South Tyneside-based Cut Print Solutions is scaling up its operations after receiving a six-figure investment from the North East Elevate Fund, which is managed by FW Capital.
Cut Print Solutions is expanding its operational capabilities with the acquisition of a next-generation Fuji EC1100 production printing press. The investment is also supporting the purchase of a new automated booklet maker, new guillotine and flat bed cutter, as well as supporting future plans to expand the team based at their premises at Jarrow Business Centre. This investment marks a pivotal step in enhancing overall productivity, driving efficiency, and lowering production costs. It also forms part of the firm’s longer-term growth strategy, supporting its ambition to become a £1 million turnover business.
Cut Print Solutions is based in Jarrow and was established in 2023 by Madge and Stephen Downey. It specialises in commercial printing services covering all aspects of wide format, fine art prints, custom cut stickers, vinyl and architectural plan printing and more.
The funding comes via the North East Elevate Fund, which is part of the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ £100m regional investment framework administered by The North East Fund. Along with both the North East Accelerate and North East Spinout Inspire funds, it aims to strengthen access to early-stage finance for start up, scale up and growing companies in North East England, and tackle long-standing market failures that have hampered innovation-led growth in the region.
Madge Downey, Director Cut Print Solutions said: “We’ve experienced really strong growth since starting Cut Print Solutions in 2023, and this investment gives us the opportunity to take the business to the next level. The new equipment will significantly increase our production capacity, allow us to bring more work in-house and give our customers faster turnaround times while maintaining the quality and service we’ve built our reputation on.
“We have ambitious plans for Cut Print Solutions and want to continue growing our team, expanding our customer base across the UK and building on the range of print and branding services we offer. Ruby and the team at FW Capital have been fantastic throughout the process. What impressed us was their honest approach and the fact that they took the time to understand our business and where we want to take it. For us, it was about finding the right funding partner rather than simply taking a loan.”
Ruby Knowles, Assistant Investment Executive at FW Capital said: “Cut Print Solutions is a fantastic South Tyneside-based business who are experiencing significant growth. They are growing their customer base and increasing their capacity. The funding marks a key step forward for the business, allowing them to invest further in new equipment that will meet their increased operational needs as well as increasing efficiency and reducing costs. It was great to be able to complete the funding quickly which was helped by the good quality information that was available from the Cut Print Solutions team and their advisors.”
James Holloway, External Engagement Officer at North East Fund, said: "Cut Print Solutions are exactly the sort of business the Fund was established to support - a fantastic local organisation demonstrating strong growth and a commitment to the local area. The Fund holds drop-ins across the North East and we held one at the Jarrow Business Centre which is where we first met with Cut Print Solutions. If any business wants to know about funding to expand please check our website to see if there is a session coming up near you where you can chat to an adviser."
Councillor Susan Sybenga, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council and Lead Member for Finance and Resources, said: "It's fantastic to see Cut Print Solutions become one of the first South Tyneside businesses to benefit from the North East Elevate Fund. This investment will help the company build on its success, create new opportunities and strengthen its position here in South Tyneside.
"Access to finance is often one of the biggest challenges facing ambitious businesses. Through the North East Elevate Fund and the wider North East Fund, we're helping companies unlock investment, drive innovation and accelerate growth. We want South Tyneside to be a place where businesses can start, scale and succeed, and I would encourage other local firms to explore the support available and take advantage of the opportunities on offer."
To find about more about the North East Fund and its Elevate and Accelerate Funds, visit Home - North East Fund
