Power 100 2013: 10 to 2
Why After taking the reigns as chief executive of the circa £150m turnover group in January, Jeremy Walters has wasted no time in making his presence felt in this year’s Power 100, securing the title of highest new entry. Described by colleagues as “always approachable, with a great sense of humour”, he’s been with the business since the Howitt days as far back as 2004. A devoted family man, he’s also a keen runner. He has completed two Tough Guy endurance competitions, three half-marathons and is set to take on next year’s London Marathon in aid of the NSPCC. “He certainly dances to his own beat and if he can bust half as many moves in business as he can on the disco floor, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with,” says one industry insider. Why Kathy Woodward’s proudest achievement as chief executive of the Fed is without doubt securing £1.1m of government funding to launch its two-year graduate scheme. “In one fell swoop Kathy has created 265 disciples to carry the message forward that print is an incredibly exciting industry, full of opportunity,” says one colleague. While Woodward might be print’s most vocal evangelist, that doesn’t mean she wanders around with rose-tinted spectacles on – she can be challenging and, at times, brutally honest. In fact, one of her biggest bugbears is the industry talking itself down, so before she takes on her next big challenge of convincing the government that print is a vibrant, creative industry, not a grey, withering manufacturing one, she’ll relish the chance to convince the industry old guard of that fact too. Why Following his promotion to group chief executive last year, 2012 should have been David Allen’s last appearance in the UK-centric Power 100. But he hangs on to his place following the exit of UK managing director Phil Carr last month and the resultant expansion of Allen’s role to include the UK operations. The past 12 months haven’t been easy for Allen, with a significant boardroom reshuffle giving him a new boss, Andrew Price, who has pushed through a painful restructuring of the merchant’s core UK business. It doesn’t look like the next 12 months are going to be any easier either, with Allen’s ‘nice guy’ image at risk of being tarnished further if the cutbacks continue. But at least the prospect of seeing some gain from all the pain might soften the blow. Why The world’s longest B1 press and Europe’s first Komori GLX 740RP – just a couple of the investments made this year at Chesapeake Towers. Very much the brains behind such an impressively relentless investment drive, is chief executive Mike Cheetham. “Mike’s very keen on developing new products,” says one colleague. “He’s really good at removing any potential roadblocks to investments, whether financial or customer-based.” Despite being responsible for around 6,000 employees, the ex-engineer is apparently also very good at maintaining an open-door policy. “He welcomes communication with all different levels,” says the colleague. “I could pick up the phone pretty much any time to talk about a new product idea. I don’t know how he does it!” Why With no M&A activity of late, it’s been a comparatively quiet year for Mark Scanlon, the sharp-as-a-tack chairman at Wyndeham owner Walstead. There’s no doubt he’s run...
read morePower 100 2013: 1
Why “I’m probably more excited about the prospects for print today than I have been for the last 20 years.” So said Chris Ingram towards the tail end of last year. Eight months on we can see why, and it’s also why York Mailing’s chief executive has vaulted to the top of our ranking. York Mailing is flying high, having gained £10m in backing from the Business Growth Fund. It is the first and so far only printing company to secure funding this way, and it’s a measure of both the firm’s successful track record and its future ambitions that the investment gained was the maximum possible. Colleagues say chief executive Ingram’s passion for print is infectious: “He’s absolutely emphatic about printing and he puts that enthusiasm over to staff and customers very well. You can’t help but be inspired by him. He’s a great ambassador for print.” Five years ago when York Mailing won PrintWeek’s coveted Company of the Year Award, turnover at the business was £38m. It’s now double that, and set to breach £100m with the acquisition of Lettershop Group. Ingram is described as “a real, professional, results-oriented chief executive”, who has a great sense of humour, but is also firm but fair, and adept at resolving sticky situations when necessary. He has the ideal foil in chief operating officer Mike Newbould, who brings his military training to the fore with “meticulous” planning. “It’s the perfect combination,” says an associate. Ingram’s devotion to York Mailing is matched by his devotion to his family. He also has something of a passion for fast cars – his everyday runaround being a BMW M3, and we understand some more exotic horsepower of the prancing variety can be found in his garage. What’s notable about York’s trajectory is that it has been achieved from relatively ordinary beginnings, through focus, a visionary reinvention of the company’s offering, sound business judgment and being open to the opportunities that have arisen along the way, such as 2011’s acquisition of the Pindar web business. We’d like to think Ingram’s inspirational approach has the potential to spread beyond his own empire. As he says: “It’s easy for people to think the printing industry is in decline. The reality is, if you’re focused on very specific markets, it’s actually quite the reverse.” Back to 10-2 << Attributes key...
