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GF Smith Celebrates Paper Anniversary - part 3 of 1 2 3 4 5

Published 01/08/2015

"It used to be black and ivory and then burgundy came into it, plus a few blues and greens - but there were none of the high fashion colours we have now," marvels Gail Mellors. "With Colorplan, we have colours for every occasion." This means, suggests Commercial Manager Tim, that if a wedding or shoot has a certain colour scheme, or say, purple flowers, your GF Smith Photographic album can be matched to it. "We've adapted and evolved our product to meet and match changes in the market," adds Gail. "We've got history and are very proud of that history. We're proud of our premises and people. There are people who have been here since year one and they're still here.

"We do pride ourselves on the fact that once someone starts at the company then they're pretty much here for life," agrees Tim. "We have a high staff retention and we employ more people now than we ever had: the latest count is 201, whereas 30 years ago it was probably a maximum of 70 staff. A lot of people think of GF Smith as part of a cottage industry, but we are a major player in the market.

"What's important as well is how we have changed," adds Gail. "In 2009 we changed the name and branding to 'Print Presentation', we launched frames and employed a major designer to do all our designing. We launched a lifestyle catalogue and over the years we have kept evolving and changing and moving it forward. Perceptions of us are probably slightly skewed, compared to what we are.

"Our papers sell to designers for companies such as Mulberry and Stella McCartney. Thanks to the Colorplan range of 50 colours if you want a bright orange or a turquoise blue for a wedding album, yes you can have it, which is a big thing and has been very successful for us in attracting lots of attention."

Folders and mounts can also be produced in the same comprehensive range of colours. Tim Berry adds that they are increasingly finding that corporate companies are having an event and might want 25 special coloured folders block printed with their logo or the name of the event that they're having. Event photographers are also showing interest in this facility.

Generally speaking though, GF Smith Photographic notes that its customer base is an even split between event photographers, portrait photographers, and social and wedding photographers - so pretty much the entire membership of The Societies!

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1st Published 01/08/2015
last update 09/12/2022 14:54:43

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