our judges’ jobs a whole lot harder. Congratulations to everyone who made the shortlists (check out pages 22 to 25) – that in itself is something that should be applauded, and I look forward to revealing the winners and celebrating your successes at the Royal Lancaster on December 8. If you haven’t already booked your place, call us on 01732 759 725, download the booking form at www.printitawards. co.uk or email us at [email protected]. Best of luck to everyone! Also in this issue, Michelle Ryder, Editor, PrintIT Reseller, picks the work tools she uses every day and couldn’t do her job without (page 18). This month’s Q&A is with Stephen Curtis, Head of Partnerships and Business Development, Commercial and PITR spent 60 seconds with Ayisha Bandali, Business Development Manager, UFP. If you’ve got any news about your business to share, would like to be included on our monthly VOX POP panel, have a compelling business success story or simply wish to comment on any industry issues, please get in touch with me at: [email protected] Michelle Ryder, Editor 06 Bulletin Where do you take yours? 08 Research Keypoint Intelligence Why Buy Research 10 Bulletin News from the channel 16 People A round-up of new hires 18 I couldn’t do my job without... Michelle Ryder picks her favourite work tools 20 My life in print Matt Hill shares details of his life in print 22 PrintIT Awards Find out who made the 2026 shortlists 26 What’s new A round-up of recent product launches 29 Events PrintIT Reseller 2026 channel roadshows 30 Print security Print security back on the cyber risk agenda 32 Cover story HP’s New Color LaserJet Enterprise 4000/X400 Series 34 One-to-one Robbie Trower, Sales Director, Kodak Alaris 39 VOX POP Cloud print reaches tipping point – part one 46 Industry insight Andrew Smith, Managing Director, Kyocera Document Solutions UK, Annodata and MCL 48 View from the channel Stephen Curtis, Head of Partnerships and Business Development, Commercial 50 60 seconds with… Ayisha Bandali, Business Development Manager, UFP COMMENT Editor’s Comment Register online To receive your regular FREE printed copy of PrintIT Reseller Magazine simply fill in our online registration form at www.printitreseller.uk/register Read PrintIT Reseller online at: www.printitreseller.uk Join us : Follow us @print-it-reseller-magazine PRINT IT RESELLER MAGAZINE IN PRINT & ONLINE SINCE 2011 PrintIT Reseller is published by Kingswood Media Ltd., 7 Amherst House, 22 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2BT • Tel: 01732 759725 Email: [email protected] www.printitreseller.uk No part of PrintIT Reseller can be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. ©2026 Kingswood Media Ltd. 2026 ISSUE 145 printitreseller.uk If you no longer wish to receive PrintIT Reseller magazine please email your details to [email protected] Group Editor: James Goulding 07803 087228 · [email protected] Editor: Michelle Ryder 01732 759725 · [email protected] Publishing Director, Social Media and Web Editor: Neil Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Advertising Director: Ethan White 01732 759725 · [email protected] Account Manager: Jeff Root 07976 950285 · [email protected] Sales Executive: Evan Jenner 01732 759725 · [email protected] Designer: Brian Cloke 07484 288189 · [email protected] Issue 145 ISSN 2055-3110 (Print) ISSN 2055-3129 (Online) PRINTITRESELLER.UK 5 26EMEA13856 ROADSHOWS AUTUMN 2026
01732 759725 6 BULLETIN We’re all about championing print at PrintIT Reseller and there’s nothing we love more than seeing the magazine being read in different places Where do you take yours? This latest collection captures the spirit of our industry perfectly. Keep those photos coming – whether you’re at a customer site, attending a conference or exhibition, or somewhere completely off beat, we want to see where PrintIT Reseller goes next. Ian Silvester and Stuart Dall, EKM Global Exhibitors and guests at the inaugural PrintIT Reseller Roadshows which took place at the Hilton DoubleTree in Coventry on September 10 were spotted catching up on the latest news Bronislav Sopik and Richard Houghton, OptimiDoc Emma Filmer, PFU (EMEA) Ltd Matt Smith, PFU (EMEA) Ltd and Daniel Murphy, Ricoh Steven Jones, Mark Asbridge and Grant Paczensky, MyQ
PRINTITRESELLER.UK 7 BULLETIN We want to see where you take your issue and where our magazine travels with YOU! Send me your pix for a chance to see your face (and your favourite pages) featured in our next issue. You can reach me at [email protected] Jeremy McCarthy, Newmans Business Solutions Simon Wassell, Managing Director, ISL Digital Ian McGinnes and Rob Turner, Toshiba Tec PrintIT Reseller was invited to the ISL Digital charity golf day where the latest issue was in demand! Matt Houlden and Kevin McNally, Asolvi
01732 759725 8 RESEARCH Opportunities beyond hardware The findings also highlight opportunities beyond the initial hardware transaction. In the US print study, buyers often continue purchasing supplies through channels they used earlier in their buying journey, while convenience is a leading factor when purchasing ink and toner. Paper follows a different pattern, with buyers placing greater emphasis on quality, compatibility, availability and brand confidence. The EMEA research points to additional regional differences. Buyer behaviour in Western Europe and the UAE varies in areas such as expansion purchases, employer funding, sensitivity to promotions and sustainability priorities. These differences show why manufacturers and channel partners need to adapt their approach to individual markets rather than relying on a single message across the region. Four research briefings The Why Buy Research Series includes four research briefings covering print and dedicated scanning technology in the US and EMEA. Each briefing turns primary buyer research into practical insights for product, marketing, sales and channel teams. Organisations can also work with Keypoint Intelligence analysts on vendor-specific reviews of the research and explore ways to use the