Innovation, sorted

Sorted Media create new products and jobs with help from a PAPI grant

Image: Masthead

Sorted Media UK, trading as FYI, are a Leeds-based print company specialising in the hospitality and drinks sector. They produce promotional design and print for clients including Red Bull, Heineken and Revolution Bars. FYI are highly regarded in the sector for their non-traditional approach to print scheduling.

During 2020, the COVID-19 crisis had a huge impact on the hospitality sector, with many of FYI’s customers staying dormant for nearly 12 months. Customer demand for print services therefore changed and FYI saw an increase in demand for branded packaging for influencer marketing campaigns and direct to consumer activity, including bespoke packaging and labelling. Their clients, which included craft beer producers, had to shift their marketing activity to focus on creating memorable, eye-catching at-home unboxing experiences.

Innovation


FYI saw an opportunity to create bespoke packaging in house in order to meet new consumer demand, maintain quality control and reduce product lead time. To do this, they needed to purchase a computer numerical control (CNC) wide format digital cutting machine. As well as allowing them to create new, eye-catching packaging bespoke for their clients, the equipment would also be used to create samples and mock-ups for clients without a minimum charge and the facility to experiment with new point-of-sale items and packaging.

FYI's Website
Image: medium

Business growth

FYI were awarded a £20,000 PAPI grant to help with the purchase of the new machinery. The machine allowed the company to launch their new bespoke packaging design and manufacturing service using a range of materials including card, MDF and plastics. It also allowed them to create innovative new designs for their clients. This new product offering meant that FYI could quickly meet client’s needs, and respond quickly to emerging marketing trends.

Since purchasing the machinery and launching their new products, FYI have employed 6 new members of staff, and have seen an increase in sales.

FYI have also worked with fellow PAPI grant recipient, Kirkstall Brewery, producing bespoke can labels and packaging.

Check if you're eligible for a grant
Image: medium

The grant supported us to continue to develop an environment where our talented staff can thrive to execute amazing results for our clients as well as creating new jobs during a period of real uncertainty, which we are extremely thankful for.

Tom Buxley, Director