Bespoke Digital Printer of the Year

This category is aimed at short-run (less than 1,000 copies), high-value digital print, including, but not restricted to, brochures, packaging and presentation packs. Judges will be seeking out the company that best demonstrates a combination of good quality colour results, with innovative applications.

CRITERIA
Judges will be seeking out the company that best demonstrates a combination of good-quality colour results, with innovative applications. Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include a single copy example of four different digitally printed pieces of print in order to demonstrate consistent production excellence. If any part of the job was produced by a different company – for example a special finish – remember to credit the company that undertook it.

Please note large-format digital print work can also be entered into the OOH category.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different digital print samples produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Bespoke Magazine Printer of the Year

This award is designed for the best examples of shorter run magazines, these are typically premium products where the emphasis is placed on producing a product that reflects the value the publisher places on the content featured. Magazines printed using the sheetfed offset or digital process, may be entered and judges will take into account the production implications of each technology.

CRITERIA
Judges will be looking for consistent quality of print and finishing as well as repro (if applicable). Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include a single copy example of four different magazines Entries will need to consist of B2B, consumer or customer titles in any combination, however, you cannot submit more than one issue of the same magazine.

If any part of the job was produced by a different company - for example the repro or a special finish - remember to credit the company that undertook it.

Please note: The submitted samples must feature editorial content to be deemed magazines, catalogues or brochure samples will be disqualified.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different magazines entered
2. Four different magazine samples produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Book Printer of the Year

Books printed in the UK are renowned for their quality across the globe, and this award celebrates all that is great about UK book printing. Judges will be looking for the highest quality of printing married to precision in binding. Books printed by any process may be entered and judges will take into account the production implications of each technology.

CRITERIA
Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include a single copy example of four different books either case bound or paperback or both. Each entry will consist of four different books and if any part of the job was produced by a different company, for example a special finish – remember to credit the company that undertook it. Also, because the finishing of the books is of critical importance in this category, where the binding has not been done in-house the trade bindery/ies used must be declared on the production sheet.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different books produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Brochure Printer of the Year

If a picture says a thousand words, then the highest-quality brochure must speak volumes. The production values involved in many brochures are among the highest in print, but a good-quality brochure is not just about the money spent on its production; the dedication to quality of everyone involved in the process, from the repro department to the press minder or binder operator play a vital part. With this in mind, quality is key, and this award aims to honour those printers who believe a job just being good enough, isn't good enough.

CRITERIA
Judges will be looking for consistent quality of repro, print and finishing. Brochures printed sheetfed litho as well as digital may be entered. Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced and if any part of the job was produced by a different company – for example the binding, repro or special finish – remember to credit the company that undertook it.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different brochures produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Company of the Year

Being named PrintWeek's company of the year is the ultimate accolade in the printing industry. This award recognises outstanding achievement, based on the financial and business performance of a company during the judging period (see criteria below). Please supply any information that helps to substantiate your achievement, including report and accounts and a 500-word summary on why you should win this award. Other information, such as letters of commendation from customers will also be considered.

CRITERIA
Here the judges are looking at the business performance of the entering companies. These categories take into account the quality of the balance sheet and profit-and-loss accounts; investment in technology and people; and other achievements, such as the winning of new contracts or the overcoming of exceptional circumstances. This means that we need to see real substantive evidence, including report and accounts, but we guarantee the confidentiality of sensitive information. The financial year under review is April 2019 to the end of March 2020.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Coversheet
2. Full set of accounts including profit-and-loss and balance sheets for the period April 2019 to the end of March 2020 (management accounts acceptable for periods falling outside your financial year)
3. 500-word summary
4. Optional: prior year accounts and customer testimonials
5. Read the rules of entry for the Performance categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples (if applicable).

Customer Service Team of the Year

This award recognises the importance of world-class customer service, and that successful companies have to provide much more than 'just ink on paper'. It will be awarded to the customer service team that demonstrates exemplary performance in offering innovative customer service solutions to customers. This could involve solving a specific problem(s) or thinking proactively on behalf of the customer. Please support your entry with a 500-word summary on why your company should win, along with a specific customer service case study or studies.

CRITERIA
The period under review is April 2019 to the end of March 2020, so your entry should detail a project or projects that were undertaken during this time. As well as the 500-word summary on the project(s) and the challenges involved and goals achieved, the judges will be looking for a detailed client testimonial(s) that describes the impact of your team's dedication to customer service. The more detailed the information the better. All judges sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to judging the PrintWeek Awards and client confidentiality will be respected.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Coversheet
2. 500-word summary
3. Client testimonials
4. Detailed case study
5. Read the rules of entry for the Performance categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples (if applicable).

