Meals from the Heart Thanksgiving Dinner

Promotional products can enhance your business's marketing. Read our blog to explore different types of promotional products to consider for your business.

We held our annual NCP End of Year BBQ today to thank our staff for their hard work over the past 12 months. Everyone was treated to smoked cuts of pork and beef, prepared onsite by our resident chef, Brad Studdert, Despatch Manager. This years LSL recipients were David Small (15 years), Matthew Jackson (25 years), Neil Foster (25 years) and Peter Barry retiring after 26 years at NCP. Happy holidays and we look forward to another successful year in 2025!

Creating the right food packaging design is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when introducing your product to the market. It’s not just about keeping your food fresh; your packaging is the first thing a customer sees. It must capture attention, convey information and reflect your brand identity—all while remaining functional and cost-effective. Whether you are a seasoned food entrepreneur or just starting out, understanding the design considerations for your food product's packaging can set your business up for success. Reflecting Your Brand’s Identity Your packaging is an extension of your brand and should immediately communicate who you are to potential customers. Is your brand modern and bold, or classic and elegant? These elements should influence your design choices, from colour schemes to typography and imagery. For example, if you’re selling organic granola, you might opt for earthy tones and natural textures that resonate with eco-conscious consumers. The right design not only draws attention but also fosters trust in your brand. Ensuring Functionality and Practicality Packaging must not only look good—it has to work well. Consider how your product will be stored, transported and used by the consumer. Think about the end-user’s experience and select features that align with their needs, such as portability, convenience or ease of disposal. Attracting With Visual Appeal Aesthetics are a powerful driver of consumer behaviour. Many consumers make purchase decisions in just a few seconds, so your design must capture attention immediately. The use of bold, high-quality imagery, creative layouts and balanced design elements can convey your message without overwhelming the viewer. Custom printing services can help enhance your visual appeal, offering an array of options for vivid colours, detailed textures and eye-catching finishes that stand out on the shelf. Communicating Essential Information Clear, concise communication is vital for your packaging. Your design must include essential details, such as nutritional information, ingredients, allergens and best-before dates. This isn’t just a best practice—it’s often a legal requirement. But you don’t want to simply fulfill regulatory standards. Your messaging should also highlight your product’s unique selling points. Whether it’s gluten-free, organic or made with locally sourced ingredients, ensure this information is easily visible. Selecting the Right Materials Your choice of materials plays a crucial role in your packaging design. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, so if you opt for recyclable or biodegradable materials, you’re likely to resonate with eco-conscious buyers. Additionally, your material choice affects the durability and overall feel of the packaging. A sturdy, well-crafted package gives the impression of a premium product, while a flimsy one could damage your brand’s image. Creating a Memorable Unboxing Experience Unboxing isn’t just for luxury brands; it has become an integral part of the customer experience even in the food industry. Consider how you can make your packaging memorable while still being practical. Unique box designs, vibrant inner linings or personalised thank-you notes can all contribute to a more meaningful first impression, encouraging repeat purchases and social media mentions. Making Your Packaging Work for You Designing your food product's packaging is an opportunity to make a lasting impression on customers. By focusing on brand identity, functionality and clear communication and leveraging custom printing services for visual impact, you can create packaging that sells your product and builds long-term loyalty. Don’t overlook the importance of the finer details—they often add up to create a truly standout brand presence. Starting with these considerations puts your food product on the path to success. Contact us at NCP, and we'll help you design and print the perfect packaging for your product.

In today's digital age, where most marketing efforts are focused on online platforms, creating and printing a physical magazine for your company might seem like a bold move. However, this traditional form of media holds unique advantages that can significantly benefit your business. In this article, we'll explore how magazine printing can enhance your marketing strategy, what to consider in terms of design and layout, and the importance of engaging a professional printing company. How Can A Magazine Be A Great Form Of Marketing? Magazines still matter in marketing. With the saturation of digital content, there is an undeniable charm to holding a beautifully crafted magazine. This tactile experience can captivate your audience in ways digital media cannot. Magazines allow for storytelling that is more immersive and comprehensive than typical online content. With in-depth articles and high-quality visuals, you can engage your readers on a greater level. Having a printed magazine can position your company as an authority within your industry. It lends credibility and demonstrates a commitment to quality, which can enhance brand perception. Offering detailed insights into industry trends, featuring expert interviews, or sharing behind-the-scenes of your business can inform and build trust with your audience. What Should You Consider For Your Magazine's Design And Layout? Design and layout are crucial elements when it comes to magazine printing. A visually appealing design draws readers in and encourages them to engage with the content. Start by defining the aesthetic that best represents your brand — whether it's sleek and modern or classic and sophisticated — and maintain consistency throughout each issue. If your company has an established brand style guide, ensure it is applied to the design. Pay attention to typography choices; they should be readable yet stylish enough to complement the visual narrative of your pages. High-resolution images are essential for maintaining professional quality; invest in good photography if needed. Content structure is another vital consideration. Balance long-form articles with shorter snippets that cater to different reader preferences. Include plenty of visuals such as infographics or illustrations that break up text-heavy sections while adding interest. If you have any questions about the design and layout of your magazine, contact us for professional graphic design services and advice. Why Should You Consider A Professional Printing Company For Your Magazine? Choosing a professional printing company ensures superior results that will reflect positively on your company brand. Professional printers have access to top-of-the-line equipment and high-quality materials which make all the difference in producing precise colours and sharp printing. Additionally, working with experienced professionals means benefiting from their expertise in paper stock selection (eg: glossy vs matte), binding options (eg: perfect-bound vs saddle-stitched), and finishing touches (eg: spot UV coating, foiling or embossing). These details might seem minor but contribute significantly towards creating an impressive final product that stands out from your competitors' offerings. Finally, partnering with reputable printers often includes assistance with logistics like mailing and distribution planning — an added convenience when trying to manage multiple aspects of running a business while launching new marketing initiatives simultaneously. Explore your options or go through some successful case studies by contacting our specialists at NCP today!

