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Small Business Ombudsman Kate Carnell has called for immediate changes to Australia’s “broken” insolvency system ahead of “a predicted tsunami of insolvencies to come."  Small business owners that have been through the liquidation process "have told us their experience was so traumatic they will never fully recover," Carnell says.

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French RIP software company Caldera has launched the Caldera WebShop – designed to enable wide-format printing businesses to create a bespoke storefront which can be integrated into a web-to-print operation.

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Kwik Kopy has been recognised at last week's 37th National Print Awards for the third year running. Wide format is becoming an important part of Kwik Kopy's offerings as its St Leonard's branch has also conducted a great direct campaign to attract Covid sign business.

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Following its AGM, Sign industry association ASGA has announced new appointments to its National Executive, with SA's Sign Concepts' Julie Rochester taking on the Presidency

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Supplier Ball & Doggett has released the first episode of its new YouTube video series called RESET that is designed as ‘a conversation connecting our industry, featuring open discussions with clients, suppliers and industry peers, sharing their experiences and thoughts.’

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Melbourne printer Taylor’d Press won five gold medals and the coveted Judge’s Award at the 37th annual National Print Awards, while co-owner Kirsten Taylor was named winner of the inaugural Exceptional Women in Print award. 
ColourChiefs of Brisbane won Large Format Printer of the Year.
Digitalpress of Sydney won two golds including Digital Printer of the Year.
Scott Mason of Payne Print was Media Super Young Executive of the Year.
Other gold winners were Impact International, Detpak Cartons, Foot and Playstead, WHO Printing (2), Elikon Fine Printers, Adams Print, Spicers (2), Note Printing Australia, Peacock Bros, Styleprint, Pandoras Boxes, Openbook Howden Print & Design, and By Ninja (2). See the complete list of gold, silver and bronze winners.

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As COVID-19 uncertainty creeps back into national life, outdoor advertiser oOh!media is supporting efforts to spread positivity and kindness by participating in the Kind July initiative for the second year running.

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Organisers of global print expo drupa have trimmed the length of the trade fair from eleven to nine days, from April 20-28, 2021. The moves follows the withdrawal of big name exhibitors including Heidelberg, Xerox, Bobst, Manroland, Komori and Chili Publish. “Despite some corona-related cancellations, the current booking status remains at a high level,” drupa said.

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As speculation continues over the possibility of tougher stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions being introduced in Melbourne, industry group The Real Media Collective (TRMC) has called on the Victorian government to recognise printing as an essential service.

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Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell welcomed the federal government’s $2 billion JobTrainer skills package, saying it will deliver the skilled workers that SMEs need.

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Following industry concerns over the rescheduling of FESPA to March 2021, just 5 weeks before drupa and with Covid-19 travel uncertainty, FESPA's CEO Neil Felton responds to questions from WFOL publisher Andy McCourt.

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Organisers of global print expo drupa 2021 have released an extensive new Hygiene and Infection Protection Concept designed for ”safe and successful trade fairs in Corona times.” Major exhibitors including Heidelberg, Xerox, Bobst and now Manroland have all decided against taking part in next year’s event, which was postponed from June 2020 because of the pandemic.

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New research on the impact of Covid-19 and “a looming global recession” projects the global market for wide format printers will continue to grow at an annual rate of 2.5 percent to reach US$4 billion (A$5.7bn) by 2027. Led by countries including Australia, the ‘UV cured Segment’ in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$552.2 (A$790m). 

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The 37th annual National Print Awards will be streamed live on Friday from 8-9pm AEST on the Print and Visual Communication Association's (PVCA) Facebook page.

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EVOK3D - a partner of leading graphic arts supplier Currie Group - has won a contract to supply three HP Jet Fusion 3D printing systems to the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DST), part of the Australian Department of Defence that provides technology support for defence and national security needs.  The public tender contract includes the supply of automated post-processing equipment.

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Our article in this issue concerning the voluntary administration of ACM and facade panel supplier Fairview Architectural, was confirmed as factual and balanced by the company. However, elsewhere in the media, wild inaccuracies have been promulgated and we feel it our duty to publish Fairview's rebuttal in the interests of the 52 staff still working hard and fulfilling orders from the Lithgow, NSW HQ.

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German software developer for global wide format and industrial printing markets announced three new solutions and services that are available this month: Productionserver 20, Custom Create and Professional Color Management Services. ColorGATE, acquired by Ricoh in 2018, is distributed in Australia by Starleaton and Celmac.

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In April 2014, SAi, a leading provider for professional signmaking, wide-format digital printing and CNC machining industries announced a new sales option: software by subscription. We caught up with Philippe Meyer, SAi’s Sales and Support Manager for Oceania, about the success of this innovative approach in the intervening years.

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Fairview Architectural Pty Ltd, a leading supplier of ACM panels, has addressed the challenges faced by cladding-related litigation, Covid-19 and customer failures leaving large debts and has voluntarily appointed Grant Thornton to administer (not liquidate as reported elsewhere), the company's affairs. The goal is to emerge from administration and keep all 52 jobs.

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Signage franchise Signarama, which has over 100 stores across Australia, is offering a customer $5,000 worth of free signage in its Power Up contest. “Unusual times can call for quick action,” it says. “We're here to support you during the changes to trading conditions caused by the coronavirus.”

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"Nothing beats experiencing the latest technologies up close in action with the public and the trade fair feeling,” said German press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer, confirming its presence at next year’s global printing trade expo drupa following the surprise exit of competitor Heidelberg. “Although digital formats are gaining in importance, they are only a supplement in customer communication.” K&B CEO Claus Bolza-Schünemann is also the president of drupa.