If you&rsquo;re confused about which print items you need to pay VAT on, we don&rsquo;t blame you, it&rsquo;s a complicated business.

VAT is applied to some printed materials but not all so it&rsquo;s best to ask for advice when placing your order to avoid a nasty (expensive) surprise. 
&nbsp;

HMRC Guidelines

There are two&nbsp;categories for printed items:&nbsp;

Zero-rated which means they are exempt from VAT. 
 
Standard-rated which means VAT will be applied.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/zero-rating-books-and-printed-matter-for-vat-notice-70110">HMRC website has a detailed page</a> explaining this but let&rsquo;s take a look at some common print items and their VAT status (this should be used as a guide only). 
&nbsp;

Print items that are zero rated:

<ul>
	<li>Catalogues</li>
	<li>Directories</li>
	<li>Reference books</li>
	<li>Manuals</li>
	<li>Brochures</li>
	<li>Children&rsquo;s books</li>
	<li>Recipe books</li>
	<li>Journals</li>
	<li>Magazines</li>
	<li>Sports programmes</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/categories/Leaflets-Flyers-and-Posters">Pamphlets</a></li>
	<li>Printed music</li>
	<li>Publications</li>
</ul>

Print items that are standard rated: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Standard-Business-Cards">Business cards</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Posters-Printing">Posters</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Postcards">Postcards</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Letterheads">Letterheads</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Compliment-Slips">Compliment slips</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Presentation-Folders">Folders</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/categories/Stationery">Stationery</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Greeting-Cards">Greeting&rsquo;s cards</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Envelopes">Envelopes</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/NCR">Invoices</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Tickets/vouchers</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Photographs</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Diaries (to be filled in)</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Address books</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Wall-Calendars">Calendars</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Certificates</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Invitations">Invitation cards</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/sectors/Hospitality#optionscontent11">Menus/Wine lists</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Questionnaires</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/categories/Labels">Labels</a></li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Plans (architectural, engineering, industrial)</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Order books</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px">Receipt books</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px"><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Stickers">Stickers</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Exceptions to the rule

Whether or not VAT is applied to a print item can depend on its end use, the materials used and its size.

According to HMRC guidelines, brochures and leaflets aren&rsquo;t defined in law, they are as they say, &ldquo;a matter of fact and impression&rdquo;.

Brochures can be exempt from VAT providing they are single sheet or &ldquo;wallet&rdquo; type brochures designed with a flap and comply with the following:

<ul>
	<li style="margin-left:8px;">They convey information.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px;">They contain a substantial amount of text, with some indication of contents or of the issuing organisation.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px;">They are not primarily designed to hold other items.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:8px;">They are supplied complete.</li>
</ul>

Leaflets are generally exempt from VAT if they are designed to be read and then thrown away.

However, if they are designed to be kept and used, then VAT will apply.

Items printed on laminated paper or stiff paper/card are considered to have a use and be kept so would have VAT applied to them.

With regards to size, leaflets must be A4 or smaller to be VAT exempt. 
&nbsp;

Do charities pay VAT on printing?

If you are a charity or a business which makes supplies for charities, there may be VAT exemptions on goods otherwise considered as standard rated. Guidance on this can be found <a href="https://www.gov.uk/vat-charities">here</a>. 
&nbsp;

Happy to help

We&rsquo;re always happy to help with any print enquiries so please get in touch.

You can contact us by phone on 01952 884 556 or by email at <a href="mailto:print@shropshireprinting.co.uk">print@shropshireprinting.co.uk</a>

&nbsp;

VAT is applied to some printed materials but not all. Read on to find out more.

When do I pay VAT on printed items?

