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Do you also want to market your products with printed marketing solutions? If yes then there are undoubtedly a lot of options like hoardings, branding panels and many more. But from a business point of view, do you have to pay tax on the printable items you buy? Well, the answer is not either yes or no but it depends. The conditions that apply for VAT in printing can help you to cleverly design marketing prints and save VAT. So let’s understand VAT in the UK, especially on the printable items with this blog.

What Does VAT Mean in UK?

Most countries in the world charge taxes on the products and services being sold to collect capital which is used towards the country’s and its people’s benefits. From the roads and other infrastructure to healthcare and education, a country’s government has to provide many things to its citizens. So, all this is done with tax money. Taxes are also put on the earnings of individuals and businesses but the tax that is put on the goods and services makes up a large chunk of the government’s earnings.

In the UK, the tax which is put on goods and services is called VAT. VAT stands for value-added tax which was introduced in 1973 in the UK. But if you think VAT is just paid by the end user, well that’s not certainly true. Actually, VAT is paid throughout the supply chain. For example, if a manufacturer buys raw materials for the production of some goods, then VAT is also charged on the raw materials. Now, when the goods are made, the manufacturer will charge VAT when selling them to retailers or wholesalers. But they have to submit the collected tax to HM Revenue & Customs. However, the tax paid by the business when getting the raw materials can be claimed back as it comes under the business expenses.
Similarly, businesses that create products like branding panels will also incur VAT at different stages of production. When these branding panels are sold to retailers or directly to consumers, VAT is added, and the tax is remitted to the government.

What is the Standard VAT Rate in the UK?

In the UK, the standard VAT is 20% which is charged on most of the goods and services. But it’s not for all the goods and services. There are some goods and services which come under reduced VAT. The reduced tax is 5% and applies to some set goods and services like electricity for domestic purposes.

But there’s one more category of VAT in the UK, the zero VAT category. So, what does a zero VAT-rated product or service mean? It means you don’t have to pay any VAT on such products or services. An example of zero-rated VAT is most of the food items.

What is Current Rate of VAT in UK for Printing?

Now, let’s come to printing, how much VAT is charged for printing in the UK? Well, it depends because while most of the printed items are charged at standard VAT rates which are 20% like economy hoarding panels, there are products which are zero-rated. What does zero rated VAT mean? These are the products or services with no tax at all like leaflets. Here’s a table of printing items that come under standard VAT and are rated.

Below is a comprehensive guide outlining the VAT rates for various printed products. Rates are according to UK tax regulations.

Content Disclaimer: The VAT rates mentioned are based on general guidelines and may vary depending on specific circumstances or updates to UK tax regulations. For the most accurate and detailed information, we recommend contacting us directly.

What Items Are Exempt From VAT?

While the above list contains the items which are either taxable or non-taxable, there are some printable items which are exempt from taxation or are exempt from the zero-rated category. But, what is the difference between zero-rated and exempt VAT? Being exempt basically means that in some conditions the printed product may not lie in the category in which it is usually put. For instance, if a printed product like picture card and stamp albums have text in them and the area to mount cards or stamps is 25% or less, then it will lie in the standard VAT category. Similarly, booklets which are zero-rated printing products lie under standard tax if they are produced to be used as a chargeable product like a diary.

Conclusion

Now that you know which printed products in the UK are taxable and which are not, it will help you plan your print-based marketing campaigns better. But some products are worth paying the VAT like our branding panels which come out to be so attractive that no one can take their eyes off them. So the business it brings to you compensates for the tax you paid. However, people often feel guilt for using printed marketing tools due to environmental reasons. But do you know that hoarding graphics can be environmentally friendly? If not, then click here.

Today, a successful business is not only defined as one that is profitable, growing, or making a change. To the definition of a successful business, being eco-friendly has now connected forever. And if you are into sustainable practices like depending on a green energy source, you are a great business, no doubt. However, this approach towards sustainability can also be applied to parts of your business that you may have never thought of. One such approach is to be greener when procuring your printing needs like hoarding graphics for marketing. Yes, the whole print industry has gone through an Eco-friendly wave and now you have options to be eco-friendly in your print choices. In this blog, you’ll learn how the print industry has become eco-friendly but first, where does it all start?

What is Eco Printing?

Before we look at what eco friendly printing is, let’s understand eco printing. Eco printing is an old technique of printing with natural materials. But What are these natural materials? These materials used to be the flowers or herbs that were put between the pages to get an impression of them on the paper. Now, you must have already figured out that it would have started as an accident. Probably yes, but its applications were discovered fast. For instance, in the perfume industry of the Middle Ages, these imprints were used to identify the ingredients of a particular perfume to recreate it.

