Founded in 2016, B_RD is a team of highly experienced specialists focusing on creativity, production, logistics and installation on retail, event and hospitality projects. Working with clients throughout the entire process, from the initial concept to the final delivery of the project, B_RD is committed to offering customers a wide range of production options.

With the demand for sustainable print among clients on the rise, B_RD sought to update its printing arsenal with more planet friendly technology to deliver exactly this to its customers.

B_RD approached approved HP distributor Papergraphics for advice on the investment, working with the large-format print specialist to identify two solutions from the HP Latex range.

The first investment came in the form of an HP Latex R2000 printer which was installed at B_RD’s UK facility in December of last year. After seeing the impact of the machine on production and how it opened up more sustainable print options for clients, B_RD doubled up on HP Latex with the purchase of an HP Latex 2700 printer in April 2023.

As to why B_RD settled on HP Latex technology, Ben Needham, Founder and CEO of B_RD, said that the printers’ use of HP Latex Inks was the primary deciding factor. HP Latex Inks are water-based and are significantly kinder to the environment than solvent, eco-solvent and UV ink products.

“The main reason we opted for HP Latex was that it allows us to print every type of material but with a more sustainable ink,” Ben said. “This supports the overall sustainability drive within the business and allows us to produce higher quality work in house, granting us greater control over print quality and timings.

“We produce all our graphics for multiple campaigns across our entire client base. This includes both large- and small-format items in various quantities, from one-offs to 200-store rollouts. Running our own machines gives us complete control and the flexibility to be able to accommodate our clients’ requirements, and the ability to react quickly to challenges.

“We are now more competitive, and our work is of the best quality within the retail design sector. The printers also allow us to offer our clients a completely sustainable option along with the recycling of all the products after their life cycle.”

Ben added that the double investment means B_RD is now in a position to win work within their competitors’ group, as well as expand into higher volume distribution. One example of this is that the agency is now working more in the experiential production industry as the HP printers also help with the 3D side of its business.

Following the success of the initial investment, Ben revealed plans are in motion to establish a similar setup at their other locations around the world to support growth across the wider business.

“We are delighted to be partnering with HP as our print supplier and we have ambitious plans for the future for replicating what we have set up in the UK across the US, Europe and Dubai in the Middle East,” Ben concludes.