News: Rotherham printer announces £2m investment

Rotherham-based instantprint has announced a £2m investment in its stickers and labels production, expanding its premium product range and introducing new technology to help businesses create more impactful packaging, branding and promotional materials.

The Manvers company has previously invested in its large format category.

The latest investment includes the installation of new HP Indigo technology alongside an ABG DigiLase Duo digital finishing line with Dual Bar DigiJet, significantly increasing instantprint's capability to produce high-quality stickers and labels with premium embellishments, custom shapes and specialist materials.

As demand for standout packaging and branded products continues to grow, the investment enables instantprint customers to access a wider range of premium options without compromising on affordability, speed or ease of ordering.

Laura Mucklow, Head of Brand at instantprint, said: "Whether it's product packaging, branded giveaways or promotional materials, stickers and labels are often the finishing touch that helps a business make a memorable first impression.

"Our latest investment is all about giving customers more opportunities to create something unique. From premium finishes and specialist materials to custom shapes and reel labels, we're continuing to expand our range so businesses of every size can access professional-quality print that helps them stand out."

At the heart of the investment is the installation of the ABG DigiLase Duo and Dual Bar DigiJet, working alongside new HP Indigo technology to expand instantprint's premium stickers and labels offering.

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The advanced production line allows instantprint to produce more intricate custom shapes and shorter print runs with greater efficiency, while introducing premium embellishments including foil, Spot UV and tactile finishes. Combined with new thermal lamination capabilities, customers can create labels with enhanced durability and a premium look and feel, all through instantprint's easy-to-use online platform.

The investment also supports an expanding range of materials and formats, including transparent and silver metallic polypropylene, custom-shaped stickers and labels supplied on reels for businesses with specialist packaging requirements.

Alongside the investment in production, instantprint has continued to improve the online ordering experience with AI-powered artwork tools, streamlined proofing and enhanced ordering journeys, making it even easier for businesses to create professional stickers and labels with confidence.

Laura added: "Businesses expect more from their print than ever before. They want packaging and marketing materials that reflect the quality of their brand, and they want them quickly. We're continually investing in both our technology and our customer experience to make sure businesses can access the latest print innovations without the complexity traditionally associated with premium print."

The £2m investment marks the latest stage in instantprint's ongoing commitment to innovation, strengthening its stickers and labels range while giving businesses access to more premium products, greater creative freedom and the fast, reliable service they're known for.

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News: instantprint celebrates landmark year with 60% growth

Fuelled by investment, innovation and a deep focus on listening to customers, Rotherham-based instantprint continues to scale rapidly, positioning itself as one of the UK’s fastest growing providers for SME print solutions.

The Manvers company has unveiled a milestone year of performance, reporting a 60% year on year increase in large format sales, the successful launch of custom stickers and eco paper bags and significant gains in efficiency thanks to AI-powered upgrades across the customer journey.

At the heart of instantprint’s success is a relentless focus on removing friction from the buying experience. Nowhere is this clearer than in the revamped proofing journey, which has seen a surge in customer satisfaction and conversion rate.

The new interface gives customers a clearer, faster and more confident approval process. And in a major step forward for accessibility, instantprint has now integrated AI-powered upscaling tools that automatically detect and enhance low-resolution artwork offering customers the option to optimise files without needing to start again or delay their order.

These changes have already contributed to measurable improvements in CVR, reduced order abandonment and a continued run of positive feedback, pushing the brand past 20,000 verified reviews on Trustpilot with an 'Excellent' average.

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Jon Constantine-Smith, Head of instantprint, said: “This has been one of the most exciting years in our history. We’ve achieved major category growth, launched products that our customers actually asked for, and used AI not to replace people - but to remove the pain points from the print journey. Everything we’ve done comes back to one focus: make great print more accessible, more efficient and more enjoyable.”

instantprint’s large format category—including banners, posters and exhibition materials — has seen a 60% sales increase, fuelled by upgraded production capabilities and next-day availability.

In 2020, the printing firm increased its total footprint at Brookfields Park by 45% to 147,000 sq ft, paving the way for their dedicated large format printing facility.

A £250,000 investment was recently made in a state-of-the-art RENZ INLINE 500 wire binding machine, responding to the surge in demand for premium products like calendars, books, and diaries.

Meanwhile, two major product launches — custom stickers and recyclable paper bags — reflect the brand’s commitment to expanding with purpose. Both ranges were curated based on direct customer feedback and are already gaining traction across retail, hospitality and events.

Mark Young, Managing Director at instantprint, added: “Every investment we’ve made, from large format hardware to AI integration, is rooted in a simple principle: listen to your customers, then make it easier for them to succeed. We’re not just growing for growth’s sake, we’re scaling smart and the results speak for themselves.”

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News: instantprint go all in with business card upgrade

instantprint, the online printing company based in Rotherham, has announced a £500k investment to transform its business card range, using the same punch technology trusted to manufacture Las Vegas playing cards.

The upgrade means customers can now expect sharper cuts, smoother edges and business cards that feel as premium as a winning hand as the company firmly establishes itself as the leading manufacturer of business cards in the UK.

This latest investment brings the company’s total to over £8 million in the past year, from the UK’s second nanographic press to state-of-the-art large format print equipment, enabling the launch of their new large format range, all focused on improving speed, quality and product innovation at its Manvers HQ.

The change to business cards comes in response to customer feedback and a recent brand survey, which showed that business owners want more from their printed products and instantprint has listened.

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Head of instantprint, Laura Mucklow, said: “Business cards might be small, but they pack a serious punch when it comes to first impressions. We’ve taken feedback from our clients and invested in exactly what they told us they wanted - technology that delivers high-quality, reliable results. Now, with this upgrade, our cards don’t just meet expectations - they exceed them.”

Using industry-leading punch technology (yes, the same stuff used to cut casino-grade playing cards), instantprint is bringing next-level precision and consistency to one of its most popular products. The result? Business cards that are smoother, sleeker and more durable than ever before.

