Talking Tweets
By Miranda | March 2, 2010
Having been an avid user of Twitter for the past few months it suddenly struck me that Tweets are the ideal way of communicating our one-off special offers. And who is most likely to be interested in bagging a bargain than our very own customers! (I know I was slow on the uptake here but I mananged to get there in the end.)
From 1st March we will be selecting a product each week for a one day only special promotion – and although it will be featured on our website it will be largely advertised via Twitter. Make sure that you don’t miss a great deal and receive all of our special offer information by following us on Twitter – twitter.com/ALocalPrinter.
Topics: Marketing, Our News, Special Offers
Loving Your Leaflet
By Miranda | February 14, 2010
There is no getting away from it – colour sells.
As soon as the idea of a promotional leaflet pops in to your head, the first thing you should do is see it in colour. The power of print allows you to deliver your personal message in glorious technicolour – be it funky, quirky, traditional or straight-talking. The fantastic thing about leaflets is the carte blanche they give you to mix and match or stray entirely from your corporate image. And no-one cares whether your leaflet matches your letterheads because what is important is the stand alone message and ensuring it is received, understood and memorised.
So, single or double sided, flat or folded? This really depends upon how much you want to say, but consider sometimes that less is more. A 4 page leaflet jammed full of text can run the risk of putting people off – no matter how colourful it is! If you opt for a multi-page leaflet try to ensure consistency throughout in terms of colour, borders and images.
Talking of images, do try to keep them relevant. The last thing you want is the reader spending more time wondering why you have used the picture of a sheep to advertise your beauty salon than taking in the message. And the final word on images – always use high resolution pictures. It is such a shame when a fantastically worded and well thought out leaflet is spoilt by the glaringly low resolution image being used to promote your goods and services. So don’t do it!
Topics: Business, Design Tips, Leaflet Printing, Marketing
My 2009 Top 5 Eco-Heroes
By Miranda | January 3, 2010
Just for a bit of fun and a very personal perspective…..
1) The Paper Manufacturers
2009 saw many manufacturers acknowledging the importance of FSC and converting existing papers and boards to FSC certified – which means that we can continue to expand our range of products and meet our environmental principles.
2) Prima Paper
Kent based Prima Paper enables us to meet our target of recycling 100% of all our printing make-ready and paper trim – taking all of our waste paper, cardboard and plastic wrap for recycling.
3) EaK Design
Deciding to single out one customer for a special mention, EaK Design is it. Ellie and Kate of EaK Design are testimony to the fact that small can make a big difference. I am constantly amazed at the efforts these two ladies employ to ensure the many varied projects they embark upon are as green as possible – and proud to say that we work closely with them on their print related ventures.
EaK and ALP collaboration
4) Our Customers
I know that our fantastic prices lead many customers to our website, but once they reach us it is gratifying how many of them appreciate that they can green their statements by using our Recycled or FSC products. With repeat business on the increase, a big ‘high five’ to them all!
5) Twitter
The most fantastic way of keeping up with all the environmental news. views and events – plus it is a fun way to loose a few minutes each day! Follow us on Twitter 
Topics: Blog Roll, Design Tips, Eco Friendly Paper, Environment, Environmental Printing
Play your cards right this Christmas
By Miranda | November 14, 2009
Christmas generates more waste than at any other time of the year but thankfully a large proportion of it can be recycled, some in specially run projects.
The Woodland Trust has already announced its 2009 Christmas Cards recyling scheme commencing in January 2010 at a number of High Street stores. During January this year, 59 million Christmas cards were recycled which in turn enabled the Trust to plant 14,000 trees and replenish our native woodlands.
If you are still hoarding old cards from last year (funny how they get put away with the decorations!) why not re-use them as gift tags on this years presents?
We love getting cards at Christmas. It is the excuse that links us to family and friends that we don’t keep in touch with on a regular basis. With time in short supply, especially at Christmas, why not ensure that this year your cards are truly personal by designing your own and having them printed. We print our ethical Christmas cards on recycled and/or FSC boards using vegeable oil based inks or eco-toners. Starting from 25 cards all the way up to 1000 there is no better time to plan your own unique card!
Printed on 100% recycled board by A Local Printer
Topics: Eco Friendly Paper, Environment, Environmental Printing
Dreaming of a Green Christmas?
By Miranda | November 1, 2009
When it comes to Christmas why do our eco ethics fall down? Starting with the traditional Christmas tree here are a few pointers to keep it green.
There is no argument that a real tree is more eco-friendly than an artificial one. A real tree may only be on display for a few weeks but artificial trees are kept for an average of six years before being sent to Christmas tree heaven, landfill, where they last forever and ever……
Be eco-savy when sourcing the perfect tree from which to hang your baubles. To ensure your tree has come from a sustainable source check that it carries the FSC logo - or go and dig it up yourself! The British Christmas Tree Growers Association has a comprehensive list of sites throughout the UK where you can choose a tree and take it home, freshly picked! If it is possible to re-plant your tree after the last strand of tinsel has been put away then buy a tree with roots and cherish it for years to come, but if replanting is not an option most local councils now offer tree recycling schemes which convert them in to mulch.
Finally, once the tree is decorated it is time to pile all the presents underneath. Keep the green theme by using eco-friendly wrapping paper printed on recycled and/or FSC certified paper.
Topics: Eco Friendly Paper, Environment, Environmental Printing
Charities and VAT
By Miranda | October 6, 2009
We are often asked if VAT is due on products being printed on behalf of a charity. The simple answer is that we always have to charge VAT on postcards, stationery, posters, folders and business cards. However, the HM Revenues & Customs website provides clear and uncomplicated information specifically for charities and not-for-profit organisations that explains exactly how the VAT can be claimed back.
Follow the link to HMRC/Charities to find all the information you need.
Labelled for Success
By Miranda | August 24, 2009
A few years ago we were approached by a start-up company called Turnham Green who had plans for launching a range of eco friendly food hampers choc full of organic goodies. Our remit was to print and supply product labels, swing tags and marketing materials that were both green and cost effective. Today Turnham Green have products on sale in John Lewis and Bentalls Food Halls – a great mark of recognition of the quality of their products.
Taking the Plunge
Launching a new business can be exciting and challenging in equal measures. At A Local Printer we work closely with many start up companies, printing their new business stationery and marketing materials. We also provide a full design service for all of the products that we sell because we know that not everyone is a designer! Based entirely in the UK and printing all of our products under our own roof, we are only a ‘phone call away from design guidance, material identification and general product advice.
Topics: Design Tips, Environment, Environmental Printing, Marketing
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