Direct Mail Printer of the Year

While in the past direct mail was often slurred with the label of 'junk mail', with myriad advances in technology and execution the term has been consigned to the waste bin. Modern mailings are innovative and thoughtful pieces of direct mail that prove the true marketing potential of print. The ROI of intelligent direct mail is unsurpassed and, in this category, we’re looking for the finest examples the sector has to offer.

CRITERIA
While print is clearly the focus, the full range of finishing techniques will also be judged in this category, including folding, perforating, personalisation, die-cutting and pop-ups. Judges will be looking for consistent quality of print and finishing as well as repro (if applicable). DM pieces printed sheetfed or web offset, and digital, may be entered and judges will take into account the production implications of each technology. If any part of the job was produced by a different company – for example the repro or a special finish – remember to credit the company that undertook it.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different direct mail samples produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Environmental Company of the Year

This award will go to the print company that has done most to improve its environmental performance during the 12 months under review. The judges will be looking for evidence of the programmes or changes implemented, and of the measurable results of these changes. Please supply all relevant information that will substantiate your environmental achievement, including a 500-word summary and a copy of your company’s environmental policy.

CRITERIA
The period under review is April 2019 to the end of March 2020. It is worth noting that in this category, arguably more than any other the devil is in the detail, so detailed submissions are not only accepted, but welcomed. However, remember to use your 500-word summary to highlight your achievements during the judging period and then detail their impact in your supporting evidence so that judges do not miss any of the critical information. Sensitive information will be kept confidential.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Coversheet
2. 500-word summary
3. Detailed evidence of your environmental improvements during the 12-month period.
4. Read the rules of entry for the Performance categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples (if applicable).

Fine Art Printer of the Year

As the name of this category suggests, judges will be looking for art prints, fine art books or art catalogues which demonstrate the very highest levels of origination and print. Limited editions are eligible.

CRITERIA
Judges will be looking for consistent quality of print as well as repro (if applicable). Fine art work printed sheetfed litho or digitally may be entered and judges will take into account the production implications of each technology. Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include a single copy example of four different examples of fine art work in order to demonstrate consistent production excellence. If any part of the job was produced by a different company – for example the repro or a special finish – remember to credit the company that undertook it.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different fine art samples produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

FMCG Packaging Printer of the Year

The FMCG packaging printer of the year is targeted at packaging that has a short shelf life, for example in the food or healthcare sectors. While the unit value of FMCG products will most likely be substantially lower than that of luxury goods, the challenges are no less complex - the dual demands for fast turnarounds and product consistency across long runs being key examples.

Equally, FMCG products must still demonstrate both the highest quality print and production values as well as fitness for purpose, whether that be in 'selling' the contents or keeping them safe from damage - or both.

High-volume Digital Printer of the Year

The judges are looking for stunning examples of long-run (over 1,000 copies) targeted messaging, whether it’s high-volume direct mail or transactional documents or any other form communication where the quality of the complex data handling and implementation in terms of the number of variables, text and images, is as important as the quality of the printed product.

CRITERIA
Judges will be seeking out the company that best demonstrates a combination of good-quality colour results, with innovative applications. Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include a single copy example of four different digitally printed pieces of print in order to demonstrate consistent production excellence. If any part of the job was produced by a different company – for example a special finish – remember to credit the company that undertook it.

Please note large-format digital print work should be entered into the OOH category.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different digital print samples produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

High-volume Publications Printer of the Year

In this category, we are looking for the best examples of long-run publications such as magazines or catalogues produced using either the gravure or web offset process. Judges will take into account the constraints of differing schedules and production budgets.

CRITERIA
Judges will be looking for consistent quality of print and finishing as well as repro (if applicable). Magazines or catalogues printed using web offset or gravure, may be entered and judges will take into account the production implications of each technology. Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include a single copy example of four different publications printed since 1 July 2019, in order to demonstrate consistent production excellence. You cannot submit more than one issue of the same publication. All types of magazines or catalogues are eligible in this category, provided they were printed web offset or gravure.

If any part of the job was produced by a different company - for example the repro or a special finish - remember to credit the company that undertook it.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different publications (either magazines or catalogues or a combination of both) samples sent into PrintWeek Awards
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Label Printer of the Year

Sponsored by:

Award-winning labels needs to tick a number of boxes, from illustrating the highest-quality print and production values to actually being fit for purpose, whether that be 'selling' the contents or adhering to brand specifications. Labels are a broad church and any form of label can be entered into this category, from food and beverages to tins of paint and everything in between.

