How expert support helped JPL Print & Design grow and create new jobs

Dudley-based print specialist JPL Print & Design has boosted capacity, improved efficiency, and created new jobs with expert guidance and hands-on support from Business Growth Adviser Paul Sampson, through the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) in Dudley Programme. The programme is funded by Dudley Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Supporting over 750 companies based in the borough with advice from local business growth advisers, the initiative is run by Oxford Innovation Advice.

From small beginnings to a growing Black Country success story

For more than two decades, JPL Print & Design has been a trusted name in the Black Country’s printing industry, producing everything from magazines and brochures to theatre programmes and exhibition graphics. Since its beginnings in a small start-up unit in the early 2000s, the company has grown organically into a thriving multi-site operation. Like many growing businesses, however, JPL faced the challenge of making its next big leap in productivity and efficiency while continuing to invest in innovation.

That’s where Paul Sampson came in. When Co-founder Mark first heard about the BGWM in Dudley Programme, he reached out to Paul for advice. Paul worked closely with the business to understand its growth ambitions, investment priorities, and the barriers standing in the way. He helped translate the often-complex language of public sector funding into clear, practical steps, giving the business the confidence to move forward.

“For first-time applicants, public sector funding can seem daunting,” explains Paul. “Part of my role is to demystify the process, helping business owners understand exactly what’s required, highlighting the most relevant parts of their project, and giving them the confidence to engage fully. We’re there to hold their hand along the way.”

Turning opportunity into investment

With Paul’s support, JPL successfully applied for a £100,000 Dudley Council SME Capital Grant to invest in new digital and finishing technology; a move that has significantly enhanced production capacity and sustainability. The investment funded a Ricoh small-format digital printer, replacing an ageing model to boost competitiveness on shorter print runs and packaging work, alongside a Horizon StitchLiner finishing machine that has improved speed, quality, and energy efficiency.

“Paul’s advice was invaluable,” adds Mark. “He made the process simple to understand and guided us through what to focus on. Without his help, we’d have found it much harder to get the application over the line.”

Support that goes beyond funding

While securing the grant was a major milestone, Paul’s role with JPL didn’t end there. He continues to work with the business to identify further opportunities for growth and to connect them with other sources of support. Through his guidance, JPL also engaged with Made Smarter, successfully securing a £20,000 grant to invest in a new management system that has transformed their internal production processes.

The partnership is ongoing, with JPL and Paul now exploring opportunities through the BEAS grant to fund energy-saving technology that will reduce costs and strengthen the company’s green credentials.

“Paul’s support isn’t just about funding,” says Mark. “He really understands our business and always looks for ways to help us move forward. It feels like having a trusted adviser on our side.”

Real results: growth, jobs, and sustainability

The impact of this partnership has been substantial. JPL has boosted both productivity and efficiency, reduced waste, and created new local jobs that includes a dedicated marketing role to support future expansion. The company is also in the process of acquiring another business, which will add four more jobs to the team.

The new technology has delivered clear sustainability benefits too, using less energy and generating less waste. For example, on a 10,000-run theatre programme, paper overs have dropped from 500 to just 150.

“Every upgrade helps us be more efficient and sustainable,” Mark adds. “The support we’ve received has accelerated our growth and given us the confidence to invest in our future.”

A partnership for long-term success

For Paul, supporting businesses like JPL is about much more than a single grant application.

“Our goal is to build lasting relationships with businesses,” he explains. “We want to help them grow, access the right mix of financial and advisory support, and ultimately achieve the economic impact that public funding is designed to deliver.”

For JPL Print & Design, that partnership has already proven transformative and the story isn’t over yet.

For further information, please visit www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk or www.jplprint.com.