South Australian companies are leading the field in taking advantage of business evaluation tools and training opportunities provided by Future Print.
South Australian Future Print Advisor, Mark Ryan, said there was a greater local understanding that the government funded initiatives would eventually come to an end as the project enters its final stages in 2016.
He said that with printers' clients wanting more options and broader services from their print service providers, opportunities to improve their profitability, services and supply chains via the Future Print Business Transformation Program were being more readily recognised and sought.
“Businesses which have signed on for the Future Print program realise that the government subsidies give them what may well be a ‘one-off’ opportunity to get the training and upskilling they need with very little financial investment.
“Of course, training takes time and investment and, with businesses running as lean as they probably ever have to cope in today’s competitive market, it’s not difficult to see why many are of the view that they simply can’t afford the time or expense.
“Those who have already signed up, however, have a slightly different view – in their opinion, they can’t afford NOT to take up the opportunity.
"Sure, it’s difficult to take someone out of the business and send them off for training but once they've gone through the evaluation phase, and can see where and how their businesses can be more competitive and profitable, it all makes sense," Mr Ryan said.
Print DNA from Renmark in South Australia's Riverland, is a good example of how Future Print can benefit a printing company.
The company were early participants in the Future Print Business Transformation program, which owners Ian and Mary-Ann Andrews say has been a key part of their strategy to respond to a changing environment – and they are already reaping the benefits of their involvement.
"Print DNA is a more dynamic business today thanks to Future Print"
“We've really benefited from the mentor-ship of our Advisor in countless phone calls, and have worked to implement the information and suggestions we've received from him, and the knowledge shared at workshops. The Future Print team even helped us employ a new apprentice recently,” Mrs Andrews said.
“There’s no question that Print DNA is a more dynamic business today thanks to Future Print – we are delighted with the results."
Mr Ryan said Print DNA was a great example of a business which understands there is always room for improvement and had embraced the Future Print opportunity to learn and progress.
“Print DNA was already run brilliantly, but Future Print is definitely helping them build their success," he said.
"Ian and Mary-Ann and their team absorb information and advice like sponges and then test, measure and implement to make it work for then - and they’re seeing the benefits in double digit growth in both revenue and profit.
Printing businesses across Australia can still sign-up to the Future Print Business Transformation Program and take advantage of government assistance to help their businesses.
“Yes, it’s going to take some of your time and yes, it might be tough to cover a staff member while they are trained, but you only have to look at the results to see that it could be the best investment you’ve ever made," Mr Ryan said.
The Future Print Business Transformation Program
www.futureprint.org.au