“We’ve always believed that every business deserves print that performs like a pro,” added Mucklow. “With this investment, we’re helping our customers make a knockout first impression.”

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News: Sky’s the Limit for Barnsley & Rotherham’s Business of the Year

It proved to be a night to remember for South Yorkshire’s business community which came together to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the success they have enjoyed over the past 12 months at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

During a glittering evening at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, sponsored by Barnsley College celebrated the achievements of all elements of South Yorkshire’s business community: from apprentices and new business owners taking the first steps in their chosen vocation, to organisations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver truly outstanding work in the fields of growth, people development, customer service, sustainability and community impact.

Hosted by TV presenter Amy Garcia, the event saw over 540 guests from across South Yorkshire’s business community come together to celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months. However, the night belonged to Parkgate-based Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd, which was chosen by judges to be a worthy winner of the highly coveted title of Business of the Year.

Since founding the business with little more than a pair of hedge trimmers and a dream of working outdoors in 2014, founder Luke Hammill has seen his company grow into a successful multi-million-pound venture, which employs 30 full-time members of staff. Today, the company successfully works on behalf of housebuilders, local authorities and some of Britain’s largest construction companies, where the company is responsible for developing community green spaces throughout the UK.

Under Luke’s leadership, Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd has enjoyed significant year on year growth, with turnover rising from £1 million to £3 million within the past 12 months alone. As a direct result, the company has invested significantly in new plant machinery, staff training as well as investing back into the communities they serve by working closely with armed forces charities to help veterans forge new careers upon returning to civilian life.

Cateegory winners on the saw three other Rotherham-based companies receive accolades, with education recruitment specialists Trust Education being named as Start-Up of the Year, Equans securing the People Development Award and the Manvers-based Mace Group being crowned best large business.

Barnsley-based winners saw Wombwell-based Cranswick Convenience Foods secured the Community Impact Award in recognition of its commitment to supporting a wide range of good causes in Barnsley and across South Yorkshire, whilst Barnsley College’s innovative Carbon Literacy Project, as well as work undertaken to reduce carbon emissions across its sites, was rewarded with the Sustainability Award.

Barnsley FC Community Trust secured the title of Charity of the Year in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work in South Yorkshire.

Longstanding businesses Electrical Safety UK, Barnsley Hospice and Brearley & Co Accountants were presented with salutes to business in recognition of their 20, 30, and 40-year service respectively, whilst Barnsley-based JC Snell and White’s Bakery both celebrated their 90th anniversaries in 2024 – a combined total of more than 270 years’ service to South Yorkshire’s business community.

The important contributions made by charitable organisations were also recognised on the night, with Barnsley FC Community Trust securing the title of Charity of the Year, in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work.

Individual awards presented saw Leo Lewin (Affinity 2020 CiC) awarded the title of Apprentice of the Year, whilst Alicia Hewitt (Secure Power Limited) was crowned as Businessperson of the Year. A Special President’s Award was also given to Chris MacCormac, Chief Executive of the Morthyng Group, in recognition of their transformative work within the education sector.

In a heartfelt tribute which looked back at his 30 year career, Chris was honoured for his nearly 30 years of leadership and dedication towards education and community support. Chris started his career a youth worker in 1980, before going to transform Morthyng into a leading national training provider, which has helped thousands from disadvantaged backgrounds. He retires after a distinguished career and was celebrated for his lasting impact on the local community.

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Luke Hammill, Managing Director, Sky High Ground Maintenance, said: “It has been an incredible year for our business. Winning the title of Business of the Year, securing the Growth Award as well as being highly commended in the Businessperson of the Year category is something that I feel incredibly proud to have achieved.

"When I set up the business ten years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the company would grow and scale in the way it has done, and I feel very honoured that our efforts have been recognised in this way by the judges. I left school with no formal qualifications at all, and I hope the success I’ve enjoyed since starting my own business goes to show that with the right work ethic and determination, anything is possible.

"Having the right people to support you is key. I’d like to give a massive thank you to each and every person of my Sky High team, especially my partner Danielle who has been with me on every step of this amazing journey.

"Businesses play a vital role in shaping the local and regional economy. From the outset, I’ve always wanted my business to be a force for good: we undertake a wide range of community projects, from supporting local schools to breaking down barriers towards employment by giving veterans a chance to rebuild their lives after leaving the armed forces.

"Of course, we’ve got no intention of resting on our laurels. One of the reasons we joined Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber was because of the work it undertakes to create opportunities for its members within local supply chains. We’re hoping to work more closely with the Chamber in the years to come to bring these plans to fruition, which in turn will not just create more opportunities for our business but grow the local and regional economy.”

Mattthew Stephens, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: “Over the past 12 months there has been some incredible work delivered by businesses of all sizes across South Yorkshire. I would like to congratulate each and every business who supported this year’s event. The standard of entries was exceptional, and every organisation that was shortlisted, highly commended and winners on the night should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.

"Collectively, members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber employ more than 70,000 people across South Yorkshire. The success of events like our business awards helps to showcase and celebrate the achievements of our incredibly diverse business community – from start-ups taking the very first steps on their business journey to longstanding businesses, which have collectively devoted 270 years of service to our local communities, and despite many businesses preparing themselves for challenging times, at least in the short term, the Chamber will continue to offer support, advice and campaign on behalf of South Yorkshire businesses to ensure their voices are heard.”