In an increasingly digital world, direct mail marketing might seem outdated. However, this tried-and-true method has proven to be a powerful tool for organisations looking to stand out and connect with their audience in a meaningful way. Understanding the benefits of direct mail marketing can significantly enhance your marketing strategy. Tangible and Memorable One of the key advantages of direct mail is its physical nature. In today's digital age, where email inboxes are flooded with promotions and advertisements, a tangible piece of mail stands out. Recipients are more likely to open and read a direct mail piece than an email, making it a memorable touch-point in your marketing campaign. The tactile experience of holding a beautifully designed postcard or brochure can leave a lasting impression on potential customers. Complements Digital Marketing Contrary to popular belief, direct mail marketing doesn't compete with digital marketing; it complements it. Integrating direct mail with your digital campaigns creates a cohesive and multi-channel marketing strategy. For instance, you can use direct mail to drive traffic to your website, promote a social media contest or encourage email sign-ups. The combination of physical and digital touchpoints enhances your brand's visibility and reinforces your marketing messages. Builds Trust and Credibility In an era of online scams and data breaches, customers are becoming increasingly cautious about sharing their information online. Direct mail marketing provides a sense of legitimacy and trustworthiness that digital channels sometimes lack. When recipients receive a well-designed and professionally printed mailer from your business, it conveys a sense of reliability and dedication to quality. This can positively impact your brand's reputation and foster long-term customer relationships. Cost-Effective Marketing Direct mail marketing offers a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. While digital marketing channels often require ongoing budgets for pay-per-click (PPC) ads or social media promotions, direct mail involves a one-time investment in design, printing and postage. Additionally, the higher response rates and targeted reach of direct mail can result in a favourable cost per acquisition (CPA), making it a budget-friendly option for achieving your marketing goals. Enhances Brand Recognition Consistent branding is crucial for building brand recognition and recall. Direct mail provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce your brand's visual identity and messaging. By using your brand's colours, logo and design elements, you create a cohesive and recognisable look across all your marketing materials. This consistency helps customers associate your brand with professionalism and reliability, increasing their likelihood of choosing your products or services. Encourages Customer Loyalty Direct mail isn't just for attracting new customers; it's also a powerful tool for nurturing existing ones. Sending personalised offers, exclusive discounts, or loyalty rewards through direct mail can make your customers feel appreciated and valued. This sense of loyalty can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. By consistently engaging with your customers through direct mail, you can build strong and lasting relationships that contribute to your business's long-term success. Incorporating direct mail marketing into your overall strategy can offer numerous benefits, from personalised engagement and high response rates to cost-effective campaigns and enhanced brand recognition. By leveraging the unique advantages of direct mail, you can elevate your marketing efforts and connect with your audience in a meaningful and impactful way. Ready to see the difference direct mail can make for your organisation? Work with us at NCP.

