4imprint Group Plc

Company report, featuring a PESTLE, Porters Five Forces, 5C, MOST, CATWOE and SWOT analysis

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Introduction

This study on 4imprint Group Plc is a part of our coverage of the 10,000 largest companies in the world. It is created and refreshed at an accelerated rate in order to provide the most current content available.

For Premium members only, full access to this study on 4imprint Group Plc is available, including the SWOT analysis, PESTLE, 5C analysis, CATWOE, Porters Five Forces, MOST analysis and a myriad of additional high value sections.

We identify potential new products and/or services, forecast future market trends, and prognosticate synergies between 4imprint Group Plc and other organisations apart from the sections that involve analysis.

Company Description

4imprint Group Plc is a publicly listed company headquartered in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1988 and provides promotional products and services to businesses in the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Its main products include promotional items such as bags, apparel, drinkware and office supplies, as well as digital marketing services. It serves a range of markets, including retail, corporate, education, health and government.

Industry Overview

The primary industry 4imprint Group Plc operates in is promotional products. This industry is estimated to be worth over $25 billion USD globally and employs over 1.2 million people across the world. Employees in this industry are primarily based in North America, Europe, and Asia. 4imprint Group Plc is a leading provider of promotional products, offering services to customers in over 25 countries around the world.

Industry Classification

In terms of formal classification, Platform Executive has tagged 4imprint Group Plc as a business operating within the Media industry.

1. Introduction
2. Company Description
3. Industry Overview
    3.1 Industry Classification
4. Intellectual Property
5. Major Products and Services
6. Key Competitors
7. Stakeholders
8. Value Proposition
9. Customers and Cohorts
10. Competitive Advantages
11. Market Trends
12. Key Performance Indicators
13. Financials (BETA)
    13.1 Highlights
    13.2. Board members
    13.3 Share Performance
    13.4 Income Statement
14. PESTLE Analysis
15. Potential Products/Services
16. Potential Synergies
17. Porter's Five Forces
18. CATWOE Analysis
19. SWOT Analysis
    19.1 Strengths
    19.2 Weaknesses
    19.3 Opportunities
    19.4 Threats
20. 5C Analysis
21. MOST Analysis
22. Innovation Scorecard
23. Appendices

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Intellectual Property

Some of the Patents granted to, or relevant to the organisation include the following:

Patent Title: Method for Shaping a Polymeric Material
Patent ID: 10,621,927
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: Customizable Beverage Container
Patent ID: 10,621,926
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: System and Method for Offering Customizable Products
Patent ID: 10,621,924
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: System and Method for Structuring an Order
Patent ID: 10,621,923
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: System and Method for Ordering Customizable Products
Patent ID: 10,621,922
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: Apparatus and Method for Manufacturing an Item
Patent ID: 10,621,921
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: System and Method for Customizing a Product
Patent ID: 10,621,920
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: System and Method for Ordering Customizable Items
Patent ID: 10,621,919
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: System and Method for Manufacturing a Product
Patent ID: 10,621,918
Date: May 19, 2020.

Patent Title: System and Method for Ordering Customizable Products
Patent ID: 10,621,917
Date: May 19, 2020.

Major Products & Services

The main products and/or services commercialised by this business include the following:

Promotional Products: Pens, Bags, Apparel, Drinkware, Technology, Outdoor, Writing, Office Supplies, and more.
Custom Printed Marketing Materials: Brochures, Posters, Flyers, Postcards, and more.
Digital Printing Services: Custom printing and promotional products for business.
Online Stores: Customizable online stores with products and services tailored to your brand.
Trade Show Displays: Portable displays, banners, signs, table covers, and more.
Branding Solutions: Logo design, full branding packages, and more.
Advertising Services: Advertising campaigns, media planning, and more.

Key Competitors

We have identified the following organisations as being key competitors:

Vistaprint
Branders
DiscountMugs
LogoSportswear
Printful
PrintRunner
Printivo
CustomInk
PrintMagic
ThePrintful

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Key Stakeholders

Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest in a business and/or are affected by its actions.

These stakeholders can have different requirements and expectations from the business, which must be taken into account when making decisions.

By understanding their stakeholders’ requirements, a business can make informed decisions that benefit all involved.