Now across cultures, eco-print has a different name, but the techniques are also certainly different. A similar technique to eco-printing is bundle dyeing. In bundle dyeing, the plants or flowers are given a dip in a plain dye and then wrapped up in a cloth to get the impressions. So, that’s a short story of eco-printing. But why did you need to know this? The answer is that somehow these ancient techniques helped us humans to come up with sustainable printing techniques for commercial purposes.

For instance, modern materials like foamex hoarding are now widely used for creating sustainable and visually impactful hoardings. These hoardings offer an eco-friendly solution while maintaining high-quality designs for branding purposes.

Understanding Eco Friendly Printing

Eco friendly printing is all about making Printing outcomes sustainable. Yes, so it’s not only the ink which has to come from natural sources but, the printing technology and the print material as well. And the purpose of all this is to reduce the negative impact of printing on nature. So let’s look at all these three components of eco friendly printing one by one.

The Printing Technology

To start with, let’s take a peek into what innovation has been done in printing technology. While you may not be aware of exactly what printing technology does wrong and that we need innovation, there are two main problems. Firstly, the energy consumption during printing remains high because printing happens slowly. However, it’s a continuous process where we are becoming better and better every morning.

The second problem which is more environmentally critical is the use of Water to reject ink on the white spaces of print. Now that it does, it creates VOCs or volatile organic compounds which are not good for the environment. And no it’s not involved with the print but instead is a waste that goes to the environment almost instantly.

To tackle this problem, we have waterless printing, where to reject the ink on white spaces, a layer of silicone is used. Since silicone repels the ink without making it go to waste, it’s not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. And with this innovation, the print time has also improved. Not only this, but it has also allowed printing of a more extensive range of colours, making commercial printing even more beautiful.

For instance, the hoarding graphics for your branding can be more colourful than ever while also being eco-friendly. Yes, even hoarding graphics can be environmentally friendly, making you a sustainable business. To learn more about how hoarding graphics can support sustainability, check out our blog: Can Hoarding Graphics Be Environmentally Friendly?.

And when it comes to using such hoarding graphics, printing technology is not the only contributor but there are many others which you can explore to enhance your brand.

The Ink

Inks have always been a hurdle between going eco in printing. The reason is that most inks are made out of petroleum vases or sometimes worse, plastic bases. However, as we learnt above, eco-printing was possible back in time so why not on Friday?

The reason is that these natural inks aren’t good enough to be used commercially and hence become a DIY thing only. But now we have successfully cracked the code and have sustainable inks made out of soy or vegetables. Using soy-based inks is considered an equivalent of petroleum-based inks and some even tag it as even better because not only it’s natural but gives a brighter range of colours. However, the same is not true for vegetable-based inks as they aren’t so efficient and cost-effective yet.

The Print Material

See, when it comes to eco-printing on paper, we already have sustainable outcomes. To an extent, the paper itself is quite Eco-friendly. But what about the commercial printing of Foamex hoarding which can’t be printed on paper? Well, many options have started to emerge like PLA plastic made from plant fibre or polypropylene which can be recycled as it is a thermoplastic polymer which resists heat. So, if you get your hoarding graphics printed on such materials, you can even ensure safety from fire.

Reprinting the Future

To sum up, the innovations in the print industry have made humans a lot more caring about the world they live in. But innovations alone aren’t enough, we have to accept these innovations and give them a chance to thrive keeping aside factors like not being cost-effective if that’s the case. Because we know as things go global, they also become economical. So, if you also want to run an eco-friendly business, here we are to help you with our eco-printing technology only at Hoarding Printing Company.

Are you confused as to which type of printer you should choose? If yes, then worry not as we have created a detailed guide for you to understand not only which printer is better but also have explained the working of two of the main types of Printers, the inkJets and laser jets.

So, whether you have to make a decision for a printer or to choose a printing technology for your printed marketing campaigns, here are all the answers to your queries.

Understanding Inkjet Printing: How Does It Work?

Let’s begin with understanding inkjet printing. It is a popular and well-known way to produce high-quality and detailed prints. In its simplest, this technology works based on liquified ink which is dropped into the paper to get the print. However, in reality, this technology requires a lot of calibration to work and produce prints.