Luxury Packaging Printer of the Year

This category is targeted at high-value luxury packaging that would typically be expected to have a long-life cycle. Entries will likely consist of (but are not restricted to) products such as presentation boxes for wines and spirits, media packaging for DVD or book box-sets, beauty products and even presentation packs etc. Award-winning luxury packaging needs to tick a number of boxes, from illustrating the highest quality print and production values, to actually being fit for purpose, whether that be 'selling' the contents or keeping them safe from harm.

CRITERIA
Judges will be looking for consistent quality of repro, print and finishing. Packaging printed sheetfed litho, digitally, flexo or gravure may be entered, and the judges will take into account the production implications of each technology. All entries need to include a single-copy example of four different pieces of packaging. If any part of the job was produced by a different company (the repro work or a special finish, for example) remember to credit the company that undertook it.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different packaging samples produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Marketing Campaign of the Year

This category aims to recognise the UK print company that has demonstrated the best use of marketing to promote its own business. The award will be judged on one project or campaign that the entering print company has either developed and executed itself or with the assistance of a marketing agency. However, if a marketing agency was used this must be made clear in the submission. The campaign can be print, digital or experiential based or a combination of all three.

CRITERIA
This award is for a marketing campaign or project, and with any form of marketing expenditure there has to be a proven return-on-investment – so don't forget to include the cost and results of the campaign. While the Award is focused on impact and results, the judges would like to see examples of the campaign elements, whether they be print, email, a website, SMS, App or photos from a live/experiential event. Client testimonials are also encouraged.

Critical to the entry, as well as the 500-word summary on the project and the challenges involved, is detailed information on the bottom-line impact, response rates, ROI, sustainability, data collection and any other metrics that the entrant thinks are appropriate. If this information is sensitive, please mark it ‘not for publication’. However, the category will be largely judged on the results of the campaign, so failure to include this information will impact your chances of winning.

The qualifying period for campaigns is from 1 April 2019 to July 2020.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Coversheet
2. 500-word summary
3. Detailed results of the campaign/project including costs and response rates/ROI
4. Printed samples to be sent into the PrintWeek Awards – Samples of SMS/Online/e-mail /photos that you carried out as part of the project. These can include URL links or screen grabs on CD, DVD or USB or printouts.
5. Read the rules of entry for the Performance categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples (if applicable).

Newspaper Printer of the Year

We are looking for the newspaper printer that demonstrates outstanding colour printing on newsprint-based products, which as well as newspapers can also include promotional products and inserts etc, provided that they’re printed on newsprint grades. Judges will take into account the pressures of daily or weekly production.

CRITERIA
Judges will be looking for consistent quality of print and finishing as well as repro (if applicable). Newspapers printed web offset, heatset or coldset, or flexo may be entered and judges will take into account the production implications of each technology. Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include a single copy example of four different newspapers in order to demonstrate consistent production excellence.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different entered
2. Four different newsprint samples produced since 1 July 2019, at least two of which have to be newspapers
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Out-of-home Printer of the Year

This award will recognise those companies that demonstrate excellence and innovation in wide- or large-format printing. This can include billboard advertising, bus shelters (including backlit), vehicle advertising, building wraps, experiential marketing and exhibition graphics. As well as the highest quality print, we’ll be looking for innovation in in situ effectiveness and outstanding customer service.

CRITERIA
Judges will be looking for brilliant execution in wide- or large-format print. Material printed using sheetfed litho, screen or wide-format digital technology on any substrate may be entered and judges will take into account the production implications of each technology and substrate. Remember though, it’s not just about material and print, but way they have been used together, stretching the boundaries, introducing new concepts and techniques giving that wow affect. The minimum poster size that can be entered in this category is six-sheet.

Due to size constraints at the judging venue, for each of the four samples entrants should only supply a 1 metre square section of the actual printed job at 100% scale, along with photographs of the full installation in situ, a high-quality/contract proof* and a 250-word summary.

If any part of the job was produced by a different company – for example the repro or special finish – remember to credit the company that undertook it.

*For all submitted samples, it is important that a high quality/contract type proof is supplied so that judges have a point of reference – failure to supply a hard copy proof for each sample submitted will result in the entry being marked down.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. One 1 metre square section of each sample at 100% scale
3. Photographs and/or video of the project in situ
4. High quality/contract proof of the project
5. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Point-of-purchase (PoP) Printer of the Year

This award will recognise those companies that demonstrate excellence throughout the display stand lifecycle. As well as the highest-quality print, we’ll be looking for innovation in construction and manufacturing techniques, in situ effectiveness and outstanding customer service.