read moreBPIF launches new colour management accreditation
The new ISO12647 scheme expands on the BPIF’s ISO12647-2 certificate to allow not only offset litho printers, but also flexo, wide-format and digital businesses to achieve an award claimed to be the first of its kind, in that it meets the requirements of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). “The ISO12647-2 was developed for sheetfed and heatset web-offset companies but we’ve found that the increasing demand for independent certification that is UKAS accredited has been from digital and packaging companies using other printing methods such as flexo and gravure,” said BPIF head of business Philip Thompson. “Now if a customer comes to you and asks for an ‘ISO12647 job’, version 2 of the BPIF ISO12647 Colour Quality Management scheme has been expanded to cover these printing methods.” Preparing the scheme for more universal use has involved formulating guidelines on how printers working with more challenging substrates can still prove their eligibility, Thompson added. “The new version recognises that often specialised substrates are used in many areas of printing. By allowing these customised printing conditions, the company is being audited against how good the printing processes are, how consistent the quality is and that they are using the ISO12647 tolerances within the certification,” he explained. “You’re still measuring the product but this will enable most printing companies to be certified to ISO12647 if they implement the scheme requirements.” He added: “If the substrate is difficult to print on, with significant dry back for example, that will not mean that they can’t be certified.” The document is free for BPIF members and £50 for non members and can be obtained from philip.thompson@bpif.org.uk...
read moreBPIF launches new colour management accreditation
The new ISO12647 scheme expands on the BPIF’s ISO12647-2 certificate to allow not only offset litho printers, but also flexo, wide-format and digital businesses to achieve an award claimed to be the first of its kind, in that it meets the requirements of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). “The ISO12647-2 was developed for sheetfed and heatset web-offset companies but we’ve found that the increasing demand for independent certification that is UKAS accredited has been from digital and packaging companies using other printing methods such as flexo and gravure,” said BPIF head of business Philip Thompson. “Now if a customer comes to you and asks for an ‘ISO12647 job’, version 2 of the BPIF ISO12647 Colour Quality Management scheme has been expanded to cover these printing methods.” Preparing the scheme for more universal use has involved formulating guidelines on how printers working with more challenging substrates can still prove their eligibility, Thompson added. “The new version recognises that often specialised substrates are used in many areas of printing. By allowing these customised printing conditions, the company is being audited against how good the printing processes are, how consistent the quality is and that they are using the ISO12647 tolerances within the certification,” he explained. “You’re still measuring the product but this will enable most printing companies to be certified to ISO12647 if they implement the scheme requirements.” He added: “If the substrate is difficult to print on, with significant dry back for example, that will not mean that they can’t be certified.” The document is free for BPIF members and £50 for non members and can be obtained from philip.thompson@bpif.org.uk...
read moreFujifilm takes top spot at inaugural Fespa Eurasia
The manufacturer has taken the largest stand to date with its Inca Onset S40i flatbed UV printer, launched last year, being the main focus. Fujifilm’s 5m Uvistar Pro8, also launched last year, will also feature on the stand alongside the Acuity Advance HS flatbed UV printer and the Acuity LED 1600. “We are very excited to be present at the first Fespa Eurasia. Having established a Fujifilm sales office in Turkey only last year, taking such a large stand at this show reflects our commitment to this market,” said Kevin Jenner business manager wide-format, Europe – Eastern Region. “We acknowledge that this is a strategically important and fast developing region, and the product line-up, the media and print modes we have chosen have been specifically tailored to suit the needs of this marketplace.” Around 85% of the total floorspace has been sold to date with 15% signing up since Fespa 2013 in London. Earlier this year, due to huge demand from new and existing exhibitors requesting larger stands, floorspace for the inaugural event of Fespa Eurasia, which will be sponsored by HP, was increased from 15,000sqm to 21,000sqm....
read moreFujifilm takes top spot at inaugural Fespa Eurasia
The manufacturer has taken the largest stand to date with its Inca Onset S40i flatbed UV printer, launched last year, being the main focus. Fujifilm’s 5m Uvistar Pro8, also launched last year, will also feature on the stand alongside the Acuity Advance HS flatbed UV printer and the Acuity LED 1600. “We are very excited to be present at the first Fespa Eurasia. Having established a Fujifilm sales office in Turkey only last year, taking such a large stand at this show reflects our commitment to this market,” said Kevin Jenner business manager wide-format, Europe – Eastern Region. “We acknowledge that this is a strategically important and fast developing region, and the product line-up, the media and print modes we have chosen have been specifically tailored to suit the needs of this marketplace.” Around 85% of the total floorspace has been sold to date with 15% signing up since Fespa 2013 in London. Earlier this year, due to huge demand from new and existing exhibitors requesting larger stands, floorspace for the inaugural event of Fespa Eurasia, which will be sponsored by HP, was increased from 15,000sqm to 21,000sqm....
