An Open Letter to Our Customers as We Look Ahead to 2026
Trade Labels. Trusted.
Three simple words — but ones that define exactly who we are and how we work.
As Hine Labels enters its 46th year in the label industry, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has brought us here and to share our vision for where we’re going next.
The difference between trade label suppliers and traditional label providers is straightforward — and fundamental.
That distinction shapes everything we do. Our expertise lies in manufacturing: our processes, our innovation, and our ability to adapt to evolving requirements.
While we care deeply about end-users and the people applying the labels, we rely on print management companies, brokers, and fellow producers to own those customer relationships.
There are no blurred lines. No deviation.
Hine is and always will be, a trade supplier.
Trust sits at the core of absolutely everything we do.
Our customers trust us:
This trust isn’t assumed — it’s earned, project by project, year by year.
It is the foundation on which our partnerships are built.
As a trade supplier, it is our responsibility to provide a breadth of labelling solutions, delivered through the right technology for the job.
At Hine, that means supporting a wide range of industries, sectors, and specifications through:
Our finishing department complements this with advanced capabilities, including peel & reveal, premium embellishments, and specialist finishes.
But capability alone isn’t enough.
True support sometimes means having the uncomfortable conversation — helping customers think through specification, manufacturing constraints, and application variables to ensure the desired outcome is achievable.
Support isn’t always saying “yes”; sometimes it’s guiding a better solution.
This mindset — adaptability with honesty — is why we’re still here after 46 years.
Recent investment has strengthened our foundations for what comes next:
Looking Forward to 2026 and Beyond
2026 marks an exciting chapter for Hine. With renewed goals, a refreshed team, and our trusted philosophy firmly intact, we want to thank everyone who has helped bring us to this point — and speak directly to both our long-standing partners and those just beginning conversations with us.
You are our salesforce.
We are here to produce.
We are here to support.
And we are ready to be better — for you.
With your support in 2026 and beyond, we’ll continue to grow: more people, more capability and more successful label projects. We look forward to what we’ll achieve together.
If you’d like to discuss a project, explore our trade services, or you’re a producer looking to outsource — whatever the reason — we’re here.
Please contact Harry, our Growth & Development Manager:
📧 harry.w@hinelabels.com
📞 01709 369 222
We don’t have a traditional sales team — because we don’t need one.
Harry’s role is to support both new and existing customers, strengthen relationships, and carry the torch for what matters most to us: trusted trade services, delivered with discretion.
We look forward to working with you.
Without our loyal customers, Hine Labels wouldn’t be able to flourish or grow. That’s why, throughout 2025, we made it our mission to elevate the services we provide to you. We invested heavily in strengthening our trade services, expanding our on-site capabilities & deepening our supplier partnerships—all to deliver the quality & reliability you expect from us.This year we also celebrated our 45th birthday, a milestone that reflects both our longevity in the industry & the dedication of our incredible team.
As we celebrated our 45th birthday, it felt like the perfect moment for the Hine family to retire & pass the baton to the team who has long supported their vision. This marks a new chapter—one grounded in reflection, driven by progress & full of growth for the future.
At the start of this year, we set out as a team to reconnect with our local community by supporting a range of charities. We began by donating Easter Egg Hampers to Rotherham Hospital, marking the first step in our renewed commitment to giving back.
As we approached the summer period, our attention turned to the very exciting Digital Labels & Packaging Awards 2025. Eager to showcase the breadth of our capabilities, we entered a range of categories & were thrilled to receive four nominations. It was an incredibly proud moment for the entire team. The awards day itself was fantastic, made even better by the great company we shared it with.
On the 8th of August, we celebrated Hine’s 45th birthday. Years ago, we used to host summer parties & it felt only fitting to revive that tradition. We brought everyone together for a picnic in the park—complete with rounders, football & plenty of light-hearted shenanigans. It was a genuinely brilliant afternoon where our team, along with their families, celebrated our achievements & rekindled our shared enthusiasm for the future.
The very next day, on the 9th of August, we took on our Charity Otley Run in support of #CHSF—a cause very close to Neil’s family❤️
Dressed in full fancy dress & aiming to raise £1,000, we were thrilled to hit our target before we even arrived in Otley. By the end of the day, thanks to both online donations & bucket collections, we reached an incredible £2,556 for an amazing charity.
We also farewelled valued team members as they enter retirement and begin a new chapter. Thank you to Phil, Mighele, and Carl for your dedicated service to Hine Labels.