CRITERIA
Judges will be looking for consistent quality of print and finishing as well as repro (if applicable). Point-of-purchase projects printed using any method may be entered and judges will take into account the production implications of each technology. Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include one sample from four different campaigns in order to demonstrate consistent production excellence. If any part of the job was produced by a different company – for example the repro, special finish or finishing – remember to credit the company that undertook it.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the size of some PoP entries, it may be necessary for the entries to be delivered and installed directly to the judging venue. Please DO NOT send in your samples until you contact the events team 

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different projects entered
2. Four different PoP projects samples produced since 1 July 2019
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Enter Now

Post-press Company of the Year

Finishing is often dubbed the Cinderella process, but it represents the single biggest opportunity for a great job to become truly spectacular. This award is open to both trade finishers and in-house finishing departments. The judges will be looking for the use of a finishing process (or a combination of processes) that genuinely adds value to a printed product.

CRITERIA
Here the judges are looking at the quality of the work produced. All entries need to include a single copy example of four different jobs in order to demonstrate consistent production excellence. If any part of the job was produced by a different company – for example the print – remember to mention the company that undertook it.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Submit online one 250-word summary for each of the four different samples entered
2. Four different post-press samples
3. Read the rules of entry for the quality categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified
 
All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples.

Report & Accounts Printer of the Year

While the run-lengths of report and accounts may be getting shorter, thanks largely to changes in legislation, their paginations are in many cases getting bigger. However, what hasn't changed is the fact that printed report and accounts mirror the brand values of the company whose numbers are contained within. With this in mind, quality is key and this award aims to honour those printers who believe a job being good enough, isn't good enough.

SME of the Year

This category uses the same criteria as Company of the Year, but is for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and is designed to recognise the achievements of print companies that make up the backbone of the industry. Please supply any information which helps to substantiate your achievements, including report and accounts, and a 500-word summary on why you should win this award. Other information, such as letters of commendation, investment strategies, and growth plans will also be considered.

To qualify for the SME of the Year category, entrants must have any two of the following: a turnover of £10.2 million or less; £5.1 million or less on its balance sheet; 50 employees or less.

CRITERIA
Here the judges are looking at the business performance of the entering companies. This category takes into account the quality of the balance sheet and profit-and-loss accounts; investment in technology and people; and other achievements, such as the winning of new contracts, or the overcoming of exceptional circumstances. This means that we need to see real substantive evidence, including report and accounts, but we guarantee the confidentiality of sensitive information. The financial year under review is April 2019 to the end of March 2020.

REQUIREMENTS                                                            

1. Coversheet
2. Full set of accounts including profit-and-loss and balance sheets for the period April 2019 to the end of March 2020 (management accounts acceptable for periods falling outside your financial year)
3. 500-word summary
4. Optional: prior year accounts and customer testimonials
5. Read the rules of entry for the Performance categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples (if applicable).

Social Stationery Printer of the Year

This category covers printers of all social stationery (note cards, postcards, invitations, letterheads, etc) as well as greetings cards. All aspects of production will be taken into consideration, including foiling, embossing, debossing and die-cutting. Sample books are not eligible.

Trainee of the Year

It will come as no surprise that every year the PrintWeek Trainee of the Year is guaranteed the single biggest cheer of the night. There's no doubt that the industry is facing the ticking time-bomb of an aging workforce, so this award's goal is simple: to honour the best trainees in the industry and prove that a passion for print is something to be celebrated and nurtured.

CRITERIA
The Heidelberg bursary of £2,000 is open to any trainee, including full- or part-time employees or students, undertaking any form of print-related qualification, from an in-house apprenticeship or NVQ to a degree. There is no limit to the number of trainees/students any college or employer may nominate, and each entry is free. Entries should be submitted by a lecturer or the trainee's employer, and should include a brief report (up to 500 words) from the nominating lecturer/employer on why each the trainee has been nominated, together with examples of his or her coursework and a 500-word declaration from the trainee supporting their entry.

The year under review is September 2019 to the end of June 2020, so the trainee must have been involved in some form or training or career development during this time. Trainees on in-house apprenticeships may enter even if there is no officially recognised qualification at the end of the apprenticeship.

IMPORTANT: Trainees, if shortlisted, and their nominating lecturer or line manager must be available to attend the Awards ceremony as Heidelberg’s guest on the 19th October 2020.

REQUIREMENTS

1. 500-word declaration from trainee
2. 500-word recommendation from lecturer or employer/line manager
3. Detailed evidence of achievements
4. Read the rules of entry for the Performance categories, available here, failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified

All summary sheets must be submitted online. Fill this in and upload with your application and also print out and submit the coversheet with your physical samples (if applicable).