Spiral binding and envelope options

Q I am searching for a spiral binding company that will produce books in decent runs? It must not be Wire-O or comb-bound and I need a couple of quotes for means of comparison. I need 1,000 or 2,000 copies of each kind, in varying pagination, from trimmed, gathered book blocks (single leaves).

A Spiral binding is not as widely available as I first thought. For those of you not already aware, this type of binding allows documents to be opened flat. A punch creates holes along the edge of the document, then a coil inserter spins the coils through the holes. The last stage involves coil-crimping pliers or a crimping machine to cut off the excess. A durable binding style is the logical choice for documents that need to be mailed. I have located some suppliers that can take on your job. Hatfield-based Renz (01707 270001) can outsource the job to one of its partner trade finishers for £1 per A4 25pp copy and up to £2.20 for each 340pp copy. The company says significant price drops occur when more than 10,000 copies are ordered, so your run lengths aren't quite sufficient at this time. Another option is Mitcham-based Fastnet (020 8687 2672), which can offer 1,000 25pp for £350 and 1,000 340pp for £4,000.

Q I am looking to get a batch of envelopes printed with our full-colour company logo. We would need around 1,000 printed in which to send out our company newsletters. The envelopes will need to be A4, self-sealed, 100gsm and four-colour printed. It would be good to get a rough estimate of how much this kind of printing costs and which companies can provide it for us.
Alison Fitch, New Malden

A The sizes and options available in envelope printing are quite overwhelming. One thing for you to bear in mind is that setting up the printing for the job accounts for the bulk of the cost, therefore in every case it is worth thinking about how many envelopes you will need in advance. Aberdeen-based Denmore Press (01224 828585) said your job specification, assuming by A4 you mean C4, will cost £195. However, the company suggests you contact them directly to arrange a bespoke service because prices can vary depending on which image options you go for. SCR Envelopes, based in Leeds, can match your specification for £165, including set-up. Elsewhere, Essex-based Bespoke Envelopes Direct (020 8592 4391) said it can do the job for £301.