Your Brand Brought to Life 

Every design tells a story, and exceptional print quality ensures that the story is told exactly as it was intended. Accurate colour reproduction, crisp detail and premium finishing techniques help artwork stand out, allowing every brushstroke, illustration and texture to shine.

When your products consistently look their best, customers begin to associate your brand with quality, creating confidence with every purchase.

Little Details Make all the Difference 

Consumers may not always know why one card feels more premium than another, but they’ll certainly notice it.

Factors such as: vibrant colour, sharp image reproduction, high-quality paper stocks and professional finishing all contribute to a product that feels special in the customer’s hands.

These details elevate perceived value and encourage repeat purchases, particularly in the greeting card industry, where customers are often buying products to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.

Keep Quality Consistent 

Consistency is just as important as quality itself. Whether you’re ordering hundreds or thousands of cards, every print run should reflect the same high standards.

That’s why we’re excited to upgrade the B2 digital press at our Marden site to the latest HP Indigo 18000, continuing our long-standing commitment to supporting publishers across the industry.

The new press features AI-assisted diagnostics, reducing downtime and keeping production running smoothly, while inline colour control delivers exceptional colour accuracy and consistency from the first sheet to the last. The result is reliable, high-quality printing that publishers can depend on every time they place an order.

Elevate Designs with a Special Touch 

Print is a tactile experience, and the right finishing touches can transform a beautiful design into something truly memorable.

From luxurious foiling and embossing to spot UV and gloss varnishing, special finishes add depth, texture and visual impact that simply can’t be replicated on screen. They encourage customers to pick up a card, interact with it and appreciate the craftsmanship behind the design.

Whether it’s adding a subtle metallic detail to a festive collection, creating contrast with spot UV or introducing tactile textures that enhance an illustration, these finishing techniques help products stand out on crowded retail shelves and create a premium feel that customers associate with quality.

Print Smart, Not More

One of the biggest environmental challenges in traditional print is overproduction. Large print runs often lead to excess stock sitting in warehouses, eventually becoming waste when products go unsold. Not only does this increase costs, but it also creates unnecessary environmental impact through wasted materials, storage, and transportation.

That’s why print-on-demand has become such an important part of sustainable printing. By producing only what is needed, when it is needed, publishers can significantly reduce waste while maintaining the flexibility to respond to customer demand. Whether it’s six cards or six hundred thousand, printing smarter means fewer resources are used and less ends up in landfill.

The Power of Responsible Production 

Sustainability goes beyond reducing waste. It also means considering how products are manufactured. Our carbon-neutral presses help support a more environmentally conscious production process without compromising on the vibrant colours and premium finishes publishers expect.

Every stage of production is carefully considered to ensure resources are used responsibly, from printing and finishing through to fulfilment and delivery.

We also make sure that every sheet of paper is used wisely, and any leftover scraps, press consumables or foil offcuts are responsibly recycled. 

Choosing Materials that Make a Difference 

The materials used in print have a significant impact on the environment. That’s why responsibly sourced paper, envelopes, and packaging are so important. 

By working with trusted suppliers who share strong environmental values, publishers can have confidence that their products are created using materials sourced with sustainability in mind.

As an FSC® Certified business (C001869), we are committed to supporting responsible forestry and sustainable supply chains, helping to ensure that quality and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We’ve reduced our use of plastic, and even invested in packaging that protects your products without the need for bubble wrap. 

Investing in a Greener Future 

As technology continues to evolve, the print industry has an exciting opportunity to become even more efficient, innovative, and environmentally responsible. Investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and waste reduction initiatives all contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our electric company vehicles, responsible recycling practices, and commitment to reducing unnecessary waste are all part of a wider effort to continually improve the way we operate.

What is On-Demand Printing? 

It is exactly what it sounds like, printing only what you need and when you need it. Instead of ordering large print runs in advance, you can produce smaller quantities quickly and efficiently, reducing waste and giving you more flexibility.

With modern, digital printing technology, quality remains exceptional regardless of the quantity ordered.

