Demand for subscription-based printing drives growth at Printerbase

A Greater Manchester technology reseller is targeting further growth in its managed print services offering after recording a surge in contract sales over the last 12 months with Brother UK

Printerbase, which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year, reported a 50% increase year-on-year in Brother MPS contracts. This includes the vendor’s new PrintSmart Essential package, a Netflix-style subscription service for print designed for small businesses. 

The reseller says that it allows their customers to pay a monthly fee for print supplies, installation, supplies recycling and maintenance services. Packages range from £5.78 to £61.37 per month, with plans available for low, medium or high print requirements, or on a pay-as-you-go basis.

The packages don’t require customers to undergo credit checks or sign credit agreements unlike MPS services from other vendors, making the benefits of service printing more accessible for smaller companies.

The firm is targeting a further 50% growth in sales this 2023, which it forecasts will boost its total revenue to up to £8m – an increase of 23% on the previous year.

Khalil Hussain, business manager at Printerbase, said: “There is significant momentum behind the shift to print-as-a-service, and we expect this to continue as offices strive to find cost-efficiencies in their operations this year. More small businesses are making the change as they see the benefits of smaller monthly payment options that free up cash to support other areas of their business.

“PrintSmart Essential means they can access a tailor-made Brother system, complete oversight of their print costs, the reassurance of repair and diagnostics support, and time-saving supplies replenishment. 

“MPS represents an excellent growth opportunity for us, and Brother makes it easy by creating a straightforward service for small businesses. The team also invests time and effort in making sure we have everything we need to deliver a quality service for our customers, and sell MPS contracts effectively and efficiently.”

Chris Grimshaw, business manager – online partners, at Brother UK, said: “More businesses are turning to MPS as the way we work evolves and Printerbase’s success is testament to how simple it is to help customers move to service printing.

“Innovations such as PrintSmart Essential are giving resellers an option to provide customers with a more streamlined and cost-efficient solution that meets the needs of businesses with reduced printing requirements. It also gives partners the opportunity to capitalise on the recurring revenues that MPS provides, and it’s why Brother is throwing its full weight behind MPS and supporting resellers to make the most of the opportunity.”