Carly Press, a family-run Somerset staple since 1982, has officially future-proofed its wide-format department. By partnering with Perfect Colours to install the Canon Colorado M5, they have transformed a production bottleneck into a high-speed growth engine.
How Carly Press — a Somerset institution since 1982 — transformed its wide-format department from a bottleneck into a competitive weapon.
01
Carly Press is a family-run print business based in Somerset. What started as a local printer has grown — over more than four decades — into a national provider of premium digital print, large-format graphics, and signage. Brochures, booklets, exhibition displays, wall vinyls, branded environments: the range is wide, and the standard is consistently high.
Their promise hasn't changed in 40+ years: premium quality, fast turnaround, and genuine customer service. What has changed is the scale of ambition — and the technology needed to match it.
"We have a strong, experienced team across all departments. Being family run, we take a lot of pride in our culture — we've built a business where people genuinely care about getting the job right, not just getting it out of the door."
02
By 2025, Carly Press's wide-format and signage division was expanding rapidly. But existing hardware was becoming a liability: labour-intensive setups, slower run times, and limited flexibility when switching between media types. Demand was strong. Production couldn't keep pace.
The bottleneck wasn't the market. It was the machinery.
"As our wide format and signage side continued to grow, we needed a machine that could keep up with demand without compromising quality. Ultimately, we reached a point where the bottleneck wasn't demand — it was production capacity and workflow."
03
After evaluating the major alternatives, Carly Press chose the Canon Colorado M5. Its UVgel technology delivers print speeds of up to 159 m² per hour with exceptional colour consistency — the ideal combination for a business demanding speed without compromise.
Crucially, the machine is designed to reduce operator intervention, not require more of it. Automation features that simplify day-to-day production mean the team can focus on finishing and quality control — not firefighting the press.
"The Colorado stood out as the best overall package. What really impressed us was the speed and efficiency, without sacrificing quality. It's a machine that feels built for growth."
04
Choosing the right supplier mattered as much as choosing the right printer. Carly Press had worked with Nick Martin at Perfect Colours on previous Epson and Summa equipment — a relationship defined by honest advice, smooth installations, and genuine aftercare. That history made the decision straightforward.
"We chose to work with you because of the support and confidence you gave us throughout the process. It wasn't just about selling a machine — it felt like a partnership. The aftercare and training gave us reassurance that we were making the right decision long term."
05
Since installation, the improvements have been immediate and measurable. Productivity is up significantly. Turnaround times have dropped. The machine's predictability has transformed production planning — less firefighting, more focus.
The team now spends its time on finishing, quality control, and installation prep — work that moves the business forward — rather than managing a struggling press.
"It's streamlined everything. Jobs move through the department faster and with fewer touchpoints. The machine is more predictable, which means we can plan production better and reduce last-minute firefighting."
06
With the Colorado M5 at the heart of production, Carly Press has moved confidently into higher-volume signage contracts and more demanding commercial projects. The ability to deliver consistently and at speed has opened doors to premium branded environments and large-scale graphics that were previously out of reach.
"Would we recommend this printer? Yes, without hesitation. If a business is serious about wide format production and wants to increase output while maintaining quality, it's a fantastic investment. For us, it's been a step change in capability and has strengthened our offering significantly."
Thank you to Perfect Colours for the feature, written by Freddie Ashmore
