ID card firm Swype gets ‘future-proofed’ with NPIF II investment

An identity card manufacturer has won a “six-figure” investment that it says will “future-proof” it for years to come.

Company Cards Ltd, which trades as Swype, pioneered the digital printing of ID cards in the UK. The St Helens business was the first to beta test a digital printing press for Hewlett Packard 25 years ago – and will use its latest funding to invest in more HP equipment as it looks to continue its “significant sales growth”.

Swype has won the funding through NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

The investment will be used to buy a new digital press and to expand into green and renewable printing options including PVC-free and even wooden cards.

Swype's website showcases recent projects including membership cards for St Helens rugby league club and gift cards for Champneys health spas, with whom Swype has worked since 2012.

Tim Scott, managing director and founder of Swype, said: “We operate in a very capital-intensive industry and all the machinery we use is expensive. It’s important that we remain at the cutting edge and this investment enables us to achieve this, enhancing and increasing our productivity, quality and capacity.

“The new Hewlett Packard HP Indigo 7900 digital press will future proof the printing side of the business for the next 8-10 years. We’ve swiftly installed the press, modifying the room with no disruption to the day-to-day operations which has meant our clients have been able to take advantage of this seamless transition. We’ve found FW Capital to be very supportive and this investment will also assist our expansion into green and renewables card options with recycled PVC, board cards, wooden cards and PVC-free cards.”

Barry Wilson, investment executive at FW Capital said: “With this latest printing press Swype are continuing a relationship they have had with Hewlett Packard for over 25 years. Using NPIF II investment we’ve been able to provide working capital support to help Swype invest in the business, expand their offering and product efficiencies with this new printing press.

"It’s also exciting to hear about their plans to expand their eco-friendly card options too which is an area where demand is increasing. We look forward to following Swype’s progress over the coming months and years.”