<h5>&nbsp;</h5>

<h5>May was a busy month for Shropshire Printing, here are some of the items that were dispatched this month:</h5>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Folded-Leaflets">Leaflets</a> and <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Standard-Business-Cards">business cards</a> for a Telford based exotic pets charity.</li>
	<li>2 frosted glass <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Window-Clings">window vinyls</a> for a chiropractor in Telford.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Foamex-Panels">Foamex boards</a> for a chiropractor and soft play centre in Telford and a dairy in Newport.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/categories/Booklets">Instruction booklets</a> for a toy manufacturer based in Bedfordshire.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Feather-Flags">Car park forecourt flag</a> for a soft play centre in Telford.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Standard-Business-Cards">Business cards</a> for 3 customers including a risk management company and a powered access hire company.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Canvas-Prints">Canvas printing</a> for a customer who needed a quick turn around. The order was dispatched within 2 days of&nbsp;us receiving the order.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/PVC-Banners">Outdoor banner</a> for a Telford social club.</li>
	<li>Design of a <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/categories/Leaflets-Flyers-and-Posters">new flyer</a> for a conference facility based in the centre of Telford.</li>
	<li>Outdoor <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Posters-Printing">posters</a> for a local authority in the Telford and Wrekin area.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/categories/Exhibition/Roller-Banners">Roller Banners</a> for a charity lottery in Surrey.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Beer-Mats-and-Coasters">Coasters</a>, <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Everyday-Pens">pens</a>, <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Keyrings">keyrings </a>and <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Folded-Leaflets">leaflets </a>for a national customer.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/categories/Booklets">Magazine printing</a> and mail out of a members club.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Envelopes">Envelopes </a>for an agricultural cooperative.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Letterheads">Letterheaded paper</a> for a Shropshire based design company.</li>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/categories/Promotional/bags">Tote bags</a> for a greengrocer in Wellington, Telford.</li>
</ul>

<img alt="" height="363" src="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/files/Top Fruits.jpg" style="max-width: 100%" width="273" />

​​​​

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Folded-Leaflets">Leaflets </a>and <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Posters-Printing">PVC posters</a> for a recruitment company in Staffordshire.</li>
	<li>The design, print and installation of <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/sectors/Hospitality">caf&eacute;&nbsp;banners, window vinyls, menus, logo</a> <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/sectors/Hospitality">and wall graphics</a> for a caf&eacute;&nbsp;in Telford undergoing a full caf&eacute;&nbsp;re-fit.</li>
</ul>

Welcome to our &ldquo;In Dispatches&rdquo;. 
Here are highlights of what we&rsquo;ve been up to during the week and the items that have been dispatched to our customers.

May 2021

<h5 class="mb-2">Let&#39;s say you&#39;re planning your company brochure. You&#39;ve sorted the logo, the frontpage image, the finish of the paper and now you need to decide on binding - there are so many options!</h5>

<h6 class="mb-2">Fear not, Shropshire Printing is here to help!</h6>

There are many types of binding available with some being suited to certain products more than others. 
The 3 most popular types of binding are:

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h3><a class="text-primary" href="#stapled">Stapled</a></h3>
	</li>
	<li>
	<h3><a class="text-primary" href="#wiro-bound">Wiro Bound</a></h3>
	</li>
	<li>
	<h3><a class="text-primary" href="#perfect-bound">Perfect Bound</a></h3>
	</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h3 class="text-primary">Stapled</h3>

&nbsp;

<div class="row">
<div class="col-md-8">
Stapled, also known as stitched or saddle-stitched, is generally the most economical type of binding. It involves stitching the content pages and cover together in the middle with metal wire, which looks like a staple. The standard is to have 2 stitches however it&rsquo;s possible to have more if needed.

Stapled bindings are perfect for brochures, orders of services, catalogues and sports/events programmes. It&rsquo;s a durable binding but still allows the reader to open and read the product comfortably.

For larger brochures, it is quite common for the cover (typically 4 pages) to be printed on heavier stock and the inner text pages to be printed on lower weight.
</div>

<div class="col-md-4"><img alt="Close up of stapled binding" height="239" src="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/files/Close up of stapled binding.jpg" style="max-width: 100%" width="318" /></div>
</div>

&nbsp;

<h3 class="text-primary" id="wiro-bound">Wiro Bound</h3>

&nbsp;

<div class="row">
<div class="col-md-8">
Wiro bound or spiral binding is incredibly versatile, practical and long-lasting. It can be used for many different products like branded notepads, planners, instructional guides or any form of informational booklet.

The pages are punched and held together with a metal wire spine. The benefit of this binding is that it offers 360-degree rotation so the product can be opened flat or folded back completely without damaging the spine.

