LG Davis

Birmingham printing specialist expands its reach as it acquires local firm to add to its portfolio

LG Davis — 09/08/2021

LG Davis (stationers) Ltd, based in Warstock Road, Kings Heath, is looking to further expand into the commercial print and office world with the acquisition of local printers Positive Print, in Kings Norton.

LG Davis, which has been based in Birmingham for nearly 6 decades, supports businesses across the UK with everything from print, design, and branded merchandise to personalised workwear, stationery, and office furniture.

A one-stop shop for all office branding and stationery needs, they are well known for their long-standing connections with NHS Trusts and public sector organisations due to their bespoke stock and distribution service allowing multi-site companies to benefit from the savings of large print runs while storing excess stock to be shipped as and when required.

Working with a number of international and UK wide brands LG Davis is now looking to grow their commercial work here in the Midlands and the merger with Positive Print, which has been run by husband and wife duo David and Alison Heath for the past eight years, allows LG Davis to expand their reach in the industry.

It also follows a number of other acquisitions over the last few years – including Birmingham-based Sabell and Co last year which enabled LG Davis Solutions to become one of only a handful of printers in the country able to offer custom-designed manilla folders and filing solutions.

Talking about the latest acquisition Liz Smith, Managing Director at LG Davis and the daughter of Ron O’Donnell who founded the company in 1962, said it was part of a commitment to continue to drive LG Davis to the forefront of Midlands printing.

She said: “LG Davis is committed to delivering first-class printing and office solutions across the Midlands and beyond. Our recent growth and series of acquisitions have allowed the company to invest in extra machinery to increase capacity and enhance our in-house services.

“We are delighted that we have been able to work with Positive Print to merge our two businesses. I have known Dave and Alison personally for many years and our companies have always shared the same ethos – to put our customer first – so the acquisition is a great opportunity to enhance the offer here in the Midlands.”

The latest acquisition for LG Davis is the seventh merger in the last 6 years bringing in extra capacity and resources for the print and office specialists.

“Our aim is to be the Midlands printer of choice, offering everything you could need to market and run your business,” added Liz.

“We pride ourselves on going the extra mile and sourcing solutions to even the most complicated of issues.”

Positive Print was based in Kings Norton and had been run by husband and wife duo David and Alison Heath for the last 8 years. The printing firm, which specialised in supporting commercial Midlands-based businesses has brought not only its expertise with its staff transferring over but also additional wide format equipment increasing the inhouse capacity at LG Davis.

Former owner Alison Heath, who will continue to work alongside LG Davis to support the transition going forward, said: “We are absolutely delighted to now be part of LG Davis. It is a business we have known and admired for many years. We are excited about this new era and confident the move will be beneficial to not only existing Positive Print customers but also enhancing LG Davis too.”

Started in 1962 as a small print shop in Balsall Heath, LG Davis has continued to grow and is now based in a 25,000 sq ft site in Kings Heath supporting multi-million-pound international firms and large NHS Trusts with all their printing, stationery, and merchandise needs. Passionate about innovating and supporting future growth in the industry they still maintain the ethos of high customer service and pride themselves on being able to source and solve any issue.

LG Davis Announces 25% Discount for Made in The Midlands Members!

LG Davis — 27/01/2023

Real People With Real Passion

Offering you a genuine ‘One-Stop Shop’ of vital business services to help you spend more time focusing on what you do best - running your business!

Print

We’ve got you covered for all of your printing needs, produced in-house so we can control quality and cost...

Design & Creative

We can work with your existing designers or help you produce cutting edge designs to help you stand out from the crowd...

Office Supplies

We deliver thousands of quality, affordable office products every day to businesses and home offices across the UK...

Workwear

We can provide you with an extensive range of branded workwear and corporate clothing to meet your requirements...

Print Audit and why you need one!

What is a print audit?

A good Print Partner will save you money by producing realistic quantities of print that won’t become obsolete or wasted. They’ll question materials, colour processes and whether you need to print on lithographic machines or digital options. So, a print audit is simply a process to determine the printed items you purchase, the quantity you order, your annual usage, the paper flow of how it’s used, by who and why? This enable us to highlight where efficiencies in time, money and environmental impact can be Improved.

25% discount for Made in The Midlands Members

Contact Us:

Call: 07398 113 314,

E-mail: caroline.findlay@lgdsolutions.com.,

Address: 46 Warstock Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 4TS.

Website: www.lgdsolutions.com

Why bad choices with branded merchandise can alienate your customers rather than inspire them?

LG Davis — 18/07/2023

Choosing the right branded merchandise is about more than just a product. Your choices reflect your brand and values. They are a way of highlighting who you are as a firm and help to build trust and brand loyalty.

75% of people buy after receiving branded merchandise.

Clearly a powerful tool, it is important that your choices are considered and truly reflect your brand. They should have the same measured approach as any communication, product choices or business decisions you make.

To help make it easier for you, we look at the top five things businesses need to consider when choosing branded merchandise, ensuring you are remembered for all the right reasons and you don’t leave customers less than impressed.

1. Does the quality reflect the target market?

2. Do the colours match or confuse your brand?

3. Does it meet your environmental objectives?

4. Is it useful to your target market?

5. Does it promote longevity of your brand?

When it comes to branded merchandise there can be lots to think about and it can be more complicated than you might think to maximise results. One thing for sure though is that your choice in branded merchandise should reflect the same brand values and ethos as your company so as not to confuse your brand.

Looking for ideas? LG Davis would love to help. Our team are keen problem solvers and with a wealth of experience can offer you advice on how to get the most out of your branded merchandise.

Are you spending too much on your Stationery supplies?

LG Davis — 05/06/2018

When it comes to kitting out your office, you need to ensure your staff is equipped with all the right tools and essentially provide everything they need to effectively complete their work.

Spending is a must, but is your budget for your pens and pencils causing you to question your supplier?

Much like a print audit, a companies stationery expenditure can also be reviewed and challenged with a much more desirable, competitive counter offer.

Office supplier prices can vary quite considerably so its really important that you take a moment and ask yourself whether there are cost savings to be made.

A good stationery audit is almost a guaranteed cost saving. They usually start by reviewing aspects such as your current budget, what items you purchase and from where, and look at your overall usage.

Essentially, your purchasing pattern will be audited and a more profitable proposal will be outlined for your company that you just wont be able to turn down!

The key is to streamline all your purchasing and consolidate it to one single supplier. This way, youll eliminate any hidden costs or fees that will dramatically reduce your initial spending even before any other factors are reviewed.

And not to mention, the on-going support that a stationery audit company can offer going forward. Theyll give you all the insights to your spending and analyse how to best control your budget. This will alleviate any stress going forward, and ensure that you wont fall back into overspending on your stationery again!

Most of all, once you know exactly what you use, your supplier will keep a stock of it for you and replenish your supplies as and when you need them. (And the delivery is always next day and completely free of charge!) This will mean you can say goodbye to managing your stock levels and wasting time liaising with suppliers.

Thatll all be taken care of for you giving you time to put back into your business where your skills are best at use. It really is a shock that many businesses have yet to consider the possibilities that conducting a thorough audit on their stationery could mean for them.

And we cant find a reason why you shouldnt review your office stationery today. There will always be cost savings to be made with an audit, and if youve never had one or not recently then you should book one and start saving on costs immediately!

You wont have to go out of your way to make it happen, and theyre usually absolutely free.

Dont wait one more day review your current spend, uncover cost savings, streamline purchasing and consolidate your processes.

You wont ever look back!

For more information on Stationery Audis and how they can save you money, please give us a call on 0121 430 9000.

How Much Of Your Stationery Is Walking Right Out The Door?

LG Davis — 23/03/2018

And we dont mean its grown a set of legs and walked itself out of the building!

So, if we arent talking about personifying pencils, how could your stationery be making its way out of your office and dwindling in your store room?

Pilferage of course!

While this issue is much more believable than a running rubber, its still hard to believe that it could be taking place under your roof, with your employees.

But, how serious is this problem?

A study by Kit Out My Office found that a whopping two thirds of the office workers that they surveyed said that they had stolen office supplies from work.

Thing is, we know that monitoring office stationery pilferage is a hard task.

If you know this is going on in your office, and even if you find the culprit, its near impossible to establish that its intentional theft. After all, how do you know and differentiate between whos taking it by mistake or because they need it to work from home and whos being malicious?

Innocent until proven guilty?

Often, it is an innocent misunderstanding, whereby staff arent aware that what they are doing is actually wrong and are none the wiser that they are actually committing theft!

Weve seen people posting on public forums questions like Is it ok to take stationery from the office home for personal use?

And the thing is, if people are going as far as seeking their answer online, then maybe its time that the severity of filling your pockets at 5pm, is highlighted, for everyones sakes!

But how do you monitor it?

We know that office supplies get damaged, become obsolete and go missing, so you have to be fairly forgiving with your figures.

