Bousfield is investing a seven-figure sum in a new mail order print supplies operation, Print Supplies Direct.


The service, which the firm believes is unique in the UK print industry, will be launched at the end of this month.


"Its a proven business-to-business tool, as used by firms like Viking Direct and RS Components, that is successful in mature markets," said Bousfield head of marketing Richard Edwards.


"Many printers are using mail order for supplies in other parts of their business and regularly find it difficult to source infrequently bought items."


Target markets include smaller printers, copy shops and designers.


The 140pp catalogue, which is currently being printed, will contain a mix of 50% print supplies, including consumables, chemistry and hardware, and 50% general business items. It will be sent to 35,000 sites, including design and ad agencies.


Bousfield has appointed Steve Bugh, who has a mail order background, as catalogue manager. Once the order processing and fulfilment sides of the new operation are up and running it will launch a website allowing online ordering.


"We want to promote it as a separate division of the company selling a different range of products to different people," said Edwards.


"Its a much more effective way to talk to a large number of customers than direct sales. This will open up new markets for us."


Bousfield expects Print Supplies Direct to turn over around 1m and to break even in the first year.


l Bousfield has appointed Richard Wilson as safety and quality assurance manager. He has 15 years experience in health and safety, including a period at Burmah Castrol.


Story by Barney Cox