Labelnet celebrates 25 years in business

Having opened its doors in July 1999, Labelnet is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, serving thousands of UK companies with high-quality self-adhesive labels.

Labelnet was established by director Neil Southgate, leveraging his experience in the print industry to create a welcoming, family-oriented business focused on producing self-adhesive labels.

Starting with just three staff members and one printing press, the operation expanded each year with strategic investments, including acquiring a new factory in 2008 and implementing a new CRM system for improved efficiency in 2012. By 2020, our team had grown to over 20 employees, and the company introduced its first digital printing press.

Continuously evolving to stay current with industry trends, the company recently invested in an embellishment press, enabling it to offer luxurious label finishes, including hot foiling, screen printing and embossed.

As a business with a turnover now exceeding GBP 5 million, the company is consistently expanding in scale, with over 35 team members, multiple machines and six departments.

To mark our 25th anniversary, the company partnered with SNAP, a children's charity in Essex, to raise funds and enhance its brand visibility through various company initiatives.

The team has aso celebratory events throughout the year to commemorate this milestone together.

‘When Labelnet was founded, our goal was to establish ourselves as a label manufacturer committed to building lasting relationships with our customers. Our focus was on delivering high-quality products and actively listening to our customers' needs. Recognizing that many manufacturers priorities profits over service and quality, we aimed to stand out in the market,’ said Labelnet founder, Neil Southgate. ‘Today, this mission is more crucial than ever. Many smaller manufacturers have been absorbed by larger corporate entities, where profit often takes precedence over customer satisfaction.

‘Our dedicated team of experienced sales representatives engages daily with both new and existing customers, ensuring we fully grasp their requirements. Supported by diligent and highly technical administrative and production departments, we guarantee our customers' needs are met comprehensively.

‘At the outset of our journey, our primary customer base consisted of meat and sandwich manufacturers who required straightforward thermal labels for listing ingredients and weights on their products. Over time, we've observed a shift in our customer base and the growing importance of label design in attracting consumers and enhancing brand visibility in a competitive marketplace. This evolution has prompted us to invest in and upgrade our machinery to align with industry trends, enabling us to offer luxurious finishes and intricate embellishments to businesses seeking the most captivating labels possible.

‘Reflecting on the past quarter-century, I am immensely proud of our accomplishments. With ongoing investments in our team, machinery, and systems, I am excited about about the direction of our future growth.’