CMYUK, the UK’s leading independent supplier of digital print technology and materials, has announced the appointment of Nick Reed as Esko Business Manager. With immediate effect, he will be responsible for further increasing Esko’s market share in the UK, and bringing a broader portfolio of highly-effective, next-generation print productivity solutions to the market.
Nick Reed’s appointment follows the announcement made last month (April 2017) when CMYUK agreed exclusive responsibility for all new mainland UK sales of Esko hardware and software to the sign and digital market. Esko is the manufacturer of the highly-regarded Kongsberg digital cutting systems, and developer of an extensive suite of workflow, automation and production efficiency software.
Nick joins CMYUK from Zünd UK, where he spent 16 years selling the company’s range of cutting machines. On joining CMYUK, Nick Reed comments: “Having worked in the industry for many years, it has become increasingly obvious that the market is now demanding a more joined-up approach to managing print and finishing systems. As a software developer, Esko has the best product portfolio that focuses on automating these areas to provide fully-integrated systems - from artwork origination, through printing to finishing.
“Customers are looking for simplified and streamlined processes that can be adapted as the business grows. The Esko solution provides just this – from the competitively-priced, entry-level X-starter range with its upgrade path, through the X-series, right up to the C-series cutters. There’s a solution to meet every need and every budget.”
To facilitate the growth strategy, and in response to customer demand, Esko and CMYUK have already begun work on a jointly-developed state-of-the-art showroom adjoining the existing CMYUK Demo & Training Centre in Shrewsbury, which is scheduled to open in September 2017.
Nick Reed continues: “Up until now, Esko didn’t have a dedicated demonstration facility in the UK. The new showroom houses the Esko Kongsberg X-starter, X-series and C-series cutters all in one place – so our customers can properly evaluate which cutter best suits their requirements – and the complete suite of Esko workflow software. We will also have the full range of tooling options on-site for demonstration, to showcase the diversity of the systems. This will enable us to demonstrate a full end-to-end production facility to our customers.
Jon Price, CMYUK Group Director, adds: “We’re delighted to welcome Nick Reed to the CMYUK team. We are resolute on developing the Esko business division within CMYUK, in terms of both hardware and software sales. This is a key part of the CMYUK growth strategy going forward, and we’ve devoted a lot of resources into making sure this is a success for current and potential Esko customers.
“We needed to employ the best in the business to head up this team, and that’s where Nick comes in. His knowledge of - and experience within – the industry is second to none. He truly understands the marketplace and where it is heading and is ideally positioned to drive the division towards lasting success.”
