Mixing business with pleasure, FYI is embracing digital change to better connect with its cool clients. Here, we talk to Katie McAfee, one of FYI’s Directors, about how its new client portal will help elevate the company’s service.
When FYI started out over a decade ago, it was a modest print shop with big dreams and a love for excitement. Today, the business is a creative powerhouse, helping some of the most exciting names in the ‘enjoyment industry’ make an unforgettable impression. From its humble beginnings creating flyer packs for nightlife events, the company has grown to collaborate with globally recognised brands like Red Bull and Camden Town Brewery.
Katie remembers the early days fondly. “We started by making flyers on a coffee table and handing them out at night,” she recalls. “My husband Tom (and Co-Director of FYI) was a DJ at the time, so we worked to promote his own events. Somehow, what began as a necessity to promote those events, snowballed into this company.”
Katie adds: “We had absolutely no background. It was a steep learning curve, but it’s why we’re good at what we do. We’ve always stayed close to the clients we love working with and are all about getting the little details right.
“FYI isn’t just a place that prints things, but a place that understands the vision behind every single project.”
The company’s unique edge lies in the team’s deep connection to what they call the enjoyment industry, which includes hospitality, drinks and events. While many companies diversify across sectors, FYI has stayed laser-focused on working with brands that excite them.
Katie explains: “We work with people and brands we think are cool, exciting, and interesting. It’s important to us because we spend so much of our time at work, so why not enjoy it? That’s why we’re still in this niche.”
Delivering for Clients by Embracing Digital Development
While FYI has seen tremendous organic growth, the directors knew that to sustain their momentum, especially after the disruption caused by the pandemic, they needed to invest in technology.
Through Digital Enterprise, the business received a grant of £10,000 to support a significant tech upgrade to its existing client portal.
The funding has enabled the team to create a more seamless, efficient, and exciting experience for their clients.
“We’re thrilled about the upgraded client portal,” Katie shares. “We’re making it easier for our customers to collaborate with us, track their projects, and get updates on the go. It’s all about giving them more control and transparency.”
The upgrade to the portal marks a major step forward for FYI, which has always focused on building strong relationships with customers, many of whom return time and again for the quality and care they receive.
Now, clients can upload designs, view proofs, and track orders in real-time—all from the comfort of their own offices.
For Katie, the goal was always about enhancing the customer journey. She adds: “It’s about making life easier for them. We know how fast-paced hospitality and events can be. If we can streamline things for them and let them focus on their business, that’s a win.”
Expanding Capacity and Market Reach
This investment in digital tools is set to propel FYI toward ambitious growth targets, including a 50% boost in net profit and increased capacity to take on larger projects.
However, the value of Digital Enterprise’s support didn’t stop with a grant. Katie speaks highly of their advisor, Jack Pitfield, whose guidance was key in shaping the direction of the project.
“He was incredibly helpful and explained everything,” Katie says. “While we might have found a way to make it happen eventually, his support sped up the process and meant we didn’t miss opportunities.”
Katie envisions the company extending its reach even further, with more clients across the UK and beyond.
She says: “We’re setting our sights on hitting some big numbers in the next few years. This portal is just the start—we’re looking at the bigger picture and how digital transformation can keep us agile and responsive in an industry that’s constantly changing.”
From intricate menus to bold promotional merchandise, FYI brings a flair for creativity that resonates with clients who crave authenticity and quality. The team take their responsibility to heart, creating more than just print materials. They craft experiences.
“Every piece that goes out of our door carries our name on it. We’ve built a reputation for quality, and that’s something we protect fiercely,” Katie says.
Blending Tradition and Tech
Looking to the future, Katie is excited about how embracing their digital side will complement FYI’s hands-on approach.
“We’re never going to lose our touch with the traditional side of things. It’s what we love. But now, with the client portal and some other tech upgrades, we’re able to be more responsive and efficient without losing that personal touch,” she explains.
Now, clients looking for a digital-first printer and designer needn’t look any further. With its strong reputation and commitment, combined with its revamped approach, FYI is the full package.
FYI’s story is one of constant reinvention, without ever losing sight of what makes the company special. As they embrace the future, Katie and her team remain as committed as ever to putting their heart into every project. With this blend of creativity, care, and cutting-edge tech, FYI is poised to continue making waves in the enjoyment industries — one beautifully crafted piece at a time.
With the help of Digital Enterprise, FYI expects to:
- Increase turnover by 13% over the next 12 months, leading to growth in net profit of 52%.
- Enhance overall efficiency, without increasing costs, fuelling ambitious growth plans.
- Massively improve customer journey, resulting in an enhanced ability to attract and take on new clients.
FYI was named as one of DE3’s Top 30 businesses, read more case studies in our online brochure to find out how we’ve supported other West Yorkshire businesses and the impact the digital investments have had: DE3 Digital Enterprise Top Thirty.