findings for sales enablement, thought leadership, marketing content and other market-facing initiatives. www.keypointintelligence.com discovery plays a central role. Buyers frequently turn to search engines, online reviews, retailer websites and manufacturer content as they move toward a purchase decision. Practical considerations such as availability, ease of purchase, product performance, support, sustainability and trust also influence the final choice. Areas explored Areas explored in the Why Buy Research Series include: Buyer personas and end-to-end purchase journeys Digital research, online reviews, and purchasing behaviour Purchase triggers, product priorities and brand consideration Channel preferences across marketplaces, retailers, OEMs and resellers Sustainability and subscription considerations Regional differences between US, Western European and UAE buyers Supplies and paper purchasing behaviour Post-sale engagement and customer retention opportunities Scanner workflow requirements and productivity priorities Deborah Hawkins, Group Director of Keypoint Intelligence’s Workplace Team said: “Company size really emerged as the strongest structural driver of buyer behaviour across the customer journey. Our research suggests that the biggest behavioural differences occur by company size. That has important implications for how vendors approach segment messaging and create differentiated journeys for each buyer persona.” Designed for printer and scanner manufacturers, retailers, e-tailers and channel partners, the series provides an end-to-end view of the buyer journey, from initial research and product evaluation through purchase, setup, supplies and post-sale engagement. The findings can help technology providers refine product positioning, strengthen marketing and sales strategies and better understand the factors influencing purchase decisions. SMB technology purchase journey The research shows that the SMB technology purchase journey varies considerably depending on the buyer. Company size, age, use case and regional market differences can influence where customers begin their research, which brands they consider, where they ultimately make a purchase and what they expect after the sale. Across the print studies, digital Keypoint Intelligence has announced the Why Buy Research series, a new set of primary research studies examining how small and medium-sized business buyers research, evaluate and purchase print and scanning technology across the US and EMEA Keypoint Intelligence launches Why Buy Research series Deborah Hawkins
01732 759725 10 BULLETIN BULLETIN SCC named on G-Cloud 15 agreement SCC has been named on four lots of Government Commercial Agency’s (GCA) newly launched G-Cloud 15 framework. GCA’s G-Cloud 15 represents the most significant evolution of the framework since its introduction in 2012. The new agreement consolidates multiple cloud procurement routes into a single framework, making it simpler for public sector organisations to procure cloud technologies and services from pre-approved suppliers. Being named as supplier on four lots: Lot 1a – Cloud Hosting, Lot 2a – Infrastructure Software as a Service (iSaaS), Lot 2b – Software as a Service (SaaS) and Lot 3 – Cloud Support, reflects SCC’s breadth of cloud, infrastructure and managed services capability and its long-standing commitment to supporting public sector organisations across central government, local government, healthcare, education and emergency services. James Henigan, Managing Director, SCC Digital, said: “Being named across four lots on G-Cloud 15 reflects the breadth of SCC’s cloud capabilities and our commitment to helping public sector organisations modernise with confidence.” www.scc.com Burke Systems partners with Fujifilm Burke Systems & Solutions has partnered with Fujifilm to add the OEM’s Apeos range of multifunction printers to its managed print portfolio. The Belfast-based office print and technology provider who celebrates 50 years this year, will offer the Apeos range to customers across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, public sector, legal and financial services, construction and more. The partnership also supports the company’s plans to strengthen its managed print offering and grow its business across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain. Michael Burke, Managing Director, Burke Systems & Solutions said: “Print quality was the main factor for us. The devices are robust and the output quality, particularly for high-resolution images, stood out. “Our customers rely on us for advice, installation and ongoing support, not just for equipment. We needed a partner and product range that fitted that service model and Fujifilm gives us that,” he added. Gary Organ, Head of Device Technology at Fujifilm UK said: “Burke Systems & Solutions brings long-standing customer relationships, 50 years of industry experience and strong knowledge of the Northern Ireland market. The partnership gives us an experienced local partner as we continue to grow our UK office print channel and make the Apeos range available to more organisations.” www.burkesystems.co.uk Evolve completes MPS rollout Evolve Document Solutions has delivered a nationwide installation of Epson heat-free printer hardware, backed with ongoing servicing and maintenance across Busy Bees’ nurseries in the UK. Evolve was awarded the contract following a long‑term working relationship with the UK’s largest early years provider, and a documented record of responsive service delivery. The national rollout was delivered over a 16‑week period and included installation, the removal of the existing devices and employee training. The contract also includes the provision of consumables, onsite technical support, and service across all sites. Daniel Maddox, Managing Director, Evolve Document Solutions said: “We’ve worked with Busy Bees for over 20 years, but this new agreement elevates our partnership. It shows they trust us to deliver the right mix of tech, service and support, and