We’ve also welcomed two smiley new apprentices to the team, reinforcing our commitment to investing in the future and showing that print and label production is a cool career choice. They’ve both taken to their roles quickly and have already made great progress. We’re excited to watch their journeys unfold.
We recently took over Boom Battle Bar in Leeds for our 2025 Christmas party. Taking time away from the shop floor for plenty of festive fun brought the team together to celebrate a fantastic year at Hine.
2026 is set to be an incredibly exciting year for Team Hine. With continued investment, a clear vision, and a team dedicated to continuous improvement, we are ready to strengthen customer relationships and remain your trusted trade label supplier. Thank you for your ongoing support as we strive to be better every single day.
For the Otley Run, in 2025 – we have chosen Children’s Heart Surgery Fund to be our chosen charity.
In 2014, #TeamHine’s Neil Hensby and his family faced the unthinkable when their 11-week-old son, Kian, was diagnosed with congenital heart disease and required lifesaving open-heart surgery. During this deeply challenging time, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), based in Leeds, became a lifeline.
I asked Neil what the charity means to him.
Neil: ‘The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, based out of Leeds, means the absolute world to myself and my family. In 2014, our lives were turned upside down, as we were told of the news that our 11-week-old son, Kian, had been diagnosed with congenital heart disease and would require lifesaving, open-heart surgery.’
Neil: ‘At what was one of our most difficult times as a family, the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund couldn’t have done anymore for me and my family. Even throughout the process, they arranged accommodation for us, so we could always be besides Kian, whilst in recovery.’
Neil: ‘CHSF are a charity, completely reliant on donations. It helps them to provide equipment, support for families and every other vital piece of the puzzle, to save Children’s lives. The list is endless but there isn’t a charity more deserving of people’s support.’
Neil: ‘Although Kian bears the scars and must attend regular checks at Leeds General Hospital. He is now a Goalkeeper for our local, football team and nothing can stand in his way. We could not be prouder of the progress he has made, and we couldn’t be anymore grateful to CHSF, for all their support on our family’s journey.
Neil’s wife, Melannie, spoke with the Rotherham Advertiser – back in 2019
“Melannie described the operation as “a very long and frightening” eight hours — adding: “Without the support we received, we couldn’t have got through this.”
“Everyone was fantastic and helped us through the events and we feel we gained a new family at Leeds and will always be grateful for what they have done for us as a family.”
‘I would ask anyone, who is able to make a donation, big or small- to do so. Anything you can give, helps them massively!’
To donate to the fund
Hine Labels X Children’s Heart Surgery Fund – Otley Run
The Digital Labels and Packaging Awards 2023 recently took place, honouring individuals and companies who have demonstrated exceptional innovation and creativity in the digital label and packaging industry. Among the distinguished winners was our Tom Gould, a rising talent who was recognised with the prestigious “Future Star” award.
“The winning candidate’s development and progress over their time in the company has encompassed various different parts of manufacturing and production, demonstrating commitment to personal development and continuous improvement.”
Judges of the Digital Labels & Packaaging Awards 2023
Tom Gould, a young and aspiring professional in the digital printing and finishing domain, has made significant strides in his career over the past few years. Starting as an enthusiastic learner, Tom has consistently demonstrated his passion, dedication, and innate talent in this dynamic industry. Through his hard work and commitment, Tom has effectively positioned himself as a standout team member, making a lasting impact on the digital labels and packaging landscape.
The “Future Star” award is specifically designed to acknowledge individuals who have shown exceptional promise and potential in their respective fields. Tom Gould’s win in this category at the Digital Labels and Packaging Awards 2023 is a testament to his extraordinary talent and his ability to innovate and break new ground within the industry.
Tom Gould’s recognition as the “Future Star” sets a benchmark for aspiring professionals in the digital labels and packaging industry. It serves as an inspiration to young individuals who are just getting started or are looking to make their mark in this ever-evolving sector. Tom’s extraordinary achievements reflect his ability to consistently innovate, adapt to changing industry demands, and execute ideas effectively, making him a role model for future generations in the field.
As we celebrate Tom’s accomplishments, we recognise his contributions to the digital labels and packaging industry and the influence he has received at such an early stage in his career. We can only anticipate the great things that lie ahead for Tom as he continues to help shape the future of Hine and, therefore, the printing industry with his creativity and commitment.