The double metal rings make it possible to bind together different materials such as paper, board and plastic. The wire binding can also be encased by an additional cover if a more upmarket finish is desired.
</div>

<div class="col-md-4"><img alt="" height="245" src="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/files/Close up of wiro binding.jpg" style="max-width: 100%" width="326" /></div>
</div>

&nbsp;

<h3 class="text-primary" id="perfect-bound">Perfect Bound</h3>

&nbsp;

<div class="row">
<div class="col-md-8">
Perfect bound, also known as glued binding, allows the binding of large numbers of pages. The content pages are bound together by a layer of flexible adhesive producing a perfectly square spine. This method uses either hot-melt or PUR adhesives.

Hot-melt adhesive is the more affordable option however has limited durability so better suited to simple products with a short life span.

PUR adhesives are more costly but more durable so better for long-lasting products with high page counts, where you want a superior finish.

Perfect bound binding is ideal for when you need a wealth of information printed and gives you ample space for text and imagery. It&rsquo;s commonly used for paperback books, magazines, annual reports, brochures &amp; catalogues.

As with the stapled books perfect bound books can be produced with heavier stock for the cover.
</div>

<div class="col-md-4"><img alt="" height="243" src="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/files/Close up of perfect binding.jpg" style="max-width: 100%" width="323" /></div>
</div>

&nbsp;

<h5 class="mb-2">Whilst these are the commonly used types of binding, there are others such as:</h5>

&nbsp;

<h3 class="text-primary">Sewn Binding</h3>

&nbsp;

This is a strong and durable binding where inside pages are sewn together in sections. The standard thread colour is white but different colours can be used if required.&nbsp;This is a strong and durable binding but it&rsquo;s complex to do therefore more expensive than other methods.&nbsp;Great for illustrated books, art books and bibles.

&nbsp;

<h3 class="text-primary">Lay-flat Binding</h3>

&nbsp;

With this type of binding, the cover spine is not attached to the book making it possible to lay it completely flat when opened. This avoids creases along the spine and means that images can be run across both halves of the spread, interrupted by only a subtle fold line down the middle.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The type of binding you choose will ultimately be influenced by the product you&rsquo;re looking to have printed, it&rsquo;s purpose and your budget.

If you&rsquo;d prefer to have a chat with us about which binding option would be best for you, just give us a call, we&rsquo;d be happy to help!

<h5>Call us on 01952 884556 - or drop us an email on <a href="mailto:print@shropshireprinting.co.uk">print@shropshireprinting.co.uk</a></h5>
<style type="text/css">.featured_image {display:none}
</style>

There are many types of binding available with some being suited to certain products more than others. 
The 3 most popular types of binding are: Stapled, Wiro Bound and Perfect Bound.

Binding - Which is best?

CMYK-vs-Pantone---Colour-Matching-for-Print

When it comes to print and brand communication - colour is important.

Getting the right colour is key, as is ensuring colour consistency across multiple printed products.

There are many colour systems but the main two are CMYK and Pantone.

What does CMYK stand for?

CMYK or the 4 colour process as it&rsquo;s also known, stands for the four colours used in the printing process: cyan, magenta, yellow and black.&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s the most popular method of printing and works by combining these four colours in various quantities to produce a wide range of colours.

<img alt="" height="431" src="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/files/CMYK vs Pantone news story - CMYK.jpg" style="max-width: 100%" width="431" />

If you zoom in on a printed picture produced by CMYK, you&rsquo;ll notice it&rsquo;s made up of lots of dots in the 4 colours. This allows for a wide variety of colours to be used in a small area and is what creates the impression of a solid colour.

It&rsquo;s best suited for printing photos and multicoloured images, in fact most newspapers and magazines are printed using CMYK.

There are some limitations to CMYK such as the fact that it can&rsquo;t produce colours to the same vibrancy as with Pantone colours. It also lacks consistency as colours can look different on each printer and even in the same document.

What about Pantone?

The Pantone Matching System was created by the Pantone company in 1963. It doesn&rsquo;t use a combination of colours for each colour but rather it uses a precise mixture of ink to produce an exact colour.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="353" src="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/files/CMYK vs Pantone news story - paints-colored-papers.jpg" style="max-width: 100%" width="553" />

This means it has a high level of accuracy and consistency when producing colours. Each colour corresponds to a number which means that anyone can refer to the Pantone system and ensure their colours match.

The Pantone Matching System is well suited for branding and logos where precise colour matching is very important. It&rsquo;s also used when special finishes are needed such as fluorescent and metallic colours or vibrant and darker tones.

