For Sharp, 2025 was a significant year with the launch of a refreshed visual identity and significant activity in the print and document management sectors, which is expected to continue in 2026.
The print and document management sectors are evolving quickly in the UK, and manufacturers such as Sharp are at the vanguard, helping resellers to capitalise on the opportunities there. Here, Paul Leach, sales director Information Systems at Sharp UK, talks about these sectors, how they are faring and his hopes for the future.
Print in the Channel: How was 2025 for Sharp?Â
Paul Leach: 2025 was a transformative year for Sharp, marked by the launch of our new proposition and refreshed visual identity, bringing everything together as a technology partner.
We also completed a major refresh of our A3 portfolio and significantly expanded our A4 offering, with further innovations previewed at our Inspire Expo.
Looking back at 2025, our main successes included increased market share in the 31-45ppm segment, major investments in partner platforms, and heightened eco credentials in the new products we introduced to the market. However, 2025 didn’t come without change and a need to adapt client and partner expectations around sustainability and security requirements.
Q: Is there greater demand for the integration of print and document management services?Â
PL: Demand for integrated print and document management services is growing, driven by hybrid work and digital transformation. At Sharp, we’re responding to these ever-changing demands by ensuring our range of MFPs connect directly to all popular cloud storage services. We’ll continue to expand and evolve our portfolio of solutions to meet these changing needs in the marketplace.
Q: What is your assessment of the UK print market currently?
PL: The UK print market is evolving, shaped by shifting workplace dynamics, the adoption of AI and innovation, and heightened expectations around sustainability and security.
Speaking with our partners, we know organisations are increasingly seeking print solutions that deliver reliable performance and integrate seamlessly with digital workflows and cloud environments. The rise of hybrid and remote working has accelerated demand for devices that support flexible, secure and efficient document management, with features such as real time monitoring, remote management and advanced security protocols becoming standard requirements.
Sustainability is now a central consideration. Customers expect technology partners to demonstrate clear environmental responsibility, while delivering integrated managed print, IT services and audio-visual solutions through a single partner.
The reseller community also remains a cornerstone of the UK print sector, providing essential expertise, local support and tailored solutions to a diverse range of customers. Our investment in partner platforms and resources helps resellers respond quickly to evolving customer needs.
Overall, the UK print market is competitive and resilient, with innovation, integration and sustainability driving its evolution. Manufacturers and partners that can deliver holistic, secure, sustainable and digitally enabled solutions are well positioned to thrive.
Q: How important is the reseller community in the print market?
PL: Resellers are not just sales channels; they’re trusted advisors who bring deep market knowledge, technical expertise and a nuanced understanding of their clients’ unique business challenges.
The reseller community is vital to our go-to market strategy, and the investment we have recently made in partner support, including our SharpOne partner portal and Partnershop reflects this. Both allow us to help partners streamline access to marketing assets, service support and ordering.
Q: What are the main trends in the market currently?
PL: There are several key trends that are shaping the market, with one of the biggest being the ongoing shift towards digital transformation and the integration of print solutions with cloud-based workflows. Speaking with our partners, they’re increasingly seeking platforms that enable seamless connectivity between devices, cloud storage and document management systems, supporting the rise of new working models.
Sustainability is another major trend, with businesses placing greater emphasis on the environmental impact of their technology choices, which is reflected in the growing demand for devices made with recycled materials, energy efficient operations, and comprehensive recycling and remanufacturing programmes.
Security remains a top priority. Our partners are looking for solutions with robust security protocols, real time monitoring and compliance with evolving regulations to stay ahead of these new threats.
We couldn’t cover trends without mentioning AI, which is continuing to accelerate with AI driven platforms enabling smarter automation, predictive maintenance and enhanced workflow efficiency. The impact of AI is especially noticeable in the advancement of document management software, where intelligent technologies are increasingly being used to optimise workflows and provide meaningful, data driven recommendations.
Finally, the role of the reseller is evolving, with partners expected to provide more consultative, value-added services that address the spectrum of customer needs from technology integration and support to sustainability and compliance. Collectively, these trends position technology partners, like Sharp, and resellers to deliver greater value to their customers.
Q: How important is sustainability for customers, and what is Sharp doing to make its products more sustainable?
PL: Sustainability is increasingly important for Sharp customers, and we embed environmental responsibility into product innovations, increasing recycled materials in devices – up to 50% PCR in BP MFPs – introducing energy-saving features and offering free toner recycling. Our Eco Vision 2050 strategy is also guiding our long-term sustainability efforts, including energy efficient technologies and minimising lifecycle impact.
Q: What is Sharp doing to ensure its print devices are as secure as possible?
PL: We’re enhancing the security of our print devices to address the growing risks posed by cyberthreats. Our new MFPs are equipped with advanced security features such as secure print capabilities, robust device authentication and real time monitoring.
We’re also working with security experts such as Bitdefender to offer antivirus protection for our devices. By integrating these measures and maintaining a strong focus on compliance, we’re ensuring that customers can operate with confidence, knowing their data and workflows are well protected.
Q: How is AI fitting into Sharp’s plan for print?
PL: AI is a central element in our print strategy, powering new solutions that enhance automation, efficiency and security. By leveraging AI, we can deliver more intelligent, adaptive and user-friendly print solutions that meet the evolving demands of our partners.
Q: What plans do Sharp have for print in 2026?Â
PL: Building on last year’s success, we’re planning more innovative launches in 2026, including the official launch of the MX428F A4 mono desktop MFP and high-speed colour A3 MFPs. These releases will continue to focus on sustainability, enhanced security and seamless integration to ensure we’re keeping up with new demands.
Q: What is your assessment of the document management sector currently?Â
PL: The document management sector is in a strong phase of expansion, fuelled by the ongoing shift towards digitalisation and the need for more agile, responsive business operations. Organisations are recognising the value of centralised, easily accessible document solutions that can adapt to office and remote work environments. As a result, there is a clear and growing need for platforms that offer seamless integration and enhanced security. This upward trend shows no signs of slowing, with businesses continuing to invest in document management technologies to stay competitive and future ready.
Q: What are customers looking for in document management software currently?Â
PL: Customers are seeking document management software that delivers simplicity, flexibility and robust protection. As digitalisation accelerates, they want solutions that are intuitive to use, can be accessed from anywhere, and integrate smoothly with other business tools and cloud services. There is also a growing expectation for advanced features like automated workflows, intelligent search and real-time collaboration capabilities.
As organisations become more digitally mature, their requirements are shifting towards platforms that manage documents efficiently and support compliance, scalability and seamless adaptation to changing work environments.
Q: What are Sharp’s plans for the document management market in 2026?Â
PL: We have an ambitious vision for the document management market in 2026, with a strong focus on innovation, integration and sustainability. Taking learnings from the last year and working closely with partners, we’re committed to expanding our solutions portfolio by introducing new features and updates that leverage the latest advancements in AI and cloud technology.
Our roadmap for 2026 also emphasises sustainability and security, with new software releases designed to help customers track their environmental impact and maintain robust data protection.
In 2026 and beyond Sharp will continue to roll out significant updates and new launches in the document management space, ensuring customers and partners have access to tools that support digital transformation, operational efficiency and long-term business resilience.