Also, things can be taken unintentionally! Something as simple as using a notepad all day and finding it in your back pocket when you get home is a common mistake.

Its not quite black and white! Even though this is an innocent act, if you have a substantial stationery budget it all adds up to lost profit.

A loss that should and can be avoided!

So, to try and rein in the problem of disappearing stationery, weve come up with a few simple steps that you can implement in your office today!

1. Put someone in charge

What we suggest is that when your delivery comes in, sit down and distribute it appropriately between teams in your office. Simply having each line manager in charge will significantly reduce any potential losses of stationery supplies.

Not only will it be better managed and monitored, but less people will have access to the supplies. If supplies start to deplete its easier to pin point who is responsible, as there are less potential suspects!

2. Create a policy

If theres a policy in place then people wont make the mistake, not by accident anyway!

Have them sign this within their contracts, so you know every single employee has seen it.

Make it very clear, and concise but you dont want them to feel like theyre being accused of being thieves! Softly introducing a dont take this home policy, will simply raise awareness on the issue and provide clarity and education for any employees that are blissfully unaware that there is a problem.

3. Put in protocol

According to the study mentioned previously, an alarming 51% of those who admitted to stealing got away without any form of punishment!

How are we supposed to create conformity if theyve got nothing to lose and everything to gain from their actions?

If your employees are found out and get nothing but a slap on the wrist, it is really no wonder why numbers are at an all-time high! Set a precedent, and if you catch someone, they must be made accountable for their actions.

If you think that you might have a problem with pilferage, then there are other measures that we can help you with to keep a track of your supplies and usage on a weekly or monthly basis.

Things such as online ordering, departmental deliveries, order forms and usage reports are all available to track your stationery spend. So, if youd like any more information on how to keep your supplies safe, dont hesitate in contacting us directly on 0121 430 9000!

How Your Company Brochure Can Close You More Sales

LG Davis — 01/10/2018

Firstly, if you don’t have a company brochure – you need one!

Yes, you’ve got a website but more and more of your prospects like doing business face to face and if your company literature is average – your success rate will also be average.

A brochure can be the make or break of a first impression and we all know the importance of making a memorable first impression. For some, it’s the only way that customers can get a feel of who you are and what you offer, which is why it’s super important to make sure that you can give them an unforgettable experience.

So, what does your company brochure currently say about you?

There’s lots of ways that your brochure can make an outstanding first impression:

What’s the quality of the material?
Is it landscape or portrait?
What colour palette are you using?
Is it on brand?
How many pages is it?
Does it tell a story?
Is the copy compelling?
What font are you using?

Lots to think about! Yes, but it’s important stuff, people need to get to know you and recognise your brand. You see, people might not buy your product immediately because they’re not ready to buy. But when they are, they need to remember you!

Consistency is the key here to ensure your brochure is a true extension of all your other marketing collateral. So, the tone of voice needs to flow and portray the real you. Trust is a big factor in the buying process so always be real and true to who you are.

So, with that in mind here’s a few pointers as to what should be included and will help your brochure open loads of new doors:

Your Market – who are the people that you’re trying to attract?

Make sure that you know who your ideal customer is and base the look and feel around who they are. For instance, if you’re wanting to attract top professional businesses with loads of employees, the quality of your material and cover should reflect this. Maybe use some funky finishes to make it look different.

Your Message - What’s the key thing that you want your customers to know?

Hit your reader with lots of benefits and tell a good story. Your copy needs to be compelling, so they read the brochure. Use lots of your experiences and tell stories about how you solve the problems that your customers have.

Your Ethos - What values do you have and why are they important?

Let the reader know exactly why they should do business with you. Prospects like to know how you operate and get to know you and your employees. Business is about trust and this gains trust.

Tagline - Make it short and straight to the point!

If you have a tag line you need to use it as it will help your prospects remember you.

Your Story – It’s personal and everyone is nosy!

People buy from people and the more they know about you and your background they feel like they know you – that’s the trust thing again!

Colours – make them recognisable and stand out

You’ll have a logo colour so that’s the obvious place to start – however work with a designer to make your brochure aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eye.

Fonts – Make them easy to read – that’s it!

Testimonials – social proof that you are good at what you do!

What other people say about you is ten times stronger that what you say about yourself, So, use lots of testimonials and case studies.

A BIG FAT SIGNPOST - To the next step!

Don’t be scared to add Call to Actions to your copy and have a BIG one at the end so your prospect knows what to do next.

Other important things to remember:

Don’t forget to sell

Your prospects want to know exactly what your service or product will do for them. So, don’t be afraid to be overt and brag about how good you are, dish out all the juicy information about a product and rave about how stellar your service really is.

Make yourself unique

You want your customers to know why you are unique, why working with you can be a source of stress relief for them and why your processes work more effectively and efficiently than your competitors.

What is your unique selling point? Why do customers say they chose you and what were their most favorite bits about doing business with you? Find the answer and roll with it, let everyone know why you rock.

To conclude…

You need to SELL your company, hone in on the key things you want your customers to know and why choosing YOU is the best possible option for them. You want to use passionate and emotive language and stand out from the crowd.

When it comes to the look, make sure you are representing your brand, let people recognise you from your images, font and logo.

Most of all-- have fun with it!

If you’d like to talk to a marketing expert or designer about your brochure – or just get a price to print it – please call us on 0121 430 9000.

Shaking up the gender divide in the print industry as business woman calls for more to be done

LG Davis — 07/03/2022

Only a third of workers in the print industry are female according to latest statistics from the industry body – a figure Birmingham business owner Liz Smith wants to see change as she appoints a new female apprentice.

To mark International Women’s Day, the managing director at print, stationery and branded merchandise supplier LG Davis, based in Birmingham, wants to raise awareness of the opportunities for women in the industry as well as encourage more female apprentices.

“As a woman in print I have found myself in the past at business conferences where I am the only woman in the room,” says Liz, who has been working in the industry for nearly 40 years.

According to statistics by the British Printing Industry Federation the UK print industry is made up of 69% men and 31% women with women less likely to have production roles and a huge pay gap between genders.

“A lot has been done more recently to change the gender gap and steps have been made in the right direction but in 2022 women are still very much under represented in senior management and executive roles. If print is to continue to grow and evolve we need to raise awareness of the industry and continue to create more diversity in the workforce.”

The entrepreneur, who has been asked to give her views on how the Government can support small businesses to the Prime Minister at Downing Street briefings in the past few years, wants to change the perception of the traditional industry as she welcomes her first female apprentice.

“A lot has been done in recent years to offer more flexibility in working hours to make roles more accessible and we are starting to see a difference. However, numbers of women in the printing industry are and continue to be low.

“If we are to change that we need to create greater awareness of the opportunities, more flexibility in working patterns and increased innovation in the industry.”

According to Dawn Reid, Regional Director for the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) in the Midlands, “A big problem is perception due to our sector being a male-dominated one, much like most manufacturing. A lot has been done since I started in the industry to offer more flexibility in working hours, more diverse and accessible roles, and we are starting to see a difference. However, we need to continue to ensure we raise the awareness and visibility of women in our industry to break the bias. We need to create greater awareness of the opportunities and innovation in the industry to encourage more young people generally and more women in particular to join.”

LG Davis is very passionate about helping encourage more young people into the industry as a way of generating new opportunities and have also built more flexibility and part-time working into their roles to encourage more variety in applications.

In the last few months the firm, which is celebrating its 60^th year, has taken on four new apprentices including Maizie a 19 year old girl from Kings Heath. It is something that Liz would like to see more of as she says a lot of the time they struggle to get any women to even apply for new roles.

“The print sector is a very traditional industry and like many manufacturing industries more needs to be done to specifically target and raise awareness of the benefits to women.

“Having flexible working hours, more part-time roles and greater awareness of how the industry works will all help.

“What we need is a big shakeup in the industry to bring in new innovative young people and a more diverse managerial team.”

Women have their strongest representation in non-production print roles, 37%, compared to 28% of production staff being female. There is also a huge pay gap between genders with men earning a median £13.29 per hour to women’s £11.82, representing a pay gap of 11% compared to the national gap of 8.6%.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) is Beat the Bias. The event held on the 8^th March each year celebrates women’s achievements and challenges to focus on gender equality and women’s rights. This year’s Beat the Bias theme calls on individuals to help challenge stereotypes.

International Men’s Day is an annual celebration on November 19^th to recognise and celebrate the achievements of men.

Find out more about Liz's experience as a woman in print in LG Davis' latest Q&A style blog at https://www.lgdsolutions.com/single-post/celebrating-international-women-s-day

Celebrating 60 years of print as LG Davis sets to expand

LG Davis — 31/01/2022

Momentous year for Birmingham print company as they mark 60 years in business with ambitious plans for growth.

LG Davis, based in Kings Heath, which specialises in print, branded merchandise and office supplies, works with a variety of leading national companies, local SMEs and NHS Trusts. A family run second generation firm, they have now outlined plans to increase revenue to £5 million in the next three years.