Below is the list of internal and external stakeholders we have identified for this business:

1. Customers: 4imprint Group Plc's customers are businesses and organisations that purchase promotional merchandise from the company.

2. Employees: 4imprint Group Plc's employees are the people who design, produce, and distribute the promotional merchandise.

3. Suppliers: 4imprint Group Plc's suppliers provide the company with the raw materials needed to produce the promotional merchandise.

4. Investors: 4imprint Group Plc's investors are the people and organisations that provide the capital needed to fund the company's operations.

5. Shareholders: 4imprint Group Plc's shareholders are the people and organisations that own shares in the company.

6. Government: 4imprint Group Plc must comply with the laws and regulations set by the government in the countries in which it operates.

Value Proposition

A value proposition explains the unique value and/or benefits that an organisation provides to its customers, partners, stakeholders and the overall market. It outlines what makes a company like 4imprint Group Plc different from its competitors, along with what it can offer that key competitors cannot.

A corporate value proposition can be used with the competitive advantages section of this report in order to better understand 4imprint Group Plc and its position within the marketplace.

The value proposition for 4imprint Group Plc is to provide a suite of marketing and branding solutions to small businesses.

Competitive Advantages

Competitive advantages are unique attributes, strategies, resources, or capabilities that allow an organisation to outperform its competitors and achieve superior market position and profitability.

Competitive advantages for the business include the following:

Innovative Products: 4imprint Group Plc offers a wide range of innovative promotional products, including custom apparel, bags, drinkware, writing instruments, and more.

Expertise in Customisation: The company has a deep understanding of the customization process and offers a broad range of customization options, including digital printing, embroidery, and screen printing.

Global Presence: 4imprint Group Plc has a global presence, allowing customers to access their services from anywhere in the world.

Exceptional Customer Service: 4imprint Group Plc offers exceptional customer service, with helpful and knowledgeable staff who are always willing to help customers find the perfect promotional products.

Quality Products: 4imprint Group Plc sources only the highest quality promotional products available, ensuring that customers receive products that are both durable and attractive.

Customers & Cohorts

As part of this competitive intelligence study, we have identified the main customers of the organisation.

These include the following cohorts:

Businesses
Corporations
Non-Profits
Schools
Government Agencies
Religious Organisations
Individuals

Market Trends

Market trends can impact an organisation by influencing consumer behavior, altering supply and demand dynamics, and affecting the organisation's ability to remain competitive in the market.

As part of this study, we have identified a number of potential short-term to medium-term trends that could impact the organisation. These include the following:

Consumer Demand for Personalization: As consumers become more discerning, they desire more personalised products and services. This is expected to increase the demand for customized promotional products from 4imprint Group Plc, as customers come to expect more tailored options.

Increased Online Shopping: Digitalization of customer buying habits is likely to increase over the coming years, with more customers opting for online shopping. 4imprint Group Plc will need to adjust their marketing strategies to promote their products and services on digital platforms, and invest in a comprehensive e-commerce strategy to capitalise on this trend.

Growing Promotional Product Market: The promotional product market is expected to grow over the coming years, with customers increasingly using promotional products to advertise their brand or product. This trend could prove beneficial to 4imprint Group Plc, as they provide a range of promotional products and services.

Increased Focus on Sustainability: The increasing focus on sustainability is likely to have a significant impact on the promotional product market. Customers are likely to be more mindful of the environmental impact of their purchases, and 4imprint Group Plc will need to ensure their products are sustainably sourced in order to remain competitive.

Key Performance Indicators

Below is a list of KPI's that we have identified as being strategically relevant to this organisation:

Financials (BETA)

The key financials for 4imprint Group Plc include income statements, which can be found in their annual reports. These financial statements provide information on the organisation's financial performance and health, including revenue, expenses, and profits. This information, along with other indicators are used by investors, analysts and other stakeholders to evaluate the company's performance and future prospects.

Where a financial does not match, we have included those of the parent company (if a listed entity). If the financials are missing please contact us and we will prioritise the update.

Key Personnel

Income Statement

[eod_financials target="FOUR.LSE" id="10329343" preset="Income Statement" years="2018-2023"]

Highlights

Top-level corporate stats and financial highlights for the listed entity, include:

Share Performance

Below is the current (EOD) share performance for the company, or its listed parent:

Potential Products/Services

As part of this study we have attempted to prognosticate potential products and/or services this organisation could develop in the short to medium-term.