A downside to using PMS however is the cost. You pay per number of colours and by coverage area so you wouldn&rsquo;t want to be printing photos for example.&nbsp;

The printer also has to be prepped for each different print job. It&rsquo;s a process called lithographic printing which uses wet ink and printing plates with an image burned into them. This image is then transferred onto rubber blankets and then onto the printing surface. This setup can be a time-consuming process so it&rsquo;s more cost effective to use it for large print jobs rather than small ones.

So which is best?

Well, this depends on what you want to print. For branding and logos the Pantone Matching System offers consistency and CMYK is good for when getting the exact colour match isn&rsquo;t a major concern.&nbsp;

However, every Pantone colour has a specific CMYK breakdown which can be used to ensure the CMYK print is as close a match to the Pantone as it can be.

It&rsquo;s worth bearing in mind that printing in general, whether with CMYK or Pantone can have variances. There are many factors which could affect the end result such as the material you&rsquo;re printing onto and the finish that is then applied to this material and the type of printer used. Colours can also look different on screen to the physical product.&nbsp;

Still unsure?

Here at Shropshire Printing, we can talk you through these options and anything else you want to know about the printing process.

Give us a call on 01952 884 556 or email us at <a href="mailto:print@shropshireprinting.co.uk" style="text-decoration:none">print@shropshireprinting.co.uk</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

When it comes to your branding, getting the colours you want is important. There are many colour systems but the main ones are CMYK and Pantone.<span< p=""> </span<>

CMYK vs Pantone - Colour Matching for Print

&nbsp;

FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. It&rsquo;s an independent not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1990 with the aim of promoting environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world&rsquo;s forests.

The FSC label is essentially a stamp of approval, meaning the product you have purchased has been made in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

So what are the benefits of buying an FSC certified product? Well, there are many!

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:disc">FSC certified forests are grown, managed and harvested with consideration towards the habitat and future growth of the forest.</li>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:disc">The harvesting and transportation of any FSC products must be done in accordance to all local and global laws, respecting the health and wellbeing of the people that live in the area.</li>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:disc">FSC forests employ a local workforce and contribute to the development of local communities.</li>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:disc">Environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace and the Woodland Trust endorse the FSC initiative.</li>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:disc">Customers appreciate businesses that show a commitment towards sustainability.</li>
</ul>

There are 3 types of FSC label:

FSC 100% - This means that the wood within the paper has been sourced from FSC Certified forests.&nbsp;

FSC MIX - This means that the wood within the paper has FSC Certified material, recycled material or controlled sources (Controlled sources: meaning assessment has taken place to ensure no illegal logging or violations of civil/traditional rights).

FSC Recycled - This means that any wood in the paper comes from reused material, pre or post-consumer (such as damaged stock, offcuts or materials previously used for consumer/commercial use).

<img alt="" src="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/files/FSC 3 LOGOS.JPG" style="max-width: 100%" />

Using products with an FSC logo gives you the confidence to know they have been made responsibly and sustainably.

If you need any more convincing that FSC is the way to go how about knowing that recycling 1 tonne of paper would:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li style="line-height: 1.2;">Power a home for 9 months</li>
	<li style="line-height: 1.2;">Save 7000 gallons of water</li>
	<li style="line-height: 1.2;">Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one metric tonne of carbon equivalent (CO2e)</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

At Shropshire Printing, all of our paper products are made with FSC paper so whether it&rsquo;s <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Standard-Business-Cards">business cards</a>, <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Folded-Leaflets">leaflets</a>, <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Notepads">notepads</a>, <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Posters-Printing">posters </a>or <a href="https://shropshireprinting.co.uk/product/Stapled-Booklets">notebooks</a>, it&rsquo;s now easier than ever to make the right choice.

 
To find out more or to discuss your requirements, give us a call on 01952 884 556 or email us at <a href="mailto:print@shropshireprinting.co.uk" style="text-decoration:none">print@shropshireprinting.co.uk</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council and is a stamp of approval meaning the product you have purchased has been made in an environmentally and socially responsible way. 
At Shropshire Printing, all of our paper products are made with FSC paper so it's now easier than ever to make the right choice.

Shropshire Print and Design - Based in Shropshire

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