We are pleased to be able to report on our Society’s recent visit to Linney in Mansfield that took place on 13 March 2025.
After a brief introduction to Linney, we began our visit firstly to the Linney Create part of the business. Linney has structured itself into several specialist divisions so it can service its customers more efficiently by delivering a focused marcom (marketing communications) service for the FMCG, pharma, not-for-profit, health and beauty, and fast-food services sectors (amongst others).
Founded in 1851 as a bookseller and later as the printer and publisher of the local newspaper, Linney has grown its print operations impressively through the last two centuries to what it has become today, a one-stop-shop for connected marketing.
Linney has successfully made the transition from traditional print communication products, such as posters and in-store retail displays into the digital arena where customers are able to make informed choices from interactive displays and digital menu boards placed within a restaurant. (Think about the last time you visited a fast-food establishment or a ubiquitous coffee chain where product choices are displayed on wall-mounted screens that show menu choices with eye-catching design and colour coordination). They still offer a widespread traditional ‘analogue print’ approach, but the focus of the business is now very much digital.
Linney’s digital services are designed to enhance user experiences and create engaging interactions between brands and their audiences. They achieve this through some 200 plus designers all working in an environment that nurtures creativity. The Company offers a wide range of services that encompass user experience and user interface design, product design, service design, and spatial design. They now use data and insights to ensure that the design and features of a product, retail environment, or strategy align with customer expectations.
Our guide was able to explain how measuring the performance of digital campaigns across social media, apps, interfaces, email marketing campaigns, and more helps inform future improvements and optimise marketing strategies for their clients. Linney is also able to create and manage social media campaigns to engage with audiences and build brand loyalty. Their designers are also skilled in building websites and apps that provide seamless user experiences.
These services are supported by a fully functioning film and photographic studio that is equipped with the very latest cameras and software. Such kit enables the delivery of video and still images that can support the graphic designers in their quest to provide visually pleasing and informative detailed displays, as well as designs for packaging and digitally printed products that further support marketing communication between Linney’s customers and its clients.
The second part of our tour introduced us to the Company’s lithographic and digital production facilities. Producing bespoke packaging, Linney delivers solutions that inform customers and engage influencers. This includes selecting high-quality recyclable materials and finishes that reflect a brand’s values.
Linney achieves this through a wide variety of digital print engines that embrace very large-format print for poster-size displays, as well as more conventional analogue print and print finishing that includes laser cutting. Such products create memorable unboxing moments with beautifully designed gift boxes and seasonal advent calendars. These solutions inspire trending social content (and support social media influencers) to help brands stand out in a competitive market.
Providing plastic-free, sustainable packaging solutions also helps brands meet their environmental responsibilities and reduce their carbon footprint. Linney offers warehousing, fulfilment, and shipping services to ensure that packaging reaches the required locations efficiently.
Our special thanks to Lindsay Ferriman who arranged and accompanied us throughout the tour, which was both stimulating and extremely thought provoking, and to Miles Linney who was kind enough to join us for our closing discussions.
Jeremy Plimmer (March 26th)