Hine Labels is a company that specialises in the production of high-quality labels and packaging for a variety of industries. So we believe that a discovery call is an essential step in collaborating with our customers because it allows us to understand their unique needs and goals! We’re not looking for where we can make a fast sale.
Let’s dive deeper into why Hine Labels wants to do a discovery meeting call with you 🫵
It’s a time for Hine Labels to listen. At Hine Labels, we understand that every customer is unique, and each has specific requirements and goals for their label and packaging needs. By conducting a discovery call, we can learn about you and your business (we’re nosey!), what you are looking for, and how we can best serve your needs. By understanding these needs, we can then customise our offerings to meet or exceed your expectations.
During a discovery call, we can help identify pain points that you may be experiencing with your current label and packaging. Do you even still recognise pain if you’ve grown accustomed to it? These pain points could be related to product quality, design, pricing, or delivery times, among other factors. By identifying these pain points, we can offer solutions that will resolve them, while also continuing the things which have been a success for you.
At Hine Labels, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why we strive to understand our customers’ unique needs during the discovery call. We can then tailor our label and packaging solutions to meet those needs, providing the best possible value for our customers.
Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. By taking the time to get to know you during the discovery process, we can build a rapport that fosters trust and establishes long-term relationships. As a result, you feel more comfortable doing business with us and vice versa.
At Hine Labels, we believe discovery is an essential step in the business relationship process as it allows us to connect with our customers, understand their unique needs and goals, and offer customised solutions that meet or exceed expectations. By conducting a discovery call or meeting, we can build trust and establish long-term relationships that benefit both our customers and our business.
If you’re interested in learning more about our label and packaging solutions, please don’t hesitate to schedule a discovery call.
At the end of March, we announced we were entering into the Digital Labels & Packaging Awards. Well, we’ve made it to the final round so the team will be heading to the ceremony at the end of June 2023, hosted at the Kia Oval in London, to discover who has won!
This was a fun product, working with a local beekeeper who turned their hobby into a business! From idea to label, Hine collaborated with Derwent Honey to produce professional, eye-catching labels for their sweet produce and elevate their business to the next level. You won’t bee-lieve the results!
Derwent Honey began five years ago when two friends, Jon and Tony, from York started chatting bees and honey whilst working on a community project. From there, they attended a local beekeepers association training course and the rest is history!
Five years later, they are now established Yorkshire Bee Farmers, producing high quality Yorkshire honey from their very own Yorkshire bees and doing it very well!
Bee farming, also known as apiculture, can be good for bees in certain cases. Jon and Tony’s domesticated bees are managed in a way that provides many benefits to the bees, such as protection from disease and parasites and access to a stable source of food and water. Beekeepers can help to increase the number of pollinators in an area, which can benefit plant population and lead to healthier ecosystems.
When distributing their honey, Jon and Tony are focused on low food miles and quality produce, providing a sustainable product to the residents of Yorkshire. Go Derwent Honey!
Using a little Dymo Thermal Printer to print their own labels was taking too much time and energy, plus their labels were starting to show their age. Jon and Tony wanted an alternative to professionally establish their brand and ethos, so they made the decision that it would be more efficient to use professionally produced labels in colour and on a roll with a more consistent and quality appearance. Luckily, they had seen Hine Labels on Instagram and really liked the friendly feel!
The new logo had already been designed with the help of a local artist, and Jon and Tony had some idea about the imagery they wanted to use. But they needed some guidance when designing the label. Things like what materials, colours, and embellishments are available to truly communicate who they are as people passionate about environmental sustainability. They also needed a barcode on their labels, which Hine was easily able to help with!
After some consulting with the Hine Customer Service and Design Team, Hine Labels invited the guys from Derwent Honey over to their offices in Rotherham to get their heads together, discuss ideas and nail down a label design over a Proper Yorkshire Brew!
Together they pulled all the elements they had to create the label designs. After wishing Jon and Tony a safe journey back to York following a few cuppas and a quick tour of the factory, Jasmine, one of our Designers at Hine Labels, set to work getting the labels ready for print!
Watch the video for a sneaky peek behind-the-scenes — see how the labels were made!
I think we can all agree this was a fantastic job done by all, it just shows how a small idea can become something amazing with the right team and the right help. And let’s not forget the wonderful Derwent Honey Bees who worked hard to produce this wonderful, tasty honey!
Jon and Tony were really pleased with their labels, they said that their overall experience with Hine Labels was great and would recommend Hine to similar start-up businesses.
Derwent Honey were so proud of their new labels they couldn’t wait to post them on Facebook and Instagram!
