Meet Octink
In the second of a series looking at quirky Brentford businesses in partnership with BrentfordTW8.com, we interview Octink.
Who are you?
Octink has been in business since 1962 and in Brentford since 2005 producing large format printing, signage, interior fit-outs
Octink delivers creative display solutions to connect people with brands, anywhere, anytime. Today we are one of the UK’s leading innovators merging creative graphics and signage with construction. We can manage entire projects, whether a stand for product launches or an entire building.
The move to Brentford was born out of a need at the time to grow the business and achieve greater capacity. Previously in Kew, Brentford was an ideal location as we were able to maintain our local presence whilst improving access to key road and rail communications in and out of Brentford.
It’s impossible to be in Brentford and not notice the octopus vans transporting Octink’s goods. How did that come about?
We all embraced the idea of using an Octopus to represent our flexibility to adapt to client’s needs, technology and fast moving markets.
Leading animal photographer Tim Flach was commissioned to shoot an octopus that we could use as part of our visual identity. The results were the amazing and striking images that we still use today.
Where is your business in Brentford and how did it get there?
Commerce Road
Octink’s Battersea Hoarding
What brought you to this business?
It’s a family business
Where do you live and why?
Brentford / Twickenham area- as do 90% of our employees
What about Brentford helps your business?
West London location – on a good day transport links in and out of London
How do you like Brentford?
Great history, community, and hopefully resurgent!
What’s your favourite part?
Brentford dock – great potential!
How are you involved in the community?
Actively involved in two local charities – Spark! and Cultivate London. We also support local schools and provide work experience
How do you see your future?
Growth! If we can find the space and capacity.
Would you move away and if so, why?
If pushed, yes. The scale of our operation requires business friendly space and capacity, and also the infrastructure to support business.
Three words describing Brentford?
Location, location, location
Octink have a habit of creating interesting videos showing their work at speed. Here’s one of their latest ones for the New Balance London Experience Centre on 28th floor of Millbank tower.
If you think you have a quirky Brentford business and would like to be profiled please email secretary@brentfordchamber.org. We would like to create a portfolio showcasing businesses unique to Brentford, of which we think there are plenty.