Clevedon, UK – The history of Canvey Island, which lies off the South Coast of Essex in the Thames Estuary, is one of community, invention and survival. Measuring seven square miles, the island – which is below sea level – is home to some 45,000 people living behind 14 miles of high sea walls.

And it’s here that you will find Flash Design – a company established in 2016 by 15-year-old Joe Smith, with a bit of help from his dad John. Initially supplying a range of printed sports apparel to local football teams – some of whom Joe played for – the company has expanded and now offers a wide variety of design and print products and services to cater to its ever-growing client base in and around Canvey Island.

In the spring of 2016, Joe visited Sign & Digital UK as he was keen to upgrade his existing Graphtec plotter to offer full colour printing services and found Roland to be the perfect choice. Joe explains: “My goal is to provide a superior customer experience and offer tremendous value for my customers. Everyone I met with at the show recommended a Roland printer as being the ideal solution to meet my needs and to be honest, Roland was the only brand I considered.”

Having viewed the Roland DG TrueVIS VG-640, a versatile 64-inch inkjet printer/cutter, Joe decided to go ahead and make the purchase. The printer was installed at the end of 2016, but as Joe was still only 15 at the time, he had to rely on Dad John to help him out. He says: “You can’t get a business account until you’re 18, so all my purchases and invoices have to go through my Dad’s business for the time being.”

Joe effectively rents the Roland from his Dad and since its installation, Joe’s business has gone from strength to strength. As well as expanding the product range he offers and growing his client base, he’s also been busy developing an online shop to further boost the business. Thanks to Joe Smith’s new ideas and the vibrant colours of youth, Canvey Island’s print business revival continues apace!

For more information on Flash Design, please visit www.flash-design.co.uk.