With plans to increase support for local businesses the company has already taken on new staff including 4 apprentices and is on track to meet growth predictions this year.

Managing Director, Liz Smith, who was only a baby when her father Ron O’Donnell started the company in 1962, said she was proud of how far the business had already come and was excited by the plans for the next few years as they celebate 60 years of business in the City.

“LG Davis started out as a small stationery shop in Balsall Heath,” said Liz.
“My dad dreamt of creating a business which offered a better way to procure office supplies and printing - a company that put the customer first and worked around them.

“60 years on and that vision still runs true in everything we do. Our business may have substantially grown but we still offer that same level of customer service you expect from a small family firm.

“The last few years have been tricky with the pandemic but we have seen ourselves come out stronger and are now very much looking forward to the future growth of the company.”

In the last few years alone LG Davis has acquired five new businesses and grown to become a multi-million pound enterprise supporting a mixture of local and national leading firms including National Express, Hayley Group PLC, NHS Trusts and UK Athletics.

Their continual expansion has helped to save specialist skills in Birmingham and they are one of only a handful of firms now offering encapsulation – to give documents a protective and wipeable cover which has been invaluable in the pandemic – as well as bespoke manila folders.

“One of the main reasons the business continues to thrive after 6 decades is our constant innovation and ability to adapt and change with the market,” said Liz, “and we are keen to forge closer links with local companies as the business expands.”

“For us Birmingham has always been our home and we are proud to support our local community. It is why we are always keen to support the next generation of workers as well as grow the workforce here in the city.”

LG Davis was started by Ron O’Donnell in October 1962. Opening in a small shop in Balsall Heath the company originally started out selling office products.

Since then the firm has continued to grow and now covers a variety of services including printing, branded merchandise, office supplies and furniture.

Now employing 46 staff LG Davis moved to their 25,000 sq ft base in Kings Heath in 2001.

Working closely with Aston University they are passionate about supporting servitization in the industry and have created a number of new services to help customers - including their own innovative stock and deliver service which allows customers to buy in bulk and store items for delivery as and when needed.

For further information please visit https://www.lgdsolutions.com/

Why is high quality workwear important?

LG Davis — 17/03/2020

Whatever sector your business your operate in, providing your employees with the right workwear is vital, but what businesses can often overlook is the difference between workwear and quality workwear.

We understand that when sourcing workwear, many businesses simply look for garments that will meet the criteria with the best cost, especially when they have a large number of employees to cater to.

But when it comes to the safety of your employees and your brand and image, there should be no compromise.

Quality workwear is essential and investing in your workwear can actually prove more cost effective and beneficial than you may initially think.

Health and Safety

As an employer, you have a duty of care to your employees and this includes providing them with the right workwear, which is also compliant with Health and Safety legislation.

Quality workwear will help ensure you are not only compliant with legislation, but it will also help to minimise the risk of accidents and injury.

Standard and low cost workwear is more susceptible to wear and tear, making your employees vulnerable to accident and injury. This should be a key consideration when your team are regularly operating machinery where their garments could get caught or snagged.

Brand Awareness

For any business, your biggest asset is your employees.

They are the people who are creating your products, providing your services and communicating with your clients - they represent you and your brand.

So it is important to think about what your client will see when they see your employees.

When your employees have been provided with quality workwear, this will be noted by your clients; they will be able to see that you care about your staff and pay attention to even the smallest details.

Branded workwear that perfectly reflects your corporate identity is a great way to maintain your branding across your entire site.

Quality branded workwear can help you achieve this. It is a great tool to help increase your brand awareness and will also help to reflect you, your brand and your values.

Quantity and Quality creates happy Employees

It is also vital that your employees have been provided with the correct quantity of garments.

Often when ordering workwear for employees, businesses may not take into consideration that their employees will need more than one set of their uniform.

Comfort should also be a consideration when selecting workwear for your team as again they are in this clothing for hours everyday.

Low quality workwear could cause your employees to become demotivated, as they feel uncomfortable which in turn could cause them to feel unhappy at work, or they may even feel they are not valued by their employer as they have not been invested in.

Investing in quality is more cost effective

Despite what many people assume, investing in quality workwear can actually prove to be more cost effective.

This is because when you select quality, these garments have been designed with quality materials and processes, meaning they are much more long lasting compared to your typical low cost workwear.

Therefore, investing in quality actually prevents extra costs and saves you money in the long term.

How to get the most out of your printing budget?

LG Davis — 07/07/2022

Whether you are looking for a few leaflets or thousands of brochures, making the most of your budget will give you the best impact for your campaign. But how do you make sure you are getting the biggest bang for your buck?

With 60 years of experience in the industry we know a thing or two about how to get the best results when it comes to printing. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of any printing project.

Be adaptable

The simplest way to make your budget go further is to make sure that your product has a long shelf life. Look at your design and check there aren’t any prices or time sensitive information which will limit how long the piece stays relevant for. If you’re likely to change things often, something like a presentation folder where you can easily alter the inside content could be helpful. It will also make you look professional and always on brand.

Plan ahead

A significant proportion of the cost of any print job is in the set up. This means the higher the quantity, the better the value. Think about how and where you will use your product. If you are likely to need to reorder the items again then consider a larger bulk buy which will cover multiple occasions and reduce your costs. And if you’re worried about where to store your stock, LG Davis can store them for you and deliver them as and when they’re needed.

Re-evaluate and audit what you do regularly

Knowledge is power, as they say, so make sure you are regularly reviewing your print orders and stock. An audit will objectively look through your printed materials and pinpoint where you could improve costs. Just because you have always done it that way doesn’t mean that there isn’t an easier or most cost-effective solution now. Technologies and capabilities are constantly changing in the print industry and you just might find that by looking at things differently you can improve your product and more importantly reduce your costs.

Pick your processes carefully

There are lots of ways to print items such as lithographic, digital, wide format or Variable Data Printing. They all have different capabilities and benefits so find out which combination works best for your project.

Cheaper doesn’t always mean better either. Think about what the main goal of your print is. If you are creating a high-end restaurant menu then using a basic paper and finish might be cheaper but the end result isn’t going to cut it. Think about how you can add finishes which have the maximum impact for your goal. Maybe choose a thicker paper but limit the variation of finishes to create high impact without the added cost.

The most important thing is you get a product, within budget that matches your end goal. Our team will be more than happy to advise how you could spend wisely to get maximum impact.

Is it Time for Shorts??

LG Davis — 13/06/2023

Work shorts provide relief in summer, can be more practical for certain jobs, and give workers flexibility in what they wear to work. Not all circumstances will call for them, but when they do, it is handy to know that there are so many varieties of work shorts for workers to choose from.

Get in touch and we'll let you know what LG Davis have to keep you cool.

Why GDPR has given Direct Mail a new lease of life!

LG Davis — 28/08/2018

There’s no questioning that the new GDPR legislation is going to affect our email marketing efforts, especially going forwards.

The goal is to be completely GDPR compliant, but how do we carry on reaching out to prospects and new clients when it feels that our hands are tied?

Well, this is where Direct Mail has been given a lease of new life!

The ICO website outlines that:

“You won’t need consent for postal marketing…you can rely on legitimate interests for marketing activities if you can show how you use people’s data is proportionate, has a minimal privacy impact, and people would not be surprised or likely to object.”

This basically means that direct mailings do not require companies to gain explicit consent, they can in fact use the ‘legitimate interest’ clause to contact consumers via post.

Without a doubt, this is the silver lining to the whole GDPR confusion that’s reigned over the last few months.

And anyway - 82% of Direct Mail gets opened – so why wouldn’t you do it?

GDPR has caused the mass deletion of data, and not to mention hindering any future marketing campaigns. Everyone’s been forced to reconsider their strategies, and what better place to start than with a compelling Direct Mail campaign!

A Huge opportunity!

So, following all the GDPR scaremongering, it’s time we all made the best with what we’ve been given.

While it’s perceived to be an old fashioned method of marketing, it’s still one of the most effective ways of reaching out to your future customers!

There are many ways that direct mail can be used to make you stand out from the crowd and elevate you as a real expert at what you do. And one of the added features of a mail shot is using Variable Data Print which personalises your mailshot with personal details that’ll impress even your most stubborn prospects.

We’ve covered Variable Data Print and how it can be successfully used in print marketing to increase sales.

Other ways to impress your customers with Direct Mail:

Birthday cards: While this is not direct selling, sending out a personalised birthday card to your existing customers shows that you remember they’re still there and you are appreciative of their support over the years. And if they haven’t recently purchased from you, it acts as a gentle nudge and could get you another sale!
Postcards: Postcards can be personalised, they can have some great finishes and are as creative as you make them. The key is to incorporate a design and level of finesse that will make your prospects stop and take in your information. Even if they don’t use it straight away, its not usually encased in an envelope so a postcard is likely to be read straight away and therefore remembered.
Promotional products: There’s no doubt that direct mail is successful because it is more tangible and connects with the viewer on a different level. By investing some of your marketing budget on some innovative promotional products and gifts and sending these to your prospects will ensure that you get remembered. Even if it’s as simple as a branded pen, it will still make a lasting impression!

