As we close the doors on the 2024 May local elections, the Print Image Network team celebrate the success of our hard work and dedication in helping local councils across the UK, to plan and execute their election processes and campaigns. We played a pivotal role in providing essential print services as their trusted partner.
The local elections took place Thursday 2 May 2024 in the following authorities in England:
As well as police and crime commissioner and a range of combined authority and mayoral elections.
The May polls and local elections in 2024 marked a significant milestone for us, as we collaborated with many of these local councils to deliver high-quality, timely, printed materials relating to electorate turnout and engagement; from poll cards, postal votes and ballot papers to informational leaflets and on the day, support items, our team worked tirelessly to ensure that voters and local councils received accurate and informative materials ahead of polling day.
After completing the production and mailing of over 7 million poll cards UK wide, we then followed up with the production and mailing of over 1.5 million postal votes and 10 million ballot papers, which covered over 300 elections. Plus, all supporting ancillary products for local authorities around the UK.
Not stopping there, we also printed and mailed over 3.5 million mayoral booklets for two large mayoral combined authorities, receiving data from 22 local authorities to do this.
Our commitment to excellence, customer support and accuracy was reflected in the flurry of positive feedback emails from our customers. Thank you to all the local councils who chose to partner with us for their 2024 elections!
“Kelly, thank you for all your help during the elections you were great as always! 😊” – Andrew at Local Borough Authority
“Thanks to you and your colleagues for all the work you’ve put in getting everything ready for us – it’s very much appreciated 😊” – Luke at Local Borough Authority
“Thanks Sharon and thanks so much for your support!” – Mick at Local Borough Authority
“Thanks for your help over the weeks leading into last week’s election – you make what could be very difficult very easy!” – Sian at Local County Authority
Message from John Foster….
"Once again, our Team has linked in seamlessly with all of our customer Electoral Managers to help, advise and deliver all printing and mailing items with superb accuracy and timeliness. Election times are never easy, and it is a cool. calm, professional attitude that will win through. We have an extremely experienced Team throughout the Company, and everybody works tirelessly for the benefit of … the Elector and enabling democracy. I would very much like to thank all involved here in our offices and factories, but also our customer contacts who have a very difficult job but are always a pleasure to work with. Thank you 😊."
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
Print Image Network brand UK Engage is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading partner for Business Improvement District (BID) ballots, serving both local councils and BID companies across the UK. As renowned election services providers and member engagement specialists, our reputation precedes us.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with numerous local councils and BID companies, including those in Leeds, Bridgend, Northumberland, Warrington, and many more. Notably, we played a pivotal role in guiding our hometown, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, to a resounding “YES” vote!
Our service offering is comprehensive and transparent, tailored to meet the unique needs of each local council. We deliver our services with a high degree of professionalism and efficiency, adhering to the strict timelines inherent in the BID ballot process. As earlier five-year term BIDs conclude, we are increasingly being sought after to support and deliver BIDs in their next campaign stages.
Our wealth of experience and expertise is reflected in the successful outcomes our clients have achieved. In most instances, we’ve reported voter turnouts above the UK average of 41%* and have seen an increase in voter turnout and “YES” votes compared to previous BID ballots for the same town centres. Our commitment to delivering results continues to drive us forward.
Our latest successful BID ballots include:
Ilkley BID:
Twickenham BID:
Plus the following recently completed and ongoing BIDs:
You can find out more information about our BID ballot services here, along with examples of other local councils and BID companies we have successfully partnered with.
Let us help you! By removing the hassle of the BID Ballot process!
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
*Ballot success data June 2022 to May 2023 – British BIDs.
This means that we check and enhance our security against cyber-attacks to protect our company assets, IP and customer data, against common cyber threats.
As a leading UK electoral printing specialist and trusted supplier to over 70 local authorities across the UK, information security processes have been common practice; we have held Cyber Essentials accreditation since 2017, which is assessed annually. We are delighted to report that we recently passed our assessment in April 2024!
What is Cyber Essentials Accreditation?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed cyber security certification scheme that sets out a good baseline of cyber security suitable for all organisations spanning all sectors. The scheme addresses five key controls that, when implemented correctly, can prevent around 80% of cyber-attacks.
Print Image Network implemented these five Cyber Essentials Controls to help stay secure:
Why Cyber Essentials and what does this renewal of our accreditation mean for our customers?
Enhanced Security: working with local authorities to print election stationery including postal votes, ballot papers and poll cards, we handle a lot of confidential and sensitive information.
Data Protection: this data is at the heart of everything we do, and we need to protect this against cyber-attacks.
Continuous Improvement: we demonstrate our commitment to staying abreast of the latest threats and implementing best practices to safeguard our customer data.
