Success of print and design business at the Aldershot Enterprise Centre
Kraken Print & Design was formed in 2014 by Ryan Smith and was one of the first tenants of the Aldershot Enterprise Centre. Having been in the sign and print business for 10 years, he had been thinking about setting up on his own for a while. After teaming up with his father Colin, the perfect opportunity arose as the centre opened in the same year.
Partners Ryan Smith, Colin Smith and Daryl Baker head up the team at Kraken Print & Design
An extensive offering
Kraken Print specialises in artwork, print and signage. Colin explains that they are ambitious in their projects,
“We like to take on some of the more challenging tasks that other printers will shy away from. Our ethos is – if you can hold it down we can print it.”
Partners Colin, Ryan and Daryl have over 40 years experience between them and their list of print and design services include:
- Logo design and branding
- Business cards
- Leaflets
- Vehicle signage
- Retail signage
- Exhibition signage
- Promotional merchandise
- Business Stationery
- Clothing – printed and embroidered
But Colin claims that by no means this list is exhaustive,
“If you don’t see what you are looking for it is likely that over the 40 plus years that we have been in the industry that we have seen it, found a way to print it and bought the t-shirt!“
Kraken Print will take on a wide range of print and design projects from branding on clothing to large signage.
Support of the Aldershot Enterprise Centre
Colin is pleased to report that business is growing and the team are looking to secure a larger unit through the Centre.
Their longevity at the Aldershot Enterprise Centre is partly down to the flexibility of the team there,
“The ability to easily move into the Centre and change units within the centre without signing complex costly leases was a big win for us.”
But it’s also useful for them to have the day-to-day support of the in-house reception team,
“Having a professional team on Reception to meet and greet clients and take deliveries is very helpful.”
Future business goals
Colin explains that they are going to keep doing what they do well to continue growing the business,
“Kraken’s business goal is to give good customer service, retain clients and generate repeat revenue. And hopefully make a small profit!”
Colin’s Top Tip for start-up businesses
“Our top tip for other start-ups would be to concentrate on what you know and find a good mentor to help with what you don’t.”
More information on Kraken Print can be found on their website or you can see their latest projects on Facebook and Instagram.
Aldershot Enterprise Centre
Aldershot Enterprise Centre offers affordable office space for Hampshire and Surrey communities. It offers over 40 high-quality offices for rent and is ideal if you are looking to grow your business.
The centre provides tenants with superfast internet, meeting rooms, co-working space and more, enabling you to concentrate on your business success.
