Print Yorkshire has formed a partnership with Garnett Dickinson Global to launch a web portal that will bring buyers and suppliers of print in the Yorkshire and Humber region together.
www.PrintYorkshirePortal.com is an e-commerce solution, by printers for printers, developed in response to Yorkshire Forward's regional economic strategy.
The portal will allow print companies to register their areas of expertise at no cost. Buyers can specify their enquiry using a graphic interface and drop-down boxes then select which companies to send their ‘Request for Quotation’ using a range of criteria including, ISOs, carbon footprint and membership of trade association. Any consequent contract is placed directly between buyer and seller.
Robert McClements, Print Yorkshire Chief Executive, said: “It’s great news for printers and businesses in the region. This e-portal solution fits perfectly with our remit of ensuring print work for Yorkshire Businesses is produced in Yorkshire where we already have a thriving print sector with a proud heritage.
“After many months of planning I’m confident that this web based solution will prove to be a highly beneficial procurement medium for print buyers and suppliers alike. We will be actively reaching out to over 1000 printers in Yorkshire to register.”
Members of two pilot host networks requiring print - Financial Leeds and bedi@ - will initially have exclusive access to local printers via the portal. Financial Leeds is a membership organisation at the heart of the financial and professional services sector within the Leeds city region and bmedi@ is a network of media, new media and technology related companies in the West Yorkshire district.
Nick Alexander, Chief Executive of Garnett Dickinson Global added: “The portal is a significant step forward for the region’s print sector. With our in-house expertise and industry knowledge we have developed a system that will quickly and effectively enable the Yorkshire and Humber region’s printers to reach new buyers. Buyers can now access a greater range of printers in a more manageable way.
“In time, via additional networks we feel the portal developed with Print Yorkshire can be an integral medium that will empower print purchasers and print suppliers to work together, effectively and efficiently.”