Trust and Confidence: we are instilling greater confidence with regards to the security and reliability of our services.
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
To find out further information about our certification please click on the smart logo below.
The Printweek Awards are a prestigious event in the printing industry, recognising outstanding achievements across various categories. This year, Print Image Network and UK Engage had the honour of being nominated for awards: Customer Service Team of the Year – SME, and Innovation of the Year, respectively. The awards dinner was held in March and was a night of celebration and networking, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries. The evening celebration was attended by Simon, Craig, and Andy, who were there to represent both brands and award nominations amongst our industry colleagues.
Innovation of the Year: Print Image Network
Print Image Network was recognised for our innovations in the local authority printing industry. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity has led to the development of cutting-edge solutions, which meet the evolving needs of legislation and of our clients. Our nomination and placement as runner-up in this category are testament to the Print Image Network vision statement, which is to set new standards of excellence, innovation, and inclusiveness in communication processes. We envision a future where our cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to service, transparency and security empower our customers and our team to achieve the highest possible standards.
Simon Milnes Associate Director confirmed “We will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible and drive positive change in the industry."
Customer Service Team of the - SME: UK Engage
UK Engage, known for our expertise in providing election and engagement services, was recognised for our exceptional customer service team, based on client feedback as part of our Customer Service Excellence (CSE) accreditation. Our dedication to understanding our client needs, delivering personalised solutions, and ensuring seamless experiences stands out, which is why we were nominated for the shortlist and proud to be runner up to the category winners. With a team that is passionate, knowledgeable, and always ready to go the extra mile, UK Engage sets a benchmark for excellence in customer service within the printing and democracy industry.
"At UK Engage, we believe that excellent customer service is not just about meeting expectations but exceeding them and we are incredibly proud of our team for their hard work and dedication; this recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and building strong relationships with our clients," said Andy Tye, Associate Director at UK Engage.
Here are some images and great memories from the night in question…
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
Print Image Network like to support and help the wider community and every year, we select three charities to be supported by our team. This is also integral to our current social and value policy and supports our Corporate Social Responsibility Policy.
Our chosen charities for 2023 were Andy’s Man Club, Francis House Children’s Hospice and Mind, for which we raised over £400 from our Customer Service Excellence survey responses alone; not to mention the charity fundraisers that we took part in throughout the year.
Continuing to Make a Charitable Difference for 2024
In a bid to make a tangible impact on society for 2024, Print Image Network has proudly announced its newest selection of charities for the year. As we run nomination and election processes for third party organisations, we utilised our pioneering technology to allow our team to determine the three most popular charities out of those preferred charities that were nominated by the team. The chosen beneficiaries for this year’s charitable initiatives are Cancer Research, The Trussell Trust, and Mind. With a commitment to supporting vital causes, Print Image Network aims to raise awareness and funds to aid these organisations.
Empowering Communities: Cancer Research
Cancer Research stands at the forefront of the battle against one of the most formidable adversaries of our time. With groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and unwavering support for patients and their families, Cancer Research strives to make advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Print Image Network’s partnership with Cancer Research underscores its dedication to empowering communities and driving progress in healthcare.
Fighting Hunger: The Trussell Trust
Amidst the challenges of food poverty, The Trussell Trust emerges as a beacon of hope for vulnerable individuals and families across the UK. Through a network of food banks, advocacy, and community engagement, The Trussell Trust provides vital support to those in need, offering not just sustenance but also dignity and support during times of crisis. By aligning with The Trussell Trust, Print Image Network reaffirms its commitment to combating hunger and addressing the root causes of food insecurity.
Supporting Mental Health: Mind
In an era where mental health awareness is paramount, Mind plays a pivotal role in promoting mental well-being and supporting those facing mental health challenges. With a range of services including counselling, advocacy, and community outreach, Mind endeavours to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need. By partnering with Mind, Print Image Network demonstrates its dedication to fostering a society where mental health is prioritized and supported.
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
We are thrilled to announce that Print Image Network has been shortlisted for the prestigious PrintWeek Award in the category of Innovation of the Year. This recognition highlights our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
As a leading UK electoral print provider, we aim to remain at the forefront of innovation, this was particularly exercised in response to legislative changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022. With photo identification becoming compulsory for in-person voting in Great Britain, the traditional A5 Poll Card design was no longer sufficient. Print Image Network therefore developed the 'Flexi Poll Card,' a reel-fed white paper one-piece mailer that maintains the appearance of a traditional A5 card. Through a meticulous R&D process, the company ensured compliance with legislation, engaged voters, and saved costs.
Consulting with industry experts, obtaining approval from the Electoral Commission and Royal Mail, Print Image Network successfully produced over 2 million 'Flexi Poll Cards' for 35% of our customers during the 2023 combined elections, achieving a 100% delivery rate and aiding in the transition to the new electoral administration.
