Sense Creative targets 3m turnover with HP Indigo investment and e-commerce launch

Sense Creative is targeting the 3m turnover mark following the launch of its new e-commerce system and an investment in a HP Indigo 3500 digital colour press.

The Darlington-based business, which currently offers offset and wide-format printing services, will take delivery of the Indigo machine in December.

The digital investment ties in with the launch of its web-based system 'ThatPrintThing', which is designed to enable small- to medium- printers to sell a range of print online.

These services span photobooks, banners, posters, greetings cards and vehicle panel graphics in addition to standard items such as business cards, stationery and leaflets.

From January, Sense Creative will expand the site to enable customers to create a raft of products using a variety of templates and designs.

The company also offers clients the ability to create a bespoke website front-end or choose from a selection of established designs.

Tim Thompson, managing director at Sense Creative said the new service coupled with its HP Indigo investment will help the company to hit the £3m mark and increase headcount in the next 24 months.

"We are working hard to develop more websites, recruit lots more users onto 'ThatPrintThing' and increase our profitability and turnover," he said.

According to Thompson, the decision to opt for HP was based on the need for a suitable machine that could handle its workload.

He added: "We got our fingers burnt using rival digital presses a few years back and we focus on quality. Because we now use offset presses the customers are accustomed to the very high quality afforded with offset, we had to mirror that offering with our digital department."

The 3500 model complements a wide format Mimaki CJV160 print and cut machine as well as two Ryobi B3 litho machines. It also operates Perfecta guillotines, Horizon bookletmakers in addition to Morgana and Duplo digital finishing kit.