In a competitive business landscape, effectively communicating your message has never been more critical. Brochures remain a stalwart of marketing strategy, blending tactile engagement with informative content. Understanding how to design effective brochures can significantly influence your business's promotional efforts. This article offers insights into the key elements of brochure design. Understanding Your Audience The foundation of a successful brochure is a clear understanding of the target audience. Before diving into the design process, consider who your potential customers are and what messages resonate with them. This understanding will shape the entire brochure, from the choice of imagery to the tone of the text. Aim to craft a design that speaks directly to your audience’s preferences and needs, ensuring that your business stands out. Selection of Format and Layout The format of your brochure—whether it be a bi-fold, tri-fold or even a booklet—plays a critical role in how the information is presented and consumed. Each layout offers distinct advantages; for instance, a tri-fold brochure is compact and easily distributed, while a booklet format allows for more extensive content and elaborate visuals. The layout should complement the narrative of your brand, guiding the reader through the information in a logical manner. Ensure that your most important points are placed prominently where they will capture attention immediately. Visual Hierarchy Creating a clear visual hierarchy is essential in any brochure design. This means establishing a layout that uses headings, subheadings, images and white space to lead the reader's eye through the content. Effective use of typography is crucial; headlines should be bold and easily legible, while body text should be in a font that is pleasing to read. Utilise contrasting colours to differentiate between sections and draw attention to key messages. The goal is to balance visual appeal with functionality, ensuring that the reader can navigate the brochure easily. Consistent Branding Brand consistency is vital in building recognition and trust with your audience. Your brochure should reflect the same branding elements present across your other marketing materials. This includes the use of your logo, colour palette and typography. Consistent branding creates a cohesive image that enhances your business’s professional look, making it easily identifiable. Compelling Content While design is important, the content of your brochure is paramount. Ensure your messaging is clear, concise and compelling. Use active language and direct calls to action that encourage the reader to engage with your business further. Consider incorporating customer testimonials or case studies that enhance credibility. Visual elements should support the content; photographs, illustrations or infographics can enhance text by providing visual breaks and making complex information more digestible. Quality Printing Services Selecting a reliable and quality printing service is a significant final step in producing your brochure. At Bright Print Group we can help you choose finishing options like gloss and matt varnishes or celloglazing, and a wide variety of stocks. High-quality print should reflect the professionalism of your brand and the meticulous care taken in the design process. An effective brochure requires a thoughtful design that balances functionality, clear messaging and aesthetic appeal. Embrace these design tips to elevate your brochure printing efforts, ensuring that your marketing materials are as compelling as the products or services you offer. If you need brochure printing services, work with our team at NCP. 

How many colours can we choose from? When clients are deciding on promotional items, one of the frequently asked questions is how many colours can we choose from? The answer is usually quite a few! We're here to help. Colour plays a vital role helping your logo stand out, making your brand easily recognisable. BPG’s expert staff can help you with the finer details of colour theory, advising on colours to compliment your logo for maximum impact on your promotional products. Talk to us about options and possibilities for your next campaign here .

In today's digital age, it may seem like printed marketing materials are a thing of the past. More and more brands are putting their marketing budgets into social media and other online avenues, creating the perception that classic marketing efforts like direct mail, flyers and brochures are no longer useful tools. However, they can still play a crucial role in building brand awareness for your business. From showcasing your products and services, to reaching local audiences in a more tangible way, these solid marketing tools can make a lasting impression on potential customers. Explore how NCP can design and produce professional brochures and flyers, helping you gain brand awareness to stand out from the competition. Why Does Professional Printing Matter? When it comes to creating brochures and flyers for your brand, the quality of printing matters more than you might think. Professionally produced print ensures that your marketing materials are crisp, clear and visually appealing. Our attention to detail can help make a significant impact on how potential customers perceive your brand. From fresh colours to high-quality paper stock, good print can elevate the look and feel of your brochures and flyers. Let us at NCP, help you catch the eye of your target audience. How Can You Use Brochures, Flyers And Other Marketing Materials To Boost Your Brand Locally? Boost your brand locally! Distributing brochures and flyers at local events, trade shows or community centres can help you reach potential customers in your area. By displaying them in high-traffic spaces such as cafes, libraries or notice boards you can increase visibility for your brand. What Content Should Be Covered In Your Brochures? When creating brochures for your brand, it is essential to include relevant information that showcases what sets your business apart from the competition. Let your audience know what your brand is all about by including details about your products or services, customer testimonials, special promotions or discounts, contact information and a call-to-action prompting readers to take the next step. Including engaging visuals can also help capture the attention of potential customers and communicate key messages effectively. Do Font, Colour And Imagery Play A Role In How Successful Your Brochures Are? Absolutely! The design elements used in your brochures and flyers play a crucial role in their success. At NCP we can help you choose the right font, colour scheme and imagery to reinforce your brand identity and make your marketing materials visually appealing. It is essential to use consistent design elements throughout, creating a cohesive and recognisable brand image. This will also help potential customers remember your brand, making a lasting impression on them that generates more leads for your business. Professional brochures and flyers are powerful tools for building brand awareness despite the proliferation of digital technology. By investing in high-quality print and incorporating strategic content and design elements, you can effectively reach and engage with potential customers locally. Don't underestimate the impact of tangible marketing materials — they can be just as effective, if not more so than digital marketing tactics in building brand awareness for your business. Contact our team of printing specialists at NCP today.

NCP Team 2024 – smiles all round at the Newcastle factory!