Artificial intelligence is transforming industries at a pace few could have predicted, but how can businesses keep up? 

In this episode, Darren Crawford, software engineer and AI expert, shares his perspective on the evolution of AI over the past 25 years and its growing impact on marketing, print, and business operations. 

From generative AI and automation to the balance between human expertise and machine intelligence, this conversation explores practical ways organizations can embrace AI while navigating its challenges and opportunities. 

Show Notes: 

03:08 When AI Started Becoming Useful 

07:25 Common Misconceptions About AI 

09:27 AI and the Future of Print 

15:42 Where Human Judgment Matters 

18:59 Questions to Ask Your Technical Team 

23:19 Authenticity in an AI World 

About Darren: 

Darren’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-crawford-14a2479/ 

Connect with us: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eight-group-print-and-marketing-solutions/

Supporting an entire industry for nearly 200 years takes more than tradition; it takes innovation, adaptability, and a deep commitment to people.

In this episode, Neil Lovell, CEO of the Printing Charity, shares how the organization continues to support professionals across print, publishing, and allied trades through financial aid, helplines, and career development initiatives.

From championing young talent through the Rising Stars awards to prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, this conversation explores how the charity is evolving to meet modern challenges while honoring its legacy.

A powerful look at community, resilience, and the future of support in the printing industry.

Show Notes:

03:45 History of the charity (nearly 200 years)

06:40 Why awareness of the charity is still low

09:18 Why the helpline was created & its impact

13:46 Supporting young talent in the industry

About Neil:

Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-l-9205137/

The Printing Charity: https://www.theprintingcharity.org.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eight-group-print-and-marketing-solutions/

Is traditional print on its way out, or is it evolving faster than ever?

In this episode of From Brief to Broadcast, Lance Hill sits down with Andy Clyde, Technical Director at 8 Group, to unpack how print technology has transformed over the years. From the critical role of pre-press to the growing power of digital printing, they explore why expertise still defines quality and why digital now rivals litho in ways few expected.

An educational deep dive into print technology, craftsmanship, and where the industry is heading next.

Show Notes: 03:15 What Does a Technical Director in Print Do?

05:15 What is Pre-Press & Why It’s Critical for Print Quality

09:30 Why Lighting is Crucial for Accurate Colour in Print

13:49 How Print Technology Has Advanced Over 30+ Years

17:55 Inspiring the Next Generation into Print Careers

24:11 Advice for Digital Marketers Starting Their First Print Project

About Guest:

Clyde’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-clyde-a3341730/

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eight-group-print-and-marketing-solutions/

Website: http://www.eightgroup.co.uk/

More data doesn’t always mean better marketing, and in many cases, it’s the reason campaigns fail. 

In this episode, Tom Oldershaw and Graham Tomblin unpack why clean, compliant data matters more than volume, how GDPR really impacts campaigns, and why attribution and post-campaign analysis are critical. 

A sharp conversation on rethinking data to drive smarter, more effective marketing. 

Show Notes: 

00:00 The Importance of Data in Marketing 

07:03 Understanding Customer Demographics 

14:11 The Risks of Using Unclean Data 

19:50 Navigating GDPR and Legitimate Interest 

28:11 The Role of Data Profiling in Campaigns 

About Graham: 

Graham’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-tomblin-7300605/ 

PDV: https://www.pdv.agency/ 

Connect with us: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eight-group-print-and-marketing-solutions/ 

Email inboxes are crowded. Social feeds are saturated. So where do digital brands go next?

In this episode of From Brief to Broadcast, Andrew Curran, Founder of Arc X-Media and Zap~Post, explains how data-driven, automated direct mail is helping brands reconnect with customers, and why offline channels are outperforming digital at critical moments. A practical conversation about CRM, AI, attribution, and the future of omnichannel marketing.

Show Notes:

00:00 Why digital brands are adopting direct mail

01:30 Andrew’s entrepreneurial journey

03:55 What Zap~Post is and how it works

06:00 Turning digital behaviour into physical mail

08:20 Tracking performance and ROI

11:45 Digital saturation and customer fatigue

15:40 The role of AI in CRM platforms

18:00 Solving creative challenges with AI

22:40 What’s next for Zap~Post

25:10 The future of direct mail marketing

About Andrew: Andrew's LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjcurran/

ZAP~POST: https://zappost.com

Connect with us: LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/eight-group-print-and-marketing-solutions/

Discover the unique strategies behind 8 Group's success in multi-channel marketing. Dive into their journey and learn how they integrate digital and offline marketing for maximum impact.

Highlights:

• 8 Group's approach to multi-channel marketing.
• Integrating digital and offline strategies.
• The role of personalization in success.
• Challenges in attribution and the impact of AI.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction to 8 Group

00:03:00 Multi-Channel Marketing Approach

00:09:00 Integrating Digital and Offline Marketing

00:15:00 Personalization and Customer Journeys

00:21:00 Challenges in Attribution

00:27:00 The Role of AI in Marketing

Follow for more interesting insights.