We’re often asked about the secret to our 125 year success…
…Of course, there are many factors including the recruitment of the right people, a continuous commitment to putting the customer first, and an unswerving level of Yorkshire ‘grit’ in the face of difficult market conditions.
But the ‘engine’ that keeps driving our business forward, is actually an ingrained passion for innovation. Pushing industry boundaries is what proved the key to Leach’s evolution when it was a one man photographic studio back in the late 1900s. And the ongoing development of new products and services remains our core focal point decades later.
That’s why last week, in one of our final events of this commemorative year, we hosted an innovation forum at our 30,000sqft headquarters. VIP customers from retailers, retail brands and the wider supply chain met for a ‘first look’ at some of our latest solutions, before our collaborative round table sessions stimulated even more ideas for new product developments in 2017.
Given the feedback received and with a full market launch imminent, our new products look set to create the next generation of ‘wow factor’ environments. Whilst exact details will remain under wraps for another week or two, we see them proving particularly popular among brands, retailers and exhibitions throughout the UK and overseas.
To give a few hints, we’ll be unveiling a new ultra-slim lightbox, plus a graphic display system with more ‘flexibility’ than ever before. We’ll also be introducing new ‘3D’ solutions within our range, which are set to better-integrate merchandise and graphics, with minimum fuss but maximum customer engagement.
Managing Director Richard Leach elaborates: “We keep a constant eye on industry trends and challenges, and combine our findings with first-hand client insight, to engineer increasingly striking yet cost-effective products. Our focus is always to produce graphic displays of unrivalled quality, without the price tag customers might expect. This is what keeps us one step ahead of our competition.”
When asked about what is involved in the innovation process itself, Richard expands: “Sometimes a client request leads to the creation of a fairly simple prototype that can be refined and manufactured with ease. In other instances, there’s a much lengthier research and development phase. However, we’ve got a very experienced engineering team who are well equipped to tackle whatever brief we throw at them!
“The forum was a great way to showcase this skill-set and what truly makes Leach tick. We have an extensive range of varied – and often bespoke – print solutions to offer, and each got the share of the spotlight they deserve.”
Having gathered so many industry-leading retail figures together in one room, the event played host to a very powerful brainstorming session. Richard concludes: “As a customer-centric business we find it’s important to gain insight and involve customers within our new product development process. We’ve now got even more ideas in store for 2017!”
This view was shared by delegates on the day. For example, Daniel Broadhead, from Principle said:
Well presented, a good range of products and I will look forward to seeing more. Seeing how products are used by others is very impressive.
If you’re interested in what goes on behind the scenes at Leach, the door is always open. Why not book in for a personal tour of our facility, including our brand new product showroom, displaying the latest and greatest Leach innovations! You can also meet our range of experienced and skilled design, engineering and print teams, unique to our 125 year business. Call us on 01484 551200 or email impact@weareleach.com to reserve a date.
Or, if you’d like more information about our upcoming product developments, contact us to discuss how they might fit your requirements.