we were proud to roll it out at scale.” Dave Garton, Applications and Service Manager, Busy Bees added: “Running hundreds of nurseries across the UK means we need suppliers we can rely on. Evolve’s team understands our requirements and addresses our needs promptly. That makes a big difference on the ground – we can trust Evolve to ensure all our printing, scanning and copier needs are met, allowing us to concentrate on the bigger picture.” www.evolvedocumentsolutions.co.uk James Henigan Carbon named Epson service partner of the year Carbon Group has been awarded Epson Service Partner of the Year 2026, recognising its outstanding commitment to customer service, technical excellence and support delivery across the UK. Over the past year, Carbon engineers have supported organisations ranging from schools, colleges and local authorities to large corporate environments and some of the most demanding offshore installations in the North Sea. The award highlights its ability to consistently deliver exceptional service standards, rapid response times and expert technical knowledge regardless of the customer’s location or operating environment. Ryan Green, Digital Services Director, Carbon Group said: “We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional customer experience, whether we’re supporting a school looking to reduce costs, a public sector organisation improving sustainability, or an offshore operation where reliability is absolutely critical. This award reflects the passion, expertise and commitment our engineers bring to every customer engagement.” Nick Taylor, Head of Sales – Business Print & Scan, Epson UK added: “Carbon Group has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to customer service, technical expertise and partner excellence. We are delighted to recognise Carbon’s achievements by naming them Epson Service Partner of the Year 2026 and look forward to continuing our successful partnership.” www.carbon-group.co.uk
PRINTITRESELLER.UK 11 BULLETIN UK&I distribution deal TD SYNNEX Maverick has been appointed as a distributor for Legrand | AV’s portfolio of brands including Chief, C2G, Da-Lite, Middle Atlantic, Luxul and Vaddio in the UK and Ireland. The agreement builds on the strong and established relationships that exist between TD SYNNEX Maverick and Legrand | AV in other European countries. While the initial focus for TD SYNNEX Maverick will be on Chief, one of the leading brands in projector and display mounts, partners will also have access to Legrand | AV’s extensive range of solutions for conference rooms, digital signage, modern learning environments, security command and control, and AV infrastructure. Mark Glasspool, Senior Director, UK and Ireland, TD SYNNEX Maverick said: “Legrand | AV is an exciting addition to the TD SYNNEX Maverick portfolio that gives partners access to an even wider selection of AV accessories, connectivity, and display solutions. We will be working closely with the Legrand | AV team to reach out to the B2B community and maximise the opportunities for all partners with leading brands such as Chief, C2G and Vaddio.” https://uk.tdsynnex.com UFP expands hardware portfolio UFP (UK) has expanded its hardware portfolio with the addition of Brother products. The company said incorporating Brother’s established reputation for print technology, innovation and reliability further strengthens its hardware offering and gives reseller partners even greater choice when building solutions for their customers. Adam Collier, General Manager at UFP (UK) said: “We’re delighted to strengthen our partnership with Brother, a brand renowned for delivering high quality, reliable and innovative print solutions for businesses of all sizes. “For our resellers, this means greater product choice and access to a market-leading brand, backed by UFP’s specialist expertise, service and support. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will create and, together with Brother, look forward to being at your side as we grow the channel together.” Kate Falkingham, Head of Distribution, Brother UK added: “Our new hardware partnership with UFP represents another positive step in strengthening our distribution channel and creating new opportunities for mutual growth and success.” https://ufpuk.com Distology enters next phase of European growth Distology is entering its next phase of growth following investment from Foresight Group, which has acquired the specialist cybersecurity value-added distributor from NorthEdge. NorthEdge invested in Distology in February 2021, backing founder and CEO Hayley Roberts and her management team in their first institutional investment to broaden the vendor portfolio, deepen technical capability and scale the business internationally. Over the two years to FY26, Distology delivered a 48% EBITDA CAGR, expanded and diversified its vendor portfolio, increased its services capability following the acquisition of Squareball in 2022, and strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of a Chief Technical Officer and a Chief Commercial Officer. Foresight’s investment will enable Distology to accelerate the next phase of its growth journey, supporting continued investment in people, technology and strategic initiatives while expanding the company’s reach across the UK and Europe. Roberts said: “NorthEdge has been a fantastic partner over the past five years. They believed in us at a pivotal moment, backed our vision and helped us grow across the UK and Europe, while always supporting the culture and people that make Distology what it is today. This investment means we can be much more ambitious with our growth plans, particularly across Europe, and gives us greater opportunity to pursue strategic acquisitions. “Expanding across Europe is a major part of this next chapter. We’ll bring Distology’s valueadd approach to our existing vendors in new markets, while also attracting new, high-growth cybersecurity vendors looking for a true valueadded distributor with the expertise and scale to support