Adrian Barraclough
CEO. Adrian bought the machine division of Sessions of York in 2010 and leads Sessions UK today. He wrote the company's core values, below.
About Sessions UK
Sessions UK is a York labelling machinery manufacturer that designs, builds and services machines for printing and applying self-adhesive labels, for manufacturers labelling bottles, boxes, cartons, trays and components.
Sessions UK, previously Sessions of York, traces its roots to a York business opened in 1811. The current company, Sessions Label Solutions Ltd, was incorporated in 2010, the year Adrian Barraclough bought the machine division of Sessions of York. Alongside its machines, Sessions UK supplies the labels and ribbons that run on them, carries out overlabelling and contract labelling, and services four makes of labelling machine.
What Sessions UK does
Labelling machines
Sessions UK supplies labelling machines from semi-automatic desktop labellers and thermal transfer printers up to fully automatic inline systems. The RC range is built to handle and label pharmaceutical products, and for one pharmaceutical manufacturer ED100 semi-automatic tray labellers at least doubled output and ended hand labelling. Sessions UK prefers to supply the labels as well, so they are correct for the machine type.
Bespoke labelling machines
When a standard system cannot apply the label the way a product needs, Sessions UK designs and manufactures a special-purpose machine. A slightly tapered product can often run on an adjusted standard machine, while a severe taper needs a custom build.
Labels, ribbons and hot foil
Sessions UK supplies labels, thermal transfer ribbons and hot foil for the printers on your line. Its ribbon and material match service checks that ribbon and label stock work together, so print quality stays consistent.
Security and sterilisation labels
Tamper-evident and scratch-off security labels show when a product has been opened or interfered with. For sterilisation, gamma radiation indicator labels change from yellow to red when exposed, and ethylene oxide indicators are available for that process, so medical equipment makers can show a product has been treated.
Overlabelling
Overlabelling applies a new label over an existing one to correct information, add security or mark sterilisation. It lets you fix non-compliant stock without scrapping and reprinting the whole run.
Contract labelling and bureau services
If you need products labelled without buying a machine, Sessions UK will label them at its York site and despatch them to an address you choose. The bureau over-printing service adds variable data and barcodes to labels. Both suit one-off corrections and recalls.
Service, repair and spares
New machines come with a full parts and labour warranty backed by trained service engineers, and tailored service contracts continue that support. Spares are held in stock at the York head office, and every new machine ships with a recommended spares list.
Used machines and hire
If a new machine is beyond budget, a used one comes fully serviced with a return-to-base 3 month warranty from delivery. Machines can also be hired, subject to stock, for a minimum of 4 weeks at an agreed weekly rate plus a set-up, installation and return charge, and hire-to-buy is available.
What makes Sessions UK different
Machines built in York
Sessions UK designs and manufactures its labelling machines in York, and the RC30 pharmaceutical labeller is York-built. Training for your production and technical staff runs in the York workshops.
Test your own product before you buy
Send your product and label to Sessions UK and the team will run them on the machine. You see the result by video or in person in York before you commit to a purchase.
Service for four makes of machine
Sessions UK services Novexx (Avery), Germark, Collamat and Sessions-built machines, and is an authorised agent for Novexx and Germark. A production line that runs more than one make can use a single service partner.
Machine, labels and labelling service from one supplier
One supplier provides the machine, the labels and ribbons that run on it, and the servicing afterwards. If your products need labelling before your own machine arrives, or a batch needs correcting, Sessions UK can do the work under contract.
Ways to pay that suit a small budget
Payment plans are available on any machine, whatever the cost. Start-ups can begin on a manual or electric desktop labeller and add an automatic conveyor system as volumes grow.
Who uses Sessions UK
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers, including Denison Pharmaceuticals, which runs an RC30 labeller
- Distilleries, breweries, meaderies and wine producers, including Cooper King Distillery and Nidhoggr Mead Co.
- Food producers labelling bottles and packs
- Medical device and component makers who need sterilisation indicators or automated component labelling
- Automotive component manufacturers
- Engineering firms, including Micro Hydraulics Ltd
- Veterinary practices
- Growers and horticulture businesses, including Pickmere Perennials
- Start-ups and small producers buying their first desktop labeller
- Any business that needs stock relabelled after a recall or a change in regulations
The team behind Sessions UK
Quaker William Alexander opened a book and stationery shop in Castlegate, York, in 1811. The Sessions family bought the business in 1865, and in 1907 William Sessions gave up the shop to concentrate on printing, which led to labels and then labelling machines as Sessions of York.
In 2010 Sessions of York went into administration after the 2007 financial crisis, and over 100 people lost their jobs. Local businessman Adrian Barraclough bought the machine division, saved 7 jobs, and kept the Sessions name to preserve 199 years of experience.
Today the York team covers machine design, manufacture, sales and service engineering, with 35 years of experience in packaging and identification. Between them they have designed, manufactured and distributed thousands of standard and custom machines around the world.
Simon Davy
Technical Director. Simon is a director of Sessions Label Solutions Ltd and leads the technical side of the business.
