Married couple Janine and Gordon Eales launched home start-up business and expanded into the city
Married couple Janine and Gordon Eales launched IM-Press Printing from their home three years ago after spotting a gap in the market for high-quality branded garment printing in small quantities. They waited while City Buildings Enterprise Centre was renovated and moved into a unit on the light-filled top floor in 2024.
Using an innovative new printing technique called Direct to Film (DTF), which produces vibrant, high-quality colours using water-based, environmentally friendly inks. The technique offers excellent stretchability, durability, and longevity. DFT has no set-up fee, which means IM-Press can produce as little or as many branded garments as required, supporting small businesses that need merchandise without large minimum orders.
Honesty, Quality and Strong Customer Relationships
"We love what we do, says Janine, "we can create very good quality prints for customers, and we have a lot of recommendations. We're always honest with our customers. If we receive an enquiry and believe a different type of print would better meet their needs, we say so."
This approach has built a strong customer base from small companies and community initiatives to large public sector organisations, charities, sports clubs and local businesses.
"We love being part of the Enterprise Centre - the council has been brilliant, and the location is fantastic. It's secure, comfortable and there's 24/7 access which is invaluable when we've got a lot on. Where else would a small business like us be able to afford to be in this central location?"
What's next for Janine and Gordon?
"We're getting busier, so we want to expand while making sure we can still deliver the quality we're known for, and we hope to take someone else on. Affordability for a small business like ours is crucial, it gives us time to build, and the location has given us great opportunities. We’d love to do some networking across all five Enterprise Centres which would be a great opportunity to connect with more small businesses."
