30 March 2011

New Zealand-wide printing franchise PrintStop is the latest addition to the global printing.com network but is keeping its local roots at the heart of its business.

PrintStop, New Zealand’s only nationwide, locally-owned printing franchise network will become a part of a ‘glocal’ community as it joins the Manchester-based international printing powerhouse, printing.com on Friday (1 April 2011).

PrintStop CEO Steve Messenger says the core focus for both companies is on maintaining and developing strategic client relationships at the local level and making quality print services readily available to small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Through our partnership with printing.com we can provide both our clients and our franchisees with the benefits and credibility associated with being part of an internationally respected brand,” says Steve Messenger.

“That also means access to the latest developments, a wider pool of resources and expertise while still retaining our locally-owned presence throughout New Zealand – it’s incredibly inspiring and exciting for everyone involved!”

The PrintStop model is built around a ‘direct to end user’ approach which places local presence and local relationships at the heart of the PrintStop process.

“We’re aiming to empower our team of franchisees by providing them with the key tools for success, such as processes, technologies, training, information and support through the network to enable to them to focus on building more strategic client relationships,” says Steve Messenger.

“We’ve already started to notice the trickle-down effect working through the network and expect this to grow over time.”

The PrintStop network is already tapping into the ongoing research, development and business initiatives generated by printing.com in the UK. Joining the global network also means access to environmental initiatives such as printing.com’s tree appeal initiative.

“The UK Tree Appeal is supported by Professor David Bellamy and involves tree planting events around the UK and Ireland,” says Steve Messenger.

Franchisees attend the events, local press and photographers are present and the local franchises get some great exposure – both locally and further afield as the events are also promoted using social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook.

“Our partnership with printing.com means we’ve become a classic example of ‘glocalisation’, where we’re backed by an international organisation driving development and technology advances and upgrades which are filtered through the system to our people on the street at the forefront of the customer relationship. We’re thinking global but acting local.”

ENDS