For more information on Direct Mail and how to implement it into your marketing strategy today, please give us a call on 0121 430 9000.

Do Your Customers Remember You?

LG Davis — 14/02/2018

Your logo expresses your businesses visual identity, its how consumers remember your brand.

How's your logo looking?

Getting YOUR customers to remember YOUR brand starts with a logo design that is creative, simple and memorable. A well designed, exclusive logo that distinguishes you from market competitors is likely to grab the attention of prospect buyers.

But is it really that important?

It sure is! Your company logo provides a foundation for design throughout your branding and marketing material. This consistency creates familiarity among consumers and helps them feel at ease purchasing from you.

You could put your logo anywhere across your online platforms and branding material, but the truth is, you dont always need to.

Your logo acts as a design framework for all your channels and marketing materials so, done well, your brand can be recognisable without stamping your logo onto all your material.

It will encourage new customers to get to know you, but it needs to be enticing. A well designed, professional logo is likely to attract consumers in comparison to a poorly designed one.

As consumers have numerous encounters with your brand and its logo they learn to know and trust the branding which increases revenue and improves market position.

Heres what your design says about your business;

When it comes down to the design of your logo its essential to understand the psychological messages that you are sending out to customers.

Different shapes and colours deliver various emotional messages to the consumer such as your brand attributes or culture. To have a logo that is professional and a true reflection of your brand, I recommend hiring an experienced graphic designer.

But how does your logo make your customer feel?

With the majority of purchasing decisions based on emotion, its necessary to apply this to the face of your branding, you need to have a clear understanding of the emotion you are delivering to your customers through the design of our logo and your branding.

Research shows that colour increases brand recognition by up to 80% meaning that your choice of colour is not only going to make the customer remember your brand but also the emotion that the brand identity carries.

Heres what the colour of your logo says about your brand;

Black: Traditional, expensive, luxury, has authority

White: Efficient, Optimistic, simple

Purple: creative

Blue: calm, strong, trusted, honest, dependable, secure

Green: fresh, peace

Yellow: confident, optimistic, logical,

Orange: cheerful, friendly, affordable, energetic

Red: attention, exciting, love, action, bold, excitement, passion

Heres what the use of Shapes and forms says about your brand;

Circles: Rounded corners or shapes speaks a brand with friendly, universal and communal qualities.

Squares: Forms with sharp edges of more square shapes represent trustworthy, consistent and reliable brand attributes.

Triangles: Logos that have more of a triangular form communicate a brand that offers power and satisfaction

How does that sound?

A study of the 100 most valuable brands in the world shows that 51% of brands have a monochrome logo. With a large percentage of successful brands opting for this design it indicates high success rates in simple yet strategic colour combinations.

Its crucial that logo design pairs with your companys values and brand message to gain new customers and to grow relationships with existing customers. While your logo is key to defining your brand in a competitive market it is important to use it as a platform to build your branding strategy.

If you would to find out more about professional design services at LGD Solutions for logo and branding please call us on 0121 430 9000.

How are you spending your Marketing budget?

LG Davis — 09/03/2018

Print is still a strong contender in the Marketing world It gives people a tangible expression of your brand and should remain an integral part of your businesses marketing strategy.

With the rise of Digital Marketing, Printing has become more affordable, which means small businesses can get more bang for their buck

If you want to get an impressive return on your Marketing budget, Print is the answer!

For any business It is crucial to reach your customers and make a lasting impression on them. We like to help in any which way we can, so weve come up with a few ideas that can make your small business do just that.

Heres a few ideas of how to market your business successfully:

Printed Marketing Material:

Business cards Every business needs a memorable business card. The more interesting and unique you make them the more likely they will be kept. Using premium finishes adds increased value to the business card and in turn people will be less likely to throw it away!

Posters & Banners If grabbing someones attention, and fast, is your aim then this is your chosen tool! Whether youre promoting your business, a new product or service, this is a great way to get your business noticed. If you have a shop or a building with footfall this is a strategy you should be following.
Vinyls and more robust materials are readily available now at affordable prices to print your logo and message on. Pop-up banners are also great for shows and exhibitions!

Brochures & Flyers These are a handy way of getting your business message across. They help you get information out there quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. With personalised digital capabilities you can target your dream list of customers with laser like accuracy, getting your message in front of your ideal customers at will.

Direct Mail:

Postcards Personalised postcards to your loyal customers are a great touch to make your customers feel special. Sending them something during the holidays shows that you are investing back in them and it is a great way of reminding people that youre still there!

Birthday cards How about sending a personalised birthday card to your customers. What a nice touch and your customer will love you for it. Its the small things that make a huge difference.

Branded Envelopes & Stationery This is a great way to instantly give your small business the value and appearance of a more established and advanced company!

Branded Promotional Products:

Promotional items Putting your brand on items that get used in public places or high traffic areas is a great way of getting your name out there! Not only do people start recognising your brand identity, but next time they need the service you provide your company is likely to be the first thing they think of!

So, there we are!

Print marketing is so varied; it can really be tailored to bring success to any small business. Pick an approach that suits you and run with it.

And If youd like any more information about how Print can give you a huge bang for your buck, please give us a call on 0121 430 9000.

Make Sure Your Staff are Safe

LG Davis — 06/12/2023

Prepare for the upcoming cold spells with our new Winter Driving Kit.

Packed with all the essentials you need to ensure you'll be able to get to where you need to go safely.

The kit comes in a sturdy plastic case for easy storage, and to keep your boot safe from unwanted spillages.

If you need to replace items, some of these can be bought separately.

Office Supplies - Let LG Davis Help Reduce Your Costs

LG Davis — 25/04/2023

With a catalogue of over 20,000 products, we supply and deliver all types of office equipment and stationery items anywhere in the UK mainland. And all our items are delivered to you by our own dedicated delivery vans or local courier.

We provide a huge choice of office products/paper and we stock all the leading stationery brands at great discounted prices.

You can order everything you need online through our easy to use digital catalogue. Or if there’s something you want but you can’t find it, just let us know your requirements and we can get back to you with a quote.

An ideal gift to commemorate The King’s Coronation 2023

LG Davis — 06/04/2023

A special keepsake to remember this momentous occasion in history! Have them personalised for your school, business or organisation with the official Coronation logo.

6 Inch Ruler (Plastic) £1.22

Generic Leather Key Fob £0.86

Personalised Leather Key Fob £0.93 plus a Blocking Plate (if personalised) £40.00

Generic Bookmarks Leather £0.99

Personalised Bookmark Leather £1.05 plus a Blocking Plate (if personalised) £40.00

Generic 50mm Badge £0.74 Personalised 50mm Badge £0.80

Based on orders minimum 24

Generic Large Tote Bag £3.99

Personalised Tote Bag £4.70

Generic Ceramic Mug 10oz

£1.19 Personalised Ceramic Mug 10oz

£5.60 Generic Aluminium Water £4.95

Personalised Aluminium Water £5.60

Generic Bowling Pin Bottle £10.50

Personalised Bowling Pin Bottle £11.25

Generic 7 inch Teddy £8.10

Personalised 7 inch Teddy £8.75

All prices + VAT and artwork ready for printing or we can create artwork for you from £25 Origination Charge

Contact Us:
Call: 0121 430 9000 E-mail: sales@lgdsolutions.com 46 Warstock Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 4TS. www.lgdsolutions.com

How We Found Our Ideal Warehouse Operative Through MIM

LG Davis — 12/10/2023

At LG Davis, we understand the importance of finding the right talent to drive our business forward. When we faced the challenge of filling a critical role requiring meticulous attention to detail, Warehouse Operative, we turned to the Made in the Midlands platform for assistance.

The position of a warehouse operative is a vital role in our operations, demanding precision and dedication. We were looking for someone who not only had the necessary skills but also shared our passion for delivering top-notch solutions.

As proud members of Made in the Midlands we decided to utilise MIM's job advertising feature to address our staffing needs. This decision allowed us to post our job vacancy, instantly appearing on our dedicated microsite and the Made Futures job board.

The vacancy was also promoted by MIM on social media as well, with this dual exposure increasing the visibility of our job opening. Soon, a total of 29 applications poured in from enthusiastic candidates eager to join our team.

Among the numerous applicants, one name stood out – Ray. His application not only met our stringent requirements but also resonated with his genuine passion for the role. Ray's qualifications and enthusiasm made him the perfect fit.

Since joining LG Davis, Ray has described his new role as "varied and interesting" and he has come on leaps and bounds in his learning of the role. We are delighted to have found someone who not only fulfils our needs but also finds fulfilment within our company.

