If you’re running an SME right now, you already know the drill: rising costs, shifting tax policies, and the never-ending challenge of making every pound stretch just that bit further. April’s rise in employer National Insurance to 15% was yet another body blow. And while the increased Employment Allowance helps a little, it’s not enough to absorb the hit if you’ve got a growing payroll. But what about your print strategy?
But here’s where it gets interesting: while a lot of your overheads feel completely outside of your control (looking at you, energy prices), your print strategy isn’t one of them. In fact, it’s a smart, quiet lever that can help protect your margins – and even open doors to new business.
Sustainable Printing = Smarter Spending
This isn’t about planting trees or ticking CSR boxes. It’s about taking real control of costs in a climate where standing still means slowly sinking.
Over half of SME owners now say cutting costs is a key reason for adopting sustainable measures. And one of the most overlooked areas for savings? Your print setup.
Think about it: if your office still runs on outdated devices, reactive toner buying, and “print and hope” workflows, you’re probably throwing away hundreds – if not thousands – each year.
Let’s look at how print optimisation can help you fight back against three major cost pressures:
| Problem | Print Strategy | Margin Impact |
| Sky-high energy bills | Upgrade to energy-efficient printers that power down properly and consume less while running. | Lower electricity usage = lower bills. Simple as that. |
| Inflated consumables prices | Managed Print Services (MPS) bundles everything – toner, maintenance, and monitoring – into a low, fixed cost-per-page. | No more emergency toner runs or pricey one-off engineer visits. Budgeting becomes predictable. |
| Wasted paper & supplies | Pull printing and enforced print rules (e.g. double-sided, mono as default). | Less wasted paper = real savings. One client slashed abandoned print jobs by 40%. |
It’s not just about saving money here and there – it’s about stopping the slow financial leaks that quietly eat into your profits each month.
Sustainability Is Now a Growth Strategy
Here’s where things start to shift from cost-saving to revenue-generating.
Larger businesses and public bodies are under increasing pressure to report on the environmental impact of their supply chains. That includes their SME suppliers – yes, that means you.
By adopting sustainable print practices now, you’re not just making smart financial decisions; you’re future-proofing your business.
Here’s how:
- Supply Chain Friendly: Companies covered by Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) must report on Scope 3 emissions – the emissions of their suppliers. If your print systems already show low energy use and waste, you become a low-risk, more attractive partner.
- Public Contracts: Bidding for NHS or government work? A Carbon Reduction Plan could soon be a minimum requirement. Having your print data sorted and sustainable puts you ahead of the curve – and the competition.
The takeaway? The green box you tick today might win you tomorrow’s contract.
It’s Not About Perfect Timing – It’s About Doing What You Can
The truth is, most SME owners don’t have time for strategic overhauls right now. But improving your print infrastructure isn’t about tearing everything up – it’s about making one sensible, measurable change that starts saving you money almost immediately.
And once that change is in place, you’ve got a platform for future wins – in cost control, compliance, and even client acquisition.
We’ve helped dozens of businesses make this shift without disruption. No drama. Just lower bills, fewer headaches, and a print environment that finally makes sense.
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