Save Money by Printing Smarter

One of the biggest advantages of on-demand printing is cost control. Traditional bulk printing often leads to excess stock, outdated materials, and unnecessary expenses. On-demand printing eliminates this issue by allowing you to order only what you need. This is especially useful for people that frequently update pricing, branding, promotional campaigns, product information, etc. 

It’s also perfect for smaller businesses and start-ups, removing the need for large storage areas filled with unused print materials. Instead, you can print in smaller batches, reorder quickly when needed, and experiment with designs before committing. Rather than paying for thousands of prints upfront, you can adapt your materials as your business evolves.

Make Personalisation Easy

Customers increasingly expect personalised experiences, and on-demand printing makes customisation easy. Whether it’s personalised invitations, branded packaging, or individual marketing materials, digital printing allows for unique designs without slowing down production. 

Improve Sustainability 

Printing only what you need naturally reduces waste. Fewer unused materials means less paper, ink, and packaging ending up discarded.

At The Imaging Centre, everything is printed completely on demand in the exact quantities required, helping to eliminate wasteful overruns and excess stock. In addition, our CO2 neutral presses allow us to offer a more environmentally conscious print solution without compromising on quality. 

At a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly important, on-demand printing supports environmentally conscious business practices. Small changes can make a big difference over time. 

Choose the Right Print Partner 

To truly maximise the benefits of on-demand printing, it’s important to work with a trusted print specialist who understands your goals and can recommend the best solutions for you. We combine expert advice, advanced printing technology, and exceptional customer service to help you achieve professional results every time. 

Thanks to our custom in-house system, your orders can be on the press within minutes of being placed. Whether you’re printing 6 or 600,000 cards, we’ve got the setup to handle it.

Typical Turnaround Times 

To help set clear expectations, our average turnaround times are as follows: 

Print Only: 3 – 5 working days 

Print & Pack: 5 – 7 working days 

Special Finishes: 5 -10 working days 

Special Finishes & Pack: 10 – 15 working days 

Overall, turnaround times typically range from 2 – 20 working days, depending on the nature and scale of the job. 

Why Some Jobs Take Longer 

Some projects require additional production processes, particularly those involving special finishes such as embossing, foiling, fluting, or other bespoke enhancements. These finishes add extra stages to the production workflow which naturally extends turnaround times compared to standard print work. 

Similarly, larger or more complex orders will require additional time for setup, production, and quality checks to ensure everything is completed to the highest standard. 

Busy Periods 

During peak production periods, turnaround times may occasionally be longer than usual due to increased demand. While we always strive to meet or exceed our estimated timeframes, high volumes of work around national holidays can impact scheduling. 

Rest assured, every order is carefully planned and scheduled to maintain efficiency and consistency across all jobs. 

Your Order Confirmation 

Once your order has been placed, you’ll receive a confirmation email outlining your scheduled completion date. If you’re working towards a specific deadline, we strongly encourage you to contact your customer account manager as early as possible. We will always do our best to accommodate urgent requests and support your project timeline wherever we can. 

Notebooks 

They aren’t just pretty stationery, they’re tools people use every day. Whether for jotting down creative ideas or planning projects, a quality notebook becomes a constant companion. Publishers can now add their own artwork or branding to notebooks in sizes from handy jotters to beautifully bound A6 and A5 wiro notebooks. We produce them all on demand and finish them in-house with the same care and quality you’d expect from us. 

Looking for something truly unique? We collaborate with a network of trusted suppliers to bring your dream notebook to life, crafted precisely to your vision and specifications. 

These products are a subtle yet powerful way to stay relevant in your customers’ daily lives. 

Gift Wrap

Custom gift wrap is more than just a finishing touch. Our single-sheet gift wrap is printed on high-quality silk or uncoated paper and can be ordered in exactly the quantity you need, eliminating waste and excess stock. 

Gift wrap is a simple but effective way to make every order feel special, helping make your brand feel premium and create a lasting impression with customers.

Beyond Notebooks and Gift Wrap

Our product range doesn’t stop there, we also print: 

Art Prints: perfect for showcasing your designs, available in A5, A4, A3 and A2 sizes. 

