Printing their way to success
Business is thriving for father-daughter duo Harry Brelsford and Sharon Sewell, who established Varsity Graphics in 2004.
The family-run business has grown from a team of two to a boutique printing firm employing seven staff, including specialised graphic designers.
“We pride ourselves on our design flair and our love of technology. We are always on the lookout for the latest gadgets and innovative products to make sure we are giving our customers the best that contemporary printing has to offer,” said Mr Brelsford.
“We believe the local start-up scene is recognising the power of print, opting for paper marketing material to build their brand.
“When it comes to a corporate event, businesses want an invitation that makes them stand out and attract a crowd. Likewise, if you do a direct mail marketing campaign now, you get your message through,” he said.
“Printing is tangible and makes a lasting impression, and locals keen to start a new business will come to us to help get their business recognised.
“It allows us to observe trends like the burgeoning cafe scene on the Gold Coast; clients are opting for classic craft paper and white print for modern menus.
“We helped Blackboard Coffee when they first launched, and it’s wonderful to see how the company has grown since then. We simply love to solve problems for clients and help businesses thrive.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about our business has been the impact it has on the environment. Paper is highly sustainable, and according to the Printing Industries Association of Australia, the industry is estimated to have reduced its environmental footprint by more than 90 per cent over the past two decades.”
The business invested in a state-of-the-art Ricoh printing machine in 2016, to produce high quality images, textured stocks, foil designs and unique white and clear inks.
Owner Sharon Sewell said the technology has allowed Varsity Graphics to boost its range of services, which includes everything from printing a single personalised sticker to large scale corporate orders.
“At Christmas we get parents ordering stickers for a scooter for their child, but we also recently produced an order of 20,000 flyers for a major tourism client, so no job is ever the same,” said Ms Sewell.
“We also introduced a service by appointment where if a client is in a hurry they can come and sit with designers while they complete their project.
“Some people struggle to get their message across via email, so this eliminates that confusion, fosters collaboration and produces a result that the client can be absolutely satisfied with.”
Where: Office 18/340 Scottsdale Drive Robina, QLD, 4226
Website: http://www.varsitygraphics.com.au/