Being shortlisted for the PrintWeek Award for Innovation of the Year is not just a recognition of our achievements; it's a glimpse into the future of Print Image Network. Print Image Network is committed to continuing our pursuit of customer service excellence, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and shaping the future of the electoral print industry.
Sustainability in Print:
In addition to technological advancements, we are proud to express our commitment to sustainability. We understand the environmental impact of the print industry and have implemented eco-friendly practices in our operations and suppliers in delivering exceptional print solutions.
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
Print Image Network are once again proud to have been a part of the annual Association of Electoral Administrators (AEA) conference earlier this week. The 3 day event took place Sunday 14th January to Tuesday 16th January; we attended as an exhibitor and as one of the sponsors.
It was a delight to see the various stands busy with attendees and a fantastic opportunity for our team to have face to face catchups with many of our loyal customers, as well as speaking with many of the other delegates who took the time to come and say hello whilst visiting our stand, keeping us busy with questions about our sample packs and ancillary items. We aimed to ensure nobody walked away empty handed as we offered goody bags containing some fab freebies, which always prove very popular. Our Print Image Network letter openers always go down a treat, so if there is anybody who didn’t manage to get hold of one on the day, or you were unable to attend, you can request one using the contact form here, or using the details below, and we will send it to you in the post.
Our prize draw offering an afternoon tea hamper was very popular with conference delegates too. The lucky winner was Kimberley Edwards from Conwy County Borough Council, who collected her prize on Tuesday. We hope you enjoy your afternoon treats Kimberley!
Thank you to the AEA team for hosting and thank you to all the attendees for making our time at the conference so enjoyable!
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
In line with our dedication to both information security and quality management, we are delighted to declare the successful completion of our annual audit for ISO 27001:2013 and ISO 9001:2015, with a record of zero non-conformities.
The ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management Standard is a framework that ensures a common set of policies, procedures, and controls are in place to effectively mitigate information security risks. This framework empowers us to manage these risks diligently and consider legal and regulatory obligations.
Likewise, the ISO 9001:2015 certification is internationally recognised as the most established quality framework, based on a number of quality management principles including strong customer focus, continual improvement and increasing efficiencies.
Print Image Network places the utmost importance on both information security and quality management. We are committed to going above and beyond the requirements of these policies, ensuring that our customers and their data is in safe hands, as we continue to provide unrivalled services to the elections and ballots market; this includes some of the country’s leading membership organisations which have stringent internal procedures in relation to their supply chains. So, retaining both accreditations is pivotal for Print Image Network.
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
For many years, it has been practice for Print Image Network and UK Engage to support three charities throughout the year, chosen by our team. This is something that we have always liked to do as a business to support and help the wider community, and it supports our well established Corporate Social Responsibility Policy as well as being integral to our current Social Value Policy.
Our previous three charities were Dementia UK, Derian House Children’s Hospice and The Teenage Cancer Trust, who received £1,739.30 in total during 2021 and 2022. Charitable donations are generated in several ways and our customers are often involved. For example, we ask our customers to vote for a charity in lieu of receiving a Christmas Card and all customer satisfaction surveys issued for PIN and UKE include a donation option as an incentive to complete the questionnaire. So, thank you to all our customers who have contributed to those values.
In March this year, we ran another democratic process to select our next three company charities; As we run nomination and election processes for third party organisations, we utilise our pioneering technology to allow our team to determine the three most popular charities out of those preferred charities that were nominated.
The charities who came out top this time were:
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
The Print Image Network team have landed back in the office, after attending the AEA conference 29th to 31st January, which was the first face to face conference for two years. The annual AEA conference provides an opportunity for delegates within the electoral sector to learn of the latest developments though a schedule of workshops, which are complimented by an exhibition of electoral product suppliers. Understandably, after a two-year break, this year’s conference proved to be extremely popular.
For Print Image Network, this was a good opportunity for us to catch up with our clients and contacts and we would like to thank all delegates who spent time at our stand. It’s always great to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones too!
Whilst delegates visited the exhibition area at breaktime, the hot topic this year was Poll Cards and Voter ID, and trepidation about the forthcoming changes in Postal Vote eligibility. And we were very flattered to be told by several stand visitors, that we have a fantastic reputation within the industry, and our people are held in very high esteem.
Competition Winner
We held our usual prize draw, this time offering a Thornton’s chocolate hamper. Congratulations to the lucky winner (we hope you enjoyed them)! Thanks to everyone who entered our prize draw.
We hope you all had a safe journey home. See you again next time.
For more information about our growing electoral administration print and mail service, please contact us, call on 0161 209 4800 or email sales@printimagenetwork.com.