Postcards: compact, vibrant and great for mailers or upselling, our postcards are the perfect way to make a big impression.

Stationery: Getting ready for a trade show or just need something extra to shout about your brand? From flyers and posters to business cards, we’ve got what you need to strengthen your brand presence.

Florals (with a twist)

Florals remain a spring staple, but we think this year sees them reimagined in more stylised ways. We expect to see: abstract petal shapes, simplified line florals and unexpected colour pairings.

Expressive Typography

We think spring will see a rise in strong, expressive typography, particularly when paired with short captions or messages. Designers will move away from overly decorative fonts and instead use it as a central design element that creates playful and contemporary greeting cards.

Short captions allow the typography to shine, making the sentiment immediately clear and visually striking. This approach works well for a range of card types, from humour and everyday greetings to celebratory or motivational messages.

Tactile Textures & Hand-Made Touches

In response to digital perfection, we think there will be a push for personal designs, where customers will be more drawn to products that feel good to hold. Texture driven designs help elevate cards into something more memorable, adding depth and interest. Special finishes such as embossing, foiling or die-cutting add those unique, handmade touches.

More designers will mix digital illustration with hand-drawn elements for added individuality.

This also applies to the rise we expect to see in nostalgia based design, with funky patterns and vintage typography creating a more personable aesthetic that feels familiar and comforting.

Nature Inspired

We think designs will reflect environmental themes, drawing inspiration from earthy tones and natural textures. Eco-conscious materials, such as recycled paper and packaging will become mainstream.

What are Trade Shows? 

Trade shows are organised events where businesses from a specific industry gather together to exhibit their products and services to retailers, buyers, and other professionals. One perfect example of this is PG Live, the UK’s only trade exhibition dedicated to greeting cards. This event attracts card buyers, international distributions and retailers from across the world, all looking to find exciting new publishers and products for the upcoming year. 

Why are Trade Shows Important? 

Connect with Key Buyers – People from leading UK and international retail chains visit trade shows to select products for their stores and to meet new publishers. 

Build Industry Relationships – Meeting buyers, collaborators and suppliers in person builds trust fast and can open doors far quicker than emails or calls. People are more likely to remember businesses they’ve met, especially when you give them something tangible, like samples or brochures. 

Discover Trends & Inspiration – Trade shows are great for spotting what’s next, whether that’s new design trends, popular themes or print techniques. This helps you to stay competitive, spark creativity and spot gaps your designs can fill.

Planning Ahead 

Get the most from your trade show experience and make sure to plan ahead! At The Imaging Centre, we often work with publishers to make sure their print samples are ready well before the event. Printed samples are often the first thing a buyer touches and remembers, so it’s important to talk to us early so we can fit your orders in. 

Every show has cut-offs, so before promising anything check those deadlines with us. We’ll help you plan around our turnaround times and avoid any last-minute stress. 

See Us at PG Live in June!

We’re exhibiting at PG Live this year! Make sure to come and say hello and see what we can do for your printing needs.

A Growing Community 

This year we were thrilled to welcome 105 new Publisher Members to The Imaging Centre, bringing us to a total of 830 Members.

Record Production & Print Excellence

Our production floor has never been busier. In 2025, we completed a remarkable 22,000 jobs, printing a staggering 15,250,000 cards. 

A special highlight: our hardworking packers manually packed 10,500,000 cards by hand, a true testament to our precision, care, and craftsmanship.

Investment in Innovation

To continue offering the best possible service, we made several strategic purchases in our production capabilities, including 1 New Press and 5 Finishing Machines purchased. 

These additions strengthen our workflow, enhance print quality, and allow us to meet growing demand.

Industry Engagement 

In 2025 we proudly attended 6 trade shows, engaging with partners, publishers, and industry leaders to showcase what makes The Imaging Centre unique.

Our InPress seminars were another standout success, with 6 seminars presented and 42 publishers attending.

Our Team

Behind every statistic and achievement is our incredible team of dedicated professionals. Their expertise, creativity, and commitment have shaped every milestone of 2025 and we couldn’t be prouder of the work they achieve.