them across Europe.” www.distology.com Mark Glasspool Hayley Roberts TD SYNNEX adds to PartnerFirst platform TD SYNNEX has launched a dedicated tool within its PartnerFirst e-commerce platform that enables partners to track licence sales and renewals for Cisco services and subscriptions, ensuring they never miss out on opportunities and are able to deliver high levels of service to their end-user customers. Partners can see all their upcoming Cisco services agreements – including SMARTnet Services – up to a year in advance on the renewals dashboard and generate quotations and process renewals almost immediately. The automated, self-service platform can be accessed 24/7, and once an order is placed it can usually be processed and invoiced within a working day. During a successful pilot phase, several Cisco partners have been given early access to the tool and have provided exceptionally positive feedback on the speed and efficiency of the process. Partners with an existing TD SYNNEX e-commerce login already have access to the Cisco licensing renewals tool and will receive regular notifications of upcoming customer due dates. The tool is pre-loaded with thousands of Cisco services agreements supplied by Cisco partners in recent years. https://uk.tdsynnex.com
01732 759725 12 Strategic partnership Flint Group Digital Xeikon (FGDX) has announced a new strategic partnership with Xerox. As part of the collaboration, Xerox will offer digital presses under the Xerox brand based on Xeikon’s proven digital printing technology, enabling printers to access high quality, high-productivity digital print solutions through Xerox’s established sales and service channels. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping printers respond to growing demand for shorter runs, faster turnaround times, versioning and high-value applications in an increasingly dynamic market. By combining Xerox’s commercial reach and customer relationships with Xeikon’s digital press technology, the two companies are positioned to accelerate adoption of digital print production across a broader segment of the market. “We are pleased to see Xerox bring our solutions to market through its channels,” said Walter Benz, President Flint Group Digital Xeikon. “The printing industry continues to evolve rapidly, and the market is looking for reliable digital technologies that help them improve responsiveness, productivity, and application flexibility. This partnership will make Xeikon’s proven technology accessible to more printers enabling them to grow their businesses and respond more effectively to changing market demands.” www.flintgrp.com BULLETIN 25 years of partner excellence One of Konica Minolta’s longest serving team members, Account Manager Pamela Barnard, has marked 25 years with the business. Barnard joined Minolta in July 2001 as a Product Trainer, supporting dealers across the UK with sales training, product demonstrations and exhibitions. Her early years coincided with the merger of Konica and Minolta in 2004, she adapted quickly, moving into an Area Account Manager role and taking responsibility for her own portfolio of resellers. Over her 25 years, Barnard has seen the Konica Minolta partner programme evolve significantly – from traditional dealer support to a modern, consultative model centred on the company’s comprehensive Client Engagement Centre (CEC) and enhanced training. She has supported partners through their acquisitions, restructures and major market shifts – many of whom she still works with today. Reflecting on her milestone, she said: “I still genuinely love being part of the Konica Minolta team and I am fortunate to have always found a place here. But we must all continue to adapt – nothing stays the same.” www.konicaminolta.co.uk Domino reports progress on net zero journey Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) has published its FY 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, highlighting measurable progress across environmental performance, responsible business practices, people development and customer support. These achievements support Domino’s aim to achieve carbon neutrality across Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. Key highlights from the FY 2025 report include: increased solar energy generation to 70% as more Domino facilities switched to 100% renewable electricity; reached a 95.3% internal recycling rate; and increased packaging sustainability, with 96% of customer packaging now recyclable and incorporating up to 75% recycled materials. Jessica Büttner, Group CSR Director at Domino said: “Sustainability is increasingly becoming a business requirement for manufacturers around the world. Our FY 2025 results demonstrate that meaningful environmental and social progress and strong business performance can go hand in hand. “We’re committed to making measurable progress year after year – through reducing emissions, improving circularity, strengthening responsible sourcing, and supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability goals. As a business, we remain focused on delivering sustainable solutions that support our customers, while respecting the environment and communities in which we operate, and creating a workplace where people can develop and contribute to our longterm success.” www.domino-printing.com Pam Barnard Xerox awarded NHS contract Xerox has been awarded Lot 1 of NHS England’s national patient communications contract, delivered through NHS Notify, the NHS’s national platform for secure, multi-channel patient communications. The award builds on Xerox’s appointment to the NHS Notify Framework (RM6389) in 2025 and advances its role in supporting the NHS’s transition towards digital, patient-centric communications. The award comes as the NHS accelerates its digital-first communications strategy, with NHS providers expected to transition direct-to-patient communications to NHS Notify by 2029. Through the contract, Xerox will support communications on behalf of NHS England and health authorities, including vaccination invitations, cancer screening programmes, appointment booking, secondary care and clinical trial invitations. As the largest of three delivery lots, Lot 1 covers 50% of programme volumes, is worth up to £200 million and is expected to support the delivery of approximately 75 million patient letters over the next two years. Ian Martin, General Manager, UK & Ireland Public Sector, Xerox UK said: “This award reflects Xerox’s proven capability in managing secure, large-scale communications for critical public services and our commitment to supporting the NHS’s digital transformation. We’re proud to help NHS organisations deliver communications that are timely, accessible and designed around patients’ needs, helping people receive the right information through the right channel at the right time.” www.xerox.co.uk Ian Martin