In an inkjet printer, we have multiple nozzles lined up in a row. These nozzles are very tiny and thus spray droplets of the liquid ink on the paper. Now, as the input is received by the printer, it identifies the colour requirements and where each drop should be put on the paper. After that, the paper starts to roll in, and the nozzle jets start to work. Since the droplets are so small, it doesn’t take a lot of time to get absorbed and dry on the paper, leading to a crisp print without any smudges.

Key features of Inkjet Printers

• High Resolution: Inkjet printers offer high-resolution prints, which is why they are also used to print photographs.
• Colour Versatility: If you have a photo with a lot of colour variations, then inkjet printing is best as it offers vibrant and crisp colours.
• Compact Size: Inkjet printers are known for their compact sizes as they house everything in a small body sometimes also including a scanner.

While these features of an inkjet printer make it a good printer, there are a few drawbacks. Firstly, the speed of these printers is slower which is why the prints come out slower. Secondly, printing cost per print also comes out to be higher as frequent cartridge replacements are needed.

What is a Laser Printer? How Does IT Work?

Laser printers work on new technology that is competitively designed to make printing efficient and faster. But how? Well, the answer lies in its working.

A laser jet printer has an OPC drum which is negatively charged by another charging roller. As the OPC drum gets negatively charged, the laser is projected on the area where the colours have to be present creating a positive charge on the OPC drum. Now, one by one, four coloured toners (Powdered Colours) get attached to the OPC drum and then transferred to the paper. With the help of heat, the toner on the paper is cured and the print comes live.

Key Features of Laser Printer

• Fast Printing: Laser printers are fast, so there’s no need to wait to settle the paint.
• Cost Efficiency: The longevity of the toner cartridges makes the Cost per print very low.
• Durability: Laser printers are more durable when it comes to high-volume printing and are best for shops, offices etc.

While laser printers are excellent for text and monochrome printing, their ability to handle detailed colour prints or photographs is limited compared to inkjet printers. They are also typically larger and more expensive upfront.

Ink Jet vs Laser Jet: Are Laser Printers Better than Inkjet 

When it comes to choosing between an inkjet printer or laser printer, the answer can’t be straightforward. The answer to what can be better for you depends on your needs. Here’s a brief comparison of laser and inkjet printers

Printing Quality

The printing quality of inkjet printers comes out to be far better than laser jets if you want colourful photos or prints. That’s why it’s even used in commercial printing like printing construction hoarding.

On the other hand, if the purpose is to only get monochrome or text prints, then you can go with laser jet printers

Speed

For occasional printing like keeping a printer at home, you can get an inkjet printer as they print slowly. However, for faster and high-volume prints, laser jet printers are better.

Cost Per Page

The Cost per page of inkjets is higher than laser jets. So, if you don’t have to get crisp and accurate colour prints, laser jets are more economical.

Upfront Cost

The inkjet printers are more affordable to purchase compared to laser jets which often cost higher but come with better long-term value.

Size and Portability

In terms of size, you can find even small inkjet printers which can be carried with you. However, that’s not the case with laser jets, and they are built larger and bulkier.

So, with this ink jet vs laser jet comparison you can choose a printer wisely. However, if your concern is what printing technology to choose for your printing needs like for Dibond printing or construction hoarding, then the options are many but inkjet technology is better. With vibrant colour range and scalability, your prints come out to be clear and visually appealing.

Final Words

To sum up, both ink jet and laser jet printers are good, but what is better, laser or ink jet, totally depends on your needs. Printing is an important activity not only for documents but also for marketing as well. So, choosing the best option is important. Today, large-format printing is one of the best ways to advertise your business on busy streets, and it comes with a lot of benefits. If you also want to learn the benefits of large-format printing, then here’s a blog for you.

Designing printed items is an art, and when this art comes to its physical form, the design should properly be printed on paper. But sometimes, the print does not turn out well, and it mostly happens with the corners. That’s where the concept of bleed printing comes in. It is a minor yet very important detail for prints where you need the design to flow from corner to corner.

So, if you are a designer or a business that is about to procure some printed items like business cards or even big prints like hoarding graphics or hoarding lighting boards, then you must know what bleed means in printing. So, let’s start this guide about, what are bleed lines in printing and 3mm bleed meaning.

What are Bleed Lines in Printing?

If you are wondering what does bleed mean in printing and think it’s an error, well, it’s not. Actually bleed is often used when the ink spills in a print with bleed lines are different. Bleed in printing means the margin of around 3mm where the background of the print is extended to. Still confused? Let’s simplify.