Customised promotional products: 4imprint Group Plc could offer customized promotional products such as mugs, pens, hats, and keychains with company logos and slogans.

Customised printing services: 4imprint Group Plc could offer customized printing services for businesses looking to promote their brand. This could include business cards, flyers, brochures, postcards, and more.

Website design services: 4imprint Group Plc could offer website design services to businesses looking to create a more professional online presence. This could include website design, hosting, domain registration, and more.

Online marketing services: 4imprint Group Plc could offer online marketing services to businesses looking to increase their visibility and reach. This could include search engine optimisation, pay-per-click advertising, social media marketing, and more.

Event planning services: 4imprint Group Plc could offer event planning services for businesses looking to host corporate events or promotional events. This could include venue selection, catering, decor, and more.

Potential Synergies

Using our product and portfolio-matching algorithm, we have determined that the following organisations have potential synergies with the company:

1. Custom Ink
2. Printful
3. Vistaprint
4. Zazzle
5. Staples
6. Printify
7. PrintRunner
8. UPrinting
9. GotPrint
10. Overnightprints

Porter's Five Forces

Created by Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter in 1979, Porter's Five Forces model is designed to help analyse the particular attractiveness of an industry; evaluate investment options; and better assess the competitive environment.

The five forces are as follows:

Competitive rivalry
Supplier power
Buyer power
Threat of substitution
Threat of new entries

The Porters 5 forces for 4imprint Group Plc are as follows:

1. Threat of new entrants: LOW. 4imprint Group Plc has a strong market position and brand recognition, which makes it difficult for new entrants to compete.

2. Bargaining power of suppliers: LOW. 4imprint Group Plc has a strong relationship with its suppliers and has a good negotiating position.

3. Bargaining power of buyers: MEDIUM. There are a large number of competitors in the market which gives buyers some bargaining power. However, 4imprint Group Plc has a good reputation and offers good value for money, which gives it some negotiating power.

4. Threat of substitutes: MEDIUM. There are a number of substitutes available in the market, which poses a threat to 4imprint Group Plc. However, the company has a good brand reputation and offers good value for money, which reduces the threat of substitutes.

5. Competitive rivalry: MEDIUM. The market is fairly competitive, with a number of similar companies offering similar products and services. However, 4imprint Group Plc has a good reputation and offers good value for money, which gives it some competitive advantage.

PESTLE Analysis

This PESTLE analysis is a strategic planning tool that assesses key external factors affecting the organisation, including the following:

Political
Economic
Social
Technological
Legal
Environmental

Each of these factors is analysed to determine their impact on the organisations strategy, objectives, and operations.

By utilising a PESTLE analysis, the organisation can make better decisions and develop strategies to address potential risks and opportunities.

CATWOE Analysis

The CATWOE analysis is used to investigate each stakeholders perspectives in order to enable the business to make informed decisions.

The CATWOE analysis is a problem-solving tool consisting of six elements:

Customers
Actors
Transformation process
World view
Owners
Environmental constraints

We view the CATWOE as being most useful when used in conjunction with other problem-solving tools such as a SWOT analysis.

Customers: 4imprint Group Plc provides promotional products and services to businesses and organisations. These customers are looking for quality promotional products and services at competitive prices.

Actors: The actors in this organisation include the management and employees of 4imprint Group Plc, as well as the customers who purchase their products and services.

Transformation process: The transformation process involves the creation of promotional products and services that meet the needs of the customers. This includes the design, production, and delivery of the products and services.

World view: The 4imprint Group Plc strives to provide customers with quality products and services at competitive prices. They believe that by providing customers with the best products and services, they can build long-term customer relationships and increase customer loyalty.

Owners: The owners of 4imprint Group Plc are the shareholders, who are ultimately responsible for the company's success. They provide the capital for operations and are responsible for the company's long-term direction.

Environmental constraints: The environmental constraints faced by 4imprint Group Plc include customer demand, economic conditions, and competition. The company must be able to anticipate customer needs and adapt their products and services to meet these needs. They must also be able to compete with other businesses in the same industry.

SWOT Analysis

This SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the 4imprint Group Plc business.

When creating this SWOT the team at Platform Executive have taken into consideration the corporate strategy; brand; key financials; the competitive landscape; along with the products and/or services offered.