Full list of winners:

Salute to Business

Electrical Safety UK – 20 years
Barnsley Hospice – 30 years
Brearley & Co Accountants – 40 years
JC Snell Ltd – 90 years
White’s Bakery – 90 years

President’s Award:

Chris MacCormac – Morthyng Vocational College

Most Promising New Business

Winner: Trust Education
Highly commended:
Grassroots Sports Academy Ltd
Morgan Wills & Trusts
Shortlisted:
AHJ Wills and Estates
Empress Building & Ballroom

Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner: Leo Lewin – Affinity 2020 CiC
Highly commended:
Ateeb Mughal – Equans
Joshua Turver – Gala Tent
Shortlisted:
Aiden Ellis – Osborne Technologies Limited
James Stretton – Equans

Business Growth Award

Winner: Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Highly commended:
Airmaster
M R Machine Knives
Shortlisted:
Trust Education
Wayv

Business Community Impact Award

Winner: Cranswick Convenience Foods
Highly commended:
Glu Recruit
MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
MWAY Communications Ltd

Commitment to People Development

Winner: Equans
Highly commended:
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
Secure Power Ltd
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
SMH Haywood & Co

Excellence in Customer Service

Winner: Glu Recruit
Highly commended
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
MED-EL UK Ltd
Shortlisted:
Rotherham Insurance Brokers
Signum Facilities Management Ltd

Sustainability Award

Winner: Barnsley College
Highly commended:
Equans
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Hydrov Ltd
KCM Waste Management Ltd

Charity of the Year

Winner: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Highly commended:
Age UK Rotherham
Weston Park Cancer Charity
Shortlisted:
Cathedral Archer Project
Rotherham Hospice

Businessperson of the Year

Winner: Alicia Hewitt - Secure Power Ltd
Highly commended:
James Biggin - Steel City Marketing Ltd
Luke Hammill - Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Shortlisted:
Mark Smith - MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Rob Shaw - Glu Recruit

Large Business of the Year

Winner: Mace Group
Highly commended:
Equi Trek
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Boohoo Group Plc
Equans

BR Chamber Awards website

Images: BR Chamber / J36 Photography

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News: instantprint invests over £500,000 in Rotherham factory

The UK’s largest online printer, instantprint, based in Rotherham, leads the way with investments of over half a million in their latest factory upgrades and new job opportunities.

instantprint is renowned for being a leading employer in the local area, creating new opportunities and keeping their Manvers factory up to date with only the latest tech.

Their latest investment includes the introduction of a new piece of kit. A Hunkeler, the best-in-class brand and top of the line inline cutting solution that is already up and running.

Not only does this piece of equipment make their print production facility more efficient, but it’s also helping them to cut back on their paper waste in line with their new sustainability strategy, all whilst delivering a quality finish to customers' print.

Increased quality and efficiency also means that instantprint is able to pass these savings on to their customers and remain a leader as the fastest turnaround printer in the UK with the latest cut-off time of 5pm for next-day delivery.

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instantprint have also introduced over 40 new jobs since August and are still hiring. They are currently hiring for a range of roles and positions including a Senior Graphic Designer, Production Planners and PPC Manager, to name just a few, as they gear up for what they hope to be a record-breaking peak period.

Laura Mucklow, Head of instantprint, said: "Our investment presents opportunities for both instantprint and individuals in the region who are seeking employment within a dynamic and expanding enterprise. It also means we’re able to offer our customers better quality products on a fast turnaround at a price that is fair.

"At instantprint we're all about providing customers with high quality print on a fast turnaround that makes our business clients grow. This investment positions us for sustained success and enables us to do what we do best – help businesses thrive."

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News: instantprint celebrates 1 millionth customer

Rotherham-based instantprint, the largest UK-based online printer, has identified its 1 millionth customer since being in business.

What started with university leavers in Newcastle in 2009, the business has grown massively since a move to Manvers.

The 1 millionth customer was identified as Electric Cycle Café, an artisan coffee and ebike specialist and to mark the occasion, instantprint founders Adam Carnell and James Kinsella printed their last order free of charge and hand-packed it at the massive 147,000 sq. ft. facility.

Placing 13 orders in the last two years, instantprint have successfully supported Electric Cycle Café’s marketing by printing a range of business cards, posters, and flyers for their shop. Their latest purchase of 500 350gsm silk business cards from the Yorkshire printer are currently being used as loyalty cards for customers visiting their shop.

When instantprint asked them how they felt about being their 1 millionth customer they shared - "We were very surprised that our tiny cafe had been picked out from such a mountainous market."

Electric Cycle Cafe are an independent shop, not part of a chain, that cares incredible amounts about the environment and the local businesses around them. instantprint shared that they love when they find customers who share their vision for a greener future.

Owner, Peter, also told instantprint that his top print tip for other businesses in this industry is to "use a printer that has a fast turnaround on their products! instantprint are fast, reliable, and reasonably priced! We’ve found this also applies to when you’re ordering larger quantities say 500 or 1,000 business cards, posters or leaflets, like we have in the past."

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Starting with a simple goal in mind and recognising that creating print should be easier for small businesses, the founders made it their mantra and it’s still at the heart of everything they do today.

Delivering a wide range of new products, creating handy online services and features, investing in their factory, expanding their premises and launching a new sustainability strategy are just some of the things they’ve ticked off their list, but there’s say that there’s still plenty more to be done.

instantprint’s founders Adam and James are both incredibly invested in helping like-minded business reach their goals. From their Small Business Hub to hiring Account Managers to take care of customer accounts, their investment into instantprint has helped over 1 million small businesses boost their brand with print over the years. With over 5 million small businesses in the UK alone, that’s a whopping 1 in 5 choosing to print with instantprint.

Adam Carnell and James Kinsella, Founders of instantprint, said: "Celebrating our 1 millionth customer is such an exciting time for us here at instantprint. We both think back to when we first started out with just two members of staff in a tiny office in Newcastle. Now, we’re the UK’s largest online printer, fulfilling thousands of jobs each day. It’s such a monumental milestone for us and we couldn’t be prouder of our team and of course, our customers who have helped get us to this point. We can’t wait to share what the future holds for instantprint."

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News: Jobs queue updated at instantprint

The UK’s largest online printing company, instantprint, is on the lookout for over 74 new team members - the majority for its headquarters in Rotherham.

The Manvers-based printers, which started out as a two-man business just ten years ago, employs in excess of 600 people across the South Yorkshire region and is looking to expand further following exponential growth over the past year.