Our experience with MIM's job advertising feature exemplifies the power of networking and innovative solutions within the Midlands business community. By utilising MIM's platform, we not only filled a crucial role but also strengthened our commitment to nurturing a thriving Midlands business ecosystem.

VISIT LG DAVIS’ MICROSITE

Birmingham printers calling on new generation of workers to shape the future of the industry

LG Davis — 06/10/2021

A Birmingham firm offering print, office and branded merchandise services is taking on a series of extra apprenticeships as they look to support the future generation of industry leaders.

LG Davis, based in Kings Heath, Birmingham, has been in the city for nearly 6 decades and is looking to offer up to four new apprenticeship roles as the company continues to grow.

The news comes after the latest details from the Government’s Skills Trend Deck shows a drastic decrease in businesses offering apprenticeships in the last few years.

It is a trend LG Davis would like to see change, particularly in the print industry, as they are keen to add new ideas to help young people see the flexibility and variety of skills on offer in the industry.

Already having appointed one apprentice they are keen to speak to other young people who would like to get a background in print with an accredited one year apprenticeship scheme covering everything from design, production, warehousing, innovation and technology.

Managing Director Liz Smith, whose father Ron O’Donnell started LG Davis in 1962, said print was seeing a resurgence in demand and it was important printers took the time to pass on their wealth of knowledge so that valuable experience isn’t lost and young people are at the forefront of delivering the next stage of innovation.

She said: “Print is definitely back in fashion as demand for direct mailing campaigns and printed materials increase. However, it unfortunately has a predominantly older workforce.

“If we are to continue to grow as an industry it is important we not only pass on all those decades of experience and knowledge but also learn and continually grow by investing in new people who can shape the future growth.

“We are excited to be able to continue to offer new apprenticeship opportunities and are proud to support the future generation of workers who will continue to inspire and innovate the industry.”

Josh Hannon, who is 18 from Billsley in Birmingham, has already been appointed and is supporting the team within the warehouse helping with LG Davis’ innovative stock and deliver initiative offering customers the benefits of the cost reduction of bulk buying supplies while storing stock and managing delivery to meet demand.

Talking about his appointment Josh, who was keen to join LG Davis as a way of broadening his skills, said he was looking forward to finding out more about all areas of the business as he was passionate about setting up his own t-shirt printing business one day.

He said: “I never really knew anything about how printing worked before getting the apprenticeship and it certainly wasn’t a career I had ever thought of in this way.

“However, it is a great way to learn a variety of skills and the apprenticeship gives me the flexibility, experience and solid foundations that I can easily go into any career.“

LG Davis is a print, stationery and branded merchandise specialists in the Midlands. Having continually grown since setting up in 1962 they are passionate about innovating the industry and pride themselves on offering an all round design and print management service.

The latest recruitment drive for apprenticeships follows a number of recent acquisitions in the industry which has strengthened their offer and capacity within the digital and traditional sectors.

In July the team acquired former Birmingham print shop Positive Print bringing their total work force to 44 and acquiring new wide print machinery.

Many of the workforce has decades of experience in the industry and LG Davis is keen to make sure this knowledge is used to nurture new talent.

According to the Skills Trend Deck 2021 there were 322,500 apprenticeship starts in 2019 and 2020, 70,900 less than in 2018 and 2019. It is hoped these figures will increase post pandemic.

More information on the new apprenticeship opportunities is available at www.lgdsolutions.co.uk or by calling Alan Gibson on 0121 430 9000 or emailing alan.gibson@lgdsolutions.com

Free Audit.............

LG Davis — 20/06/2023

Wondering if your marketing materials are giving you value for money? Our free audit can help identify where you could be saving time and money across your print, workwear, office supplies and branded merchandise to make sure your business runs smoothly. Find out more by contacting our sales team on 0121 430 9000.

LG Davis have installed a new encapsulation machine

LG Davis — 23/08/2023

We are pleased to have just installed a new encapsulation machine at LG Davis.

Unlike laminating encapsulation provides a wipe clean surface on documents.

So, if you are looking to create longlasting, waterproof prints such as menus, ID badges or document covers then get in touch to find out more.

The Remanufactured Cartridge Myths That Stop You Saving Money!

LG Davis — 04/04/2018

Good quality printers arent cheap, so we understand theres hesitation when it comes to using remanufactured cartridges.

The last thing you want is to cheap out on your toner and it cause a costly fault in your printer, which will ultimately cost you much more in the long-term.

We get it, youre looking at the bigger picture here!

Because, investing in the proper ink is going to give your printer a longer and healthier life right?

WRONG!

Thats just the way weve been programmed to think by all the big scary manufacturers out there.

We need to stop this scaremongering tactic once and for all!

So, to help you save your money, weve cleared up some common misconceptions on remanufactured cartridges:

1. Will using Compatible Cartridges invalidate my warranty?

I know youre not supposed to answer a question with a question but, why will it?

Unless your new printer got delivered along with CCTV that streams back to the manufacturer, then we really dont see any way of them finding this information out, anyway.

Nonetheless, this is just a common misconception that has been preached over time - think of it like a folk tale passed down through generations

No one knows where it came from, and most believe it to be true. But really, its just a myth!

The truth is that no manufacturer can take away a customers choice of using original or remanufactured cartages in their printer!

Its actually illegal to do so, and any service team that tell you otherwise are misleading you.

So, not only can you use whatever cartridge you so please, but your warranty cannot be void whatsoever!

2. Will they leak or damage my printer?

Just because theyre not manufactured by the same company, doesnt mean theyve been manufactured badly.

The truth is that original cartridges are as likely to leak as remanufactured cartridges are!

Theres some really good quality compatible toners out there, that do the exact same job as the original manufacturers version do.

So, our advice is to do your research - most reputable companies will provide you with samples to try out first, before you purchase.

3. Do they perform like a regular branded toner?

Not so long ago there were issues with remanufactured toners and how long they lasted. It was a genuine concern; however, the recent remanufactured toners compare favourably with the originals for both quality and longevity.

As weve already mentioned they all come with a warranty and quality control processes are rigid and most have a no quibble returns policy.

4. Whats the catch?

There isnt one!

Theres literally no reason why you cant instantly start saving money on a trustworthy remanufactured cartridge company straight away! And dont let anyone tell you otherwise!

You can make up to 65% savings by using remanufactured toner cartridges so why not give them a try!

If youd like any more information on remanufactured cartridges, or advice where to get them from then dont hesitate in contacting us directly on 0121 430 9026. And wed be happy to send you a compatible sample to try, just let us know the model you require and well ship it out.

Help the Environment - Recycle your Old Furniture

LG Davis — 22/06/2023

Do you need new office furniture? At LG Davis, we can not only help with new desks, chairs and anything else you need, but as part of our commitment to helping the environment we will also take away your old furniture for free so that it can be recycled. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eN78bcz2

What are the benefits of consolidating your suppliers?

LG Davis — 27/03/2020

We understand that when it comes to sourcing your print, stationery and workwear, value for money, quality and good customer service is a key focus.

We also know that many businesses have limited time and resources to spend the time trying to find different suppliers that can meet these needs.

This is where consolidating suppliers can play a vital role.

How will consolidating suppliers benefit you?

Consolidating suppliers allows you to have just one point of contact for a variety of needs, helping to save valuable time and effort trying to contact multiple suppliers, allowing you to turn your focus to the core requirements of your business.

It helps to streamline the entire process, from ordering through to billing. Everything is clearer and you have much more control and visibility over what your company is purchasing which helps to reduce unnecessary costs.

By selecting a trusted supplier, you can rest assured that you will have quality, great value for money and an excellent service each and every time, and using the same trusted supplier again and again allows you to build a partnership with them, where they can be more involved in processes.

Working closely with you, your print partner will be able to get to know your business and goals, and utilising their knowledge and expertise they can make suggestions to better meet your needs or put forward ideas you may not have even thought about, going above and beyond expectations to meet your needs.

Considering consolidating your suppliers?

Despite these benefits, the main challenge when consolidating suppliers is finding a supplier with a strong depth and breadth of products and services, who is also reliable and has a proven record of quality and delivering results.

Our top tip when consolidating suppliers is to spend quality time doing your research to find a supplier who can really meet your needs.

Read through previous customer reviews and look at any case studies of their work to get an idea of how they work with clients and the services they offer. If you cannot find this information online, don’t be afraid to ask the supplier themselves for references and case studies to help you make your decision.

It is helpful to look into the history of the company, who they have worked with and the types of projects they have worked on, as this can help to demonstrate whether or not they have the expertise and knowledge in each area of supply you require, from print through to office supplies and even workwear.

At LG Davis, we are much more than your average print supplier; we are a one-stop-shop for all your print, stationery and workwear needs.

Increase Your Sales With Variable Data Printing!

LG Davis — 29/03/2018

We Know How To Increase Your ROI By Up To 15 Times The Usual Rate!