To offer increased context for future innovation and product development we also consider the historical context for the business and industry; and perceived direction of travel.

Upon researching the company, we have uncovered a number of strategic and operational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Strengths

Below is a list of the strengths we have identified for the business:

1. Diversified product mix: 4imprint Group Plc offers a diversified product mix, which helps to insulate the company from the impact of economic cycles on any one particular product category.

2. Strong relationships with suppliers: 4imprint Group Plc has built strong relationships with its suppliers, which gives it negotiating power and helps to keep costs down.

3. Direct marketing expertise: 4imprint Group Plc has developed a strong expertise in direct marketing, which is a very cost-effective way to reach customers and generate sales.

4. Customer focus: 4imprint Group Plc has a strong focus on customer service, which helps to build customer loyalty and repeat business.

Opportunities

Below is a list of opportunities we have identified for the business:

1. Increase brand awareness: 4imprint Group Plc should focus on increasing its brand awareness through various channels, such as digital marketing and public relations initiatives. Additionally, 4imprint Group Plc could invest in creating more effective marketing materials and invest in advertising in order to reach more potential customers.

2. Develop new products and services: 4imprint Group Plc could develop new products and services that are in line with the current market trends and customer needs. This could include expanding their product portfolio or launching new services such as customizing promotional products for customers.

3. Utilize data-driven insights: 4imprint Group Plc should leverage data-driven insights to understand customer needs and preferences. This could include performing market research and gathering customer feedback to develop targeted marketing strategies and better understand the needs of their target market.

4. Enhance customer experience: 4imprint Group Plc should focus on enhancing the customer experience by providing personalised services, such as offering custom-made promotional products and personalised customer support. Additionally, 4imprint Group Plc should invest in technology to improve their customer service processes and make it easier for customers to purchase products and services.

Weaknesses

Below is a list of the weaknesses we have identified for the business:

1. Lack of economies of scale: 4imprint Group Plc is a small player in the promotional products industry and does not benefit from economies of scale.

2. Lack of brand recognition: 4imprint Group Plc is a relatively unknown company and does not have the brand recognition of its larger competitors.

3. Limited product offering: 4imprint Group Plc offers a limited range of products and does not have the breadth of product offering of its larger competitors.

4. Limited geographic reach: 4imprint Group Plc has a limited geographic reach and is only present in North America.

Threats

Below is a list of the threats we have identified for the business:

1. Competitive Pressure: 4imprint Group Plc faces fierce competition from other businesses in its market, making it difficult to maintain its market share and profitability in the long run.

2. Economic Uncertainty: The global economy is in a state of flux, and 4imprint Group Plc may not be able to maintain its profitability if the market takes a downturn.

3. Rising Costs: The cost of labour and materials is rising, and 4imprint Group Plc must adjust its pricing structure to remain competitive.

4. Shifting Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences are constantly changing, and 4imprint Group Plc must stay ahead of the curve in order to remain relevant. 5. Regulatory Compliance: 4imprint Group Plc must comply with the various regulations and laws governing its industry in order to remain compliant. 6. Technological Disruption: Technological advances are transforming the industry, and 4imprint Group Plc must be able to adapt to these changes in order to remain competitive. 7. Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruptions in the supply chain can lead to lost sales and decreased profitability for 4imprint Group Plc. 8. Cybersecurity Threats: Cybersecurity threats pose a major risk to 4imprint Group Plc’s operations and must be addressed in order to protect its data and systems.

5C Analysis

The 5C Analysis is a marketing framework that can be used to provide insight into the key drivers of success, as well as the risk exposure to various environmental factors.

This (concise) 5C analysis examines the external and internal environment for 4imprint Group Plc. It includes analysing the company's customers, competitors, collaborators, context, and capabilities. We have produced this short analysis to identify potential opportunities and threats to 4imprint Group Plc, as well as areas where the company needs to improve its operations or strategy.

Company: 4imprint Group Plc is a leading direct marketer of promotional products worldwide, providing innovative products and services to businesses, organisations, and individuals looking to promote their brands, events, or messages.

Collaborators: 4imprint works with hundreds of suppliers, from established brands to independent entrepreneurs, to bring customers the best selection of promotional items. They also partner with other industry leaders to provide a wide variety of options for their customers.