In true Yorkshire fashion they stated, “Its taken a while but Derwent Honey’s new labels hit the shelves tomorrow and as we say up here, we’re dead chuffed!”
They said they felt like they were “heading into the 21st century now with their barcode and all!”
So what do we take from all this? How can startup businesses make their products stand out from the beginning? Get as far as you can with your designs, then ask for help! Label Converters and Manufacturers such as Hine have all the advice, tools, and expertise needed to guide you in your project. Don’t struggle alone!
Tony pointed out that, “smaller businesses spend a lot of time and energy solving the label issue invariably with average results. Many should go direct to label printers such as Hine Labels to start with a high quality product”
Jon added his advice to new startup businesses is to “price up professional printing as soon as you have a product to sell.”
Special thanks to Jon, Tony and the Bees at Derwent Honey for allowing us to follow their journey. Keep up the amazing work you do!
Shelf appeal is a very significant factor to consider when trying to maintain a competitive position in the retail sector. Your brand will be more likely to be spotted on the shelf in comparison to your competitors if the product labelling features an eye-catching and appealing design. This will have a direct impact on your sales and revenue.
Because of the intense competition that exists in the food and beverage sector, having labels that are professionally designed and printed is essential to the success of marketing your brand and company.
The packaging and labelling of your product are essential components of its marketing strategy. There are quite a few different ways the product packaging can be used to help enhance sales!
Customers are more likely to buy a product from a company that has taken the time to build an appealing package label for it. When it comes to design, the colour and shape of your product label are two of the most important considerations.
The hues that are used on the label are extremely important for attracting the attention of potential customers. It is crucial to make certain that your design fits well with your branding and that it matches your goods.
There is a hidden meaning associated with each colour!
The colour that you decide to use for your product can have a significant influence on how visible it is on the shelf, it can evoke a response from potential customers, and it can be the deciding factor in whether or not they buy your product.
Wholesalers and end-users may be more likely to choose your product over others if its packaging is designed to complement the environment in which it will be displayed as well as the manner in which it will be presented to customers. Does it occupy a prominent position on the shelf? Is it compatible with the retail shelving of the kind that it will be stored on? Will the final consumer have an easy time opening and using the packaging?
When it comes to the packing of your goods, there are a lot of factors to think about.
The distinctive qualities of the product are communicated effectively via carefully crafted packaging. Displaying the benefits of a product, particularly if they differ from those offered by competitors, can create a positive first impression, which can ultimately contribute to an increase in sales.
The majority of the time, the product’s labelling and packaging has become synonymous with the product itself, which makes it easier for customers to recognise them.
For instance, the bottle of Coca-Cola, the packet of Nescafe coffee, and the packaging of a number of other items have become so identifiable that consumers can identify them in an instant.
The final consumer will be able to immediately and easily recognise the product as being what they require or desire if the labelling displays items like the product logo, as well as directions on its usage and disposal, among other things.
Numerous studies have been carried out in order to gain an understanding of customer behaviours in relation to the packaging of a product.
According to a number of studies, the presence of marketing cues on product packaging has the potential to improve purchasers’ perceptions of the product. For instance, researchers found that participants’ brain activity was significantly higher when the packaging was beautiful and made them think, as opposed to bland and uninspiring.
After learning about the myriad ways in which packaging may be utilised, the influence it has on customers, and the significance it plays in the retail industry, it is necessary to understand how to choose the appropriate packaging for a product.
The right product packaging and labelling make it more appealing to consumers, which in turn leads to a rise in product sales. In fact, label design is an essential component of the overall product development process on its own.
A study carried out by McKinsey revealed that the average amount of time spent by a customer looking for a certain kind of product on a shelf is 20 seconds. The design of the packaging is extremely important because there are only 20 seconds available to grab the attention of a potential consumer.
So, what does all this tell us? Labels are a direct contribution to establishing a wonderful first impression and have the ability to instil trust in the buyer. The decision of the buyer to buy the product is affected by the packaging, which in turn leads to an increase in sales.
It sounds like common sense, doesn’t it? In a retail sector that is highly competitive, having a product that is both physically pleasing and nicely packaged can immediately enhance sales!
Category: Self-Promotional Print, Digital Labels & Packaging Awards 2023
Our Studio design team, Production Supervisor, and Marketing Manager came together to design and produce a set of four labels highlighting our favourite printing and finishing capabilities.