With its usual peak period (September-November) on the horizon, and the end of Covid-19 restrictions expected to drive further demand for print products such as signage, posters, and menus, instantprint is preparing for a yet another wave of business growth and is delighted to be able to offer these exiting roles to local jobseekers.

The variety of roles up for grab in the upcoming weeks are: business development executives; machine operatives; junior artworkers; engineers; client service advisors.

In the immediate future the Business Development Executives, Artworker and Client Service roles consist of a mixture of working from home and working from the instantprint offices based in Wath-Upon-Dearne. All other roles will be permanently based at the instantprint headquarters.

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instantprint has also announced that it will be a Real Living Wage employer. The Real Living Wage is voluntarily paid by around 7,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets every day needs. The Real Living Wage is at least £9.50 per hour - £1.14 more than the UK minimum wage of £8.91.

Angela Hunter, TX Operations Manager at instantprint, said; “Despite Covid-19, we have gone from strength to strength. Due to this, alongside ongoing investment in our people and production facility, and a forecasted increase in demand following the end of Covid-19 restrictions, we are so proud to be able to expand the instantprint family yet again and create further job opportunities.”

“Although the business employs over 600 people, we still have that start-up mentality and part of that is having a close-knit team who contribute to the positive working culture that we have and take pride in.

“We look forward to receiving CVs and meeting with candidates in the coming weeks.”

instantprint is part of the Bluetree Group, which has also seen a recruitment surge for its medical manufacturing division, also based in Rotherham.

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News: instantprint keeping it fresh with scented menus

It was crust a matter of time and now a Rotherham-based printer has produced the world's first pizza scented menus.

Specialising in 24-hour flyer and leaflets, business cards, posters and stationery, instantprint's product development team was approached by Danny Holman and Simon Holder, aka The Pizza Boys, an independent, Bicester based pizza truck. The existing customers came up with the challenge of sealing the scent of their pizzas into the menus, with long-lasting effect.

The firm merged with fast-growing print experts, Bluetree Design & Print Ltd in 2012 and then moved into bigger premises at Manvers where staff numbers have passed the 250 mark, with further expansion planned.

instantprint, who currently hold Guinness World Record title of the World's Largest Business Card, are no strangers to a challenge and got its print team on to the job of researching inks and print methods to bring some life, and smell, to the menus.

Jon Constantine-Smith, head of instantprint said: "Simon and Danny were existing customers of ours and when they came to us with this off the wall idea for menus, we of course jumped to the challenge. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver exactly what our customers want, and we weren't about to let the fact we'd never done it before stop us."

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The menus were created using scented varnish that sees the scent sealed into the paper fibres through a heat setting printing method.

Danny said: "Myself and Simon take real pride in the pizzas we make, using only the finest Italian ingredients along with locally sourced produce to create the best tasting innovative pizza flavours in the area.

"We really wanted this to be reflected in everything, from our custom-built pizza trailer to our menus and branding which is how the idea for scented menus came about. We wanted to stand out for being different and if we're honest, we weren't at all sure it was possible but the guys at instantprint really rose to the challenge.

"We could smell the unmistakeable scent of pizza seasoning when we opened up the package of menus, and we couldn't be more pleased."

Earlier this year, the printers acquired the premises next door to its current location in an expansion that sees the companies' capacity increase by 45%, with the new floorspace being utilised to house staff, including 40 new starters, and also the £6.5m of new technology that has been invested in.

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News: Bluetree Group confirm Rotherham expansion

Fast-growing Rotherham-based print manufacturer, Bluetree Group, has confirmed further expansion at its Manvers base.

Bluetree Group is the market leader in online print and is made up of two customer facing brands - instantprint and Route1Print. Funding from Barclays and the Sheffield City Region Growth Fund Programme enabled Bluetree to move to a new 86,900 sq ft site at Brookfields Park in 2015. It took on the unit that had been empty since DBC Foodservice entered administration in 2012.

Having invested some £20m in its print production facility, the firm has now confirmed plans to expand its manufacturing facility into a neighbouring unit which will increase their total footprint by 45% to 145,000 sq ft, paving the way for Bluetree's continuing growth.

Adam Carnell, co-founder of instantprint said: "We're in an exciting position with the business continuing to grow very rapidly year on year as more consumers choose to purchase their printed products online. When we first moved into the building in 2015 it seemed vast but with the investment in new equipment the space has been filling up quickly. The additional production space will allow the business to fulfil its growing demand and also add new products to the current line-up."

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With Bluetree's confirmed expansion, it is anticipated that recruitment will begin at the end of 2019 to fulfil various production roles within the new facility.

Vicki Russell, head of HR at Bluetree Group, said: "We're very lucky to have secured a neighbouring facility so we can continue to thrive in Rotherham with our dedicated, passionate work force that has expanded by over 200 colleagues over the past five years alone. With our expansion, we're very excited to invest in our existing workforce and look forward to welcoming even more members to the Bluetree family."

Renovation on the newly purchased facility will begin during spring 2019 and run through to early 2020; when Bluetree anticipates everything to be up and running.

With its roots dating back to 1989, the former Templeborough firm has evolved from a traditional screen printer to a predominantly digital offering. In 2012 the business merged with instantprint.co.uk to provide a multi-channel offering.

Since the merger, and for two years in a row, the firm was named as one of the top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100.

St Paul's Developments and funding partner Tritax Assets Ltd purchased the 85 acre former colliery and coking plant site at Manvers from Rotherham Council in 2005 and the brownfield regeneration specialist completed around 1.7 m sq ft of industrial and warehouse space, bringing over 1,800 jobs to Rotherham.

Nearby Cortonwood Colliery is where the 1984 miners strike began and was also the first colliery to be closed after the miners' strike ended.

Bluetree Group website
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News: Print jobs at instantprint

Following a recent investment of £3.25m into its state-of-the-art production facilities in Rotherham, online printer instantprint are currently looking to recruit for a further 14 roles in time for the September period.

