Developing the next generation of manufacturing talent with Data Image Group
Developing the next generation of manufacturing talent with Data Image Group
Data Image Group, a large-scale print production house based in the East Midlands, has been working with global brands for over forty years.
With a vision to become an industry leader in innovation, the company partnered with WMG to access funding, engage in knowledge exchange programmes, and collaborate with talented graduates, turning their ambition into action via internships.
Challenge: Future-proofing print production
Data Image Group has a clear strategic ambition: to be recognised as a UK market leader in print manufacturing by embracing new technologies, developing innovative products, and optimising operations.
Driven by CEO Robert Farfort, well-known for championing innovation both within the company and across the wider industry, Data Image Group were determined to drive this transformation. But to achieve their goals, they needed the right tools, fresh insight and access to emerging talent.
Having previously worked with WMG through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the team saw an opportunity to take the next step.
Data Image Group understood the reciprocal value of internships: graduates bring bold, forward-thinking ideas and embed them directly into a business, while the business provides real-world experience and skills to help shape the next generation of manufacturing talent and future leaders.
"WMG have brought structured processes, formality and professionalism in how we manage ourselves."
Robert Farfort, CEO, Data Image Group.
Data Image Group approached WMG’s SME Group with a clear challenge: to bring in a graduate who could help evolve and digitise the business, from standardising manufacturing operations to identifying new areas for improvement and investment.
Uniquely positioned as a bridge between academia and industry, WMG’s SME Group was able to support Data Image Group through the WMG Internship Programme; connecting the business with top graduate talent from across the UK.
Solution: Building the dream team
Originally planning to hire one intern, Data Image Group partnered with Katy Wilson, Project Manager for the WMG Internship Programme, to find the ideal candidate to support their innovation ambitions.
Katy conducted a nationwide search, tapping into the UK’s graduate talent pool to identify someone who could not only meet, but exceed, the company’s expectations.
"Pairing the right intern with the right business can be transformational. When the fit is right, interns bring fresh perspectives, up-to-date knowledge, and real enthusiasm to tackle challenges. At the same time, businesses gain valuable support on strategic projects and often uncover new opportunities for growth and innovation. It’s about creating a mutually beneficial partnership that delivers real impact."
Katy Wilson, Project Manager: Interns & KTPs, WMG.
With nearly 100 applications, Katy and Internship Supervisor Gun Gokmen shortlisted a group of high-calibre candidates with the skills, mindset and potential to drive real impact at Data Image Group.
Following the interview process, CEO Robert Farfort recognised the exceptional quality of talent available. Inspired by their potential and keen to push the boundaries of the programme, he requested to onboard not one, but three interns to help move the business, forward faster and further.
Once in their roles, the interns worked closely with the wider team at Data Image Group, leading a focused project to analyse the company’s equipment and processes to support smarter investment decisions.
Their work aimed to standardise processes and drive forward innovative manufacturing operations. This included:
- Understanding, documenting and analysing the existing production process.
- Developing a framework to assess current capacity, forecast future needs and identify investment opportunities.
- Conducting cost-benefit analyses and providing critical insights to senior management.
- Delivering a clear roadmap of implementation and operational improvement.
Impact: Fostering collaboration for lasting impact
Through their partnership with WMG’s SME Group, the interns delivered a comprehensive business optimisation plan that helped Data Image Group:
- Achieve market-leading profit margins.
- Identify new opportunities for additional profit gains.
- Implement a roadmap to guide future investment and innovation.
Impressed by the interns’ contribution and the momentum they created; Data Image Group chose to build on this success. They continued their innovation journey by working with WMG’s SME Group to apply for a KTP through Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership Programme.
The interns were initially placed into 12-week long internship programmes, which were all extended by another eight weeks, as Data Image Group understood the positive impact the interns were having on the business.
They were successfully awarded a part-funded grant from Innovate UK to work on a two-year innovative cultural change management project with WMG.
The KTP aims to embed long-term capability, foster change and cultural management across the business and support sustained growth.
Internships can act as a springboard for SME manufacturers, unlocking access to longer-term grant funded research and development projects such as KTPs; while nurturing new talent and injecting fresh thinking, emerging trends and practical graduate expertise into the business.
As well as delivering meaningful business outcomes, the interns gained hands-on experience, developed new skills, and transitioned straight into permanent roles working on knowledge exchange projects across the UK.
From intern to insider
Two of the interns continued their innovation journeys with KTPs of their own. One intern, Jasmine (featured in the video), made such an impact during her time at Data Image Group that she was invited to join WMG’s SME Group directly, helping deliver future innovation programmes with WMG, the University of Warwick.
Want to accelerate your plans and upskill your business with WMG’s Internship Programme? Read through our Internships Brochure and get in touch today.