From the beginning, we wanted to involve all our digital printing technologies – the reverse of the label is achieved by printing onto a clear PP substrate using our Screen Truepress L350UV digital press; an inkjet application. This image is mirror flipped so it views correctly through the adhesive side, creating a contrasting backdrop for the front section of the label when wrapped around a transparent container (in this case, a glass jar).
Next, we used our ABG Digicon Lite 3 finishing machine to laminate a second substrate (Gloss White PP or Rustique Extra White) onto the face of the printed clear PP. This second substrate was printed with the face designs using our HP Indigo 6900 press; a digital offset process.
Back to our Finishing Hall, the printed stock goes through our ABG Digicon Series 3 to apply various embellishments to each label, die cut and finish as reels.
Even though we have used two different digital printing technologies, the colours are consistent. We have integrated GMG color to manage colour consistency for brands across all our digital technologies.
The labels take on the suggestion of a premium confectionery label which would not be out of place in a traditional sweet emporium, sporting clear Hine branding and keywords we associate with our brand and culture, whilst also explaining the capabilities used on that label.
We wanted to show the customer how the labels were designed and manufactured; an Inside the Factory, behind-the-scenes featurette, which can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the label. This demonstrates the marketing possibilities open to the customer for their own labels, connecting the physical with the digital online – print can go beyond the physical, becoming a gateway to further immerse and engage the consumer with a brand.
Need to organise your warehouse? Need to identify your assets? Got a special limited edition product and you want your buyer to feel special by showing they grabbed one from a limited batch? All these can be done with variable data numbering!
Variable Data Labels, Sequentially Numbered Labels, Consecutive Numbered Labels, Barcode labels, Traceability labels, Authenticity Labels. Call them what you want, labels with consecutive numbers are convenient for keeping tabs on a broad range of goods, whether for personal or professional purposes.
Whether it’s in plain text, barcodes, or QR codes, the variable numbering of your labels is the simplest way to identify your property and products.
Labels printed with sequential numbers, along with text, artwork, barcodes or images, which can be placed on items/products to help identify and trace them easily when needed.
Businesses often use sequential number labels that begin with a number specified by the customer, the printer provider, or the local legislation where the product is manufactured.
Labels with Sequential Numbers are widely utilised in many different fields for the purposes of inventory management, shipping container monitoring, product identification and security. When scanned, the unique information included in the barcode or QR code on every individual label or ticket is revealed.
Labels with sequential numbers are ideal for any situation in which you need to keep track of inventory, count large amounts of merchandise, secure your valuables, or just have a clear method of organising your personal or company’s assets.
As a business owner, your ultimate goal will probably be to develop a method that makes identification and traceability as quick and simple as is feasibly possible, for instance when doing an inventory check. This is when numbered labels with a sequential pattern are an excellent choice to save you time and money.
No matter how difficult the task, sequential number labels will make it much simpler to complete. This gives you the chance to give your complete attention to the things that are really important.
Without a question, a barcoding system has advantages and may be a useful tool for tracking down items and information about each one. It is important to note, however, that there are several scenarios in which consecutively numbered labels could be a more practical and effective.
When compared to using a barcode scanner, numbered labels can be read more swiftly and simply. This speeds up and simplifies the stock-checking procedure.
When employing a barcode system, you invariably have to make compromises on how you compile and present product data. Yet when it comes to creating numbered labels that say precisely what you want, you have a lot more creative freedom. A text prefix may be easily added before each set of numbers. Even your own original artwork, images, and information may be included. This means that you can design a numbered label system specifically for your company’s needs.
Sequential number labels can be easily created at Hine Labels. Just give us your own data or let us generate it for you. Let us know your needs, we’ll have a chat about it with you, and we’ll take care of the rest!
According to your requirements, we offer customised labels made of heat-resistant, waterproof, and/or self-adhesive labels that are designed to survive the test of time and the worst environmental conditions. They can be delivered in rolls or sheets.
Our competitive prices will guarantee that you obtain the best results, for the best price, without sacrificing quality. Just tell us the number or text you want to start with, and our expert team and technology will take care of the rest.
Our knowledgeable team is always ready to talk about and respond to any questions you may have regarding our print services, products, or other issues. We will assist you at every stage from design to print to ensure that all your needs are met. We offer workable solutions for you, keeping in mind that these are your labels and should represent you and your brand.
To begin your project for sequential number labels, contact us in 1, 2, 3, 4…. right now!
Call us 01709 369 222
Email us teamhine@hinelabels.com
DM us