Rothbiz reported in June that with the investment, instantprint aims to streamline turnaround times on booklets and large format printing. This will allow instantprint to offer even faster production times.

Over the last five years, instantprint have invested over £20m into their print facility, generating over 200 job roles over the past four years alone. instantprint is now recruiting for a further 14 employees to work in their production facilities to expand their workforce in time for September, which is their busiest time of the year.

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The firm merged with fast-growing print experts, Bluetree Design & Print Ltd in 2012. The group moved to bigger Rotherham premises in 2015 when funding from Barclays and the Sheffield City Region Growth Fund Programme enabled the company to take a new 86,900 sq ft site at Brookfields Park in Manvers.

James Kinsella, co-founder at instantprint, said: "instantprints aim is make it as easy as possible for small business to buy affordable print. Delivering this promise starts and ends with the team behind the scenes, these are the people checking the artwork, helping customers online and producing the final product. Its for this reason that we continue to invest not only in our facilities but in our teams training and development."

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News: instantprint invests a further £3.25m

Fast-growing online printing company instantprint has announced that it is investing a further £3.25m into the latest print technology this summer, creating up to 40 new job opportunities at its Rotherham facility.

The firm merged with fast-growing print experts, Bluetree Design & Print Ltd in 2012. The group moved to bigger Rotherham premises in 2015 when funding from Barclays and the Sheffield City Region Growth Fund Programme enabled the company to take a new 86,900 sq ft site at Brookfields Park in Manvers.

Over the last five years, instantprint has invested over £20m into their print production facility and, as a direct result, it has seen an increase in 206 employees over the last four years. Thanks to the recent investment, the printing firm is set to expand further, aiming to recruit a further 40 new employees before September.

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James Kinsella, Co-Founder of instantprint, said: "Our investment provides opportunities for both instantprint and for people in the region wanting to work for an exciting and growing business. As a result of this investment, we’re able to create a significant amount of job opportunities in the local area.

"At instantprint we're all about providing affordable print for small and micro businesses. This investment enables us to do what we do best – help small businesses thrive."

With this latest round of investment, instantprint aims to streamline turnaround times on booklets and large format printing. This will allow instantprint to offer even faster production times.

Kinsella added: "We've purchased two new print engines, both high-definition inkjet screen presses, these combined with in-line Tecnau cutting systems will really bolster our capacity, and further increase our efficiency. We have also recommissioned our second large format HP Scitex 11,000 print engine. Ultimately this investment strengthens our promise of fast turnarounds, helps us maintain our competitive prices and widens our product range.

"We've also invested substantially in our cutting, stitching and binding equipment, which will be a game changer for our stitched, wire bound and perfect bound books as we're now able to offer a speedier turnaround for those products."

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News: Bluetree Group aiming for European success

Fast growing Rotherham-based print business, Bluetree Group, is appealing for public votes as it represents the United Kingdom in Europe's largest business competition, the European Business Awards.

Since 2007, the European Business Awards has been shining a light on the most innovative businesses on the continent by promoting success, innovation and ethics in the European business community.

Based at Manvers, The Bluetree Group operates through a number of different brands, including Route 1 Print and instantprint.

After being named the UK winner of businesses with a turnover of £26 - £100m, Bluetree Group are now competing in a public vote to be named "European Public Champion" in the awards final stages set to take place in Warsaw, Poland this May. The print manufacturer has created a video that demonstrates their company's operations in hopes to engage with people from across the globe. Last year the public vote generated almost 250,000 votes.

To vote for Bluetree as the public champion at the final of the European Business Awards 2018 visit https://www.businessawardseurope.com/vote/detail-new/28/26751

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James Kinsella, director of ecommerce at Bluetree Group, said: "Myself and the entire team at Bluetree are delighted to represent the UK in the final stages of the European Business Awards in Warsaw. Making it this far is testament to the hard work that everyone at Bluetree has put in over the last year. We now need the UK to get behind one of their own and vote for us to become the European winners."

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said: "This is an amazing achievement and Bluetree is clearly a stand out leader in their field. To be a National Winner means you represent our core values of success, ethics and innovation and are one of the best in Europe. We wish you the best of luck in the final round."

The primary purpose of the awards is to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. Last year it engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries. Sponsors and partners include RSM, ELITE and PR Newswire.

Established in 1989, the Bluetree Group, previously at Templeborough, has evolved from a traditional screen printer to a predominantly digital offering. It took space at the Ignite @ Magna development in 2007 and in 2012 the business merged with instantprint.co.uk to provide a multi-channel offering.

The group moved to bigger Rotherham premises in 2015. Funding from Barclays and the Sheffield City Region Growth Fund Programme enabled the company to take a new 86,900 sq ft site at Brookfields Park in Manvers. Staff numbers have passed the 250 mark.

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News: instantprint launches in the US

Rotherham-based online printing company instantprint has recently expanded its services into the US.

Launching in the USA is a huge achievement for instantprint and further evidence of its incredible success in the UK. Since launching in 2009, instantprint have gone from strength to strength.

The company was named 88th in the 2016 Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 and was recently included in the London Stock Exchange Group's 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain - a celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises. Not to mention being listed as one of the 12 National Winners in the United Kingdom at an exclusive event for The European Business Awards in January 2018.

The firm merged with fast-growing print experts, Bluetree Design & Print Ltd in 2012. It then moved into bigger premises at Manvers where staff numbers have passed the 250 mark.

When childhood friends Adam Carnell and James Kinsella, graduated, they had already spotted a gap in the market for online printing. The duo founded Instantprint using second-hand printing equipment and a borrowed office.

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James Kinsella, co-founder of instantprint (pictured left), said: "This is a very exciting move for the business and the team which has created a real buzz through the office. We feel that our customer focused proposition will resonate with US clients who want to deal with real people but buy print in a quick, easy way. It's very early days but the feedback we've had so far has been great and we're excited to see what the future holds."