PRINTITRESELLER.UK 13 Ready to explore MyQ X 10.3? See the new capabilities in action, ask questions about your environment, and get a closer look at what the new release brings to the MyQ X platform. Reach out to us and we will arrange a hands-on demonstration of MyQ X 10.3. converted into many formats, while barcode-based separation can help automate the handling of multi‑documents scan jobs. MyQ X 10.3 also introduces Release Station, a webpage-based print release capability that can be used with devices that do not have an embedded MyQ terminal. This allows organisations to bring older, specialist, or physically restricted devices into a controlled print release workflow without requiring an embedded terminal on the printer itself. Scan Review addresses another area where organisations need greater control over digitised documents. It provides a controlled workflow for scanning, review and approval, including digital signing, archiving, and an audit trail. This is particularly relevant in environments where scanned documents need to meet specific requirements for verification and traceability. What changes with MyQ X 10.3 The introduction of MyQ X 10.3 does not change the role of MyQ X 10.2. The two versions serve different needs within the same platform. Customers can continue with 10.2 when long-term maintenance path is the priority. Those who want to adopt new capabilities can move to 10.3 and take part in the new chapter. For MyQ, this approach also reflects how print and document management is changing. Printing is increasingly connected to broader document workflows, from secure release and scanning to document processing and digital transformation. MyQ X 10.3 builds on the platform customers already use while adding capabilities for these evolving requirements. Together, they give organisations a choice between maintaining a stable environment and adopting the latest capabilities as their business and IT requirements develop. For organisations running MyQ X, this means MyQ X 10.2 will continue to provide a steady, maintained foundation for customers who want to keep their current environment, while MyQ X 10.3 gives customers and partners access to the latest developments in print and document management. MyQ X 10.2 enters Long-Term Support MyQ X 10.2 has now reached the LTS stage. The focus of this version will remain on security and maintenance, with bug fixes, vulnerability fixes, and maintenance updates continuing as part of the LTS commitment. For many IT teams, software lifecycle management is about more than accessing the newest features. Changes need to be planned, tested, and introduced at the right time for the organisation. LTS provides that option within the MyQ X platform. At the same time, organisations looking to introduce new capabilities can move to MyQ X 10.3 and take advantage of the latest functionality. Here’s everything MyQ X 10.3 is comprised of MyQ X 10.3 introduces several capabilities addressing changes in the way organisations print, scan and process documents. The release expands MyQ’s support for Windows Protected Print. As Microsoft moves Windows printing toward modern IPP based technologies, MyQ X 10.3 introduces IPP pass through to detect device capabilities and make options such as stapling and hole punching available through the Windows printing experience. One of the most significant additions is MyQ Document Processor, which brings document processing directly into MyQ X scan workflows. It provides OCR, document conversion, file separation, and blank page detection without requiring separate third‑party processing tools. Documents can be The MyQ X platform is entering a new phase. With the release of MyQ X 10.3, MyQ is introducing a new chapter for the platform, while MyQ X 10.2 moves into Long-Term Support (LTS). MyQ X 10.3: New capabilities, and MyQ X 10.2 entering Long-Term Support BUSINESS BRIEFING www.myq-solution.com
01732 759725 14 BULLETIN ECI acquires Prima ECI Software Solutions has acquired Prima Business Control Software (Prima), a provider of ERP and e-commerce solutions tailored for the business supplies industry. The integration of Prima’s strong technology stack and AI capabilities into ECI’s end-to-end ERP offering strengthens the company’s ability to serve office supply dealers across the UK, Ireland and the US. Trevor Gruenewald, CEO, ECI Software Solutions said: “ECI has more than a 25-year history of commitment to the office supplies industry, and joining forces with Prima is a natural extension of our mission to help independent dealers thrive. “At a time when distributors are facing rising customer expectations and tightening margins, the need for streamlined operations is critical. This new chapter reflects a strategic expansion of ECI’s ERP and e-commerce portfolio and a commitment to serving our customers with solutions that anticipate their needs and arm them for success amidst a constantly shifting market.” www.ecisolutions.com PrintReleaf and Asolvi announce Vantage Online integration PrintReleaf and Asolvi have completed a new integration with Vantage Online, built on Vantage’s native API. It gives dealers a single, consistent feed of meter and