PrintRepublic has caused a storm over the source of its film and approach to the market.


Its Agfa, Fuji and Kodak Polychrome Graphics film is sourced in Europe to cut costs rather than via the firms' UK offices.


"We're buying from the continent, directly from the factories," said PrintRepublic marketing director Mark Smith. "We want to bring UK prices in line with the rest of Europe."


The firm believes that film is a commodity market that doesn't need a huge support overhead, although it does claim to have its own support staff and a returns policy.


"Customers are streetwise, they've been using the same film and imagesetters for years," said director of sales David Knowles. "All they want is what they want when they want it."


But the firm's no frills approach has led to questions over its ability to provide technical support to its customers.


"If that's the case why would someone like me, who's not known for his generosity, employ 12 support specialists," said Agfa UK director graphic systems Laurence Roberts. "If PrintRepublic thinks that the distribution network of established supplies is valueless it's mistaken. I don't think they can take over from suppliers like Litho Supplies and Openshaw."


Story by Barney Cox