Adam Carnell, co-founder of instantprint (pictured right), added: "Nine years ago we saw an opportunity in the UK market to provide online print with a difference. One that takes advantage of the benefits of the online world, but is still backed up by real people who can guide, check and help, just like your local printer. This business model has been hugely successful in the UK, with our team winning multiple business awards from appearing in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 in 2016 to being named as one of the National Winners at the 2018 European Business Awards.

"Having been fortunate enough to have experienced continual growth, we are now going to offer the same great print services to customers in the US."

instantprint has selected FedEx as its courier service provider to the USA. By partnering with FedEx instantprint are able to provide printed materials to US customers within two working days. Customers are able to track deliveries, receive notifications when packages are delivered and are able to manage packages from the FedEx mobile app.

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News: instantprint impressed by tent inventor's pitch

An inventor of an innovative wearable personal shelter has won £6,500 worth of marketing materials as part of a business competition organised by fast growing Rotherham-based online printer, instantprint.

Part of the Manvers-based Bluetree Group, instantprint ran the Launch Of A Lifetime competition as part of its mission to support the UK's small businesses.

Lee Price won the prize after pitching his innovative Zelter Shelter - a personal shelter you can wear.

The competition, aimed to accelerate the success of the winner, included free graphic design time, an iZettle reader, a Dotmailer email marketing subscription, a social media and SEO plan, as well 1 year of free legal advice and templates.

James Kinsella, co-Founder of instantprint, said: "Our Launch of a Lifetime competition received hundreds of entries and after careful consideration Zelter Shelter was selected as the winner.

"Helping small and micro businesses grow their business is at the heart of everything we do. Marketing materials and promotional print make up the core of our business but throughout 2017 we wanted to offer support in all areas of running a business and our Launch of a Lifetime competition is part of this. We're excited to see how the prizes can help Lee develop Zelter Shelter further throughout 2018."

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Lee Price, owner of Zelter Shelter (pictured, back row, centre), added: "We're so pleased to have been chosen as the winner of instantprint's launch of a lifetime competition. Printed marketing has been important because when you're with people it has immediacy and professionalism – a physical thing that people can see and take away with them. This is important in the places where I've been taking the product and it's a great complement to digital media.

"We're focused on creating highly functional gear for outdoor safety and enjoyment. Zelter gear is durable and effective, highly portable and made for extreme situations. We're based in Sheffield and preparing to launch our first product on a large scale."

instantprint started as micro-business. When childhood friends Adam Carnell and James Kinsella, graduated, they had already spotted a gap in the market for online printing. The duo founded Instantprint in 2009 using second-hand printing equipment and a borrowed office.

Going from strength to strength and with turnover at around £30m, the company has been included in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 for two consecutive years. To be included in this, companies must have an average of three year sales growth ranging between 45% and 37.5% per annum and sales ranging between £5m and £100m.

Furthermore, instantprint were included in the London Stock Exchange Group's 100 Companies to Inspire Britain report, which showcases the UK's most inspiring and fastest growing companies.

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Zelter website

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News: instantprint seeks pioneering new business idea

Fast growing Rotherham-based online printer, instantprint, is on the search for a new business idea which has bundles of potential and deserves the launch of a life-time.

The firm merged with fast-growing print experts, Bluetree Design & Print Ltd in 2012. It then moved into bigger premises at Manvers where staff numbers have passed the 250 mark. From new premises, the Bluetree Group operates through a number of different brands, including Route 1 Print and instantprint and is expecting to turnover £30m this year.

From logo design to legal advice, instantprint want to provide an innovative business idea with the foundations they need to flourish and succeed in today's competitive market.

With only 3% of small business owners using Government funding to grow, initial capital can be difficult to raise. Earlier this year, instantprint conducted a survey of small business owners to unearth the issues entrepreneurs are facing. The survey revealed many SMEs are struggling to grow under a mountain of red tape and funding issues, therefore instantprint believe the "Launch of a Lifetime" will help them continue their mission to support the UK's small businesses.

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James Kinsella, co-founder of instantprint, said: "As instantprint began as a micro-business with only two of us trying to grow the business organically, we understand how difficult it is to find the capital needed to start generating revenue. We're delighted this competition will not only highlight the incredible ideas British business owners have, but give one amazing Startup the marketing and legal support they need to grow."

When childhood friends Adam Carnell and James Kinsella, graduated, they had already spotted a gap in the market for online printing. The duo founded Instantprint in 2009 using second-hand printing equipment and a borrowed office.

Recommended reading: How Prize Draws Quietly Became a £1.3bn UK Consumer Sector

instantprint have teamed up with massive B2B brands such as iZettle and Dotmailer to give away over £6,500 worth of resources to the winner of their search that cover a huge range of costs start-ups have to cover.

All entrepreneurs have to do to enter is pitch their business idea on the instantprint website.

The winner will be someone who instantprint believes could take their business to huge heights with the right support.

Prizes include: iZettle reader with £2500 worth of fee transactions; Logo Design, Email Marketing Template and 6500 Printed Materials from instantprint; a 12 month Dotmailer email licence with 240k emails; social media strategy, SEO marketing strategy and a marketing campaign plan from global marketing agency, Intermarketing; legal advice and templates with a 1-year Access package from Lawbite.

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News: Rotherham print group continues to invest

Fast growing print business, Bluetree, continues to invest and expand in Rotherham.

The Bluetree Group operates through a number of different brands, including Route 1 Print and instantprint. Described as a "major strategic move," Bluetree Connect has now been launched to simplify print procurement for print management companies and enterprise clients.

Bluetree Connect will specialise in offering clients a range of solutions which automate print procurement, helping reduce transactional and admin costs. The new brand aims to remove manual processes from buying print at scale.

The group moved to bigger Rotherham premises in 2015. Funding from Barclays and the Sheffield City Region Growth Fund Programme enabled the company to take a new 86,900 sq ft site at Brookfields Park in Manvers. Staff numbers have passed the 250 mark.

