Arts Professional was created in April 2001 to provide a forum in which arts professionals can share good practice and keep in touch with the news, views and current issues in arts management and practice.

The Challenge

Arts Professional produces a bi-weekly magazine in either 16 or 20 page format with a print run of around 7,000. Due to the time sensitive nature of the content, it's critical that the magazine is mailed out to its readers on the Thursday of every second week.

Because of the need to allow customers as much time as possible to place their advertisements, there is less than 24 hours between receipt of files and mailing out.

The Solution

We provided Arts Professional with a unique ftp download site on our server so that they can place their files by 6pm on the day of printing.

The files are then prepared for printing before being converted to 'soft proofs' which are accessed remotely by Arts Professional for approval.

The files are approved by 8pm but, should the unforeseen happen, we have a flexible shift pattern in place which ensures that the print run is completed the same day.

By 6am the following morning the print is dry and ready for trimming, stitching and mailing out.

The Benefits

Arts Professional have a Labute account manager who oversees all the stages in production, liaising between all departments to ensure a smooth delivery every time. Safe in the knowledge that their needs are being well cared for, Arts Professional can relax as soon as they hand the files over to Labute.