60 seconds with Adverset

Adverset began life in 1989 as a design and advertising studio and was one of the first firms in the UK to embrace Apple. “Our first Mac was the original Mac Plus. At the time monitors only had black and white capability,” says managing director John Easby.

“We gradually expanded into colour and repro and film output became part of our services, as a Linotronic Bureau.” In 1997, the firm installed a two-colour B3 press to create a ‘one-stop’ facility. In 2004, Adverset moved to larger premises and subsequently into large-format and short-run digital, making the move into B2 litho in 2016.

Where are you based?

On the edge of Scarborough

How many staff do you have?

26, including seven designers

What does your firm do?

We are an all-encompassing service provider covering design, digital print, litho print, wide-format and web-based solutions. Everything from a company brand to total fulfilment from a business promotional perspective. Our wallpaper business has a separate brand ‘Pictowall’

What’s your typical customer?

Pretty much any company that needs design, print, signage and/or digital media services in a promotional capacity

Which areas do you serve?

Nationwide

Which markets do you serve?

SMEs, charities, entertainment, local authorities, travel and tourism

What’s your USP?

Being able to offer a full solution for all promotional requirements, due to having all the services in house and retaining full control. We concentrate on the bespoke angle rather than joining in with the millions who offer print online for pennies. While we have a competitive mindset, we place a high value on consultancy and growing partnerships

What’s your company’s motto?

‘Bringing print to life’

What equipment do you run?

Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75, Muller Martini finishing. Mimaki and HP Latex wide-format printers, and a range of cutters. Versafire EV digital press, Duplo 5000 bookletmaker, plus a range of creasing and folding machines. Matrix laminator with decorative foiling/lamination capabilities.

What’s been your proudest achievement in recent years?

Providing continual employment for a large group of loyal and dedicated staff in a difficult marketplace

Where do you see your business in five years’ time?

Hopefully still ahead of the game. We are currently developing online customer order portals in order to streamline the order process, while saving customers’ marketing resource and forming/maintaining close relationships.

What’s your team’s favourite biscuit?

Ginger (Just like our MD!)