Established in 1989, the firm, previously at Templeborough, has evolved from a traditional screen printer to a predominantly digital offering. It took space at the Ignite @ Magna development in 2007 and in 2012 the business merged with instantprint.co.uk to provide a multi-channel offering.

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Route 1 Print, the business to business arm of the Bluetree Group, is spearheading a summer investment of £4m in new systems.

Three StitchLiners from IFS are being installed, among the UK's first delivery from Horizon in Japan, to help launch a 24-hour dispatch service and support fast turnaround, short run book production.

Jack Wilmott, brand manager at Route 1 Print, said: "We want to introduce a 24-hour service and to do that we needed to enhance our short run book production. We need it to be faster and to meet the demand for shorter run work.

"We are expecting to turnover £30m this year and we estimate that the new systems will increase our booklet making capacity by about 63%. They will give us more flexibility and streamline production now that everything is sheet work. We can get work on and off them much faster and that ensures quick and flexible production."

Bluetree Group

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News: Rotherham companies to inspire Britain

Rotherham-based Bluetree Design and Print, Crawshaw plc and Wilsons Carpets have all been named on a report that identifies the fastest-growing and most dynamic SMEs across the UK.

Now in its fourth year, The London Stock Exchange Group's (LSEG's) 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain has gained real prominence among UK businesses. The annual report identifies the UK's most dynamic SMEs and high growth potential companies across sectors and regions, highlighting the best of British small business. It shows companies growing at 70% per year, up from 50% last year.


Fast-growing print experts, Bluetree Design and Print Ltd moved to bigger Rotherham premises in 2015, taking on new staff. Established in 1989, the firm, previously at Templeborough, has evolved from a traditional screen printer to a predominantly digital offering. It took space at the Ignite @ Magna development in 2007 and in 2012 the business merged with instantprint.co.uk to provide a multi-channel offering.

Funding from Barclays and the Sheffield City Region Growth Fund Programme enabled the company to move to a new 86,900 sq ft site at Brookfields Park in Manvers. Staff numbers have passed the 250 mark.

Last year, instantprint cemented its place in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 when it was ranked 88th (3rd in Yorkshire) after seeing its revenue grow by an average of 54% per year over the past three years. It became the first Rotherham-based company to make the list in 2015. instantprint posted sales of £19.9m at the end of April 2016.

The group offers a range of online print products through the instantprint, Bluetree and Route One Print brands. Customers range from sole traders to multinationals and the company claims it prints 450,000 business cards a day.

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Crawshaw plc is an AIM-listed fresh meat and food to go retailer based at Hellaby that is undergoing growth plans that will see it invest £200m, opening 200 stores and creating 2,500 jobs.

Results for the full year ended January 29 2017 included turnover up 19% to £44.2m from the £37.1m reported in the previous year. Investing in expansion plans, the group made a loss before tax of £1.4m, an increase on the loss of £0.3m.

The group, which has the former CEO of Lidl in the UK and the former boss of budget chain Poundland on its executive team, recently concluded a deal with that will see 2 Sisters Food Group founder and chief executive, Ranjit Boparan (and connected party), invest approximately £5.1m for a 29.9% stake in Crawshaw, with warrants to acquire a further 20.1% of the Group. The new investment is expected to enable Crawshaw to restart its accelerated new store opening programme, with an initial focus on factory shop locations.

Wilsons Carpets, the flooring retailer, also made the list. Last year plans were submitted for a new purpose built 55,000 sq ft distribution warehouse in Rotherham that would be the foundation for growth and a national roll-out.

Established in 1968, the family firm specialises in carpets, laminate, rugs, vinyl flooring and artificial grass. Headquartered at Houndhill Park, Manvers, it has grown to run 13 stores across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, with one of the largest now at The Gateway in Parkgate, Rotherham.

Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: "I want to congratulate the 1,000 companies from across the UK featured in London Stock Exchange Group’s pioneering 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report. Championing high growth innovative SMEs is crucial for the continued success of the UK economy and a country that works for everyone. We are committed to ensuring that companies of all sizes can access finance to grow, scale-up and create high quality well-paid jobs across the country."

Xavier Rolet, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group, added: "Four years on, LSEG's "1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain" report continues to highlight the dynamic, entrepreneurial and ambitious businesses across the country that are boosting UK productivity, driving economic growth and creating jobs. The strength and diversity of these companies is readily apparent with a broad mix of UK regions and sectors represented. These companies are the very heart of an "anti-fragile" economy: more robust; more flexible and less prone to boom and bust. We must ensure we continue doing all we can to support high growth potential businesses like these.

"London Stock Exchange Group is fully committed to supporting and implementing initiatives which improve access to and cut the cost of finance for growing companies. We welcome the Government's focus on supporting SMEs as part of its Industrial Strategy and await the outcome of its review into long-term patient capital."

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Crawshaw website
LSEG website

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News: instantprint amongst UK's fastest growing companies

Rotherham-based online printing company instantprint has cemented its place in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100, after continuing its impressive growth in 2016.

The firm merged with fast-growing print experts, Bluetree Design & Print Ltd in 2012. It then moved into bigger premises at Manvers where staff numbers have passed the 250 mark.

The 20th annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table ranks Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales over three years. instantprint was ranked 88th (3rd in Yorkshire) after seeing its revenue grow by an average of 54% per year over the past three years. It became the first Rotherham-based company to make the list in 2015.

Founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella whilst at University, the business now employs a team of more than 260, including the addition of 92 in the past 12 months. Merging with Templeborough-based point-of-sale printing specialist Bluetree, it now offers a range of online print products through the instantprint, Bluetree and Route One Print brands. Customers range from sole traders to multinationals and the company claims it prints 450,000 business cards a day.

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Adam Carnell, co-founder of instantprint (pictured, right), said: "It is terrific that we have been able to retain our place in the Fast Track 100 and are amongst such a prestigious cohort of companies. Our business has continued to grow at a tremendous rate this year; we have added a great group of new faces to the company, built on our revenue, and been able to invest in more production equipment.