usage data straight from the platform many already run their day-to-day business on, replacing the need to combine a DCA feed with manual uploads. The extra benefit is precision. Because the data comes directly from Vantage Online, the pages PrintReleaf reforests or offsets match exactly what’s being billed or contracted for that client. That’s a valuable reassurance at a time when clients increasingly need the numbers behind sustainability claims to stand up to scrutiny. Tony Milford, Vice President EMEA, PrintReleaf said: “This is about making a good process even simpler. For dealers on Vantage Online, it means one clean data source, no discrepancy between billed and reforested pages, and the comfort that comes from being able to rely on the accuracy of your data.” Matt Houlden, Operations Director, Vantage Online at Asolvi, added: “This integration reflects where we see Vantage Online heading. Our API is designed to let data move smoothly to wherever dealers need it and PrintReleaf is a strong example of what that opens up as sustainability reporting becomes a bigger part of how dealers operate.” www.asolvi.comhttps://printreleaf.com Strong momentum in production print Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe has secured leading positions in strategically important professional print segments, according to latest European figures from Infosource. Despite challenging and highly competitive markets, the company strengthened its position in the first quarter of 2026 with standout results in strategically important segments. In Europe, in mid and high production printing, Konica Minolta’s market share has increased to 53.5%, up from 42.2% in the previous quarter. During the same timeframe the company saw the fastest market share growth in unit sales for all production printing technologies up from 20.7% to 34.2%. Konica Minolta also increased market share from 38% in the full year 2024 to 45.1% in the full year 2025 for the mid-volume (MPP) and high-volume (HPP) colour segment. This performance was driven by continued investment in its AccurioPrint and AccurioPress portfolio, workflow automation, and customer support services. In digital label printing the Infosource figures show that Konica Minolta, which achieved a 5% market share the year after its 2015 launch, reached 39% in Q1 2026, almost double that of its nearest rival. For the full year 2025 its market share was 26%, just 2% behind the number one spot. Ole Maaz, Head of International Marketing Division, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe said: “Moving up the rankings in particularly in challenging markets, demonstrates what can be achieved when our teams, partners, and customers work seamlessly together with a shared focus and commitment to success.” www.konicaminolta.co.uk Ole Maaz Tony Milford MPSA Leadership Circle Winner The Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) has named PrintReleaf a Leadership Circle winner, recognising its innovation, leadership and commitment to helping managed print providers create business value through sustainability. PrintReleaf was selected for its unique approach to integrating environmental responsibility into managed print services. The company helps organisations automate sustainability initiatives by linking paper consumption to verified environmental offsets, including global reforestation and carbon offset projects. This enables managed print providers to offer measurable sustainability programs with minimal operational complexity. A key differentiator for PrintReleaf is its ability to help dealers compete on more than price. In a market where hardware margins and cost-per-page contracts continue to tighten, PrintReleaf provides a low cost, easyto-implement solution that helps partners differentiate their offerings, strengthen customer relationships and create meaningful renewal conversations. https://yourmpsa.org
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01732 759725 16 BULLETIN : PEOPLE WBM appoints service manager WBM has appointed Natalie White as its new Service Manager, a move that further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service as it continues to grow. Through White’s leadership, WBM aims to further enhance customer engagement, strengthen service standards and ensure customers continue to receive the high quality support they expect. White brings more than 18 years of experience in the commercial catering equipment industry, and has a strong background in operations, customer service, team leadership and process improvement. While new to the recycling and waste management sector, she has already begun applying her extensive experience to enhance systems, streamline processes and strengthen service delivery across the business. Her experience and customer-focused approach will play an important role in supporting the business as it continues to expand and evolve. Speaking about her new role, she said: “I’m excited to join WBM at such an important stage in its development. My focus is on leading and developing the customer service team, as I firmly believe that delivering an outstanding customer experience is key to long-term success. I look forward to learning more about the industry, building strong relationships with our customers and bringing my experience to support the continued growth of the business.” www.wbmlimited.co.uk Two Sides names new managing director Two Sides Europe has named Josh Birch as its new Managing Director, effective 1 January 2027, he succeeds Jonathan Tame, who has led Two Sides since 2014. Birch has worked with Two Sides for more than six years and, as Marketing Manager, has played a central role in developing its communications, research, member engagement and the Two Sides and Love Paper campaigns. Commenting on his appointment he said: “I am incredibly honoured to become Managing Director and to build on the exceptional work Jonathan has led over the past 12 years. “Two Sides has an exciting opportunity to strengthen the support and value we