read morePicon elects new chair
Usher, who stepped into his role this month, succeeds Friedheim International chief executive Peter Morris who has completed his two-year term in the position. Usher said his main priority would be to increase the UK print industry’s communication with government and other trade bodies. He said that the recent formation of the Graphic Print & Media Alliance (GPMA), announced at Fespa, would provide a major boost to lobbying efforts. He added: “Peter deserves a lot of credit for his role in bringing together the seven trade associations that form the GPMA. “The UK print, media and graphic arts industry now has the opportunity to find a stronger, louder collective voice and appeal successfully for the support we deserve as the country’s sixth largest industry. I shall be working hard with the other GPMA members to bring other trade bodies on board.” Usher said that he would also be focusing on supporting Ipex and ensuring that it was a success in 2014. “It’s important for the UK printing industry that Ipex continues to be successful, and I expect the new venue and a host of new features for Ipex 2014 to cement its position as a significant international exhibition. “We shall do all we can to support the organisers by encouraging all Picon members to exhibit.” Usher added that the body would look to increase its membership and focus particularly on digital and cross-media representatives. Handing over to Usher, outgoing chair Peter Morris said: “Picon is in excellent hands with Bob as chairman for the next two years. The depth of industry experience he brings to the role, particularly from the digital side, will benefit members considerably as the implications for digital technology within the industry become clearer. Usher joined the printing industry in 1966 starting as a technician with Rotaprint, then joining AM Multigraphics, followed by Itek Graphic Products. He founded Apex Reprographics in 1989 which became Apex Digital Graphics in 1995....
read moreEnvelope works acquires Ace Envelopes
The move follows the retirement of Ace Envelope’s boss Michael Rubenstein, who had been running the company for nearly 20 years. The Envelope Works employs 30 staff at its Earby, Lancashire print-site and expects to have a turnover of around £5m this year. Following completion of the acquisition deal, the value of which was not disclosed, Ace Envelopes’ London business will be transferred to Lancashire. Ace envelopes was founded in 1994 and its annual turnover is just under £1m. The company’s two directors and four part-time staff chose not to relocate. Managing director of The Envelope Works Mark Farrimond said: “I’ve known the team at Ace envelopes for the past 19 years. The business model fits perfectly into our portfolio and what we’re trying to do, and gives us access to a new client base of around 750 customers.” The Envelope Works will operate Ace Envelopes business development through its sales office in Cambridge. “We may be looking to take on new people in sales to help with our plans to drive The Envelope Works’ new business,” said Farrimond. The company is in the process of implementing a long-term growth strategy, but the current market conditions have slowed its progress, he said. “It is a tough marketplace, but we are always on the lookout for strategic moves. It’s still early days, but I can’t wait to get started,” added...
read morePicon elects new chair
Usher, who stepped into his role this month, succeeds Friedheim International chief executive Peter Morris who has completed his two-year term in the position. Usher said his main priority would be to increase the UK print industry’s communication with government and other trade bodies. He said that the recent formation of the Graphic Print & Media Alliance (GPMA), announced at Fespa, would provide a major boost to lobbying efforts. He added: “Peter deserves a lot of credit for his role in bringing together the seven trade associations that form the GPMA. “The UK print, media and graphic arts industry now has the opportunity to find a stronger, louder collective voice and appeal successfully for the support we deserve as the country’s sixth largest industry. I shall be working hard with the other GPMA members to bring other trade bodies on board.” Usher said that he would also be focusing on supporting Ipex and ensuring that it was a success in 2014. “It’s important for the UK printing industry that Ipex continues to be successful, and I expect the new venue and a host of new features for Ipex 2014 to cement its position as a significant international exhibition. “We shall do all we can to support the organisers by encouraging all Picon members to exhibit.” Usher added that the body would look to increase its membership and focus particularly on digital and cross-media representatives. Handing over to Usher, outgoing chair Peter Morris said: “Picon is in excellent hands with Bob as chairman for the next two years. The depth of industry experience he brings to the role, particularly from the digital side, will benefit members considerably as the implications for digital technology within the industry become clearer. Usher joined the printing industry in 1966 starting as a technician with Rotaprint, then joining AM Multigraphics, followed by Itek Graphic Products. He founded Apex Reprographics in 1989 which became Apex Digital Graphics in 1995....
read moreEnvelope works acquires Ace Envelopes
The move follows the retirement of Ace Envelope’s boss Michael Rubenstein, who had been running the company for nearly 20 years. The Envelope Works employs 30 staff at its Earby, Lancashire print-site and expects to have a turnover of around £5m this year. Following completion of the acquisition deal, the value of which was not disclosed, Ace Envelopes’ London business will be transferred to Lancashire. Ace envelopes was founded in 1994 and its annual turnover is just under £1m. The company’s two directors and four part-time staff chose not to relocate. Managing director of The Envelope Works Mark Farrimond said: “I’ve known the team at Ace envelopes for the past 19 years. The business model fits perfectly into our portfolio and what we’re trying to do, and gives us access to a new client base of around 750 customers.” The Envelope Works will operate Ace Envelopes business development through its sales office in Cambridge. “We may be looking to take on new people in sales to help with our plans to drive The Envelope Works’ new business,” said Farrimond. The company is in the process of implementing a long-term growth strategy, but the current market conditions have slowed its progress, he said. “It is a tough marketplace, but we are always on the lookout for strategic moves. It’s still early days, but I can’t wait to get started,” added...
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