"We have worked hard to gain this success since instantprint was founded and being named in the Fast Track 100 for a second straight year is a testament to everyone that works for the business."

Over the past two years the business has invested £16m in the latest generation equipment coupled with a new production facility in Manvers. The move has been supported by a £1.5m grant from the Sheffield City Region LEP's Unlocking Business Investment Regional Growth Fund programme.

James Kinsella, co-founder of instantprint (pictured, left), said: "This is such a fantastic accolade for instantprint to receive, especially for a second consecutive year. Over the past few years the team have worked incredibly hard to keep developing our proposition and moving the business forward in a very competitive market. It's great to see UK manufacturing performing and it's a credit to the team we have here."

instanprint joins companies such as restaurant group Bill's, brewer BrewDog, appliance manufacturer Gtech, fashion retailer Missguided, and number one ranked company Gymshark, an online activewear retailer.

To qualify, firms had to have annualised sales exceeding £250,000 in the base year and not show a drop from the penultimate to the latest year, where total sales had to exceed £5m. Firms had to have ten or more employees, and make operating profit of at least £500,000.

instantprint posted a 54% growth in annualised sales over the last three years, up to £19.9m at the end of April 2016.

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News: Survey highlights business survival

Yorkshire and the Humber has the longest running small businesses in Britain according to a poll conducted by Rotherham-based online printer instantprint.

The region's small business owners have on average owned their companies for 112.87 months, a period that dwarfs the lifespan of the rest of the nation’s SMEs.

At over nine years, Yorkshire's SMEs average period of life is more than double the current existence of small businesses in the South West (44.3 months), London (48.72 months), the North East (50.69 months) and East Anglia (55.88 months). The only part of Britain close to their longevity was Northern Ireland, whose average ownership was 93.07 months.

The area's largest cities companies were polled, with owners in Leeds averaging 124.57 months, those in York listed at 98.95 months of service, and Sheffield’s owners running their businesses for 98.38 months.

Instantprint co-founder, James Kinsella, who founded the company with Adam Carnell in 2009, said: "As a business owner in Yorkshire, this is terrific news. The region really is a breeding ground for small businesses to start up and then establish themselves. Our company has grown tremendously here, and this shows that other entrepreneurs can follow our lead and can be here for the long term."

instantprint is one of the top 100 companies in the UK with the fastest-growing sales. In 2012 the company merged with Templeborough-based point-of-sale printing specialist Bluetree and a move to bigger at Manvers last year have seen staff numbers hit the 200 mark.

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Rotherham Council uses the survival rate of new businesses as a priority measure to economic growth. 63.1% of new businesses had a survival rate of three years in 2014/15.

The survey also highlighted that one factor that may have assisted the establishment of these SMEs is that their owners have the second longest average working week in the nation. Yorkshire and the Humber entrepreneurs work a standard working day longer over the course of the week than the average 9-5, clocking up 45.56 hours. Of those polled, this was only surpassed by Northern Irish SME owners, who are in the office 49.08 hours a week.

By putting in the long hours, Yorkshire SME owners have had to make sacrifices, with over half of those polled suggesting they've missed valuable time with their family, 40.48% missed time away on holiday, and 47.62% missed out on down-time. This relinquishment of their precious free time, has seen 50% of the region's owners admitting that they are more stressed, but even still, a poll-high 83.33% advised that they would not want to go back to working for someone else.

Kairen Skelley, head of business start-up at Spark, Leeds University's service that offers students guidance, mentorship, and assistance with funding and office space, said: "The area is definitely thriving, we see a growth of 10-15% of start-ups per year, so when we started the target was 20, there were 65 this year.

"The student business people that I work with, live and breathe Yorkshire and that can only be a great thing for the region going forward. They want to stay in Yorkshire, which means the money stays here. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of our programme is that many of these businesses are founded with the hope of long-term success, and this is reflected in the fact that 83% of our start-ups are still going three years after setting up."

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News: Instantprint press on with expansion

Rotherham-based online printing company, instantprint has announced that over 20 new jobs will be available from September 2016, as the business continues its expansion.

The firm merged with fast-growing print experts, Bluetree Design & Print Ltd in 2012. It moved into bigger Rotherham premises at Manvers last year where staff numbers have hit the 200 mark.

The latest recruitment drive is part of a planned creation of 100 jobs over the course of a year, following the investment of a £1m grant funded by the Sheffield City Region Local Enterpeise Partnership's (LEP's) Unlocking Business Investment Regional Growth Fund programme.

Among the vacancies advertised this summer are roles across a variety of levels and departments including artwork, web development and business development.

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James Kinsella co-founder of Instantprint, said: "It's terrific that we are able to continue to grow at such a rate, and it's a credit to everyone involved in the business. We are constantly on the lookout for fresh talent and I can't wait to welcome this new group to the company."

As part of the recruitment process, instantprint are hosting an assessment day for applicants for 11 factory production positions on August 26 between 09:30 and 15:00, at Holiday Inn, Wath upon Dearne. Attendance for this event is strictly by invitation only and details can be found here.

The company now specialises in 24-hour flyer and leaflets, business cards, posters and stationery printing. It also offers large format print such as banners and exhibition display stands for events and promotions.

Instantprint became he first Rotherham-based company to make the annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table which ranks Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales over three years. With sales of £3.4m in 2012, and reaching £14.4m in 2015, annual sales growth over three years was 62%, ranking Instantprint at 50th in the table.

When childhood friends Adam Carnell and James Kinsella graduated, they had already spotted a gap in the market for online printing. The duo founded Instantprint in 2009 using second-hand printing equipment and a borrowed office.

Established in 1989, the Bluetree Design & Print Ltd has evolved from a traditional screen printer to a predominantly digital offering. It took space at the Ignite @ Magna development at Templeborough in 2007. Funding from Barclays and the Region Growth Fund Programme enabled the group to move to a new 86,900 sq ft site at Brookfields Park.

Instantprint website

Images: Instantprint

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