Zia Shah
CFO. Zia is a director of Sessions Label Solutions Ltd and runs its finances.
Our core values
"Sessions UK is firmly committed to continuously evolving its acclaimed range of labelling machinery, improving production efficiency and investing in staff development so as to remain at the very forefront of the labelling industry. Being a privately owned company allows us to continue employing a strictly 'hands on' approach in each individual design, even though we now produce large volumes of machines not just from stock, but also engineered through bespoke design. Our people and philosophies haven't changed and we are always striving to improve our designs, and manufacturing and service processes by listening to our customers; they always get the final word."
Follow Sessions UK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sessions-label-solutions-ltd/
How Sessions UK works
Talk to the team in York
Call 01904 610613, email enquiry@sessionsuk.com or use the live chat on this site. The office is open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm, and you deal directly with the York team.
Trial on your product
Before you buy, Sessions UK tests your product and label on the machine and sends you a video of the result. You can also book a visit to see it running in York.
Delivery, commissioning and training
Full instructional training is given when the machine is delivered and commissioned. Further training for production and technical staff is available at the York workshops.
Support after installation
Help is available by telephone or video call, and new machines carry a full parts and labour warranty. Annual service contracts are available, and spares are held in stock in York.
Contract labelling projects
Every project starts with an assessment of quantities, timing, arrival and departure dates and pallet needs. Preparation begins one week before your product arrives, you receive updates at agreed intervals, and final counts are confirmed with you before the pallets leave.
Key facts
| Company Name | Sessions UK (Sessions Label Solutions Ltd, company number 07245530) |
|---|---|
| Type | Labelling machinery manufacturer and supplier, private limited company |
| Founded | Roots in a York business opened in 1811. Sessions Label Solutions Ltd incorporated 6 May 2010 |
| Founder | William Alexander founded the original York business in 1811. Adrian Barraclough bought the Sessions of York machine division in 2010 and is CEO and majority owner |
| Headquarters | Unit C1 Ebor Industrial Estate, Hallfield Road, York YO31 7XD (head office and works). Registered office: 15 Heaton Estate, Bradford Road, Brighouse HD6 4BW |
| Website | https://sessionsuk.com |
| Core Offering | Design, manufacture, supply and servicing of machines that print and apply self-adhesive labels |
| Pricing | Quoted per project. Payment plans on any machine. Hire from a minimum of 4 weeks at an agreed weekly rate, plus a set-up, installation and return charge |
| Contract Terms | Full parts and labour warranty on new machines. Optional annual service contracts. Used machines carry a 3 month return-to-base warranty. Hire-to-buy available |
| Services | Labelling machines (new, used and hire), bespoke machines, labels, security and sterilisation labels, ribbons and hot foil, overlabelling, contract labelling, bureau over-labelling and over-printing, servicing and spares |
| Authorised Agent For | Novexx (Avery), Germark |
| Communication | Phone 01904 610613, email enquiry@sessionsuk.com, live chat, video call support. Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm, Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm |
| Notable Clients | Cooper King Distillery, Denison Pharmaceuticals, Nidhoggr Mead Co., Micro Hydraulics Ltd, Pickmere Perennials |
| Customers Served | UK and international manufacturers in pharmaceutical, drinks, food, medical, automotive, engineering and horticulture |
| Projects Delivered | Thousands of standard and custom machines designed, manufactured and distributed worldwide by the Sessions team |
| Competitors | HERMA UK, ALTech UK, Weber Packaging Solutions UK |
| Social | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sessions-label-solutions-ltd/ |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sessions UK based?
Sessions UK is based at Unit C1 Ebor Industrial Estate, Hallfield Road, York YO31 7XD. You can visit to see a machine running on your own product.
Does Sessions UK make its own labelling machines?
Sessions UK designs and manufactures labelling machines in York, including special-purpose machines for products a standard labeller cannot handle. It also supplies the Novexx (Avery) and Germark ranges as an authorised agent.
Can I test my product on a machine before I buy?
Send your product and label to York and the team will run them on the machine. They share the result by video, or you can see it running in person.
Can I spread the cost or hire a machine?
Every machine can be bought on a payment plan, whatever its price. Hire depends on stock and runs for a minimum of 4 weeks at an agreed weekly rate, plus a set-up, installation and return charge, and hire-to-buy is available.
Does Sessions UK service machines made by other companies?
It services Novexx (Avery), Germark and Collamat machines as well as its own. Annual service contracts are available, and spares are kept in stock in York.
Can Sessions UK label my products for me?
Through its contract labelling and bureau over-labelling services, Sessions UK labels products at its York site and despatches them to an address you choose. Each project is agreed case by case after a discussion of your needs.
Do you supply labels to go with the machines?
Sessions UK supplies labels chosen to suit the machine type, along with thermal transfer ribbons and hot foil. Its ribbon and material match service checks the two work together.
Is Sessions UK the same company as Sessions of York?
Sessions UK carries on the machine division of Sessions of York, which Adrian Barraclough bought in 2010. He kept the Sessions name to preserve 199 years of experience.