When you create a design, let’s say a pamphlet, you will most likely utilise the whole page size, right? But when taking out the print of the design, you may find out that some of your design in the corner has been compromised. To tackle this bleed lines for printing were introduced. These bleed lines create a 3mm bleed on all the four sides. However, the final product is when the margin bleed is cut.

Full Bleed Printing Vs Normal Printing: A Detailed Comparison

So now that you understand what bleed in printing is, let’s have a look at how it can be differentiated from normal no-bleed printing.

Definition

In bleed printing, the background design of the print goes all the way to the edges, and the main design is kept inside a 3mm bleed and crop marks. However, for large format printing like hoarding boards the bleed can be 6mm or customised as per the need.

On the other hand, a normal print also has borders, but the design background strictly remains within the borders.

Use Cases

Bleed printing is best for printed items where the design must cover the whole area, like a visiting card, and white borders may look odd. Printing bleed marks are essential in such cases to ensure the design extends beyond the trim area, providing a seamless, edge-to-edge look.

No bleed printing can be used for certificates, letters, etc., but even bleed printing can be done for the same. Printing bleed marks help maintain precision and avoid any unwanted white edges on the final product. For larger formats like hoardings, proper bleed printing and hoarding lighting play a crucial role in creating impactful and professional displays. Learn more about effective solutions here: Hoarding Lighting.

Designing

As you get done with creating your design, you’ll have to reconsider the bleed of 3mm. Most of the popular editing software has a setting for bleed in their editing menu.

However, for a normal print, the software is already calibrated, requiring no need to follow any extra steps. To ensure the best results, especially for large-scale projects.

Size of Printed Products Before and After Bleed Lines

If you need to put the bleed lines manually or just want a reference, here is a table for common printed items before and after the bleed.

Conclusion

In totality, this is why bleed lines in printing are important and how you can calculate them for your print. These borders can provide your design with a lively look. But when it comes to designing hoarding graphics or other printed items, then you should keep these three things in mind for the best quality hoarding prints.

In bustling urban spaces, promotional billboards have traditionally served as static advertisement props. However, a shift toward interactive and more creative billboard designs is unlocking their potential to engage communities in meaningful ways.

Far from being just a marketing tool, hoardings are becoming platforms for fostering connections, sharing stories, and beautifying neighbourhoods.

Let’s dive into how interactive hoarding designs can impact local communities and bring lasting value to shared spaces.

The Power of Interactivity: Beyond Ordinary Hoardings

Interactive hoardings are a fusion of creativity and technology that invite public participation. Integrating innovative elements such as QR codes, physical interactions, or augmented reality (AR) features provides more than visual appeal—they create experiences. This makes interactive hoardings an effective way to catch attention while making urban areas more inclusive and appealing.

Real-World Benefits of Interactive Hoardings

1. Encouraging Community Participation

Hoardings can serve as platforms for public engagement by:

• Hosting community art projects, where residents contribute to creating a shared mural.
• Including interactive installations, such as boards for writing messages or leaving feedback.

2. Celebrating Local Identity

Interactive hoardings can highlight a neighborhood’s unique culture and history:

• Digital displays showcasing local events or historical trivia.
• Spaces for residents to share personal stories or artwork related to the area.

This reinforces cultural identity while educating both locals and visitors about the significance of the space.

3. Supporting Sustainable Urban Development

Unused construction hoardings can be transformed into tools for spreading awareness about sustainability or urban development. For instance:

• They can display environmental statistics to educate the public about local challenges.
• Encourage eco-friendly actions like recycling by integrating QR codes linked to helpful resources.

4. Attracting Foot Traffic to Local Businesses

By promoting nearby businesses or events, interactive hoardings can drive local engagement. Adding features like:

• Discount codes or coupons via QR scans.
• Directions to popular cafes, stores, or community hubs.

This mutually beneficial relationship boosts local economies and increases footfall to lesser-known spots in the area.

Designing Effective Interactive Hoardings

Creating successful hoarding designs requires careful planning and a focus on community needs. Here are a few key considerations:

• Location Matters: Install hoardings where they will naturally catch attention, such as near schools, parks, or busy markets.
• Design Inclusivity: Ensure the content is accessible to diverse age groups and abilities. For example, tactile installations can engage visually impaired individuals.
• Content Relevance: Focus on subjects that resonate with the community, whether it’s local history, sustainability, or upcoming events.

For Example: A construction hoarding can feature an interactive map where passersby could mark their favourite spots in the neighbourhood. This project can not only help in informing the local urban planners but also foster a sense of community connection.