provide to members, expand our reach into new European markets and make factual, evidence-based information about print, paper and paper-based packaging more widely accessible. “Our new AI-enabled multilingual communications platform will allow us to engage directly with audiences across Europe on a scale that has not previously been possible. Alongside this, we will continue to develop our research, resources, advocacy and member services. Our industry has an extremely positive story to tell, and I am excited to lead the next stage of Two Sides’ development.” Martyn Eustace, Chair of Two Sides added: “I’m delighted that Josh has accepted this new role and that he will lead the next phase of Two Sides’ development, including the launch of its new multilingual European digital platform, an enhanced membership proposition and continued expansion into markets where local activity has previously been limited. “Two Sides will remain focused on promoting the attractiveness and sustainability of print, paper and paperbased packaging through trusted research, effective communications and will continue to deliver greater value for its members and the wider industry.” https://twosides.info SYNAXON UK adds to team SYNAXON UK has announced the further expansion of its team with the appointment of Stella Chebet as Customer Services Account Manager, while Jamaine Francis, who has been with the business for just over three and a half years, is moving from his previous Customer Services role to the post of Category Manager. Chebet will be responsible for ensuring a smooth experience for partners by managing orders and resolving any order-related enquiries such as RMA requests and providing order updates. She joins SYNAXON having spent close to eight years in sales and customer success roles in the retail and telecommunications industries. Jamaine Francis joined SYNAXON UK at the start of 2023 and has since gained invaluable experience working with partners to ensure their continued growth. He now joins the category management team, with direct responsibility for managing the stock profiles of key vendors and making sure that the right products are available at the right price on SYNAXON. Mike Barron, UK Managing Director, SYNAXON, said: “As our business develops, we want to continue offering personalised support and building on the close relationships we have formed with our partners. Stella’s appointment further strengthens our UK customer services team and with the extensive knowledge and experience he’s gained since joining us, Jamaine will be a real asset in the key area of category management. He fully deserves this new and exciting opportunity.” https://synaxon.com Josh Birch Natalie White Jamaine Francis Stella Chebet
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01732 759725 18 typed them into a laptop or tablet, which is just as well, as even though I use a Montblanc pen, deciphering my handwriting is a challenge in itself! Otter I discovered Otter after someone mentioned they were using it and since then, it has become one of my favourite tools. As anyone who regularly conducts interviews knows, transcribing recordings can be incredibly time-consuming. Otter has saved me countless hours, particularly when I'm editing our Director's Cut video interviews for use in the magazine. I can record the discussion, generate a transcript and then begin to review and edit straightaway. Three screens When I'm working from home, one screen simply isn't enough. My office setup includes a large desktop monitor, which is where I do most of my work. Alongside that, I use my laptop screen and a portable plug-in display, giving me three screens in total. This is particularly useful when proofreading pages for the magazine, I can have the original Word document open on one screen, the corrected PDF on another and the amended version on the third. Being able to view everything simultaneously makes the process far more efficient and significantly reduces the risk of me missing changes. Once you've worked with multiple screens, it's very difficult to go back! Holidays Anyone who knows me well will know that I love the sun. In particular, I'm a huge fan of the Canary Islands and rarely need much encouragement to book a trip there. But for me, holidays are about more than sunshine and relaxation. Because I work from home, I find that I need to physically leave the house to truly switch off and recharge. Staying at home doesn't quite achieve the same effect because the office is still there, waiting for me. Getting away allows me to clear my head, take a proper break and return with fresh energy and perspective. Behind every award is a rigorous judging process led by an exceptional panel of industry experts. Their willingness to give their time, share their expertise and make difficult decisions ensures that every accolade is awarded on merit alone. Their dedication helps ensure the integrity of the awards and is what makes the PrintIT Awards a truly independent and trusted awards programme. Excel (with my daughter’s help) Once the judges have submitted their scorecards, I compile all of the results for each judging session, that document serves as the starting point for our discussions on judging day. The first year, I was using a calculator to total all of scores when my daughter pointed out Excel could do that for me. I had never used Excel, so she created a spreadsheet for me in just a few minutes. I have used that spreadsheet every year since; however, I do have to call on her to reformat them every year, I still haven’t got the hang of Excel! My Montblanc pen and notebook I am old school and I do like putting pen to paper. I’m a huge fan of paper-based to-do lists and I still handwrite notes whenever I'm interviewing someone. I retain details much better when I've written them by hand rather than My home office I've worked from home for 22 years, long before hybrid working became a thing. While there are many benefits to running your own business and working from home, switching off can be a challenge. Work is always there, there's always another email to answer, another article to edit or another task to complete. Having a dedicated office space is key to maintaining some degree of balance. At the end of the day, I make a conscious effort to shut the office door and begin my ‘commute’ home, which in my case simply means heading downstairs. That said, like many business owners, I still find myself dipping in and out of work at weekends! The team We do like to keep busy at Kingswood, from publishing monthly magazines, producing our twice-yearly Director’s Cut video series, running channel roadshows, golf and ski events, and of course the annual PrintIT Awards. They say it takes a village, and that's certainly true here. I feel very lucky to work alongside a great team of people who all pull together to make things happen. 