Handy Labels plans move into packaging

UK label printer Handy Labels sees packaging as its next move after successfully serving the label market for a decade.

Handy Labels has printed in excess of 88.5 million labels over the last decade

Print expert Martyn Kilford started the company in 2007, mainly offering signage. However, seeing a growing market for labels, the business changed its focus and moved to larger premises in Portishead, near Bristol, to accommodate the work.

This has been facilitated by two Roland DG Soljet Pro 4 XR-640 large format printer-cutters. With minimum print runs of 25 labels and a free design tool available on the company’s website – with an in-house graphic design team available too – Handy Labels attracts small, artisan businesses alongside some blue chip brands. Candle companies and gin makers are typical customers – and each one is looking for that unique style and finish to make them stand out.

Figures claimed by Handy Labels show it has printed in excess of 88.5 million labels over the last decade, with 99.8 per cent of orders dispatched within 48 hours and 42,000 retuning customers.

‘The Rolands really came into their own on labels,’ commented Michelle Jones, business manager at Handy Labels. ‘The Roland Soljets handle lots of different material changes in one day and can even be left working overnight

‘They have, essentially, been running night and day for over a decade and are still going really well. Roland printers just keep printing.’

Last year, Handy Labels introduced a new website intended to help artisan businesses improve their packaging and accessibility.

Jones said: ‘We’re in premises where we can expand – packaging is the next move for us – but don't want to get too big. All of our work is hand finished and we make sure we're happy with all orders we send out. We're really proud of what we produce.’