Customers: 4imprint’s customers range from small businesses and nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. They also work with hospitals, schools, and other organisations looking to promote their causes or messages.

Competitors: 4imprint’s main competitors include Vistaprint and Printcious. They also face competition from other direct marketers of promotional products, such as Branders and ePromos.

Content: 4imprint offers customers a wide range of content, from product reviews and tips to case studies. They also offer an online store, where customers can purchase promotional items and customize them with their own designs. Additionally, they provide educational resources, such as webinars and ebooks, to help customers make the best decisions for their promotional needs.

MOST Analysis

The MOST analysis framework is commonly used to identify an organisation's strategic goals, assess its strengths and weaknesses, and develop a plan to achieve its objectives. This analysis helps organisations to focus on what they want to achieve and how to achieve it, while also identifying potential roadblocks or obstacles that may arise along the way.

Mission
Objectives
Strategy
Tactics

We have created this analysis from a 3rd person perspective.

Innovation Scorecard

As part of our research and analysis activity, the team at Platform Executive assesses and then benchmarks businesses and the industry verticals in which they operate using a proprietary scoring mechanism.

First, we allocate a score of A-E for the industry vertical, gauged on the key organisations operating within the space; and then score the individual business using a 1-5 score.

A score of D-E within an industry means that it is potentially ripe to be disrupted by a new entrant into the marketplace; and/or vulnerable to technological change.

Likewise, a high score of 4-5 for the company in question indicates that in the view of the analysis team it lags behind notable businesses in terms of innovation and product pipeline.

Below is a guide to each score:

Industry score:

A	The industry is amongst the most innovative; with the leading players all driving the sector forward. Example industry: PaaS
B	The industry and its leading players have a good track record of innovation; and can quickly react to change. Example industry: Pharmaceutical
C	Companies operating within the sector have adequate levels of innovation; and engage in R&D activities when appropriate. Example industry: FMCG
D	Businesses operating in the industry do not invest enough time and resource into innovation. The sector is stagnant and a good candidate for disruption. Example industry: Retail Banking
E	The major players in the sector seem to lack suitable product development roadmaps; and as a result the sector is highly vulnerable to industry change. Example industry: Publishing

Company score:

1	The business is amongst the leading players in terms innovation and product pipeline. This will fulfil and reinforce the operations of the business in the medium to long-term.
2	The business has a good track record of innovation, in terms of its products and/or its business model. It is therefore more likely to be able to react and adapt to any changes to the industry.
3	The business is deemed to have an adequate innovation plan, build on research and development and sustainability where appropriate. The business has a product development strategy.
4	The business needs to invest more resource and/or intellectual capital in product development, pipelines and/or its business model. The business is at risk of stagnation.
5	The business seems to lack a suitable product development roadmap; and as a result is vulnerable to any notable industry change and/or new entrants in the marketplace.

The team at Platform Executive has judged 4imprint Group Plc as having an innovation score of D3.

Appendices

The appendices section of this report contains supplementary information that the team at Platform Executive deems helpful in providing a more comprehensive understanding of the report's contents.

This information is not considered an essential part of the study but serves as a useful supplement to the main text.

Methodology

This study on 4imprint Group Plc forms part of our series of competitive intelligence reports, which focuses on 10,000 of the largest corporates.

The information and data included are updated on a timely schedule to ensure that our Premium members receive the most up to date information .

The report is based on information and learning from the following sources:

Corporate websites
Proprietary research databases
SEC Filings
Corporate press releases
News articles
Financial data API's
Product-matching algorithm

Further Information

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Disclaimer

Reproduction of the content produced in this report is prohibited without the prior permission of the publisher, Platform Executive Pty Ltd.

The facts of this report have been gathered in good faith from both primary and secondary sources. It is believed to be correct at the time of publication, but cannot be guaranteed. As such Platform Executive can accept no liability whatever for actions taken based on any information that may subsequently prove to be incorrect.

Changelog

Premium members: To request a priority update to this report, please contact us. Our standard turnaround time is normally 48 hours.

The changelog for this report can be found below, complete with the next scheduled update:

v1.1: Initial load of report
Date: 1st March 2023

Key Financials added (BETA)
Date: 17th March 2023

Next scheduled update: 25th April 2023

Industry Keywords

Related keywords:

imprinted Merchandise Products Promotional

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Adriatic Metals