The Future of Urban Spaces: Integrating Creativity with Purpose

As cities grow, public spaces are becoming increasingly vital for fostering interaction and inclusivity. Construction hoardings, often seen as temporary barriers, can be repurposed into platforms for community building.

Imagine hoardings that act as:

• Digital Canvases: showcasing local artists’ work in real-time.
• Collaborative Spaces: where people contribute ideas for urban development projects.
• Educational Tools: offering insights into sustainability or urban planning.

A well-designed hoarding isn’t just a boundary—it’s an opportunity to transform an ordinary street into a shared, interactive experience.

Final Thoughts

Interactive hoarding designs have redefined the role of urban advertising. By fostering community engagement, promoting local culture, and enhancing aesthetics, they bring lasting value to neighbourhoods and their residents.

From simple chalkboards inviting public doodles to advanced AR features offering virtual tours, the possibilities for hoardings are as vast as the imagination. Embracing these designs means building not just better advertising platforms but stronger, more connected communities.

Hoarding installation on building sites is essential for securing the area, safeguarding the public, and keeping construction zones private. Additionally, well-designed hoardings serve as effective advertising spaces, making them both practical and promotional tools for building projects. Whether you’re a project manager or simply curious about the process, this guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to install hoarding safely and effectively on any construction site.

Step 1: Plan the Hoarding Layout

Start by planning where the hoarding will be positioned around the building site. Measure the site’s perimeter and identify access points needed for workers and construction vehicles. When planning the layout, ensure it complies with any local safety and planning regulations. If you’re adding promotional materials, the hoarding design should balance safety and visibility, as hoardings are often a prime spot for hoarding signage to advertise upcoming projects.

Step 2: Select the Right Materials

Choosing the right materials is essential to ensure your hoarding can withstand weather conditions and provide robust security. Common materials for hoardings include plywood, PVC, and metal. Consider factors such as strength, durability, and aesthetics when selecting materials. Durable materials will protect the site and reduce the need for frequent maintenance or replacements. High-quality materials also give a polished look to any temporary hoarding signage that you may wish to display.

Step 3: Set Up a Solid Foundation

A stable foundation is critical to keep the hoarding secure and upright, even in adverse weather conditions. Start by levelling the ground where the hoarding will be placed. Install concrete blocks or secure posts to support the panels, ensuring the ground support is strong enough for the chosen materials. Adjust any uneven sections to keep the hoarding stable and prevent future shifting or leaning.

Step 4: Erect the Hoarding Panels

Once the foundation is ready, it’s time to set up the hoarding panels. Position each panel carefully along the perimeter, ensuring they align closely for maximum stability and security. Use sturdy bolts or screws to join the panels together securely, taking extra care to align them perfectly. The alignment helps keep the hoarding solid and creates a seamless surface for any visual designs, making it an ideal backdrop for promotional hoarding signage if required.

Step 5: Install Gates and Access Points

Depending on the construction site’s requirements, you may need gates for pedestrian and vehicle access. Position the gates at designated entry and exit points, making sure they’re secure and can be locked when not in use. Ensure that the gates do not compromise the stability of the surrounding hoarding, especially if the hoarding is load-bearing. This step also includes adding ramps for vehicle access, if necessary, to prevent damage to the hoarding structure.

Step 6: Inspect and Reinforce Stability

After completing the installation, conduct a thorough inspection of the entire hoarding structure. Walk around the site to identify any weak spots or potential gaps. Reinforce corners and exposed sections that may face strong winds or heavy wear. This inspection helps to ensure that every part of the hoarding is well-secured, providing long-lasting protection for the building site.

Step 7: Schedule Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep the hoarding in good condition throughout the project. You need to timely keep an eye out for any loose panels, sections that may be damaged or any wear-out signs. Repair any issues promptly to maintain security and avoid potential hazards. Well-maintained hoardings also enhance the visual appeal of the site, especially if you are using it as a platform for advertising or temporary hoarding displays.

Conclusion

Installing hoarding on a building site requires careful planning, the right materials, and a focus on stability to ensure both safety and functionality. Whether you’re securing a large construction site or a smaller building project, following these steps will help you create effective, safe, and visually appealing hoardings. Not only will this protect the worksite, but it will also provide an ideal opportunity to enhance brand visibility through strategically placed hoarding signage.

For a professional and reliable hoarding installation service, consider consulting a specialist company to achieve the perfect balance between safety, functionality, and promotional impact.