The Print Marketplace (CCS Framework RM6071) is an online platform that enables public sector organisations to purchase compliant, cost-effective print services directly from a large pool of pre-qualified suppliers.

Below are three case studies showing how the platform is a true end-to-end service, an effective digital solution and how it can simplify print buying.

More than just print

Ulster University used the platform to purchase vibrant, engaging graphics for a high-profile campus opening. Multiple installations were needed, all whilst building work was still ongoing. The Print Marketplace supplier co-ordinated the installation with on-site contractors and the university team so that everything was ready for the grand opening!

A flexible framework

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council needed a compliant framework to purchase a variety of print. The Print Marketplace allows them to channel all their requirements through a single user and different buying routes are available depending on how much support is required. The platform also gives the opportunity to buy local and supports hybrid working.

Simplifying print buying

The University of Worcester has opted to close their print room and use the Print Marketplace. APS provided training sessions to facilitate the transition, offering ongoing support once live. There are now over 80 users buying print via the platform, enjoying time and cost savings as well as assured business continuity and the option to contribute towards their green agenda.

• We started managing all of the print management for specialist housing and care home provider, Anchor, in April 2021
• Anchor already used Hybrid Mail with a previous incumbent but wanted a more cost-effective option and the opportunity to develop the capabilities further
• We started managing all of the print management for specialist housing and care home provider, Anchor, in April 2021
• Anchor already used Hybrid Mail with a previous incumbent but wanted a more cost-effective option and the opportunity to develop the capabilities further

Outcome

• We started managing all of the print management for specialist housing and care home provider, Anchor, in April 2021
• Anchor already used Hybrid Mail with a previous incumbent but wanted a more cost-effective option and the opportunity to develop the capabilities further

As part of our Crown Commercial Services agreement (Lot 1 RM3785 Managed Print and Digital), we took on the printing and dispatch of the Companies House highly secure mailing activity.

Think

In collaboration with Companies House to kick start project transition, we developed a comprehensive work stream plan –this included a parallel run of work during the final week of transfer to account for its highly critical and no-fail nature. As with all project implementations, our risk and compliance team developed and managed a risk register. This also included developing and testing a disaster recovery solution. We set up a secure communications channel to receive daily automated print requests.

Create

Our facility holds full PCI DSS certification -all data is fully encrypted and rigid data retention standards ensure that all customer data is deleted within 30 days. The items are then printed through our automated production line, mail sorted and despatched. Print quality has been guaranteed through a combination of Six Sigma sample size calculators and internal quality management tools.

Deliver

By working collaboratively with Companies House to understand their mail profiles and volumes, we were able to recommend the most appropriate mail tariff. This was fully tested through our in-house high speed mail sortation machines to validate address quality and qualification. The fully automated file receipt, validation and production readiness routines are much more efficient, with Companies House now only needing to become involved if any discrepancies arise. The main SLA of zero spoils and 100% correct despatches each day is fulfilled.

“Thank you to APS for delivering a seamless and pain free transition. The whole project was on a short timeline, but APS demonstrated agility and flexibility in adapting to what was required. The Companies House team quickly developed confidence in APS’s delivery capabilities, and we did indeed achieve the target that we both wanted.”

Start4Life is part of Change4Life, a nationwide government marketing campaign that provides impartial advice to families, helping them lead a healthier lifestyle. Their latest campaign focused on weaning: introducing solid food to babies and establishing healthy eating habits from baby’s first bite.

The Challenge

We used a wide range of marketing research and insight from doctors and parents to understand where confusions lay surrounding weaning, as parents are often bombarded with conflicting messages from different companies regarding the best way to wean their child.

Think

Following extensive research, we presented a number of creative design concepts before opting for our rhythmic language route. Scrutinising the market allowed us to position Start4Life as the authority on healthy weaning, driving parents towards a healthier start for their baby.

Create

Our team designed an eye-catching creative inspired by nursery rhymes and the whimsical language of Dr. Suess, creating adcepts, home packs and a range of assets that could be used across social media and web.

Deliver

We worked closely with Public Health England to fine-tune our approach and meet the overall campaign objective. Our innovative copy asked the questions that need answering and our engaging visuals enabled the campaign to stand out in a crowded space. This drove engagement with Start4Life digital tools and content, supporting families across the UK to make healthier choices.

In total, the campaign achieved:

• 215K wall planners ordered
• 15k posters ordered
• Best engagement rate of all Start4Life campaigns

“We’ve been really impressed with APS’s work on this campaign. The account and project management have been brilliant – always responsive and friendly. They understood the brief and gave us several strong creative options to choose from. They’ve turned around artwork promptly, with great communication throughout the process. “

Senior Campaign Manager, Start4Life, Public Health England