AN ACE idea turned into a real trump card for Liquorice Digital.

The print firm based in Whitney Road, Daneshill East, Basingstoke, won the Best Use of Finishing category, for its distinctive Liquorice All Sorts-style stripy playing cards, at the 2010 Digital Printer Awards held at the Park Lane Hotel, in London.

Director Robin Escott was clearly delighted with the win, particularly as the firm which employs four people was competing against “all sorts” of competition.

Robin said: “We were up against some big players in the industry but we sneaked in there and picked up this award.”

The judges said: “Liquorice Digital has shown good use of colour and finishing, using matt lamination, die cutting and packaging. A very good overall product that was well executed.”

The decks of cards, complete with presentation boxes, were produced as promotional material for The Liquorice Group, which comprises Liquorice Digital, Liquorice Press and Liquorice Creative.

Robin said the award bodes well for the coming year. “We’ve already had enquiries from potential clients as print buyers keep an eye on this kind of stuff.”