If you send marketing literature to your customers and prospects AND YOU SHOULD BE! did you know that theres a simple way to increase the Return On investment (ROI) by up to fifteen times the usual rate?

And I'm about to spill the beans and tell you what it is that will help you achieve these ridiculous levels of ROI on your marketing collateral.

Variable Data Printing

Ok, so its trade name is Variable Data Printing (VDP) to you and me that means that each piece of print you send out is highly personalised to the person you send it to!

Variable Data Printing is not a new technique either, its been around a while but still many businesses dont utilise it and theyre missing a huge trick to get better results and more sales.

Mass Customisation

In short, Variable Data Printing (VDP) is a printing process that enables mass customisation...

...I won't bore you with all the details, but basically, it uses a spreadsheet to populate specific fields on a document, which rapidly personalises each one as it's being printed out. You can add things like their name, company name, company logo, a special price, a special discount, a different offer or different dates!

So, if you are printing 1,000 pieces of print to your customers each single one can be totally different.

Cost Efficient

Theres no additional printing time needed, just a bit of set up time; it outputs the same number of page per minute so theres not a big price hike to use VDP just a bit of planning and thought to use personalisation in a way your customers will feel that your mailer is designed specifically with them in mind.

Pretty cool, huh?

Wow Your Customers

So, if you're planning to send a letter, flyer, leaflet, brochure or any printed marketing material to your customers or prospects then be smart, stand out from your competitors and utilise VDP to add that personal touch!

Your customers and prospects will be impressed that youve written specifically to them (we wont tell them any different!) and youll establish a real relationship with them.

How can we help?

Here at LG Davis we have 3 big Xerox machines waiting and ready that possess full capabilities of VDP - We can easily produce high quality tailored marketing materials for you.

The technology we use also allows for real-time tracking to ensure that response rates and return on investment are substantially increased!

We use variable data printing to create:

Personalised Letters
Leaflets
Flyers
Brochures
Postcards
CD & DVD Packaging

So, if youre interested in a massive increase in your response rates and Return on Investments or would like any more information about how VPD can be implemented in your marketing strategy, please give us a call on 0121 430 9000!

Personalise and Increase ROI up to 15 times the usual rate for Mailings

LG Davis — 30/06/2023

Have you considered Variable Data Printing (VDP)? It allows you to personalise mass mailings and make your print far more targeted at your audience. Adding that personal touch can make a massive difference! In fact, some VDP campaigns have increased ROI up to 15 times the usual rate.

Litho Vs Digital - What’s Best For You?

LG Davis — 10/04/2018

Lithographic (Litho) Vs Digital - Which way to go?

Well, theres so much to consider when youre looking to print something that represents your company, but the answer to fulfil your mix of marketing literature, is a combination of both!

Both processes are great for certain jobs, whether your considerations are purpose, quantity, quality or price. Its worth investing some time talking to your print partner about the many options you have before deciding on the perfect method for your job.

So, we just thought itd be worth helping you out with a couple of reasons why youd choose digital or litho for your next print project.

Litho

-Litho presses use wet ink, printing plates and usually have a skilled operator overseeing the job for ink consistency and quality.

-Its more expensive to set up but once the machine is running, it churns out a high number of pages at an economical rate, therefore great for longer runs.

-It wont be as competitive on shorter runs but the quality is superior to digital print.

-Its much better for prestigious jobs with large print coverage as there are no pixels (dots that the digital machines use), so the quality is excellent.

-There are lots of fancy finishes you can have such as spot UV to enhance your print job and stand out from the crowd.

-Perfect for quality brochures, corporate folders, long run printed stationery, books and forms

Digital

-Digital machines use toner cartridges, a bit like a photocopier.

-The set-up time is minimal as everythings ready to go but longer runs eat up the toner which is expensive, so the click rate becomes uneconomical.

-So, its great for smaller print quantities but the quality is not quite as good!

-Its great for jobs that you need in a rush as the process is quicker than litho and if you want a job personalised with variable data its the only option. This is one of the biggest benefits of digital printing and lots of people dont use it.

-Perfect for flyers, business cards, small booklets, postcards, small mail merge mailings and posters.

To Summarise

You will have a need for both methods of print depending on your purpose, quantity, cost or time constraints. All you need to do is give the specification to a good printer and theyll satisfy your requirements in the right way to achieve your objective.

At LG Davis we really take the time to find out what our customers want. Colin and David (our expert print consultants) are two of the most knowledgeable people in the print trade.

Theyll come and talk to you about your job and offer sound advice to help you achieve your print objective.

Call us on 0121 430 9000 for advice on your next project.

Personalise and Increase ROI up to 15 times the usual rate for Mailings

LG Davis — 30/06/2023

LG Davis on Why Working in Print is Rewarding

LG Davis — 03/02/2021

LG Davis has been operating in the print industry for over 58 years and throughout this time have evolved and adapted with the times and trends, investing in technology that has supported them in continuing to provide clients with the highest quality print backed by exceptional, friendly customer service.

A large part of the industry is centered on creativity; pushing the boundaries of print and design and thinking outside of the box, to create a finished piece that meets the client's needs and will support them in achieving their goals.

It is important to support clients in creating a clear brand identity that is consistent across all of their marketing, giving them a distinct look and feel. This also ensures they convey their vision and values through the intelligent choice of materials, colour, powerful imagery, and the type of print itself.

Achieving this for a client requires a more consultative approach, working with them to understand their target audience and how they communicate with them, helping them to solidify a clear identity that their audience will really connect with.

As an experienced and established printer, LG Davis has an extensive range of clients they work with, from commercial businesses, through to manufacturing, education, and even the healthcare sector.

This extensive list of clients sees them work on a wide variety of print projects, producing everything from product brochures and business cards, through to branded letterheads, school prospectuses, and other innovative and intelligent print solutions. This makes working in this industry exciting and varied; no two days are the same.

Working within a well established and experienced print company, people are able to learn from their wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry, whilst helping to bring a fresh, new look at things from a younger persons’ perspective.

With so many avenues within the print industry, there is something for everyone, from working within the design team to operating in the manufacture of print, right through to working within the business side of print within areas such as customer service or business development.

LG Davis supports their people to be their very best and continually invests in training and new technology every year. This enables their staff to grow with the business and supports their progression and development through the company, to continue thriving in their career in print.

Made Futures was created to encourage people to get jobs in manufacturing, in support of those who have lost their jobs over the course of the 2020 pandemic. There's still time to sign up and be part of the exhibition by filling in the form here.

Seasonal workwear: Are you winter ready?

LG Davis — 22/09/2023

Top tips to get your workwear on track

1. Get specific to make your budget go further

By taking the time to plan you can tailor your workwear to exactly what you need and prevent yourself from buying items that later get left in the cupboard. Think about what each member of staff does on a day-to-day basis and what they will need to make sure that they are warm and comfortable. Not everyone will necessarily need the same items depending on their role. So, get specific and order what you need rather than blanket buying everything for everyone. This leaves more budget to make sure that items are continually updated and kept looking fresh.

2. Step into your workforce’s shoes

There can be a real difference between what you think someone needs and what works. By really understanding what works for employees you can spend your budget wisely and get a uniform that is not only practical but that the whole team is proud of. For example, a hat may seem a simple choice when you are working out in the cold but would a particular style work better than others? Would it be good for it to have a light if workers are in the dark and looking for light while needing their hands free?

There are so many ways to personalise and offer small touches that will make a big difference to your workforce – zip up pockets to keep things safe or open pockets to keep hands warm – make sure you find a solution that works for you.

3. Show off your business with innovative branding

Personalised workwear is a great way to show off your business and create a winning impression. How can you encompass your brand into what workers wear? Can the tops be colour coordinated and branded in line with your business? Make sure your logo and contact details are visible. There are lots of innovative ways to add personalised logo details to items of clothing. Talk to our sales team about how you can make your business stand out.

4. Freshen up your brand and stand out from the crowd

Your staff uniform is the first thing people see when they arrive so make sure it gives a great first impression. As you walk around your business look at how your staff are presented. What first impression do you get? If the workwear is looking tried and dated is it time to have a refresh? Do you need to update some of the items and make sure that tired and well-worn uniform is recycled? Could you add some festive cheer and create Christmas themed branding for seasonal workers? Workwear doesn’t have to just be practical it is a great sales tool as well to promote your business.

5. Help customers identify key staff

Would it make sense for your staff to have their name on the outer jacket so that they can be easily identified? Having a friendly face of the firm so that customers can get to know the name behind the brand is a great way of fostering connections. You could even have a message on the back of the top or jacket such as ‘Here to help’ or ‘Ask me about …’ to encourage interaction.

6. More than just clothes with practical material solutions

Think about how the materials of the products are going to work in situations. Consider specific materials that help with body temperature regulation, especially if your staff are regularly switching from indoor and outdoor working. Are the jackets wind and waterproof or just shower resistant? Does the material have wicking properties to keep warmth in and the cold out? Investing in the proper type of workwear will also mean that it can be used into the early Spring months, making it a practical and cost-effective solution.

