Another UK print managment company heads to Australia

Low-cost web-based print management company Webmart has its eye set on Australia as part of its plans to expand globally.

Simon Biltcliffe, who founded the online print management company in 1996, said that strong economic conditions in Australia made it an attractive option, and could then lead to further expansion throughout the Asian regions. He has had meetings with various local corporations, including one with Printing Industries.

Biltcliffe told media that: "I am very excited about taking the Webmart model to Australia, not least so that we can fly the flag for British innovation abroad and prove that the British industry still has something to offer."

Printing Industries' ceo Philip Andersen and national communications and technical services manager, Joe Kowalewski, met with Bitcliffe earlier this year to discuss the operations of Webmart in the UK and his plans to expand into Europe and ultimately Australia and Asia.

"As we understand it the model is internet-based and in its base configuration can be made available at no cost to printing companies with more sophisticated versions available for a membership fee," said Kowalewski.

"The UK model is supported by call centres that advise clients on print specifications to ensure jobs are correctly prepared. Printers can benchmark prices and go printer-to-printer for jobs they wish to outsource.

"The key elements appear to be automation of the sales process to minimise costs and widespread marketing of the "mart" style service."

However, Kowalewski was not aware of any imminent opening in Australia.

"Such a service may be an option for some companies and may not for others, but at this stage we are not aware of any immediate plans by Mr Bitcliffe for an Australian launch," he said.

Simon Bitcliffe visiting Printing Industries while in Sydney.