3 The PrintIT Awards judges The PrintIT Awards wouldn't be possible without our fantastic team of judges. Michelle Ryder, Editor, PrintIT Reseller picks the tools she uses every day and couldn’t do her job without I couldn’t do my job without… WORKPLACE Michelle Ryder
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01732 759725 20 PrintIT Reseller (PITR): What was your first job in print? Matt Hill (MH): I joined Konica in 1992. I helped to manage the company car fleet, which at 18 years old was great as I got to drive a lot of the demo cars that the manufacturers were hoping that we’d take on board! After six months, I moved into the core print part of the business, that really was at a key evolutionary stage of print, in the midst of analogue to digital and the early adoption of software. PITR: What led you to enter the sector? Did you choose print by design, or accident? MH: I think you’d be surprised if anyone said that they entered it by design, I certainly didn’t! But like most of us in this industry, once you’re in, you’re in! Back in the early 90s, I had aspirations to play professional cricket, that didn’t work out for a couple of reasons and I needed to earn some money. An opportunity came to me via a local agency, ironically, I recognised the Konica brand for cameras, not print, and that’s how I got into the industry. PITR: What excites you most about working in print today? MH: Print is no longer just about putting ink on paper; it’s become central to wider discussions around intelligent automation. To some degree, print and print management has become commoditised and the industry is at an inflection point. Print is being redefined from a cost centre into a more strategic entry point for enterprise automation. Every document that moves through a print or capture workflow contains data that has untapped value. We now have mature AI-driven document understanding that can convert unstructured data to apply decisions and outcomes, and scale that for customers. I think that’s where the industry is heading and what excites me most about that is obviously that’s the core of what we do at Tungsten. PITR: And what are the biggest frustrations or challenges? MH: Many organisations continue to operate legacy print fleets that remain disconnected from their wider technology investments. As a result, the print infrastructure, as a standalone area is not designed to integrate with downstream automation workflows. This limits the ROI. At the same time, we’re seeing a growing gap between the conversations organisations are having about AI and their ability to deliver practical, measurable AI outcomes. The real opportunity lies in closing those gaps with the channel and with customers. The other challenge is that this is a really highly competitive market. It’s more competitive today than it’s ever been, and customers’ expectations are unprecedented in terms of the speed that they’re asking vendors to deliver change. PITR: What (or who) do you think has had the greatest impact in the sector in recent years? MH: There’s been a number of things over the past few years. COVID drove the hybrid workforce and a different way to look at print specifically. We also have print vendors driving proprietary offerings rather than standardising on an ISV offering. Cloud print-as-a-service has really changed the industry, and there’s AI. AI was experimental just a couple of years ago and it’s now adding operational impact. All of that has created a more competitive environment, with different players focused on different areas, and the key is putting the customer first and driving long-term value for them. One of the things we’ve noticed in particular is that customers are actively asking how we, as the ISV can help them as they look to integrate their print requirements into their broader automation needs. PITR: If you could speak directly to someone who inspired or challenged you most in your career, what would you want to say to them today? MH: I’ve been very lucky to have worked with some really strong people and mentors throughout my career – direct line managers, peers, and colleagues, they have kept me learning every day, on my toes, focused and driven over the years. But if I were to pick one, I would go back to my first job. I remember the general manager at Konica saying to me: ‘What are you doing, Matt?’ And I said: ‘Well, what do you mean?’ He told me that I had the skillset, drive and desire to achieve whatever I wanted and he put me on a customised scheme to learn about the print business and the different areas of the organisation. He exposed me to all areas of the business and sponsored me through those early years of my career. One of the things he instilled in me is the importance of a can-do attitude and making sure I understood that relationships are long-term. I still hear his voice in the back of my head reminding me to keep that can-do attitude. Matt Hill, Vice President Sales, Tungsten Automation, shares details of his life in print, what he’s learned, and the highs and the lows of our unique and challenging industry My life in print INTERVIEW Matt Hill
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