Whatever you choose for your business workwear, it should be a mixture of both practical and brand specific. Getting the right look and feel is crucial to helping your staff through the cold winter months.

Large Format Print Capacity

LG Davis — 27/07/2023

We have capability of creating artwork for and printing all kinds of large format materials, such as:

Vehicle livery
Exhibition stands
Exhibition graphics and panels
Outdoor signage
Posters and roller banners

Our dedicated design team will work closely with you to create your bespoke artwork, or if you already have the artwork we'll take care of the rest.

If you’re planning an event or attending an exhibition find out how we can help.

What are the benefits of consolidating your suppliers?

LG Davis — 27/03/2020

We understand that when it comes to sourcing your print, stationery and workwear, value for money, quality and good customer service is a key focus.

We also know that many businesses have limited time and resources to spend the time trying to find different suppliers that can meet these needs.

This is where consolidating suppliers can play a vital role.

How will consolidating suppliers benefit you?

Considering consolidating your suppliers?

Our top tip when consolidating suppliers is to spend quality time doing your research to find a supplier who can really meet your needs.

At LG Davis, we are much more than your average print supplier; we are a one-stop-shop for all your print, stationery and workwear needs.

Thinking about Christmas?

LG Davis — 16/11/2023

From cards to branded gifts, if you're looking for anything printed this year, get your orders in as soon as possible. With this being such a busy time of year, lead times may be longer than normal.

Always happy to help with any ideas you have - please get in touch!

Consolidate Your Suppliers - Let LG Davis Help Put This Plan into Action

LG Davis — 20/07/2023

Is your business growing? Whether you need new furniture, new stationery or new uniforms for your staff, by using just one supplier for all your business needs it can make the whole process easier to manage, more streamlined and reduce costs.

The Summer is always a bit quieter and therefore the perfect time to plan. Make things a lot easier to manage by consolidating your suppliers. If you're taking stock this Summer, let us know how we can help.

Traditional Print V's Digital Marketing

LG Davis — 12/03/2018

With fast evolving digital marketing techniques and the growth of online marketing its easy to forget about the importance of traditional marketing in your business.

In fact, wed go as far as to say that its absolutely crucial to utilise traditional print in a marketing world dominated by digital. Why?

Because youll stand out from the crowd!

It appears to be losing its popularity, but traditional marketing has a history of high success rates and reaches the customer in ways that digital marketing cannot. A well thought out piece of print that lands on your prospects desk is far more effective than relying on them finding you on a digital platform.

Exceptional marketers combine traditional and digital methods allowing you to access a wide audience and engage with them across multiple networks.

But, lets have a look at a few reasons why traditional print is still a valuable asset:

- Its a tangible piece of touchy feely marketing collateral that cuts through the usual online clutter

- Its easy for everyone to understand - printed material communicating an offer to the customer is easy to understand and demonstrates a clear call to action

- It grabs the attention of the customer often through its compelling design which invites them to read the material

-By using traditional methods, it allows a business to reach those customers who are not online savvy

-Print marketing is more personal, your prospects can keep the material and look over it multiple times. It makes them feel more valued and the information gets absorbed more than online content

-Theres less chance of your prospect sneaking a look at your competitors which theyre likely to do online

-It builds customer rapport, with the print being delivered directly to the consumer it makes them feel valued. Along with using professional, visually engaging material this builds the credibility and reputation of a brand

-It encourages a brand to showcase its creativity. Print can be interactive, a folding business card or a 3D leaflet for example can grab the attention of potential customers. Material exhibiting an interesting design is going to capture the consumers attention for longer.

Driving our customers from Off-line Marketing to On-line Marketing

Research shows that 37% of consumers that receive print marketing search for more information about the business online. Not only does the customer have a physical copy of the marketing material that they can keep but they can also access the companys website allowing them to engage with the brand across multiple channels.

Content marketing is now a popular aspect of online marketing, which can also work by Brands releasing their content in printed magazines. While this can be a relatively expensive approach, it is leading to a boost of online visitors and an influx in traffic across numerous channels. So, where can you place your content off-line to drive more visitors on-line? Look at trade magazines etc.

Hashtags

A prime example of pairing traditional and digital marketing is businesses using hashtags on their print. This approach makes the print interactive for the customer and allows them to engage with the brand online with many companies inviting customers to share an experience or enter a competition using a hashtag from their printed material.

QR Codes

Using QR (Quick Response) codes on print and packaging allows people to quickly find out more about you. The customer scans the code with their phone which leads them to a new resource such as a websites or app. With consumers now having the ability to directly engage with a brand online, print that allows the customer to find them online is very effective.

So, although weve recalled the values of traditional marketing, its the power of using it in tandem with digital platforms that will boost your sales figures.

If you want to find out more about how traditional print will help your business and what sort of marketing collateral you should be sending out give us a call on 0121 430 9000.

How can print play a role in your marketing strategy?

LG Davis — 04/03/2020

With digital marketing now a popular choice for businesses, many believe that more traditional marketing tools, such as print no longer have a place in the increasingly digital world, but print is far from dead.

Print still has a role within marketing but now it’s about being intelligent with your printed marketing, in order to reap the benefits it has to offer.

Some see print as a ‘spend’ and something that they have just always done, without really thinking about the true ‘purpose’ of their print.

This has often led to a lack of ROI, which in turn has led to them no longer considering print as an effective marketing tool for their business, but they couldn’t be more wrong.

How can I be intelligent with my print?

Your print should be … focused on your objectives

Print should not be seen as just a ‘spend’, instead you really need to consider what you want to achieve through your print and how it can help you to achieve your objectives.

If your objective is to engage with your existing clients, you should consider how your print can add that more personal touch, to help make your customers feel valued, build loyalty and increase engagement.

Equally, if your objective is to enter new markets or launch a new product or service, you should consider how your print could help you stand out and grab the attention of new and prospective customers, whilst being informative and helping to tell your story.

Taking the time to consider the real purpose of your print will really help to maximise your spend and help you get the best results.

Your print should… complement your other marketing activities

With the rise of digital marketing and new means of communications, lots of businesses now only focus on the digital aspect in their marketing strategy, neglecting to consider how digital and print can actually complement each other.

Of course, digital marketing is key for businesses, but when paired with complementary printed materials and literature it can be even more effective, helping to establish and build an identity across various channels and reach a wider audience.

Your print should be… relevant and appropriate

There is such a variety of printing types, from brochures and catalogues through to more personalised communication, so choosing a type of print that is appropriate for you is vital.

You should consider what the purpose of the print is, what you want to achieve and the audience for your printed materials.

With all of this information in mind, you can then effectively consider which type of print is the best option for you and which is going to meet all of the above, again helping you to maximise your spend and achieve the best ROI.

LG Davis' Print Expert, Colin - Someone We Think You Should Meet!

LG Davis — 25/04/2018

One of the reasons LG Davis is one of the oldest and most experienced printing companies in the West Midlands is because of our people.

This is Colin and he's literally a print guru whos highly valued by his customers.

Having had extensive experience of working for himself as a graphic designer and print broker, he missed the buzz of working in a company so joined LG Davis.

He's now passionate about helping his customers produce high quality print that produces a healthy Return on Investment.

His role at LG Davis as a Senior Print Consultant is perfect for a man with over thirty-five years of experience in the print trade.

Technology has changed a lot in that time and many print businesses have gone bump but the one thing that hasnt changed is the requirement of a personal relationship and expertise to ensure a print job is successful!

You can start to understand why Colin has dozens of current customers who have followed him for many years on his career path to LG Davis.

Outside work youll find Colin at the squash club, mainly on the court but occasionally in the bar. He's been a life long sports fan, playing and supporting local football, cricket and rugby but after recently becoming a Grandad for the first time most of his R&R time is spent with his family.

If youd like to review your Marketing Print for objectives, content and price you wont go far wrong by having a chat with Colin. He might even buy you a beer at the squash club!

I'm sure you'll benefit from his expertise!

Give us a call on 0121 430 9000 to fix up a suitable day and time for Colin to visit you.

Print for Profit: Why You Should Invest in Print Marketing

LG Davis — 14/02/2018

Print is dead. Not only is this phrase like a stab in the heart, its also false.

Apart from the fact there are 8,400 print companies in the UK alone, statistics from the CMO Spend Survey 2016-2017 show that companies continue to invest over almost third of their advertising budgets in print.

Granted, 41.2% of budgets goes towards digital marketing, but nonetheless, print has a significant and very present role in business today. Ignoring it could be detrimental to your business and profits.

Print marketing: the stats

Before looking at why print is a good investment, lets take a look at the stats:

Trust 61% of people say they trust adverts in newspapers and magazines, compared to 42% for online ads.
Website traffic 44% of people are encouraged enough by direct mail marketing to actually visit the website.
Keep for reference 48% of people keep direct mail to refer to at a later point (this is in addition to those who act immediately).
Preferred by the young despite the fact that the young are thought to be the generation that do everything online, this category actually prefers direct mail when it comes to making a decision about a purchase.

So, quite evidently, print is far from dead.

Why print is a good investment

Although digital marketing may have overtaken print marketing for the time being, it has also done it a favour. It has made print marketing unusual. And thats why it is worth investing in.

People are swamped with marketing emails these days the majority of which dont even get opened. Now, send someone something through the post and they notice you. Why? Because not everyone is doing it. It has become usual. Its tangible.

Its very easy to make print eye-catching. Different types of paper, different textures and finishes, different shapes are all options to trigger the senses. Once senses are triggered, people remember you.

Be it a simple leaflet or brochure, an advert in a magazine or newspaper or a whole catalogue, if you do it well, the ROI will be the proof that print is still very much alive.

Print Compliments Digital

By no means should companies invest their whole marketing budget in print. Digital marketing via websites and social media is essential in todays world of business. However, this does not mean that print isnt needed. In fact, print can compliment digital marketing and make it more effective.

Print is a good investment to raise brand awareness, point people in the direction of your website or social media pages and generally give people an image to remember when they need your product or service. However, by including elements such as QR codes, you can direct customers to exactly where you want them to be and maximise the effect of your digital campaigns, taking it beyond where it would have reached standing alone.

Dont neglect print. It will reward you in ways you wouldn't believe!

Call LGD Solutions today on 0121 430 9000. Our friendly team will be happy to assist you with your next print marketing campaign.

Here’s how to save hundreds of pounds on your office stationery bill!

LG Davis — 20/03/2018

Every business needs stationery but how do you stop using more than you need?

Its become an increasing concern for many businesses that they are going through their stationery supplies at an alarmingly quick rate.

Stationery, in most offices around the country gets wasted, misused, pilfered or even becomes obsolete every single day!

I guess because your staff arent paying for it, its assume that there's an unlimited abundance for them to use...and a few small items dont really cost that much, and nobody notices!

Well, its time to do something about it. Just because the moneys not coming out of their pockets, it doesn't mean that it's their personal supply of office supplies and no matter how insignificant they think it is, an annual bill for stationery adds up to quite a lot.

So, what can you do to reduce your usage and spend on office supplies?

Put someone in charge!

The reality of it is, if you make it someones job to keep things under control, it will improve the issue drastically.

A good way to control the use of stationery supplies is to give only a limited amount of people access the supply cupboard.

I know locking it away may seem a bit of a drastic measure, but this way you are eliminating any careless use of your supplies!

If you have several teams, simply appointing each line manager or team leader to take charge of their own teams supplies usage is a good way of keeping things closely monitored.

Ration supplies

Limiting the access will help you monitor exactly what is needed for your office to function comfortably.

Restocking the stationery cupboard monthly and replenishing it according to whats needed to the amounts that is required will effortlessly help reduce waste - as less will be available!

If you have a larger office, a budget allowance for each team/sector can be given that has to be adhered to and this way if they run out it will force them to look through what they already have and use everything up fully before reordering.

Raise awareness

Predominately, the issue may just lie on your staff not being aware of the issue and that its an issue at all.

Raising awareness and highlighting this as a real issue, will ensure everyones mindful when they use things. You have to remember it does amount to a considerable loss that is easily avoidable!

Think of cost saving processes!

Putting in simple procedures and educating everyone that works for your company will instantly start improving your wastage. Introducing something like printing documents double sided will contribute towards making your office a less wasteful environment at an instant!

Going paperless is a good way of reducing stationery as a lot of things will be done electronically and therefore further reducing the need to write things down on post-its, or even stapling things together or the use of paperclips.

Check for Pilferage!

Accidentally taking stationery home from work, things such as pens is a thing that happens everyday.

It happens unintentionally, so it is hard to stop as we arent aware were doing it. Encouraging things like clearing desks and organising stationery into its designated places will drastically reduce this happening as it will be clear when things aren't in their place!

Start with a stationery amnesty

The best way to start a stationery revolution is to have a stationery amnesty! Seriously, it works every time! Spend an hour getting everybody in the office to empty their drawers and cupboards of all the stationery. Let them keep what they absolutely need to do their job and return everything else to a central stationery cupboard.

You probably wont need to order for another month with what youll retrieve.

Ask your supplier for a contract list

When youve got a bit more control you will start to see the usage patterns of your core products. These are the products that you need every day to run your office, products you need on a regular basis. Therefore, you should be able to negotiate good prices on these products as they are a regular order.

So, speak with your supplier, agree your core list and see what you can do.

If youd like any more information on how to reduce waste and pilferage or would like us to quote your core list of office supplies,dont hesitate in contacting us directly on 0121 430 9026!

Common mistakes people make when ordering new workwear

LG Davis — 17/05/2023

It might seem simple but when it comes to workwear it can be easy to make costly errors. Whether for branding or safety your staff uniform is an extension of your business. It is often the first thing customers see so it’s crucial you get it right.

We break down the most common errors people make when ordering workwear so that you avoid the pitfalls and find your next order a breeze.

1. Think in seasons

When it comes to providing workwear, consider what job the person wearing it might be doing. Rather than buying lots of very different items, perhaps consider how layers might be better to ensure they can wrap up or cool down easily. Ensure they’re prepared for the summer and the winter and make sure they can be proud to wear the items that emblazon your brand. This also cuts down on wasted extras making sure that you only order what is needed.

2. Branding

Think of how you can incorporate your branding onto your workwear. Do you just want a logo or something more? Also, if your logo is black and the t-shirt is black, don’t be tempted to create a new logo just for this item. Work with your designers and marketing team to ensure that you are keeping everything aligned with your main brand, or it will be counterproductive. Your workwear should showcase your brand not confuse it.

3. Check your sizings

Work with your supplier to make sure you get the right sizes so that your team members are comfortable. What is large in one style could be medium in another. You can always ask for samples to help you find out for sure what’s right.

4. Talk to your staff

There are some staple workwear products that people always think of straight away. But if a t-shirt or fleece just isn’t suitable then don’t be afraid to explore other options. Talk to your staff about what they think is suitable. They will be the ones wearing it so may come up with ideas as to why particular designs might work better. Happy staff are also definitely going to buy into workwear changes more than if you arbitrarily just make changes. There are catalogues full of workwear options, so take the time to find out what’s right for you and be innovative but practical with your design.

5. False economy

It can be very tempting to get in lots of quotes and opt for the cheapest items. But consider the whole picture. How long will the items be needed, what is the overall quality, how do you want them branded up and are there any other hidden costs? High quality workwear might cost more to start with, but can give you much better value down the line. Cheaper products that you have to replace more regularly, or that don’t represent your brand well enough, could be very costly in the long run.

LG Davis' Print Expert, David - Someone We Think You Should Meet!

LG Davis — 20/04/2018

One of the reasons LG Davis is one of the oldest and most experienced printing companies in the West Midlands is because of our people.

If you employ staff, youll know what it means to have reliable people you can depend on.

Well, Davids that person alright, having not had one day off sick in twenty years at LG Davis.

Its quite remarkable and David puts it down to his passion for print and the pride he takes in helping his customers achieve their desired outcomes - whether thats saving money or producing a top-quality job that literally positions his customer as the best in their industry.

Before his twenty years at LG Davis, David worked in commercial print, handling some big companies such as; Price Waterhouse, Mars, Terrys and Wembley plc. So, he knows a thing or two about what it takes to get big jobs completed on time, to budget.

The industry has changed over the forty years he has been in print as David says:

Davids reputation as being one the UKs most reliable, expert print consultants hasnt gone unnoticed, winning the hearts of multi NHS trusts who count on him to deliver daily - literally!

When one hospital ran out of discharge forms on Christmas Eve and had a queue of disgruntled patients waiting to get home in time for Christmas, it was David who got the job done and personally delivered the forms to a very relieved hospital!

David believes in face to face communication and thats why he builds great rapport with his customers. Plus, hes a master at saving money on annual print budgets so thats pretty important to most businesses.

Outside of work, his family keep him busy! Davids married with three grown up children and four grand children who give him the run-around. Being an Aston Villa season ticket holder for over forty years, football is his other passion and thankfully this season has rewarded David moderately (so far) for his loyalty.

It would be well worth an hour of your time to meet with David in the flesh!

I'm sure you'd benefit from his expertise, and he's here to help, whatever your needs.

Give us a call on 0121 430 9000 to fix up a suitable day and time for David to visit you.

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LG Davis' Print Expert, David - Someone We Think You Should Meet!

Heres what your design says about your business;

Heres what the colour of your logo says about your brand;

Heres what the use of Shapes and forms says about your brand;

Contact Us:
Call: 0121 430 9000 E-mail: sales@lgdsolutions.com 46 Warstock Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 4TS. www.lgdsolutions.com

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